The 30 best wedding guest dress brands
Anthropologie, Mac Duggal and Adrianna Papell lead our ranking of 30 wedding guest dress brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Wedding Guest Dress brands, ranked
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1
Anthropologie
Tiered maxis and embroidered florals, plus the BHLDN sub-label for occasion dresses that suit garden weddings.
Top products: Vineet Bahl Embroidered Maxi Dress
Website: anthropologie.com |Brands like Anthropologie
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Mac Duggal
Hand-beaded bodices and structured ballgown silhouettes in formal gowns, usually at the pricier end of guest wear.
Top products: Ruffle Shoulder V-Neck Chiffon Ballgown
Website: macduggal.com |Brands like Mac Duggal
Popularity 9.1/10
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3
Adrianna Papell
Sequined and beaded evening gowns at mid-range prices, often in jewel tones with ruched or ruffled details.
Top products: Beaded Sequin Gown
Website: adriannapapell.com |Brands like Adrianna Papell
Popularity 8.1/10
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4
Calvin Klein
Minimal sheath and wrap dresses in clean cuts, a sensible choice for understated guest looks.
Top products: Tulip-Sleeve Sheath Dress· Velvet Midi Dress· Foil Fit & Flare Dress
Website: calvinklein.us |Brands like Calvin Klein
Popularity 7.8/10
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5
Lilly Pulitzer
Bright prints and resort-style cuts from Palm Beach, lighter and more playful than formal guest wear.
Website: lillypulitzer.com |Brands like Lilly Pulitzer
Popularity 7.7/10
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6
Zara
Fast-turnover fashion with runway-inspired dresses and a very large store network.
Website: zara.com |Brands like Zara
Popularity 7.5/10
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7
J.CREW
Silk and chiffon dresses with a preppy streak, often cocktail length with relaxed fits.
Top products: Nadia Dress
Website: jcrew.com |Brands like J.CREW
Popularity 7.4/10
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8
Free People
Flowy boho dresses with crochet and eyelet details, more casual than dressy guest wear.
Website: freepeople.com |Brands like Free People
Popularity 7.4/10
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9
Banana Republic
Office-friendly sheaths and wrap dresses at mid-range prices, with simple tailored shapes.
Website: bananarepublic.eu |Brands like Banana Republic
Popularity 7.0/10
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10
White House Black Market
Silky-lined dresses with workwear-leaning cuts, a smart step up for daytime weddings.
Website: whitehouseblackmarket.com |Brands like White House Black Market
Popularity 6.3/10
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11
LOFT
Everyday dresses with petite sizing, leaning toward casual office and daytime wear.
Website: loft.com |Brands like LOFT
Popularity 5.8/10
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12
Talbots
Classic tailored dresses and suits with conservative cuts and neutral palettes.
Website: talbots.com |Brands like Talbots
Popularity 5.8/10
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13
Show Me Your MuMu
Playful bridal-party and guest dresses with wrap, halter and maxi cuts, mostly in satin.
Top products: Mariah Wrap Dress· Nude Satin Halter Maxi Dress
Website: showmeyourmumu.com |Brands like Show Me Your MuMu
Popularity 5.3/10
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14
Torrid
Plus-size sizing in occasion and everyday styles, sold through its own stores and website.
Website: torrid.com |Brands like Torrid
Popularity 5.3/10
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15
Express
Fitted cocktail dresses and sheaths with a polished, trend-led look at moderate prices.
Website: express.com |Brands like Express
Popularity 5.2/10
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16
Jessica Howard
Petite-friendly sequin cocktail dresses with bell sleeves and A-line shapes at moderate prices.
Popularity 4.8/10
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17
Diane von Furstenberg
Diane Von Furstenberg is a dynamic fashion brand that makes truly classy pieces of outfits for women. They specialize in manufacturing wrap dresses and tops by blending soft and comfortable fabrics and tailoring them into the most exquisite apparel. Their...
Website: dvf.com |Brands like Diane von Furstenberg
Popularity 4.8/10
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18
H&M
Low-cost fast-fashion dresses that change often, good for budget guest outfits.
Website: www2.hm.com |Brands like H&M
Popularity 4.8/10
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19
Alice + Olivia
Graphic prints and sequin-covered cocktail dresses from a New York label, cut with a sharp runway edge.
Website: aliceandolivia.com |Brands like Alice + Olivia
Popularity 4.8/10
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20
Dress The Population
At Dress the Population, we believe in our goal of bringing high-quality, luxury fashion to our community. We offer gorgeous clothes that are built to last using flattering silhouettes, high-quality materials, and careful craftsmanship. We are also dedicated to providing...
Website: dressthepopulation.com |Brands like Dress The Population
Popularity 4.7/10
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21
Reformation
Eco-focused dresses using sustainable fabrics, with fitted silhouettes and midi lengths.
Website: thereformation.com |Brands like Reformation
Popularity 4.7/10
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22
Tadashi Shoji
Embroidered and beaded occasion gowns and tea-length dresses with bridal-level detail at premium prices.
Website: tadashishoji.com |Brands like Tadashi Shoji
Popularity 4.7/10
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23
Ted Baker
British-tailored dresses with bold prints and polished cuts, at the upper-mid price point.
Website: tedbaker.com |Brands like Ted Baker
Popularity 4.5/10
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24
May Queen
Affordable formal gowns and mother-of-the-bride styles, priced below designer dresses.
Website: mayqueenusa.com |Brands like May Queen
Popularity 4.5/10
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25
Xscape
Formal gowns and cocktail dresses in extended sizes, with ruched and ruffled detailing.
Top products: Off the Shoulder Taffeta Sheath Gown
Website: xscapeevenings.com |Brands like Xscape
Popularity 4.4/10
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26
Trina Turk
Mid-century Palm Springs graphics on dresses and jumpsuits from a Los Angeles label, with a retro modern feel.
Website: trinaturk.com |Brands like Trina Turk
Popularity 4.4/10
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27
Ralph Lauren
Sheath and wrap dresses with classic American tailoring and a premium price tag.
Top products: Sheath V-Neck Dress· Floral Surplice Ruched Sheath Dress
Website: ralphlauren.com |Brands like Ralph Lauren
Popularity 4.4/10
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28
Betsy & Adam
Formalwear gowns with mermaid and chiffon silhouettes, popular for mother-of-the-bride and guest looks.
Website: betsyandadam.com |Brands like Betsy & Adam
Popularity 4.4/10
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29
FOREVER 21
FOREVER 21 sells inexpensive, fast-changing fashion aimed at young women and teens, with dresses, blouses, sweaters and accessories. The Los Angeles-based chain also carries men's and children's clothing and restocks often with small batches of new styles.
Website: forever21.com |Brands like FOREVER 21
Popularity 4.4/10
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30
Michael Kors
Michael Kors Shoes, handbags and crossbody bags are the signature lines of the American accessories label founded in 1981. Wallets, footwear and jewelry are also made under the label. Its designs feature a polished, glamorous look built around logo hardware...
Website: michaelkors.com |Brands like Michael Kors
Popularity 4.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropologie | anthropologie.com | /Anthropologie | anthropologie | @anthropologie | – |
| Mac Duggal | macduggal.com | /macduggaldresses | macduggal | – | – |
| Adrianna Papell | adriannapapell.com | /AdriannaPapell | adriannapapell | @adriannapapell | – |
| Calvin Klein | calvinklein.us | /calvinklein | calvinklein | @calvinklein | – |
| Lilly Pulitzer | lillypulitzer.com | /lillypulitzer | lillypulitzer | @lillypulitzer | LillyPulitzerPB |
| Zara | zara.com | – | – | – | – |
| J.CREW | jcrew.com | – | – | – | – |
| Free People | freepeople.com | /freepeople | freepeople | @freepeople | freepeople |
| Banana Republic | bananarepublic.eu | /BananaRepublic | bananarepublic | @BananaRepublic | – |
| White House Black Market | whitehouseblackmarket.com | /WhiteHouseBlackMarket | whbm | @whbm | whbm |
Wedding Guest Dress Buying Guide
Weddings are one of the most special events, as two people are coming together to celebrate their love and commitment for each other. As a guest, it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion. Wedding attire can vary depending on the location, time of day and theme of the wedding.
The last thing you want to do is show up underdressed or overdressed. However, with the right guidelines, finding the perfect outfit for a wedding can be easy and enjoyable. Here is a wedding guest dress buying guide to help you make a flawless entrance:
Consider the wedding style and dress code
When choosing an outfit for a wedding, it is important to first consider the type of wedding you will be attending. Is it going to be a formal affair, a beach wedding, or a casual ceremony? Answering these questions can help you determine the appropriate dress code and style of your outfit.
If the invitation specifies a dress code, be sure to follow it carefully. For example, if it is a black-tie wedding, a long gown or formal cocktail dress would be appropriate. On the other hand, if the dress code is more casual, such as a beach wedding, a colorful sundress or flowy maxi dress would be fitting.
Choose the right fabric
The right fabric can make all the difference in a wedding guest outfit. Opt for lightweight materials that are breathable and comfortable, especially if you will be attending an outdoor wedding during the summer months.
Silk, chiffon, and lace are popular choices for wedding guest dresses. These fabrics are elegant and feminine, adding a touch of sophistication to your outfit. However, be mindful of the weather and location, as fabrics like silk may not be suitable for beach weddings or outdoor events that may involve some walking on grassy terrain.
Consider the color palette
Another important factor to consider when choosing a wedding guest dress is the color palette. Avoid wearing white or any shade that may be mistaken for the bride's dress. Tradition dictates that this color is exclusive to the bride, so wearing white can be seen as an attempt to upstage the bride.
Instead, opt for jewel tones, pastels, and bright colors that will make you stand out in a positive way. Avoid anything too bold or vivid, as you don't want to draw attention away from the wedding party.
Accessorize right
Accessories can make or break an outfit, so choosing the right ones is important. Keep in mind that you don't want to outshine the bride, so avoid anything too flashy or elaborate.
Simple, elegant jewelry like stud earrings, a delicate necklace, or a bracelet can accentuate your dress without overpowering it. A clutch or small handbag is also a good accessory option, as long as it complements your outfit and is functional enough to carry everything you need for the day.
Additionally, think about the shoes you plan to wear. Comfortable and stylish shoes are essential, especially if you will be on your feet a lot during the event. Opt for low heels, sandals or flats that will let you gracefully navigate any terrain or dance floor without any unnecessary pain or awkward moments.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, attending a wedding is an exciting experience that requires careful planning and preparation to look the part. By considering the wedding style and dress code, choosing the right fabric and color palette, and accessorizing appropriately, you can create a stunning outfit that will make you feel confident and comfortable as you celebrate the happy couple's special day.
Consider the season and time of day
The season and time of day can also have an impact on the dress code and style of your outfit. For example, if you are attending a fall or winter wedding, consider wearing a dress with longer sleeves, a scarf or shawl, and closed-toe shoes. On the other hand, if you are attending a summer or spring wedding, a floral or colorful dress, open-toe shoes, and a light cardigan or jacket can be a good choice.
The time of day can also influence your outfit choice. For a daytime wedding, lighter colors and more casual or semi-formal attire may be appropriate, while an evening wedding may require more formal attire such as long gowns, tuxedos or black tie dress codes.
Consider your body type
It is important to choose a wedding guest outfit that not only matches the dress code and style of the wedding, but also flatters your body type. Whether you are plus-size, petite, or somewhere in between, you can find a dress that fits your body, personality, and style.
Consider whether you want to accentuate a particular feature, such as your waistline, legs, or neckline, or if you prefer a dress that is more modest and classic. Don't be afraid to try on different styles of dresses, as what looks great on a mannequin may not always look great on you. Be confident, and choose a style that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful.
Don't overlook the importance of comfort
While it is important to look good at a wedding, you should also prioritize comfort. You will likely be dancing, walking, and sitting for extended periods, so choose an outfit that is comfortable to move and sit in.
Consider the length, cut, and fabric of the dress you choose. A dress that is too short or too tight may limit your movements and cause discomfort, while a dress that is too long or heavy may make it difficult to navigate the wedding venue or dance floor. Choose fabrics that have some give or stretch like jersey, cotton, or spandex, so that you can move freely even when sitting or dancing.
Conclusion
A wedding guest dress buying guide can make the process of choosing an outfit for a wedding less daunting and overwhelming. By considering the wedding style and dress code, the season and time of day, your body type, and the importance of comfort, you can ensure that you not only look great but also feel comfortable and confident as you celebrate the special day of the happy couple. So don't hesitate to unleash your fashion sense and show up at the wedding looking and feeling amazing!
