These Spring Wedding Guest Dresses Are Flattering and Stylish
- 1/18
These Spring Wedding Guest Dresses Are Flattering and Stylish
A spring wedding guest dress pays homage to the season without upstaging the bride. But just because you can’t wear white doesn’t mean you need to blend in with the rest of the attendees. A striking, beautiful gown does exist, and we’ve found some of the best wedding guest dresses for spring that fit any type of dress code—from black tie to cocktail to a brunchtime affair, these frocks are fit for any type of fete.
Meet the experts: Sydney Watters, style director at Watters; Heather McReynolds, VP, GMM of bridal, dresses, and accessories at David’s Bridal.
Whether you’re looking for a summer dress for women over 50 or a cocktail dress for women over 50, we think you should wear whatever gives you the most confidence. You certainly can’t go wrong with a little black dress (or LBD as we like to call them)—but there’s something to be said for donning a colorful frock to reflect the changing season. While floral patterns for spring might not be a groundbreaking concept, a flowery tea-length dress is great for a daytime soiree. Or, if you’re on the hunt for a black-tie-worthy gown, we’ve found some options that will have you looking and feeling priceless. Of course, we have picks for those looking for a jumpsuit, too, because not every occasion calls for a dress.
Our top picks
Whatever size, price point, and dress code you’re looking for, you’re sure to find just the dress below. Just be sure to find a pair of comfortable heels or flats to pull the look together.
BTBFM, II ININ, Alex Evenings - 2/18
1) Flutter Sleeve Faux Wrap Midi Dress
Maggy London
nordstrom.com
$53.10
Whether you’re attending a garden party or a cocktail reception, this green frock can be dressed up or down to suit the soiree. A hidden zipper, flutter elbow-length sleeves, and a tea-length are just a few aspects that will help land you on the best-dressed list. We love that it’s available in a range of sizes and that it’s machine washable—which is often not the case.
Maggy London - 3/18
2) Embroidered Mock Jacket Cocktail Dress
Alex Evenings
nordstrom.com
$219.00
Whether you’re attending a church wedding or simply want to cover up without looking too covered up, this mock jacket cocktail dress offers the best of both worlds. We love that it’s available in extended sizes. It comes in an array of colors too, so you’re sure to find one that suits your mood.“Fits perfectly/true to size. The dress is elegant, understated, and stunning, highly suitable for a woman of a certain age with classical taste,” writes one happy Nordstrom customer. “Highly appropriate for a summer English wedding and for domestic formal occasions.”
Alex Evenings - 4/18
3) Deep V-Neck Casual Dress
II ININ
amazon.com
$35.99
If you’re looking for something affordable that comes in a huge range of colors and patterns, this floor-length dress is a great option. Available in 47 (yup, you read that right—47!) colors and patterns. “Ordered this dress for a friend to wear to my wedding and it was perfect. Perfect for an island wedding with 85-degree weather. She received so many compliments on the dress. Great length and breathable material,” writes one satisfied customer.
II ININ - 5/18
4) Off the Shoulder 3D Floral Sleeve Scuba Crepe Evening Dress
Eliza J
nordstrom.com
$228.00
If you’re headed to a black-tie affair, then this floor-length crepe evening dress is perfect. Crafted with 3D floral sleeves and an off-the-shoulder neckline, it’s sophisticated yet sexy. “Absolutely stunning I wore this dress to my nephew’s wedding. I went to slay and that’s what I did. I love this dress. It was a perfect fit and I received many compliments. I give this dress five stars and I recommend it to anyone that wants to look fabulous,” writes one happy shopper.
Eliza J - 6/18
5) 3/4 Sleeve Formal Cocktail Dress
GRACE KARIN
amazon.com
$45.99
Dress this cocktail dress up or down to cater to the dress code of the wedding. We love the springy peach color with florals, but if you’re looking for a specific color, there are 41 other colors and patterns to choose from! And with over 15,000 ratings it’s customer-loved as well. “This dress is the perfect dress for any occasion. I bought it for a funeral and it was comfortable enough to wear all day. No fuss, not too warm, not too cold. Everyone complimented on it, it’s very flattering as well. I would say it’s perfect for wedding, funeral, date night, or any special occasion,” writes one shopper.
Grace Karin - 7/18
6) Summer Bohemian Floral Casual Wrap V Neck
BTFBM
amazon.com
$41.99
Looking for a fun and flirty wrap dress for a spring wedding? This affordable pick features a deep-V neckline (that has a safety button!), cute ruffle cap sleeves, an elastic banded waist, and a belt for a cinching effect. Amazon shoppers love this dress, with over 10,000 ratings and nearly five stars. “I’ve hated the way I look in dresses for years but this dress made me feel great. It fits true to size in my opinion and I truly feel like the fit of it would be flattering on everybody,” writes one satisfied customer.
BTFBM - 8/18
7) The Matilda Dress
Hill House Home
hillhousehome.com
$175.00
A fancier version of the brand’s cult-favorite nap dress, this option comes in under $200 and is available in three other patterns and colors. “This dress is absolutely stunning. The material is gorgeous and it’s truly a show-stopper. I got it as I have several events this spring and I think I will be requesting each time!” writes one happy shopper. “Worth every penny.”
Hill House - 9/18
8) Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress
BHLDN
anthropologie.com
$168.00
Available in 14 colors and up to a size 22W, this sexy and stylish midi slip dress is simply stunning. We love the side slits and cowl neckline. The spaghetti straps add a delicate touch to the dress. “This dress is absolutely perfect. Great material, high quality. Purchased it in hot pink and it fits perfectly!” writes a happy customer.
BHLDN - 10/18
9) Boho Floral Print Off Shoulder Split Long A-Line Dress
Floerns
amazon.com
$39.99
This dress makes for a great Sunday brunch wedding frock. It comes in a ton of colors and sizes, so you’re sure to find something you love that speaks to the venue and time of the wedding. It has over 12,000 ratings on Amazon and four stars, so shoppers are definitely loving this dress. “I don’t often write reviews, but I took a gamble on this dress for our family photos (navy Blue, size small) and it’s actually amazing. So much better than I expected. Very cute!” writes one satisfied shopper.
Floerns - 11/18
10) Thinking Out Loud Navy Blue Backless Jumpsuit
Lulu’s
lulus.com
$59.00
Looking for a jumpsuit? This backless number features criss-cross straps and an open back. With over 3,200 ratings on the brand’s website and nearly five stars, shoppers seem to really love the jumpsuit. “Beautiful shade of blue! Fit perfectly and was the perfect length with heels. The material is not see-throughthank goodness! You will want one in every color!” writes one satisfied customer.
Lulu’s - 12/18
11) Floral Metalic Gown
Adrianna Papell
amazon.com
$203.95
Adrianna Papell is often loved for her mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom dresses. But we love this option for a springtime wedding guest that wants to feel sophisticated yet flirty. A high-slit and off-the-shoulder design adds a subtly sexy element, while the pastel-hued pattern is simply beautiful.
Adrianna Papell - 13/18
12) Floral Vintage Dress Elegant Midi Evening Dress
Simple Flavor
amazon.com
$33.99
Looking for an A-line evening dress that could be dressed up or down? This one from the brand Simple Favor boasts over 16,500 ratings and four stars, Amazon customers love the dress too. “I wasn’t sure how this dress would look (busy pattern), but it was really pretty! It fit just right, and was so elegant that you could wear it to a wedding! The material was not so sheer that you could see through it—the pattern kept it modest. I paired it was a short navy cardigan, and it was perfect.”
Simple Favor - 14/18
13) Wrap V-Neck Ruffle Sleeve Ruched Bodycon Dress
oten
amazon.com
$33.59
Wrap dresses are a great choice year-round, and this affordable option (under $50!) comes in a slew of colors and patterns. A flutter sleeve offers some visual interest. And with over 4,000 ratings and four stars, this dress makes for a great cocktail or daytime wedding guest dress. “As a curvy woman who is also fairly petite, I’m 5’3” this dress was very flattering. I bought a size Large and it fit perfectly,” writes one satisfied shopper. “It has good stretch, will not wrinkle, and it’s not see-through at all. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in it. I received many compliments not only on the color but how pretty I looked in it.”
oten - 15/18
14) Cold Shoulder Ruffle Glitter Gown
Alex Evenings
nordstrom.com
$159.00
If you’re looking for a romantic Greecian-inspired gown for a black-tie wedding, look no further than this floor-length dress. Side ruching adds a flattering effect while cold-shoulder-sleeves add even more interest to the gown. Beware of shedding glitter, some reviewers note.
Alex Evenings - 16/18
15) Cowl Neck Beaded Waist Gown
Alex Evenings
nordstrom.com
$139.30
Paired with a pastel-hued shoe this evening gown makes for a gorgeous spring wedding guest dress. Sizing begins at a 6 so this dress is perfect for those looking for an extended size. Reviewers love the dress, too, giving it nearly five stars. “Everything about this dress was perfect, especially the lovely cap sleeves and the cowl neck,” writes one happy Nordstrom shopper.
Alex Evenings - 17/18
16) Bias-Cut Satin Midi Dress
Baum und Pferdgarten
saksfifthavenue.com
$85.87
Spring is the perfect time to experiment with color, and this bright pink frock’s hue is flattering against any skin tone. This dress is machine washable, features a flutter hem, and has a subtly sexy keyhole back. Pair it with any color strappy sandals and you’ll be ready for a warm-weather soiree.
Atarah - 18/18
17) Ruched Bodycon Dress Sleeveless One Shoulder Wrap Satin Belted Cocktail
PRETTYGARDEN
amazon.com
$41.99
One-shoulder necklines never go out of style. We love this ruched bodycon option that has a figure-hugging design. A belted waist draws the eyes up, and the extensive color options ensure you’ll find a dress to match your aesthetic. And it has over 5,000 ratings on Amazon. “I bought this dress for a formal night on a cruise and it’s one my favorite dresses I’ve ever worn. I love the material and it fits very nicely,” writes one satisfied Amazon shopper. “I’m usually in between sizes (small in some clothes and medium in others). I ordered a small for this dress and it didn’t fit tight at all. I felt comfortable throughout the night (through dinner, drinks, and dancing).”
PRETTYGARDEN