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Every time I receive a “Save the date” at a wedding, you better believe that my only mission is to win the title of best dressed guest. Aggressive? Maybe. But hey, when you work as a shopping editor, you have a certain responsibility to show up and look your absolute best—at least that’s the expectation in my group of friends. With a healthy appetite for occasion wear, I’ve come to discover a handful of brands that are now my go-tos for chic and practical wedding guest dresses, especially when the goal is to make a statement – be it via an unexpected silhouette, light color or eye-catching print.
Spring 2023’s dress trends run the gamut from satin petticoats and formal ’90s-inspired mini dresses to exuberant floral prints (cutting edge!) and bubbly, Barbiecore-centric styles is equal parts feminine and fierce. Whether you’re into midi dresses, tiered skirts or even cropped above-the-knee silhouettes, each of these elegant wedding guest dresses is sure to make a fresh and fashionable statement this season. Another show-stopping approach? Elegant fabrics like sequins, metallic materialsand structured tulle (great for a black-tie wedding!) or a vivid color to stand out from more muted tones; teal, honey yellow and hot pink are a few of my favorites this season.
While bold shapes, patterns and colors are a surefire way to turn heads as a wedding guest, they’re not the only tactic worth employing. When it comes down to it, fit really is the secret to a “wow” moment, whether you choose a classic silhouette in a less expected shade or give a nuanced silhouette a chance in a subtle shade like navy or black. Whatever you’re looking for, I went ahead and rounded up the 13 best wedding guest dresses for spring, ranging from under-$100 options to designer styles and more. Browse my favorite picks ahead!
— Additional reporting by Laura Lajinss Kaupke