SAVE THE DATE! IT’S TIME TO SAY “I DO” TO THE BEST WEDDING GUEST DRESSES OF THE SEASON

Wedding season is no longer reserved for summers, with winter wonderlands becoming a beautiful backdrop for nuptial swaps, as well as having the ability to jet off to destinations year-round for postcard-worthy settings. Stylish guests need a dress that matches the climate and the occasion, so they’re ready to take flight at the drop of an invite.

Now that the date is officially saved, it’s time to choose the perfect dress. Although there’s no award for being best dressed, bringing your A-game will add to the glamour of the event—immortalized in photos that will rouse fond memories for years. A suitable gown is polished for post-ceremony pics while granting enough freedom to whirl around the dance floor. Fortunately, there’s a style for every theme and a dress code-appropriate design to fit every itinerary.

Black-tie formal weddings are an opportunity to dress to the nines with floor-sweeping gowns and tulle, while small beach weddings provide an ideal setting for wrap dresses and cascading pleats. Today’s designer brands cover every corner, creating elegant designs for the plus-ones, mothers of brides, and close friends in attendance.

We’ve rounded up the best wedding guest dresses for every season and offer valuable tips for styling with accessories.

9 DESIGNER WEDDING GUEST DRESSES

If you revel at the sight of a calligraphy-inked invite, you already know that weddings are one of the best occasions to break out fine luxury pieces. Whether for a highly anticipated ceremony or an impromptu elopement, designer dresses always add to the beauty of the milieu. A bountiful display of sequins, chiffon, crepe, and feathers is a great way to celebrate the happy couple (and look chic while doing so). These elegant dresses for wedding guests were made with refined tastes in mind.

One33 Social

A relaxed maxi dress with balloon sleeves often comes to mind when envisioning the perfect summer wedding guest attire. The pink V-neck gown from One33 Social epitomizes this classic silhouette. The dress features gorgeous floral burnout detailing and extended cuffs. The thigh-high side slit lends breathability while granting a playful drape.

Sachin & Babi

At the core of Sachin & Babi’s designs lies the belief that every day deserves to be celebrated. The joyful dresses display a lust for life via bright colors and lush fabrics. The label’s floor-length gowns are a surefire way to turn heads at a fall or winter wedding. Don’t miss the label’s gorgeous chartreuse one-shoulder maxi dress, accented with a shoulder brooch, or its black sequin halter gown with lace cutouts.

Frances Valentine

With garden-themed weddings on the rise, dresses featuring bright colors and pastels are the perfect complement to an al-fresco venue. The sunny yellow pleated poplin midi dress from Frances Valentine sports a vintage-inspired jewel neckline and oversized rosettes at the hem. The skirt sits around the knee, making way for summery sandals or strappy heels to shine. Complete the look with diamond stud earrings and a structured clutch.

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta’s extravagant dress collection always impresses. Whether it’s an embroidered cocktail dress or a sleeveless sweetheart gown with a delicate capelet, there’s a gorgeous form for everyone. The dahlia floral print midi dress—showcasing bright red blooms and striking accordion pleats that sway in the wind—is a breathtaking choice for weddings along a sun-drenched coastline. Style the dress with lustrous gold earrings and a sharp envelope clutch.

Proenza Schouler

Step away from the expected florals and frills of a spring wedding by indulging in the sophisticated, streamlined cuts of Proenza Schouler. The dress collection features unfussy designs, including matte crepe backless gowns and midi sheath dresses. Their simplicity leaves them versatile enough to carry forward into everyday wear—just add a blazer and designer boots.

Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg’s namesake label is celebrated for its elegance and creative prints. Each dress is intrinsically feminine, with soft flutter sleeves, ruffle trim and ruching. Expect bold contrasting colors, exotic florals, and geometric patterns on long-sleeve and puff-sleeve maxi dresses.

SHO

Textured fabric is the crème de la crème during the wedding season, and SHO gives us precisely what dreams are made of. The Sleeveless Flower-Trim Lace Gown comes in a gorgeous violet hue with dainty, diamond-patterned ruffles. The design looks stylish with simple necklaces, charm bracelets, and heels.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen is renowned for designing powerful, romantic silhouettes that emit a fearless individuality. The collection includes a poplin midi dress in canary orange—an adventurous choice for a black-tie wedding. The simplistic scoop neckline is thoughtfully balanced by an asymmetric ruffle skirt that would complement edgy heels and metallic earrings.

Rebecca Vallance

Modern weddings are seeing increasingly relaxed dress codes. Luckily for fashion-forward guests, it makes room to break out extravagant dresses with unconventional embellishments. The pink cutout mini dress from Rebecca Vallance is one such eye-catching choice. The design merges the cozy sophistication of tweed with the lighthearted and lavish air of feathers. Style the dress with a statement gemstone ring, evening heels, and a clutch.

HOW TO STYLE WEDDING GUEST ACCESSORIES

Accessories possess the power to make or break a formal ensemble. These tips guide the styling of wedding guest jewelry and handbags.

Select jewelry according to the dress’s neckline

Use the gown’s neckline as a foundation for accessory selections. High necklines offer the perfect opportunity to draw attention with a striking pair of earrings, stacked sparkly bracelets, or cocktail rings. Diamonds and precious gemstones shine brilliantly when worn with V-neck, off-the-shoulder, and strapless silhouettes.

Use complementary materials

The right texture and fabric combinations can enhance an ensemble’s appearance. Try contrasting soft and structured elements to make an impactful styling statement. The relaxed, natural feel of linen, cotton, and wool contrast well with accessories featuring nature-inspired themes, warm wood accents, and wicker elements, while satin and velvet play well with sleek metallics and patent leather.

Take hold of a clutch, pouch, or mini bag

Regardless of the dress’s design, a delicate handbag is an essential companion on any special day. Generally speaking, bags should be miniature to medium-sized and strapless. This leaves plenty of options, including pouches, clutches, and small top-handle bags. All work well for formal dress codes—spacious enough to carry essentials without overwhelming the outfit. Even the tiniest of miniature bags has room for a hotel key and lip gloss.

COMMIT TO BELOVED ITEMS THAT LAST

Neiman Marcus’ repair and restoration services help extend the life of your favorite accessories. Treasured bags, shoes, and jewelry can all be refurbished while retaining their authenticity. Footwear can be reheeled, hardware replaced, straps repaired, and jewelry polished. For garment alterations, explore our tailoring service to ensure each piece fits exquisitely.