Whenever I receive a save the date for a wedding, you better believe my sole mission is earning the title of best-dressed guest. Aggressive? Slightly. But, hey! I work in fashion, can you blame me? With a healthy appetite for occasionwear, I've come to discover a handful of brands that are now my go-tos for wedding guest style [1], particularly when the aim is to make a statement, be it via an unexpected silhouette, bright colour, or eye-catching print.
For Spring 2020, dress trends [2] run the gamut from voluminous sleeves to '80s-inspired minidresses and splashy floral prints. These all make for a fresh and fashion-forward wedding guest moment this season, whether you're into midi lengths, tiered skirts, or above-the-knee silhouettes. Another showstopping approach? Elegant fabrics like sequins, satin, and tulle (great for a black-tie wedding!) or a vibrant colour [3] to stand out from more muted tones; sky blue, lilac, and hot pink are a few of my in-season favourites.
Design details are another key thing to hone in on when it comes to a showstopping wedding guest dress, and they don't have to be extreme in every case. A sheer sleeve here, a tasteful cutout there. Perhaps a peplum at the waist to define your shape? An asymmetrical neckline or open back always turns heads while flutter sleeves or a fluted hem is fittingly romantic.
While bold shapes, patterns, and colours are a surefire way to stand out as a wedding guest, they're not the only tactics worth applying. When it comes down to it, the fit is truly the secret to a "wow" moment, whether you opt for a classic silhouette in a less-expected shade or give a nuanced silhouette a try in a subtle hue like navy or black.
Ahead, discover 28 stunning dresses for a Spring wedding. From under-$100 options to designer styles, each one will guarantee knockout style.
Likely Lottie Dress
Likely Lottie Dress [5] ($228)
Staud Marwa Ruffled Polka-Dot Cotton-Blend and Tulle Midi Dress
Staud Marwa Ruffled Polka-Dot Cotton-Blend and Tulle Midi Dress [6] ($285)
Zara Print Dress With Sequins
Zara Print Dress With Sequins [7] ($90)
Glamorous Curve Tiered Maxi Smock Dress
Glamorous Curve Tiered Maxi Smock Dress [8] ($76)
Beaufille Puff-Sleeved Flared Dress
Beaufille Puff-Sleeved Flared Dress [9] ($1,194)
Amur Lorraine One-Shoulder Asymmetrical Midi Dress
Amur Lorraine One-Shoulder Asymmetrical Midi Dress [10] ($698)
Jonathan Simkhai Victoria Crepe Dress
Jonathan Simkhai Victoria Crepe Dress [11] ($795)
& Other Stories Dotted Jacquard Midi Wrap Dress
& Other Stories Dotted Jacquard Midi Wrap Dress [12] ($119)
Rebecca Taylor Mixed-Print Off-Shoulder Dress
Rebecca Taylor Mixed-Print Off-Shoulder Dress [13] ($795)
Reformation Saravia Dress
Reformation Saravia Dress [14] ($118)
Tanya Taylor Thelma Dress
Tanya Taylor Thelma Dress [15] ($695)
MSGM One-Shoulder Crepe Minidress
MSGM One-Shoulder Crepe Minidress [16] ($520)
Bellevue the Label Antoinette Floral Ruffle Maxi Dress
Bellevue the Label Antoinette Floral Ruffle Maxi Dress [17] ($189)
Self-Portrait Corded Lace-Trimmed Plissé-Chiffon Midi Dress
Self-Portrait Corded Lace-Trimmed Plissé-Chiffon Midi Dress [18] ($490)
Eliza J Tuxedo Faux-Wrap Long-Sleeved Gown
Eliza J Tuxedo Faux-Wrap Long-Sleeved Gown [19] ($188)
Senlis Nora Ruffled Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Senlis Nora Ruffled Sleeveless Maxi Dress [20] ($218)
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Preen Line Aida Dress
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Preen Line Aida Dress [21] ($560)
Rotate Birger Christensen Petra Off-the-Shoulder Floral-Jacquard Minidress
Rotate Birger Christensen Petra Off-the-Shoulder Floral-Jacquard Minidress [22] ($295)
Veronica Beard Selena Dress
Veronica Beard Selena Dress [23] ($595)
The Fifth Label Population Long-Sleeved Dress
The Fifth Label Population Long-Sleeved Dress [24] ($124)
ASOS Design Curve Wrap Maxi Dress
ASOS Design Curve Wrap Maxi Dress [25] ($60)
Astr the Label Toulouse Beaded Ruched Midi Dress
Astr the Label Toulouse Beaded Ruched Midi Dress [26] ($148)
Mara Hoffman Zarela Dress
Mara Hoffman Zarela Dress [27] ($695)
Rixo Daisy Velvet-Trimmed Cutout Sequinned Georgette Midi Dress
Rixo Daisy Velvet-Trimmed Cutout Sequinned Georgette Midi Dress [28] ($575)
Cinq a Sept Suzanne Gown
Cinq a Sept Suzanne Gown [29] ($695)
Petar Petrov Aria Draped Side-Slit Silk-Blend Satin Dress
Petar Petrov Aria Draped Side-Slit Silk-Blend Satin Dress [30] ($1,330)
Markarian Faith Bow-Detailed Floral-Print Satin Midi Dress
Markarian Faith Bow-Detailed Floral-Print Satin Midi Dress [31] ($1,295)
Molly Goddard Shelly Lace-Up Smocked Tulle Dress
Molly Goddard Shelly Lace-Up Smocked Tulle Dress [32] ($1,950)