I have never been so excited about wedding season. Emotionally speaking, I’m overjoyed that many of my friends who have had to postpone their weddings for almost two years are now getting to enjoy their big day. Sartorially speaking, it gives me the opportunity to finally put on a fancy frock and enjoy the love, fun, elegance and festivities that wedding season brings.
To get prepared for the upcoming ceremonies I’ll be attending this year (one is a black-tie affair, and the others are cocktail and semiformal), I tried on a plethora of pretty dresses—21 to be exact—to find the three that speak to me the most. Today, I wanted to share the styles that particularly stood out to me and would be ideal for a variety of weddings or special summer soirées. Take a peek below to see some of my absolute favourites I tried and get inspired for your next special event.
When it comes to semiformal attire, you can never really go wrong with Reformation’s lineup of wedding guest dresses and party frocks. This gorgeous green slip dress immediately caught my eye for a day-to-evening outdoor wedding. I love the minimalist silhouette and pretty floral print. Moreover, the smocked bodice at the back provides extra comfort.
Reformation knows how to make a must-have dress.
Okay, if you are really going to splurge on an evening dress, I cannot recommend this stunning silk number from Cult Gaia enough! The marigold hue is beautiful (and it’s the perfect colour for a summer wedding), but it’s all the other details that make this dress supreme. The unique architectural gold-ring shoulders are striking, the cowl neck is sophisticated, the low back is gorgeous and the ultra-flattering bias-cut silhouette drapes on the body beautifully. I can see myself wearing this for countless special events and weddings for years to come.
I’m always pleasantly surprised by the hidden gems I can find at Mango, such as this amazing vintage-inspired printed dress. The bold psychedelic pattern on this maxi dress is stunning and could certainly pass for designer. I also adore the effortlessly elegant maxi silhouette that gives me ’70s Palm Springs vibes. Just add bold earrings, metallic heels and a vintage gold clutch and you’re ready to go.
The cut-out back is a trending style.
There’s no other way to say it: I am absolutely obsessed with this dress. Tove always makes beautiful dresses, but this one is on another level of chic. If you’re looking for something fresh, unique and compelling, this is the perfect choice. Everything from the bold shade of blue made from Italian moiré fabric to the vintage-inspired silhouette and the charming bow details hit my eye just right. I cannot wait to wear this one.
A bold blue hue with delicate bow details to add a touch of romance to the day.
If you haven’t checked out Sau Lee before, the brand does really chic occasion dresses with gorgeous silhouettes, sleek satin fabrics and a touch of playfulness. This one works great for a semiformal or casual-dressy event. Add a shawl, statement earrings, strappy sandals and a bold clutch and you have one really gorgeous wedding guest outfit.
Rent via Hurr Collective for £37-£91 depending on how long you keep it!
I love the stunning simplicity of Katie May’s dresses. This is a great option for cocktail attire. The cowl neckline and pretty lace back add elegance and interest to the sleek midi silhouette. And the pretty lilac hue is so lovely. (Note: This dress also comes in a floor-length silhouette—great for more formal affairs.)
This coral hue is perfect for a summer wedding.
If you’re looking for a trend-forward frock to win over the crowd, then this vibrant green dress from cool-girl brand Afrm is an ideal option. Everything from the cutouts to the strappy halter-neck straps and the standout green hue hits on some of this season’s biggest trends. It also comes at a very reasonable price point. Just be sure to steam it first (my mistake before taking this picture!).
Take on the cut-out trend with this bold dress and personalise the fit with tie closures and adjustable straps.
Sometimes, you put on a dress and just feel like it’s meant for you. Case in point: Hill House Home’s latest release, the Collector’s Edition Ellie Nap Dress. It’s everything I love in a dress—playful, fun, comfortable and eye-catching. The online pictures actually don’t do it justice, it’s even more beautiful in person. The ruffled shoulders and smocked bodice stay true to Hill House Home’s classic Nap silhouettes, but it’s the fuller tulle skirt that really gives this a more dramatic look, and it’s practically made for the dance floor! The dress is unlined and sheer, so I do recommend wearing a nude bodysuit or a slip underneath. I was lucky enough to get my hands on this pretty pink dress (which doesn’t actually come out on the brand’s site until June 1). However, it also comes in navy and black lace, and they are wonderful options for daytime and evening affairs.
This True Decadence dress has extra impact with the tiered ruffles and plunging neckline.
When it comes to sleek, minimalist wedding guest dresses, you simply cannot go wrong with Fame and Partners. I particularly love this luxurious forest-green hue for evening events.
This Michelle Mason dress is a similar luxurious green tone.
How striking is this blue hue? For a more traditional formal dress, this Aidan by Aidan Mattox satin gown is an absolute winner. The silhouette is super flattering, and all you need is a chic clutch and earrings to finish the look. My favorite part about the dress is the charming (and Insta-worthy!) bow detail in the back.
In a similar blue tone, this dress by Aidan Mattox has diamante straps to add extra glamour.
This reusable adhesive silicone bra is literally a lifesaver when it comes to giving my small chest a natural lift and flexible support. It’s strapless, backless, wireless and washable.
Another essential when it comes to wearing low-cut and backless dresses, this bodysuit tucks and shapes you in in all the right places for a seamless look underneath your frocks. I wore this under the sheer Hill House Home dress.
I styled many of the dresses above with these striking drop earrings by one of my favorite jewelry brands, PDPaola. I always get so many compliments when wearing these.
If you prefer a statement stud then look no further than Missoma’s celestial earrings. With white pearl and pavé details these are a sparkling finishing touch to your outfit.
These modern pearl earrings are the perfect size and add just the right luxe touch to any evening gown.
I styled most of my dresses with gold heels and this Jimmy Choo pair has truly stolen my heart. The twist detail adds a Grecian style and the chunky heel is perfect for all-night dancing.
There’s few times when we really get to dress up, so if you have the chance why not go all out with this bold pink dress with intricate beading details. A 20’s nod that feels relevant a century later.
This is definitely a contender for my black-tie wedding. I absolutely love the colour of this gown, and the one-shoulder silhouette is stunning.
Self-Portrait has proven time and time again that they know how to make a brilliant dress. This crossover design is a stylish construction that adds elegance to the perfectly proportioned tier dress.
This soft grey satin dress by Ghost London will suit every style of wedding, and be a go-to occasionwear piece for your wardrobe. The fabric skims over your figure. Just add heels.
I have been looking for an embellished dress for a big Indian black-tie wedding, and as soon as I saw this, I knew it was the one. This is the kind of frock that will incite all the compliments. The floral sequin detailing is exquisite, and definitely deserves a spot on the ‘gram!
The soft pleated skirt adds comfort to long days of celebrations whilst the bold green colour is a stand-out.
