Best Wedding Guest Dresses 2024: Black Tie, Formal, Cocktail

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So, you’ve been invited to a wedding. The dress code is set, and you have no idea where to start, but it’s okay — we’ve all been there. Thankfully in your case, Rolling Stone editors are here to help.

The first step in deciding what you’ll wear to their big event is determining the dress code, location, and season. Note — When deciding on color, it’s important to consider the location (both geographically and whether or not the event will be held indoors or outdoors) and the overall “theme” of the wedding.

Typically, guests can yield clues from the invitations, wedding websites, what the groomsmen or bridesmaids are wearing, the event venue or even the couples’ own interests. If still completely stumped, it never hurts to consult the couple directly, but below we’ve rounded up an extensive list of stylish dresses that are available to buy online for every dress code, temperature and wedding event theme. Just don’t forget to bring along a wedding gift!

What to Wear to a White Tie Wedding

White tie is much less commonly requested attire for most modern weddings, this dress code calls for what you’d imagine is worn at a royal wedding or diplomatic affair. Tuxedos are required and expected to include tails and a vest and should be accompanied by formal shoes, white or gray gloves, bowtie and formal shirting. Dresses should be floor length gowns that are accessorized elegantly with jewelry accompanying clutch. A shawl or dress jacket is an optional pairing for formal dresses in colder weather.

Spring

BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown

Halston Ginnie Mock-Neck Rosette Gown

Summer

BHLDN Blake Square-Neck Stretch Crepe Gown

Sachin & Babi Stretch Satin Strapless Side-Slit Maxi Dress

Fall

BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown

Hutch Nalina Strapless Tiered Tulle Maxi Dress

Winter

Cult Gaia Freya Gown

Reformation Oren Silk Dress

What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding

Black Tie is a step down from White Tie in that tuxedos do not require tails or gloves, and have the option to swap out the White Tie vest for cummerbunds. Dress attire remains relatively the same, however, a jacket or shawl is not necessary and less formal fabrics like silk or linen are acceptable so long as the ankles remain covered. Shorter dresses (long above ankle, midi and cocktail) may be acceptable if fitted in more structured fabrics. If unsure, it’s best to consult the bride before making a final dress decision.

Editor’s picks

Spring

V. Chapman Veronica Corset Ruffle Side-Slit Dress

Moda Operandi Monique Lhuillier Strapless Jacquard Gown

Summer

Atsu Halter Ruched Maxi Dress

Moda Operandi Anna October Elizabeth Open Back Crinkled Satin Maxi Dress

Fall

Hutch Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress

Reformation Brown Frankie Maxi Dress

Winter

Reformation

Reformation Annabelle Silk Dress

FWRD

Norma Kamali Turtleneck Strapless Fishtail Gown

What to Wear to a Black-tie Optional/Formal Wedding

Black Tie Optional or Formal is another step towards more casual dressing than the previous Black Tie. For suiting, tuxedos are not required however, a formal dark suit with a white dress shirt paired with a tie or bowtie, is necessary. Dresses can be swapped for pantsuits, formal jumpsuits, long dresses above the ankles or structured cocktail dresses in formal fabrics. These are very minimal differences between the required dress attire for White Tie, Black Tie and Formal or Black Tie Optional dress codes so if unsure of if your dress is an acceptable diversion, we recommend consulting the bride for a gut check.

Spring

Reformation Aara Silk Dress

Simkhai Acacia Printed Stretch-Satin Midi Dress

Summer

Kika Vargas NET SUSTAIN Ivy Taffeta Halterneck Midi Dress

Cult Gaia Renata Gown

Fall

Reformation Alli Silk Dress

Reformation Maribelle Dress

Winter

BEC + BRIDGE Black Ren Split Maxi Dress

Reformation Casette Silk Dress

What to Wear to a Cocktail Wedding

Cocktail: The Cocktail dress code allows for more flexibility between both dress and suit wardrobes. Floor length gowns can be swapped for ankle, midi, at- or above- the knee length dresses. Suit colors can vary more broadly than dark or formal but tie or bowtie are still required.

Spring

CECILIE BAHNSEN Valentina One-Shoulder Bow-Detailed Cotton-Poplin Dress

AllSaints Bryony Rosalia Dress

Summer

Shona Joy Mia Spliced Maxi Dress

SNDYS x REVOLVE Angel Strapless Midi Dress

Fall

Hutch Scoop-Neck Tiered Maxi Dress

Reformation Felda Midi Dress

Winter

Lioness About A Girl Maxi

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal/Casual Wedding

Semi-Formal / Casual: Semi-Formal or Casual is the broadest of all dress codes. This means that when selecting an outfit, careful attention to location, temperature and venue will be imperative to choosing clothing within the correct palette and theme. Suiting requires dress pants, dress shirt and tie. Matched or unmatched suit jackets are not required but can be worn in lieu of a tie. Dressing is variable and can include any length of less formal dress, structured jumpsuits, or elegant two piece sets. This dress code is most similar to what one might wear to attend church on a normal weekend, not during holidays.