There’s no getting away from maxi dresses this season. As one of the biggest and easiest-to-re-create trends from the 2022 runways, it was quickly adopted by fashion types in almost every guise, from linen fabrications for the beach to satin finishes for more formal occasions including weddings.
I attended six weddings last year, and even though my guest count is less this summer, I’ll admit, I was less than enthused at the prospect of deciding what to wear to them. I always try to get more wear out of the pieces I already own, but in need of some much-needed inspiration for the months ahead, I thought, why not invest in one fresh look to get me through. The style I chose? A maxi dress. Being petite, I tend to gravitate toward midi style, which seems to land nearer my ankle anyway. However, after seeing the impressive maxi dresses on offer, I decided to embrace the look.
Sure, I had to get the one I settled on taken up slightly to save it from dragging along the floor, but, just like that, I fell in love with long hemlines. With the ability to make you feel polished, even when adhering to the leanest of budgets, maxi dresses have helped me to rediscover the joy of getting properly dressed up—and just in time for my role of devoted wedding guest resumes.
Assuming you, too, have your fair share of weddings to attend this year, below, I’ve assembled an edit of what I consider the best wedding guest maxi dresses on the market. From printed wonders to jewel tones to treasure, I’ve ticked off every single mood. Scroll on to see them.
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