THE WEDDING GUEST DRESS GUIDE

We love wedding season, and we love celebrating love. But getting ready for it is a love-hate relationship. Dress codes have had us in a chokehold (we’re just not pastel people, okay). And why does it always feel like there’s too little choice in a sea of clothes?

We start thinking about a wedding look months in advance, yet somehow, three days before the date, we’re paying express delivery fees for an overpriced outfit we had our eye on all along (and might end up not wearing at all). This year, we’re doing better. Call it a guide, call it a list, we’re giving it our best shot to save you time, a headache, and maybe even a little money.

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COS Draped Asymmetric midi dress, Pre-loved The Row golden bare sandals (or these) Issey Miyake Madame T-stole in brown (very chic in black and lilac as well) and The Row Mira saddle leather clutch

‘Chameleon’ pieces

Our main goal when it comes to wedding outfit shopping is to work with what we have and add considered pieces that adapt seamlessly to other occasions. We want to ensure they have a life beyond just one wedding, whether that means wearing them for everyday life, other events, or more weddings. Switching accessories is the easiest way to achieve that, but a versatile dress that transforms might come in handy. We stay loyal to the colors and shapes that make us feel comfortable, so wearing black to a wedding is never off the table. Another trick that has saved us more than once from a wedding outfit disaster is separates. A great top paired with a strong bottom creates endless possibilities. We think of sets like this Edward Cuming Black dripping sensible tank top and dripping pleat around midi skirt (or trousers) offer flexibility in an occasion/party wardrobe. Just like this SUPER YAYA shirt and trousers in prune (both on sale) or Kiko Kostadinov Blue Fornax blouse combined with a pre-loved Dries van Noten skirt.

Dresses under € 250

Finding a dress that turns heads without turning your bank account inside out is the best of both worlds. Vintage is always our first go-to, so we’ve put together a special wedding guest curation for our paid subscribers below (upgrade to paid here and/or fill in the survey to win a (free) paid subscription). We also handpicked the chicest new options under €250 and €650—dresses made for a sunny ceremony, a night of dancing and most importantly, wearing again. Wedding guest dressing should be a long-term commitment. We are talking about weddings, after all.

MM by Max Mara Grey Aerosi Midi Dress, JW Anderson Pigeon clutch bag, COMME SI The Yves socks and The Row Beige Lana heels (or pre-loved here)

Starting under € 250 we love this COS Ruched maxi dress, more elevated COS Draped Asymmetric midi dress and COS Flowy gathered midi dress (also in pale yellow). This By Malene Birger Marciella dress (or here and in brown here) is an utterly chic affordable option, as is this MM by Max Mara grey aerosi midi dress, Baserange Navy one strap dydine midi dress (on sale), Paloma Wool Gray Howa midi dress (on sale) Gil Rodriguez Black 'the tube' dropwaist convertible midi dress (wear it as a dress or a skirt, how is that for a multifunctional piece) and Gimaguas Loren midi dress and Norma Kamali Ruched mesh midi dress.

Dresses under €650

The Toteme Slouch draped maxi dress in brown, black and mistral is an investment piece, perfect for all kinds of weddings. The Faithfull Vida maxi dress has a similar feel and is on sale, and you might also want to check out this version from COS. There is no going wrong with this Toteme curved off-the-shoulder crepe long dress (on sale), light blue Belle Lucille maxi dress, Paloma Wool Gray Alice midi dress, Our Legacy Navy cover maxi dress, House Of Dagmar Ruffled stretch-crepe strapless midi dress, Paris Georgia Brown heart midi dress (on sale, here in satin), or the similar Paris Georgia Black Marlo midi dress (on sale), Paris Georgia Black Sylvie dress (on sale). Other standouts include the JW Anderson Draped twisted dress (on sale), Studio Nicholson Reva dress, LII Gray open sleeve midi dress (on sale), Rick Owens Athena washed charmeuse long dress, Norma Kamali Crêpe satin minidress and satin gown.

A few weeks ago, Lara introduced NYC brand Kallmeyer, and we couldn’t leave out the (very popular) Kallmeyer Victoria draped gown in slinky jersey and Kallmeyer Odessa tank dress in slinky jersey (or here). For something a little unexpected, the Dima Ayad Metallic plissé-tulle gown (or here) has quietly become one of our absolute favorites. If you're after more statement-making gown styles, consider the Staud Sonia dress, By Malene Birger Cicine oversized satin maxi dress, and Bondi Born Ardea draped rayon-jersey maxi dress.

Dima Ayad Striped metallic voile and stretch-knit kaftan (also in brown)

Grand pieces for a grand entrance

For extra-special weddings, just a nice dress won’t cut it. These picks, like the SUPER YAYA Navy imperial midi dress, Dima Ayad Striped metallic kaftan in brown or blue and Issey Miyake Brown eau midi dress, are made for grand entrances, champagne toasts, and a standout moment in the wedding album. Sometimes, love isn’t the only thing worth celebrating. By switching up shoes, bags, and jewellery for a second wedding round, we can totally justify the splurge.

Issey Miyake Brown eau midi dress, The Row Sporty small nylon pouch (on sale!), Le Monde Beryl Luna leather ballet flats and Sophie Buhai Metzner small sterling silver cuff bracelet (on sale)

We can see ourselves in this Prada Sable dress with bows (also in pink), The Row Gold Louane maxi dress, Dries van Noten Diria stretch satin silk dress, Abadia Crinkled-voile maxi dress, Kallmeyer Toma draped gown in soft satin, Alaïa Ruched jersey mini dress, The Row Beige Venusia maxi dress, Issey Miyake Black stream dress and Vivienne Westwood black sunday garden maxi dress.

For more wedding guest dress and accessories inspiration, visit The Ceiling Wardrobe or drop us a message in the comments. To shop our vintage wedding guest collection below visit our substack and/or switch to paid. And we’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to share your opinion in our survey. Merci!