Best Wedding Guest Dresses 2024: Black Tie, Formal, Cocktail
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So, you’ve been invited to a wedding. The dress code is set, and you have no idea where to start, but it’s okay — we’ve all been there. Thankfully in your case, Rolling Stone editors are here to help.
The first step in deciding what you’ll wear to their big event is determining the dress code, location, and season. Note — When deciding on color, it’s important to consider the location (both geographically and whether or not the event will be held indoors or outdoors) and the overall “theme” of the wedding.
Typically, guests can yield clues from the invitations, wedding websites, what the groomsmen or bridesmaids are wearing, the event venue or even the couples’ own interests. If still completely stumped, it never hurts to consult the couple directly, but below we’ve rounded up an extensive list of stylish dresses that are available to buy online for every dress code, temperature and wedding event theme. Just don’t forget to bring along a wedding gift!
What to Wear to a White Tie Wedding
White tie is much less commonly requested attire for most modern weddings, this dress code calls for what you’d imagine is worn at a royal wedding or diplomatic affair. Tuxedos are required and expected to include tails and a vest and should be accompanied by formal shoes, white or gray gloves, bowtie and formal shirting. Dresses should be floor length gowns that are accessorized elegantly with jewelry accompanying clutch. A shawl or dress jacket is an optional pairing for formal dresses in colder weather.
Spring
Anthrpologie
BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown
Anthropologie
Halston Ginnie Mock-Neck Rosette Gown
Summer
Anthropologie
BHLDN Blake Square-Neck Stretch Crepe Gown
Anthrpologie
Sachin & Babi Stretch Satin Strapless Side-Slit Maxi Dress
Fall
BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown
Anthropologie
Hutch Nalina Strapless Tiered Tulle Maxi Dress
Winter
Cult Gaia
Cult Gaia Freya Gown
Reformation
Reformation Oren Silk Dress
What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding
Black Tie is a step down from White Tie in that tuxedos do not require tails or gloves, and have the option to swap out the White Tie vest for cummerbunds. Dress attire remains relatively the same, however, a jacket or shawl is not necessary and less formal fabrics like silk or linen are acceptable so long as the ankles remain covered. Shorter dresses (long above ankle, midi and cocktail) may be acceptable if fitted in more structured fabrics. If unsure, it’s best to consult the bride before making a final dress decision.
Spring
Anthropologie
V. Chapman Veronica Corset Ruffle Side-Slit Dress
Moda Operandi
Moda Operandi Monique Lhuillier Strapless Jacquard Gown
Summer
Anthropologie
Atsu Halter Ruched Maxi Dress
MODA OPERANDI
Moda Operandi Anna October Elizabeth Open Back Crinkled Satin Maxi Dress
Fall
Anthropologie
Hutch Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress
SSENSE
Reformation Brown Frankie Maxi Dress
Winter
Reformation
Reformation Annabelle Silk Dress
FWRD
Norma Kamali Turtleneck Strapless Fishtail Gown
What to Wear to a Black-tie Optional/Formal Wedding
Black Tie Optional or Formal is another step towards more casual dressing than the previous Black Tie. For suiting, tuxedos are not required however, a formal dark suit with a white dress shirt paired with a tie or bowtie, is necessary. Dresses can be swapped for pantsuits, formal jumpsuits, long dresses above the ankles or structured cocktail dresses in formal fabrics. These are very minimal differences between the required dress attire for White Tie, Black Tie and Formal or Black Tie Optional dress codes so if unsure of if your dress is an acceptable diversion, we recommend consulting the bride for a gut check.
Spring
Reformation
Reformation Aara Silk Dress
Reformation
Simkhai Acacia Printed Stretch-Satin Midi Dress
Summer
Net-a-Porter
Kika Vargas NET SUSTAIN Ivy Taffeta Halterneck Midi Dress
Cult Gaia
Cult Gaia Renata Gown
Fall
Reformation
Reformation Alli Silk Dress
Reformation
Reformation Maribelle Dress
Winter
SSENSE
BEC + BRIDGE Black Ren Split Maxi Dress
Reformation
Reformation Casette Silk Dress
What to Wear to a Cocktail Wedding
Cocktail: The Cocktail dress code allows for more flexibility between both dress and suit wardrobes. Floor length gowns can be swapped for ankle, midi, at- or above- the knee length dresses. Suit colors can vary more broadly than dark or formal but tie or bowtie are still required.
Spring
Net-a-Porter
CECILIE BAHNSEN Valentina One-Shoulder Bow-Detailed Cotton-Poplin Dress
Revolve
AllSaints Bryony Rosalia Dress
Summer
Free People
Shona Joy Mia Spliced Maxi Dress
Revolve
SNDYS x REVOLVE Angel Strapless Midi Dress
Fall
Anthropologie
Hutch Scoop-Neck Tiered Maxi Dress
Anthropologie
Reformation Felda Midi Dress
Winter
Revole
Lioness About A Girl Maxi
What to Wear to a Semi-Formal/Casual Wedding
Semi-Formal / Casual: Semi-Formal or Casual is the broadest of all dress codes. This means that when selecting an outfit, careful attention to location, temperature and venue will be imperative to choosing clothing within the correct palette and theme. Suiting requires dress pants, dress shirt and tie. Matched or unmatched suit jackets are not required but can be worn in lieu of a tie. Dressing is variable and can include any length of less formal dress, structured jumpsuits, or elegant two piece sets. This dress code is most similar to what one might wear to attend church on a normal weekend, not during holidays.
Spring
Anthropologie
V Chapman Lily Printed Ruched and Ruffled Stretch Midi Dress
Anthropologie
The Cecily Fit & Flare Sweetheart Dress by Maeve
Summer
Anthropologie
Maeve Strapless Corset Column Midi Dress
Free People
Free People Sweet Serenade Mini Dress
Fall
Anthropologie
Elliatt Jazz Mermaid Midi Dress
Free People
Free People Hansen & Gretel Cosmo Dress
Winter
Reformation
Reformation Canice Dress
Reformation
Reformation Zenni Satin Dress
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
So, you’ve been invited to a wedding. The dress code is set, and you have no idea where to start, but it’s okay — we’ve all been there. Thankfully in your case, Rolling Stone editors are here to help.
The first step in deciding what you’ll wear to their big event is determining the dress code, location, and season. Note — When deciding on color, it’s important to consider the location (both geographically and whether or not the event will be held indoors or outdoors) and the overall “theme” of the wedding.
Typically, guests can yield clues from the invitations, wedding websites, what the groomsmen or bridesmaids are wearing, the event venue or even the couples’ own interests. If still completely stumped, it never hurts to consult the couple directly, but below we’ve rounded up an extensive list of stylish dresses that are available to buy online for every dress code, temperature and wedding event theme. Just don’t forget to bring along a wedding gift!
What to Wear to a White Tie Wedding
White tie is much less commonly requested attire for most modern weddings, this dress code calls for what you’d imagine is worn at a royal wedding or diplomatic affair. Tuxedos are required and expected to include tails and a vest and should be accompanied by formal shoes, white or gray gloves, bowtie and formal shirting. Dresses should be floor length gowns that are accessorized elegantly with jewelry accompanying clutch. A shawl or dress jacket is an optional pairing for formal dresses in colder weather.
Spring
Anthrpologie
BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown
Anthropologie
Halston Ginnie Mock-Neck Rosette Gown
Summer
Anthropologie
BHLDN Blake Square-Neck Stretch Crepe Gown
Anthrpologie
Sachin & Babi Stretch Satin Strapless Side-Slit Maxi Dress
Fall
BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown
Anthropologie
Hutch Nalina Strapless Tiered Tulle Maxi Dress
Winter
Cult Gaia
Cult Gaia Freya Gown
Reformation
Reformation Oren Silk Dress
What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding
Black Tie is a step down from White Tie in that tuxedos do not require tails or gloves, and have the option to swap out the White Tie vest for cummerbunds. Dress attire remains relatively the same, however, a jacket or shawl is not necessary and less formal fabrics like silk or linen are acceptable so long as the ankles remain covered. Shorter dresses (long above ankle, midi and cocktail) may be acceptable if fitted in more structured fabrics. If unsure, it’s best to consult the bride before making a final dress decision.
Spring
Anthropologie
V. Chapman Veronica Corset Ruffle Side-Slit Dress
Moda Operandi
Moda Operandi Monique Lhuillier Strapless Jacquard Gown
Summer
Anthropologie
Atsu Halter Ruched Maxi Dress
MODA OPERANDI
Moda Operandi Anna October Elizabeth Open Back Crinkled Satin Maxi Dress
Fall
Anthropologie
Hutch Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress
SSENSE
Reformation Brown Frankie Maxi Dress
Winter
Reformation
Reformation Annabelle Silk Dress
FWRD
Norma Kamali Turtleneck Strapless Fishtail Gown
What to Wear to a Black-tie Optional/Formal Wedding
Black Tie Optional or Formal is another step towards more casual dressing than the previous Black Tie. For suiting, tuxedos are not required however, a formal dark suit with a white dress shirt paired with a tie or bowtie, is necessary. Dresses can be swapped for pantsuits, formal jumpsuits, long dresses above the ankles or structured cocktail dresses in formal fabrics. These are very minimal differences between the required dress attire for White Tie, Black Tie and Formal or Black Tie Optional dress codes so if unsure of if your dress is an acceptable diversion, we recommend consulting the bride for a gut check.
Spring
Reformation
Reformation Aara Silk Dress
Reformation
Simkhai Acacia Printed Stretch-Satin Midi Dress
Summer
Net-a-Porter
Kika Vargas NET SUSTAIN Ivy Taffeta Halterneck Midi Dress
Cult Gaia
Cult Gaia Renata Gown
Fall
Reformation
Reformation Alli Silk Dress
Reformation
Reformation Maribelle Dress
Winter
SSENSE
BEC + BRIDGE Black Ren Split Maxi Dress
Reformation
Reformation Casette Silk Dress
What to Wear to a Cocktail Wedding
Cocktail: The Cocktail dress code allows for more flexibility between both dress and suit wardrobes. Floor length gowns can be swapped for ankle, midi, at- or above- the knee length dresses. Suit colors can vary more broadly than dark or formal but tie or bowtie are still required.
Spring
Net-a-Porter
CECILIE BAHNSEN Valentina One-Shoulder Bow-Detailed Cotton-Poplin Dress
Revolve
AllSaints Bryony Rosalia Dress
Summer
Free People
Shona Joy Mia Spliced Maxi Dress
Revolve
SNDYS x REVOLVE Angel Strapless Midi Dress
Fall
Anthropologie
Hutch Scoop-Neck Tiered Maxi Dress
Anthropologie
Reformation Felda Midi Dress
Winter
Revole
Lioness About A Girl Maxi
What to Wear to a Semi-Formal/Casual Wedding
Semi-Formal / Casual: Semi-Formal or Casual is the broadest of all dress codes. This means that when selecting an outfit, careful attention to location, temperature and venue will be imperative to choosing clothing within the correct palette and theme. Suiting requires dress pants, dress shirt and tie. Matched or unmatched suit jackets are not required but can be worn in lieu of a tie. Dressing is variable and can include any length of less formal dress, structured jumpsuits, or elegant two piece sets. This dress code is most similar to what one might wear to attend church on a normal weekend, not during holidays.
Spring
Anthropologie
V Chapman Lily Printed Ruched and Ruffled Stretch Midi Dress
Anthropologie
The Cecily Fit & Flare Sweetheart Dress by Maeve
Summer
Anthropologie
Maeve Strapless Corset Column Midi Dress
Free People
Free People Sweet Serenade Mini Dress
Fall
Anthropologie
Elliatt Jazz Mermaid Midi Dress
Free People
Free People Hansen & Gretel Cosmo Dress
Winter
Reformation
Reformation Canice Dress
Reformation
Reformation Zenni Satin Dress
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