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Few social events are as fraught with sartorial anxieties as weddings. From the strict no-white-dresses rule (fair enough) to the semantics of black tie and the even murkier casual codes, dressing for someone else’s celebration can feel even more stressful than dressing for your own.
Weddings are rarely a one-size-fits-all kind of event, with a range of dress codes depending on the venue and formality levels. Summer weddings offer breathing room: florals, bright colours and lighter fabrics that shimmer under the sunlight feel perfectly at home. Town hall ceremonies suit classic tailoring, while country weddings embrace a more rustic romance. Casual weddings allow for a little more experimentation, with statement skirts and coordinated separates fair game. The trick is balance: show respect for the occasion, but rules and regulations are often outdated.
Do you need to buy a new dress?
Not everyone needs – or wants – to buy a dress they’ll wear only once. Buying a dress secondhand or, better yet, renting one can be a great option for special occasions. ByRotation lets you hire a huge range of designer pieces for a fraction of the retail price, while some high-street stores, including John Lewis, now have their own in-house rental options.
I’ve got a few pro tips if you’re going down this route. Steer clear of fabrics that are too light in colour: pastels are beautiful until you spill a cocktail or drop a canape down the front. Similarly, delicate, easily snagged fabrics such as chiffon or silk can be a gamble. Cottons or sturdier blends tend to survive a long day of celebrating much more graciously. Remember to give yourself time to try it on – a stubborn zip is not the type of stress you need before a long day of festivities.
The best wedding guest dresses
The best dresses to wear to a summer wedding
The sun is shining (fingers crossed), and gardens are in full bloom. Your outfit should follow suit and not shy away from colour. British summertime has its limits, though, and something with a light sleeve can often be the difference between feeling prepared and spending the evening wishing you had just brought a jacket.
Ro&Zo
Niamh pintuck floral maxidress
from £189
Ro&Z pintuck floral dress
This corset-style maxidress toes the line between classic floral romance and modern minimalism. Its sunlit palette feels effortless in garden settings, while the structured bodice lends a flattering shape without being suffocating. Keep accessories simple: a small clutch and delicate sandals leave this dress as the hero of your summer wedding look.
Ro&Zo
Niamh pintuck floral maxidress
from £189
Nobody’s Child
Pink polka dot bandeau Alice midi dress
from £110
Nobody’s Child pink polka dot dress
A wedding during peak summer heat calls for a dress that’s practical and stylish, and this one from Nobody’s Child is just that. The structured top complements the flowy skirt, and the cotton fabric won’t leave you overheating. It can be worn either with straps or without, and you won’t be worrying about pulling it up every few seconds thanks to the soft grip along the top seam.
Nobody’s Child
Pink polka dot bandeau Alice midi dress
from £110
Sika Finch dress
Handmade in Ghana from 100% cotton, this dress brings a more directional feel. The asymmetric cut shifts away from traditional occasion wear, opting for neons and stripes above wedding cliches such as florals or pastels. The lightweight nature of the fabric makes it ideal for outdoor ceremonies, too.
Sika
Finch Dress
£239
Lace & Beads
Plus Lydia tulle balloon sleeve plunge maxi dress
£110
Lace & Beads Plus tulle dress
Sunny yellow florals across layers of tulle give this maxidress an ethereal, playful air. With flowing balloon sleeves and a deep neckline, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and formality. The length is also practical, allowing for flat shoes – often the smarter choice on grass.
Lace & Beads
Plus Lydia tulle balloon sleeve plunge maxi dress
£110
Mango
Flared cotton dress
£49.99
Mango flared cotton dress
This dress is all about the cut. The crisp, cotton fabric holds the shape of the skirt without collapsing, and the slightly flared waist nods to a corseted style without the restriction. In a soft green hue with a low back, it’s pared back but perfectly summer-wedding appropriate. Don’t be scared to wear statement accessories: a pair of chunky silver earrings would complement the cool green perfectly – this dress can take it. The size range (UK 6-14) is disappointingly small, however.
Mango
Flared cotton dress
£49.99
M&S
Square neck bubble hem midaxi skater dress
£48
M&S bubble hem dress
Available in petite, regular and tall, this warm olive dress is begging to be worn for a summer celebration (and beyond). Spending on occasion wear can feel silly if you’ll wear it only once or twice, but this dress is easily dressed up or down, so it won’t need to sit in the back of your wardrobe for the rest of the year.
M&S
Square neck bubble hem midaxi skater dress
£48
The best dresses to wear to a town hall wedding
Against the high ceilings, marbled floors and slightly echoey rooms that often come with town halls, something a little sharper and more defined fits the bill. Tailoring and structure work in your favour.
Kemi Telford
Amina belted dress
£175
Kemi Telford belted dress
Made from a cotton poplin, this Kemi Telford dress offers a sharply tailored shape that’s balanced by its playful patterns. There’s the bonus of pockets, too. The black-and-white colour palette begs for a pop of colour in your accessories, and the structured shape means you can opt for a more casual flat without feeling underdressed.
Kemi Telford
Amina belted dress
£175
Reiss
Kenzie satin asymmetric draped midi dress
from £158
Reiss satin asymmetric dress
Reiss excels at polished simplicity. This dress’s expensive-looking fabric and clean drapes are great for a more formal wedding. The muted olive tone feels considered, and the asymmetric draped sleeve introduces just enough movement to soften a rigid silhouette.
Reiss
Kenzie satin asymmetric draped midi dress
from £158
For Love & Lemons
Emalie taffeta midi dress
from £225
For Love & Lemons taffeta dress
A classic, this black-and-white dress from For Love & Lemons is made from a crisp taffeta – the type of fabric that will froufrou as you walk. The monochrome is far from boring, with a deliberately sweet contrast from the bow detail at the front. It’s structured but not too serious – exactly the right balance for a civil ceremony.
For Love & Lemons
Emalie taffeta midi dress
from £225
Monsoon
Mila fit and flare midi dress
from £52.50
Monsoon fit and flare dress
Monsoon puff-sleeve bow jacket
A classic fit and flare will never fail. Comfortable, flattering and classic, the kind of dress that definitely won’t cause any last-minute outfit crises. In a radiant orange, the dropped waist detail and bubble hem subtly add a point of interest. Even better, you can also get a matching smart jacket.
Monsoon
Mila fit and flare midi dress
from £52.50
Abercrombie & Fitch
Bra-free, drop-waist maxidress
£90
Abercrombie & Fitch drop-waist dress
The LBD (little black dress) championed by Coco Chanel in the 1920s remains a wardrobe staple for good reason. Eternally fashionable, this longer version from Abercrombie sits off the shoulders but comes with a practical built-in bra with removable padding. If you don’t want to make a statement but still want something that feels as special as the occasion, this dress fits the bill.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Bra-free, drop-waist maxidress
£90
The best dresses to wear to a country wedding
Florals are an obvious choice for weddings with a natural backdrop, but they’re not alone. Silks, satins and soft cottons can all work well, particularly when the cut feels easy rather than overly tailored. Country weddings often come with uneven grounds, so make sure to pair with shoes you can comfortably walk in.
Rixo
Lucie satin midi dress
from £245
Rixo satin dress
This dress from Rixo has a vintage feel in a rustic rose hue. The delicate satin catches the light, but the blushed floral lace trim keeps it joyful. It’s reminiscent of a lingerie slip, but it transforms into a sleek staple paired with the right accessories. Combine with a black bag to contrast the softness of the dress.
Rixo
Lucie satin midi dress
from £245
Reformation
Jessalyn silk dress
£278
Reformation silk dress
This sky blue shift dress has an airy elegance. It’s beautifully pared back while retaining the formality needed for a wedding, in a silk charmeuse with a monochromatic lace trim. Pair it with minimal jewellery and let the fabric do the talking.
Reformation
Jessalyn silk dress
£278
Free People
Bring the Bubble midi dress
£98
Free People midi dress
You may have heard of bubble skirts, but maybe not bubble sleeves. This midi is a down-to-earth green, a shade aptly named “avocado oil”. The dramatic sleeves work well with the circle skirt to accentuate your waist. Completed with a playful bow at the front, this dress feels carefree, made for dancing into the evening.
Free People
Bring the Bubble midi dress
£98
House of CB
Ysabella floral lemon print cotton midi sundress
£199
House of CB sundress
House of CB knows how to do occasion wear that brings the occasion. The brand’s signature ditsy floral prints feel at home in the countryside. The structured square neckline keeps it modern, contrasted by the billowing skirt. Additionally, House of CB offers the option to customise the cup size to achieve the perfect fit.
House of CB
Ysabella floral lemon print cotton midi sundress
£199
Whistles
Chocolate ruffle maxidress
£229
Whistles chocolate ruffle maxidress
Earthy tones work wonders outdoors, and this chocolate brown polka dot dress from Whistles proves it. Tiered ruffle details keep the silhouette playful, while the lightweight fabric means it won’t leave you feeling uncomfortable by the end of the night.
Whistles
Chocolate ruffle maxidress
£229
The best dresses to wear to a black tie evening wedding
Black tie can sound daunting, but there are really only two main rules: your dress should sweep the floor, and it should be made of a high-quality fabric. Despite the name, black tie doesn’t mean you need to wear black, but it does mean you have to wear something that feels deliberate, whether that’s through cut or fabric.
Rat & Boa Giada dress
When you think of black tie, this is the type of dress that might come to mind. In a timeless halterneck, the fluid fabric falls in a long, uninterrupted line. Crafted from a plant-based silk alternative made from wood pulp, it doesn’t feel overly glossy. It’s the kind of dress that works just as well now as it will in a few years’ time. Take a leaf out of Schiaparelli’s book and pair this with gold accessories for maximum impact.
Rat & Boa
Giada dress
£275
Lamide Sadipe
Celestia dress
£240
Lamide Sadipe Celestia dress
Nigerian designer Lamide Sadipe nails occasion wear that isn’t shy to experiment with colour. The aqua blue is a welcome break from the usual sea of dark tones at a black tie event, while the twist-front detail adds shape without overcomplicating things. With a removable mesh panel, you can tweak the style to suit your mood, too.
Lamide Sadipe
Celestia dress
£240
Omnes
Arles dress
from £110
Omnes Arles dress
Party-ready and planet-friendly, this dress from Omnes is made from recycled fabrics in a soft-gloss satin. It has a classic twisted-neck halter and is available in multiple colours, so there’s something for everyone. The skimming cut means it won’t cling on to anything you don’t want to accentuate, either.
Omnes
Arles dress
from £110
Club L London
Sorenia black high-neck jumpsuit
£135
Club L London high-neck jumpsuit
Classic with a twist, this jumpsuit’s take on black-tie is slightly more playful. The asymmetric cape detail is effortless, but the clean crew cut means it’s not overly fussy. It’s slightly unexpected, which is often exactly what works in a room full of dresses.
Club L London
Sorenia black high-neck jumpsuit
£135
Topshop
Mixed fabric ruffle detail maxi slip
from £65
Topshop ruffle slip
This maxi green slip mixes fabrics and ruffles to add subtle personality. The fluid cut is relaxed but still polished. With a matching necktie, jewellery is optional here, giving you one less thing to worry about on the day.
Topshop
Mixed fabric ruffle detail maxi slip
from £65
The best dresses to wear to a casual wedding
A casual dress code can be more stressful than a formal one. You know you can’t turn up in jeans, but it also doesn’t mean anything too formal, which leaves you hovering somewhere in between. The safest approach is to look like you’ve made an effort, just not a big one. This is where easy dresses and unfussy fabrics come into play. Nothing too structured, nothing too precious.
Zara
Nylon midi dress with ties
£35.99
Zara dress with ties
An airy cut in a dress signals cool comfort. This bright red midi has a casual but still elevated charm, keeping it stylishly informal. The pop of colour gives it just enough presence to still feel like you’ve made the effort.
Zara
Nylon midi dress with ties
£35.99
& Other Stories
Linen wrap mini dress
from £48.50
& Other Stories wrap dress
In breathable linen, the waist-tie detail of this dress adds structure, while the rest of the dress stays relaxed. It’s polished enough for a wedding, but won’t feel out of place at a more casual event.
& Other Stories
Linen wrap mini dress
from £48.50
Traffic People
Any Moment Now Co-ord
from £97
Traffic People top
Traffic People wide-leg trousers
Separates come into their own when a dress code is laid-back. This flowy set from London brand Traffic People has a relaxed shape, but the shine from the fabric snaps it back to life. The wide leg brings wedding-level drama, but the monochromatic matching blouse keeps it grounded.
Traffic People
Any Moment Now Co-ord
from £97
M&S
Ruched midi tea dress
£30
M&S ruched tea dress
A tea dress brings an easy elegance. The gentle ruching adds shape, while the midi length adds a touch of formality. It reads comfortable, wearable, and with the polka dot print, reliably stylish.
M&S
Ruched midi tea dress
£30
Bardot
Amorette cotton drop-waist maxi skirt co-ord
£169
Bardot drop-waist skirt co-ord
For a more casual affair, a statement skirt can hold its own just as much as a dress. The dropped waist gives it a relaxed, vintage ease, complemented by the soft hue. Paired with a plain blouse or crisp shirt, it will feel intentional without tipping into formality.
Bardot
Amorette cotton drop-waist maxi skirt co-ord
£169
The best dresses to wear to a destination wedding
Sun, heat and the size of your suitcase limit what you can wear to a destination wedding, so it’s just as much about practicality as it is about style. Lightweight fabrics, easy silhouettes, and pieces that survive being folded (or at least recover quickly) are key. Think dresses that move well in warm air, hold their shape, and don’t demand overthinking once you’ve arrived.
Never Fully Dressed
Abstract Tilly dress
from £129
Never Fully Dressed abstract dress
This dress manages to feel relaxed without veering into casual. The silhouette is loose and fluid, so it won’t cling to you in heat, but the subtle gold flecks catch the light, giving it just enough of an occasion feel. It’s ideal for settings where the line between beach and formal is blurred.
Never Fully Dressed
Abstract Tilly dress
from £129
Pink City Prints
Neon peacock Mykonos dress
£180
Pink City Prints neon peacock dress
Designed to bask in the sunshine, this cotton dress from Pink City Prints is meticulously block-printed by hand. The empire cut gives it shape while the busy print carries the look, meaning you can keep everything else pared back.
Pink City Prints
Neon peacock Mykonos dress
£180
Daska
Chiffon high cowl neck frill detail maxidress
£100
Daska chiffon cowl neck maxidress
Long sleeves may not scream destination wedding, but the flared mesh sleeves on this dress add extra coverage without adding extra heat. With a subtle cowl neck, the tiered frills create soft movement in a relatively simple cut. The relaxed fit makes it particularly suited to beach or outdoor ceremonies.
Daska
Chiffon high cowl neck frill detail maxidress
£100
Asos Design
Halterneck maxidress
£42
Asos Design halterneck maxidress
This maxi leans into sunset hues that work perfectly for an evening ceremony abroad. The beaded straps add an ounce of occasion, while the fit means you can dance with no restriction all night long.
Asos Design
Halterneck maxidress
£42
Top tip: pack a steamer
Philips 1000 Series STH1010/10 clothes steamer
It may not be glamorous, but it’s essential for a destination wedding. Lightweight fabrics crease easily in transit, and a quick steam can reset a dress. It’s the difference between looking just unpacked and properly put together, especially in warm, slightly humid climates. Coordinate with your friends so you don’t all need to pack one.
Need a light layer to finish your look? Read our guide to the best spring jackets for women
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