When it comes to wedding guest dresses, the modern rule of thumb is to choose an occasion-appropriate style but not be afraid to bend the rules. We've been taught to say away from black, red, and white to avoid a spotlight-stealing moment, but as wedding gown norms shift toward the unexpected and alternative [1], the same concept can be applied to wedding guest dresses.
In other words, those dresses [2] that leave a question mark on your face such as a white dress covered by a bold floral print, a shoulder-baring mini, or a neon shade. You wonder, can a skosh of white pass? Is the show of skin too much? Is the electric hue a little too extra? Our answer? They're A-OK, so long as there is balance (i.e. your shoulder-baring mini has long sleeves, the pattern over white is an all-consuming one, and the dayglow shade features a minimal silhouette).
If that feels too forward, no worry. Go the pretty and romantic route with dresses that feature wispy flutter sleeves, a tiered skirt, puffy sleeves [3], or an asymmetrical hem or neckline. Or, take a streamlined approach via a '90s-inspired slip with minimal heels. Simply gorgeous.
Whatever your wedding guest vibe is, ahead, shop our edit of 27 dresses, all under $150.
WAYF Chelsea Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress
WAYF Chelsea Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress [4] ($99)
ASOS DESIGN Neon Broderie Midi Dress
ASOS DESIGN Neon Broderie Midi Dress [5] ($103)
Madewell Ruffled Floral-Print Crepe de Chine Dress
Madewell Ruffled Floral-Print Crepe de Chine Dress [6] ($145)
Zara Knotted Rustic Dress
Zara Knotted Rustic Dress [7] ($50)
Eloquii One Shoulder Fit and Flare Dress
Eloquii One Shoulder Fit and Flare Dress [8] ($100)
Michael Michael Kors Mini Floral Matte-Jersey Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Michael Michael Kors Mini Floral Matte-Jersey Off-the-Shoulder Dress [9] ($140)
ASTR the Label Lace Midi Dress
ASTR the Label Lace Midi Dress [10] ($89)
Valencia & Vine Mia Dress
Valencia & Vine Mia Dress [11] ($134)
& Other Stories Stretch Mesh Floral Midi Dress
& Other Stories Stretch Mesh Floral Midi Dress [12] ($89)
Lace & Beads Polka Dot Midi Dress
Lace & Beads Polka Dot Midi Dress [13] ($130)
Apt. 9 Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress
Apt. 9 Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress [14] ($40, originally $60)
Fashion Union Tall Cami Midi Dress
Fashion Union Tall Cami Midi Dress [15] ($56)
LOFT Plus Floral Ruffle Flounce Dress
LOFT Plus Floral Ruffle Flounce Dress [16] ($90)
Stelen Alesha Slip Dress
Stelen Alesha Slip Dress [17] ($98)
Faithfull The Brand Mira Floral-Print Crepe Wrap Mini Dress
Faithfull The Brand Mira Floral-Print Crepe Wrap Mini Dress [18] ($149)
Urban Outfitters Flamenco Ruffle Tie-Back Slip Dress
Urban Outfitters Flamenco Ruffle Tie-Back Slip Dress [19] ($89)
English Factory Colorblock Midi Dress
English Factory Colorblock Midi Dress [20] ($93)
Mango Printed Long Dress
Mango Printed Long Dress [21] ($130)
Wilfred Lealia Dress Long bustier dress
Wilfred Lealia Dress Long bustier dress
[22] ($148)
Farrow Eilish Puff Sleeve Dress
Farrow Eilish Puff Sleeve Dress [23] ($74, originally $132)
POPSUGAR Print Tie-Waist Dress
POPSUGAR Print Tie-Waist Dress [24] ($35, originally $50)
OPT Ferrah Dress
OPT Ferrah Dress [25] ($135)
Pull&Bear Floral Yellow Midi Dress
Pull&Bear Floral Yellow Midi Dress [26] ($40)
Reformation Crimini Dress
Reformation Crimini Dress [27] ($128)
Free People Isla Midi Dress
Free People Isla Midi Dress [28] ($128)
re:named Maddy Slip Dress
re:named Maddy Slip Dress [29] ($62)
LC Lauren Conrad Pleated Midi Dress
LC Lauren Conrad Pleated Midi Dress [30] ($37, originally $50)