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Travel can be stressful. Weddings can be stressful. Destination weddings can be…extremely stressful. This guide is designed to help alleviate some of that anxiety without giving up valuable suitcase space. These wedding guest dresses are nice enough for any affair, but can be rolled up, tucked in a corner, or worn over and over again to warrant that extra space. Deep breaths.
For more affordable, stylish outfit ideas, click here.
A lace maxi dress that’s editor-approved…
An editor favorite, this dress is super-stretchy with lace detailing that can suit a number of dress codes. Add a pair of gladiator sandals or slides for a casual look, or nude or silver heels and a matching purse for garden or cocktail attire.
A flowy dress you can wear to several weddings…
If you’re unsure of the wedding’s dress code, a black dress will be your safest bet. This one wears like a tank maxi but looks like a million bucks. Add statement earrings and a clutch to bring it all together.
A velvet midi dress with serious stretch…
A velvet gown that’s dance floor-friendly? We’ll take 10. This stretchy, ruched midi dress works for everything from cocktail hours to date nights. The deep jewel tones are divine for fall and winter.
An elegant cape gown that’s great for black-tie affairs…
Capes are making a comeback, and this one is lightweight and oh-so elegant. The sheer material glides effortlessly as you walk. This one’s on the more delicate side, so pack it in a garment bag if you can.
A lilac maxi dress for garden parties…
If you’re heading somewhere warm for a wedding, might we suggest this lilac, ruffle-adorned maxi dress? It’s lightweight and won’t make you overheat. One editor paired it with a beaded bag and nude heels for a friend’s wedding in Austin, TX in the middle of May and she didn’t melt into a puddle of sweat. A serious win.
A silk dress our readers have been loving recently…
Skimm’rs love this $80 dress from Quince for its sleek design and wide range of colors. The dramatic halter neckline complements the open back, and the lining is stretchy and comfortable to move around in. Don’t be afraid to get down in this one.
An affordable long-sleeve dress…
This winter-ready dress checks a ton of boxes: the square neckline and long sleeves hide pesky bra straps, the ruched elastic bodice creates a flattering shape, and it comes in a solid variety of colors and patterns. All for just under $50. Check, check, check.
A multi-way jumpsuit you can also wear on a night out…
There are near-infinite ways to adjust this jumpsuit’s neckline — long sleeves, strapless, halter, you name it — so it’s basically a week's worth of nighttime looks in a single piece. As is always the case with Birdy Grey, it comes in pretty much every color you can imagine.
A chic flutter-sleeve dress…
It’s hard not to feel like royalty in this satin A-line gown. It has a super deep V-neck, which will let your accessories really shine, and it’s easy to roll up when packing. The delicate fabric might snag, so store it in a cloth bag before you toss in your suitcase.
A printed dress that’s a party on its own…
You won’t outshine the bride, but you’ll definitely get a ton of compliments on this draped cowl-neck gown. It’s a work of art on its own, and the roomy fit is comfortable. Add a pair of strappy heels for the wedding, or tall boots for a night out at home.
A pleated dress that doesn’t require a bra…
Seriously. This one-shoulder dress has a smocked back that hugs you in all the right ways, and the crossover strap in front offers added support. You’ll feel secure and comfortable from the welcome reception to the bouquet toss.
A halter dress you’ll wear year-round…
This is one of those dresses that never goes out of style. The classic silhouette is very Marilyn Monroe-coded, and it works for formal, black-tie, and cocktail dress codes alike. The forest green color is pretty for fall/winter, but you can’t go wrong with any color or print here.
A dress with a touch of whimsy…
We can’t resist a polka-dot moment, especially for an outdoor wedding. We’d pair this moss-green number with a wicker purse and sandals for a beach wedding, or pointed Mary Janes if you’re headed somewhere cooler.
A moody maxi with just the right amount of ruffles…
When we think “fall wedding,” we think of this dress. Add a black leather jacket and tall heeled boots for an edgy-casual city wedding. If you’re headed to a black-tie wedding, add your strappiest heels and a black shawl.
A pleated dress that’s unbelievably comfortable…
This wedding guest dress feels like a blanket, but looks incredibly elegant. The mock neckline and pleated material drape beautifully, and we love the rich colors.
A simple cut-out jumpsuit if you hate dresses…
If you’re not a dress person, a jumpsuit is a chic option. Even with its cheeky cutouts, this jumpsuit is sleek, elevated, and appropriate for formal affairs. Pair it with heels and a metallic clutch.