18 Wedding Guest co*cktail Dresses That Will Turn Heads (2024)

This floor-sweeping dress in a rich berry hue is striking for an early fall, evening wedding, complete with a tiered hemline and frilled detailing along the neckline and sleeves. Tonal accessories in red and tan will help maintain an autumnal feel.

Size range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Black floral, blue floral | Length: Ankle | Sleeve style: Off-the-shoulder

For a late spring or early fall wedding, we love this copper-colored mini dress with a flouncy hemline. The color of the dress is practically made for transition seasons, and you’re guaranteed to make an impression in this on the dance floor.The shorter length and draping details make it a perfect co*cktail dress. It's also available in five other colors.

Size range: XS-L | Materials: Silk | Colors: 6 | Length: Mini | Sleeve style: Long

Despite being form-fitting, this dress is not too revealing thanks to expertly placed ruching. It is also designed to hit below the knee, making it an appropriate length for all kinds of ceremonies. Coming in a range of colors, there's a shade for all weddings year round.

Size range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 8 | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: One-shoulder

Channel your inner Princess Diana in this black, body-hugging dress. Even though it has an off-the-shoulder neckline, you still get the support of two straps. Plus, the ruched, knee-length skirt creates a flawless silhouette. With its black shade and timeless design, you can certainly wear it more than once.

Size range: 12-26 | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Colors: Black | Length: Midi | Sleeve style: Off-the-shoulder

We love the romantic feel of this floral print. The thin straps and leg-baring slit make this dress feel sweet yet bold for any wedding guest.Plus, its cornflower blue hue is equally appropriate for spring, summer, and fall weddings.

Size range: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose | Colors: 7 | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: Spaghetti strap

For the daring minimalist, this sleek and sexy dress is a lovely choice for an evening summer wedding. Style the skin-baring design and pastel hue with strappy metallic sandals and minimal jewels to make it an especially great look for a beach or destination wedding. The pale yet vibrant hues pop and flatter many different skin tones.

Size range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Colors: Periwinkle blue, yellow | Length: Midi | Sleeve Style: Spaghetti strap

For the fashion-forward wedding guest, this two-tone dress is gorgeous for a city wedding. With unique design details, we suggest clean and simple accessories so the dress can remain the focal point. Although it's tea length, the cotton and spandex blend makes it casual enough for a daytime or evening ceremony.

Size range: 00-26, petite | Materials: Cotton, spandex | Colors: Blue, rust | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: Strapless

The perfect dress for a spring, this ultra-feminine mini style is complete with a pretty floral print, flounced hemline, and tunic silhouette. It's an excellent option for petite sizes, thanks to its plunging neckline and short hemline, which creates the illusion of longer legs. Overall, you can't go wrong with such a whimsical style that hits above the knee for any co*cktail event.

Size range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Rose | Length: Mini | Sleeve style: Long

If comfort is key, look no further than this black and white cutout dress. We love it for an afternoon wedding in the summer as it's casual enough for a daytime affair and has cutouts to help keep you cool. It looks beautiful on any body type, making it a universal winner.Accessorize with bright colors like neons or pastels for added oomph.

Size range: XS-XL | Materials: Viscose, nylon | Colors: Black, navy, coral | Length: Ankle | Sleeve style: Sleeveless

For those that really want to get down on the dance floor, a stylish jumpsuit is ideal. Though this style is quite simple, it's the fluttering bodice and plunging neckline that elevate it enough for a wedding. A high fitted waist and wide legs also elongate your legs. From classic black to bold magenta, Lulus has all the shades to suit your mood.

Size range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 7 | Length: Floor | Sleeve style: Strapless

You can't go wrong with a slip dress, especially when it comes in 14 colors to suit different seasons and locations. Not to mention, the dreamy satin fabric and body-skimming fit are ultra-flattering. Dress up this minimalist slip with a fun pair of wedding guest shoes or a statement clutch.

Size range: 00-26 | Materials: Polyester | Colors: 14 | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: Spaghetti strap

Make a splash at a summer wedding in this vibrant midi dress by Brazilian brand FARM Rio. The print is playful and fresh on its own and made even better with colorful accessories.It also has a casual feel that's perfect day or night. As a bonus, 100 percent cotton helps keep you cool during a sweltering evening spent on the dance floor.

Size range: XXS-XL | Materials: Cotton | Colors: Blue | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: Spaghetti strap

This sequin dress is how you do sequins when the dress code calls for co*cktail attire. We recommend this look for an evening wedding with minimal accessories.We love how the blouson sleeves and tie-waist balance the shorter hem.

Size range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Viscose | Colors: 4 | Length: Mini | Sleeve style: Long

The great thing about Fame and Partners is that you can customize their dresses, from the color to the length. We love this sophisticated look for the draping detail, tulip skirt, and blouson sleeves. The rich jewel tone makes it ideal for a late fall or winter wedding.

Size range: Custom | Materials: Matte satin | Colors: 11 | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: Long

Take your classic little black dress to the next level with this head-turning feathered number. We recommend this look for an evening wedding with minimal accessories to let the dress do all the talking!

Size range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Colors: Black | Length: Midi | Sleeve style: Strapless

With a stretchy smocked bodice, this dress is perfect for those expecting. The adjustable straps offer a better fit for all chest sizes. Even those who aren't pregnant can't resist this vibrant floral design.

Size range: XS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Pink floral | Length: Tea | Sleeve style: Spaghetti strap

This beaded dress has the right kind of sparkle for fall nuptials. The deep V-neckline, bishop sleeves, and side split hem give a classic LBD a fresh twist. It's only fitting that this universally flattering dress also comes in an inclusive size range.

Size range: 0-20 | Materials: Polyester, Elastane | Colors: Black | Length: Midi | Sleeve style: Long

This dress has plenty of glitz but in a modest cut. The hem hits just above the knee, and the lovely blouson-style overlay on the top keeps you covered and comfortable. Keep in mind the sizing runs a bit small, so order up if you're between sizes.

Size range: 0-20 | Materials: Unlisted | Colors: Midnight | Length: Midi | Sleeve style: Short

FAQ

• What is a co*cktail dress?

  co*cktail attire is a delicate balance between formal and casual, as well as elegant and comfortable. For ladies, that typically equates to a midi, or knee-length style, or mini-length dress and heels.

• What is an appropriate dress length for a co*cktail dress?

  Knee-length is great, though it can vary. As a general rule, try to avoid wearing anything that's too short, tight, or low cut. While co*cktail attire offers more freedom to play with colors, prints, materials, and length, it's still nice to find something classy and elegant for a formal wedding. You can even wear a maxi, but in this case, it’s best to opt for a more casual fabric.

• Can I wear a co*cktail dress to a black-tie wedding?

  A black-tie dress code tends to be more formal than co*cktail attire, and therefore typically requires floor-length gowns.

• What's the best color for a co*cktail dress?

  While you can never go wrong with basic black, we also like deep, rich shades of navy or magenta for a co*cktail dress. Depending on what season the wedding takes place in, a pastel shade, like Camila Coelho Aaliyah Midi Dress, can also be nice.

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