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Wedding Guest Dresses by Occasion

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Codes — and 47 Looks to Match

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"How lovely, a wedding to go to!" you think as you unwrap your latest invite. But at the very bottom corner, you notice the dress code and likely start to panic. What qualifies as "dressy casual," and how do you know if that little red mini is "cocktail" approved? Chill out — we've broken down the basics and made you a handy guide.

Here, you'll find a quick description of each style along with a few perfect options for each occasion. Whether you're headed to the garden for a casual reception or you'll be dancing the night away in a glamorous hall, we found you a look. Read on to shop for your upcoming event, or jump ahead to the category you want to see.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd

1. Dressy Casual

If the wedding you're attending follows a more casual dress code, try your sleekest jumpsuit with a kitten heel or wedge. Strappy sleeves, fun prints, and lightweight maxis all fit the bill. You might even style one of these for a night out, so allow yourself to invest in a treasure. These dresses and pants will easily become staples in your wardrobe.

Complete Zimmermann's floral corset jumpsuit ($745) with platform espadrilles and drop earrings.

Zimmermann Pants
from modaoperandi.com
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Rebecca Taylor Dress

If you're not about bright florals, try this Rebecca Taylor dress ($346, originally $577).

Rebecca Taylor Day Dresses
from matchesfashion.com
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2. Mango Dress

This Mango bow floral dress ($40, originally $80) comes with bell sleeves to keep you semi-warm.

MANGO Dresses
from shop.mango.com
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3. Asos One-Shoulder Dress

Going to a Spring or Summer wedding? This Asos one-shoulder dress ($121) is the perfect fit.

Asos WEDDING One Shoulder Maxi Dress in Summer Rose Bouquet Print
$121
from us.asos.com
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4. Dee Elly Polka Dot Dress

Hop on the polka dot trend with this fun Dee Elly midi dress ($49).

Dee Elly Dresses
from shop.nordstrom.com
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5. Who What Wear Stripe Dress

Toss on a pair of fancy heels and this Who What Wear dress ($40) is fit for any casual, fancy occasion.

Who What Wear Plus Dresses
from target.com
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6. Lisa Marie Fernandez Dress

This Lisa Marie Fernandez cotton dress ($765) can easily be styled for fancier events with the right accessories.

Lisa Marie Fernandez Cocktail Dresses
from modaoperandi.com
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7. J.o.a. Flower Dress

You'll find other ways to rewear this Summery J.o.a. dress ($59, originally $105).

J.o.a. Flower Print Button Down Maxi
$105
from revolve.com
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8. H&M Embroidered Mesh Dress

This H&M embroidered mesh dress ($99) would suit weddings held in a garden or vineyard.

H&M Embroidered Mesh Dress
$99
from hm.com
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9. Alice + Olivia Jumpsuit

When we hear "dressy casual," we picture this Alice + Olivia Sabeen jumpsuit ($595).

Alice + Olivia Pants
from bloomingdales.com
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10. Cocktail or Semiformal

The cocktail dress takes things to the next level. Longer hemlines are ideal, but it might be all about the silk material or the feminine ruffle details on the sleeve. There's something special about this dress, be it the color or the open back. There's no denying that a cocktail affair is fancy, so don't be afraid to dress up and strap on your heels.

Looking to standout in the crowd? Slip on Halston's sequined jersey gown ($495).

Halston Evening Dresses
from net-a-porter.com
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11. Finders Keepers Dress

This Finders Keepers dress ($170) is just the right amount of sexy thanks to the side cutouts.

Finders Keepers dress
$170
from finderskeepersthelabel.com.au
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12. Nbd x Revolve Niaa Gown

We love the color and satin sheen on this Nbd x Revolve "Niaa" gown ($112, originally $248).

NBD Evening Dresses
from revolve.com
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13. Xscape Jersey Gown

Xscape's sheer mesh gown ($258) comes with sparkling embellishments.

Xscape Evenings Plus Dresses
from shop.nordstrom.com
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14. Alfred Sung Gown

You'll feel like the belle of the ball in this Alfred Sung strapless gown ($230).

Alfred Sung Evening Dresses
from shop.nordstrom.com
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15. Oscar de la Renta Beaded Dress

This Oscar de la Renta gown ($7,690) is a work of beauty.

Oscar de la Renta Evening Dresses
from neimanmarcus.com
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16. Byron Lars Dress

If you're going to go short, keep it classy with this printed Byron Lars dress ($682).

Anthropologie Dresses
from anthropologie.com
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17. Rachel Zoe Dress

This off-the-shoulder Rachel Zoe dress ($525) comes in a warm plum color.

Rachel Zoe Dresses
from net-a-porter.com
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18. Fame & Partners Dress

You can customize this Fame & Partners dress ($229) however you like on the site.

Fame & Partners Evening Dresses
from fameandpartners.com
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19. Kate Spade Dress

Tap into your feminine side with this Kate Spade bow dress ($209, originally $598).

Kate Spade Day Dresses
from neimanmarcus.com
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20. Keepsake Gown

The unique neckline on this Keepsake gown ($215) will draw all the eyes to you.

Keepsake Evening Dresses
from fashionbunker.com
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21. Michael Kors Gown

This Michael Kors Collection gown ($2,895) is cut from crepe and features cutouts.

Michael Kors Evening Dresses
from net-a-porter.com
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22. Topshop Gown

If you want to go netural at the party, slip on this Topshop gown ($750).

Topshop Bridal Gowns
from shop.nordstrom.com
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23. Aqua Strapless Velvet Gown

As soon as you put on this Aqua velvet gown ($278), you'll feel ultra glamorous.

Aqua Evening Dresses
from bloomingdales.com
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24. Alexander McQueen Gown

If you have the chance to wear this Alexander McQueen dress ($6,980) to a wedding, take it.

Alexander McQueen Evening Dresses
from neimanmarcus.com
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25. Asos Maxi Dress

Look back at this Asos maxi dress ($119).

Asos Plus Dresses
from us.asos.com
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26. Black Tie or Formal

A typical black-tie number is floor-length, unless it's got intricate embellishments that dazzle or a killer statement sleeve that looks as though it belongs on the red carpet. A superformal gown is the most fun to shop for — you should keep your power color and best assets in mind and choose a piece that's memorable. You'll be posing for photos, after all, and absolutely everyone will be dressed to impress.

Nothing screams more formal than this beautiful Zac Posen gown ($790).

Zac Posen Evening Dresses
from marissacollections.com
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27. Parker Monarch Gown

Beads lend a red-carpet touch to this Parker Monarch Gown ($594).

Parker Evening Dresses
from shopbop.com
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28. Calvin Klein Gown

If red is your power color, this Calvin Klein high-low option ($249) is for you.

Calvin Klein Evening Dresses
from macys.com
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29. Self-Portrait Maxi Dress

This Self-Portrait maxi ($315) has a high neck fit and ruffled shoulders to give it a Victoriana feel.

Self-Portrait Guipure Lace And Crepe Maxi Dress - Black
$405
from net-a-porter.com
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