15 best places to buy wedding guest dresses
Find wedding guest dresses for women for every style and occasion
Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
Shopping for wedding guest dresses can be tricky. Sure, the dress code listed in the invitation helps! But beyond "casual," "formal," and "black-tie," it can be hard to figure out just which dress to wear to your next big celebration. We've rounded up 15 of the best places to shop for your next dress. From summer wedding guest dresses, to formal and black-tie gowns, to casual and beach weddings, we've got something for everyone, in a range of inclusive sizes.
1. For black-tie wedding guest dresses: Nordstrom
Shop styles from Nordstrom for the next black-tie wedding you attend.
Sizes: XXS-4X Prices: $$-$$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: Accepted on a case-by-case basis
Our top picks from Nordstrom:
- City Chic Ripple Love Off the Shoulder Maxi Dress from $68 (Save up to $101)
- Alfred Sung Strapless High/Low Ballgown for $242
- Dress the Population Georgina One-Shoulder Crepe Gown for $248
Whether you’re looking for short, midi, or maxi dresses, Nordstrom is a great place to shop for black-tie wedding guest dresses. You can sort through styles by occasion—casual, cocktail, or formal—and narrow it down by style, size, and color. Oh, and because Nordstrom sells a lot more than just dresses, you can find matching shoes and accessories there, too. We love the Strapless High/Low Ballgown from Alfred Sung for its classic styling that you'll want to wear over and over again.
Best of all, if the dresses you order don’t work out, Nordstrom has one of the best return policies in the business. The retailer will take just about anything back—and that’s coming from a former employee.
Shop wedding guest dresses at Nordstrom
2. For summer wedding guest dresses: Lulus
Lulus is an excellent choice for fall weddings, with dresses in interesting textiles and styles.
Sizes: XXS-3X Prices: $$-$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: 30 days; 10 days for free shipping
Our top picks from Lulus:
- How Much I Care Midnight Blue Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress for $69
- My Whole Heart Dark Navy Blue Long Sleeve Wrap Dress for $99
- Spectacular Feeling Burgundy Embroidered Faux Wrap Midi Dress for $126
If you're wondering where to buy summer wedding guest dresses, Lulus makes it a breeze. Within its wedding guest shop, you'll find silhouettes broken down by category. Little black dresses, midi dresses, maxi dresses, long sleeve wedding guest dresses, off-the-shoulder dresses, and sleeveless dresses are all offered by the retailer. We love the How Much I Care Midnight Blue Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress, offered in two elegant wedding-friendly colors: Midnight blue and dark green.
Not sure which you want? Instead of sorting by category, you can narrow down your search by size, color, neckline, sleeve length, dress length, and/or price.
Shop wedding guest dresses at Lulus
3. For elegant wedding guest dresses: Eloquii
For elegant mini, midi, and maxi styles in plus-sizes, shop Eloquii.
Sizes: 14-28 Prices: $$-$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: 30 days
Our top picks from Eloquii:
- Satin Maxi Dress from $45 (Save up to $105)
- Kimono Sleeve Maxi Dress for $45 (Save $75)
- Twisted Shoulder Sheath Dress for $50 (Save $50)
If you’re in the market for plus-size wedding guest dresses, Eloquii is a great store to peruse. The fan-favorite store offers a variety of casual and party dresses, all in an inclusive range of plus sizes. And, if you think you might be more comfortable in a cocktail-ready jumpsuit, you can snag one of those, too. We love the Kimono Sleeve Maxi Dress for taking a classic little black dress and updating it with kimono sleeves.
Shop wedding guest dresses at Eloquii
4. For wedding guest gowns: Rent the Runway
Who said you have to spend an arm and a leg for a dress you'll wear one time? Try these high-style rentals from Rent the Runway.
Prices: $-$$ Sizes: regular and extended Return policy: On a case-by-case basis
Our top picks from Rent the Runway:
- Rent the Sandro Agnetta Dress for $35
- Rent the Staud Florence Gown from $54
- Rent the Alémais Luella Midi Dress from $69
Want an extravagant wedding guest dress without breaking the bank? Turn to Rent the Runway. The fully rentable service allows you to rent top designer dresses—like the incredible Luella Midi Dress by Alémais—at a fraction of the cost. Simply type in your zip code, size, and anticipated dates of your rental (and return), and you're good to go. Choose between four to eight-day rentals, and consider this our little secret.
Shop all dresses from Rent the Runway
5. For cocktail-attire weddings: Anthropologie
Headed to a wedding with cocktail attire dress code? Anthropologie has you covered.
Sizes: XXS-3X Prices: $$$-$$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: 60 days
Our top picks from Anthropologie:
- Sachin & Babi Sloane Taffeta Double-Bow Pleated Midi Dress for $298
- Significant Other Demi Backless Long-Sleeve Column Gown for $286
- V. Chapman Vera Dress for $525
If you're looking for a cocktail dress for a wedding, Anthropologie is all about artistic staples with a bohemian air. The brand does wedding guest dresses so well that its selection often sells out. That said, they make it easy to sort through the hundreds of dresses available. You can filter by size, color, sleeve length, dress length, price, brand, neckline, and occasion. If you have something specific in mind, you’ll be able to quickly decide if Anthropologie has what you’re looking for. For us, it doesn't get more classic than the Vera Dress by V. Chapman, available in women's sizes 0 to 13 in a gold floral brocade.
Shop wedding guest dresses at Anthropologie
6. For summer wedding guest dresses: Amazon
Amazon has plenty of options for the price-conscious wedding guest.
Sizes: XXS-4X Prices: $-$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: Accepted on a store-by-store basis
Our top picks from Amazon:
- Simple Flavor Women's Floral Evening Flare Vintage Midi Dress 3/4 Sleeve for $34
- Blencot Womens Casual Floral Deep V Neck Long Sleeve long Evening Dress Cocktail Party Maxi Wedding Dresses for $50
- Merokeety Women's Sleeveless Lace Floral Elegant Cocktail Dress Crew Neck Knee Length for Party for $50
Amazon might be best known for its lightning-fast grocery, home goods, and tech deliveries. But it also has an impressive selection of wedding guest dresses. It's a particularly great retailer if you’re hoping to spend a little less on your party dress for the wedding season.
Most notably, you won’t have to wonder whether the lower price means sacrificing quality. Amazon is filled with reviews featuring in-depth accounts of how they work for real-life shoppers. While other retailers also have rating systems, few compare to the detail and massive quantity of reviews on Amazon. This Sleeveless Lace Floral Cocktail Dress from Merokeety, for example, has over 17,000 reviews, with reviewers praising its soft and comfortable material.
Shop wedding guest dresses at Amazon
7. For contemporary weddings guest dresses: Macy’s
For a modern wedding, try modern styles, available at Macy's.
Sizes: 0-24 Prices: $-$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: 90 days
Our top picks from Macy's:
- Xscape Lace-Sleeve Chiffon Gown for $139
- Adrianna Papell Colorblocked Overlay Jumpsuit for $179
- Alfred Sung Women's Boned-Bodice Square Neck Evening Gown for $281
At Macy's, you can filter between formal, cocktail, casual, work, and going out dresses—but we particularly like the retailer for their contemporary wedding guest dress options. You can filter the thousands of dresses by size, dress length, sleeve length, brand, color, and price preferences. Or, to make it even easier on yourself, you can jump straight to their wedding guest category of over 800 dresses, including this stylish and modern Colorblocked Overlay Jumpsuit by Adrianna Papell.
Shop wedding guest dresses at Macy’s
8. For formal wedding guest dresses: BHLDN
BHLDN isn't just for the bridal party, shop styles that are perfect for guests, too.
Sizes: 0-26 Prices: $$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: 30 days
Our top picks from BHLDN:
- Antonia Georgette Dress for $108 (Save $118)
- Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress for $168
- Dylan Satin Charmeuse Dress for $248
BHLDN—Anthropologie's wedding arm—is a wonderful place to look for more formal wedding guest dress options. It's technically a bridal retailer, so many of the silhouettes most appropriate for wedding guests are bridesmaid dresses. That said, the dresses are modern, stylish, and comfortable as can be. They’re versatile options for guests and the wedding party alike. We're particularly fond of the Cali Satin Charmeuse Dress for it's classic design, available in 14 colors in women's standard and plus-sizes 0 to 26.
Shop wedding guest dresses at BHLDN
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9. For midi wedding guest dresses: Dillard’s
Dillard's has plenty of midi-length dresses to choose from.
Sizes: XXS-3X Prices: $-$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: Accepted on a case-by-case basis
Our top picks from Dillard's:
- Alex Evenings Square Neck 3/4 Sleeve Scalloped Lace 2-Piece Jacket Dress from $209
- Eliza J Illusion Boat Neck Short Sleeve Sequin Embroidered Floral Lace Midi Dress for $298
- Mac Duggal Beaded V-Neck Sleeveless A-Line Midi Dress from $359 (Save up to $209)
In addition to offering straight sizes, Dillard's offers plus-size wedding guest dresses, as well as petite and maternity options. You can sort through them by one of the many categories, including cocktail, maxi, midi, formal, and gown options. Like Nordstrom, because Dillard’s sells more than just clothing, you’re likely to find the accessories you’ll need, too. For an option that'll glitter from the ceremony to the reception, consider this Sequin Midi Sheath Dress from Mac Duggal, available in women's sizes 2 to 24.
Shop wedding guest dresses at Dillard’s
10. For casual wedding guest dresses: Lilly Pulitzer
For more casual weddings, consider these vibrant dresses from Lilly Pulitzer.
Sizes: 00-16 Prices: $$$-$$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: 30 days
Our top picks from Lilly Pulitzer:
- Valli Shift Dress for $198
- Shawnlee Elbow Sleeve Off-The-Shoulder Cotton Midi Dress for $248
- Bingham Lace Midi Dress for $248
If you’re going to a beach wedding or a more casual affair, Lilly Pulitzer is a good place to look for dresses. In addition to its signature colorful prints, Lilly also offers an array of solid colors in silhouettes ranging from mini to maxi. We love the Shawnlee Elbow Sleeve Off-The-Shoulder Cotton Midi Dress for a stylish shoulder-baring option.
If you don’t want to sift through its entire offering, you can filter by shift, A-line, fit-and-flare, fitted, straight, swing, maxi, and set styles. The brand also carries shoes and accessories so you can do all your shopping in one place.
Shop wedding guest dresses at Lilly Pulitzer
11. For the wedding where you want to make a splash: ASOS
Ready to make a splash at the next wedding you attend? Asos has modern, unique, dancefloor-ready options.
Sizes: XS-3X Prices: $-$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: 28 days
Our top picks from Asos:
- Asos Design twist front off the shoulder midi dress in forest green for $85
- Asos Design high neck pleated long sleeve skater midi dress with embroidery in navy for $40 (Save $39)
- Whistles high neck midi dress in green sequin for $110 (Save $189)
Headed to your most fashion-conscious friend's wedding? Make a style statement with a bold wedding guest dress from ASOS. You can sort selections for style, sleeve length, dress type, and neckline. You can also filter out which dresses are responsibly made, which is certainly applaudable.
While the retailer has a wide variety of different dresses, the vast majority are best for cocktail and semi-formal occasions. For a style that'll look great in all the wedding photos, consider the Asos Design twist front off the shoulder midi dress in forest green.
Shop wedding guest dresses at ASOS
12. For long wedding guest dresses: David’s Bridal
A classic wedding retailer, David's Bridal has many long formal gowns in a range of inclusive sizes.
Sizes: 0-26 Prices: $$$-$$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: 7 days for returns; 60 days for exchanges
Our top picks from David's Bridal:
- Oleg Cassini off-the-shoulder ruched sheath with buttons for $200
- Oleg Cassini plus size ombre sparkle metallic ball gown for $250
- Oleg Cassini floral embroidered illusion a-line from $300
Shopping for a semi-formal, formal, or black-tie wedding? David’s Bridal has hundreds of long dresses to choose from, no matter the dress code. While they do have designated wedding guest dresses, you can also check out the bridesmaids’ dresses, as well. Plenty of the silhouettes can easily work for a guest. We love these options from Oleg Cassini (one of Jackie Kennedy's go-to designers in the 60s), especially the off-the-shoulder ruched sheath with buttons.
One of the best parts about David’s Bridal is that in addition to the typical categories, you can sort dresses by fabric. So, if you’re uncomfortable in polyester, you can filter it out. Genius, don’t you think?
Shop wedding guest dresses at David’s Bridal
13. For beach wedding guest dresses: Free People
For any beach wedding, Free People has light, airy options that'll keep you stylish.
Sizes: S-XL Prices: $$$-$$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: 30 days for a full refund; anytime thereafter will be met with a merchandise card
Our top picks from Free People:
- Georgia Hardinge Starlet Mini Dress for $342
- Bronx & Banco Goddess Gown for $350
- Retrofete Atlas Dress for $425
Trying to nail down how to dress for a beach wedding? Free People is another great to shop for styles for events with more informal dress codes. While it has tons of different everyday dresses to choose from, your best bet is to focus primarily on their party category. Our top pick is the playful and printed Retrofete Atlas Dress.
The dresses are casual yet elevated, making them the most worthy of a wedding. Keep in mind that Free People's styles are so trendy and well-liked that they often sell out. It’s best to shop ahead if you’re shopping here.
Shop wedding guest dresses at Free People
14. For the Instagrammable wedding: Revolve
Turn up the style and get your best angles ready for these photo-ready dresses from Revolve.
Sizes: XS-XL Prices: $$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: 60 days for returns; 90 days for exchanges
Our top picks from Revolve:
- Norma Kamali x Revolve Slip Fishtail Dress for $179 (Save $36)
- Amanda Uprichard x Revolve Avani Gown for $260
- Sabina Musayev Ophelia Dress for $335
Hoping to look as stylish as possible at the wedding? Revolve should be on your radar. The retailer is home to dozens and dozens of high-end brands just waiting to help you put your best photo-ready foot forward. We are obsessed with this Avani Gown from Amanda Uprichard that uses vibrant hot pink and candy-apple red to make a serious style statement.
It has a wide variety of casual, cocktail, and semi-formal dresses that you can choose from. And, to make it as easy as possible, it has a designated category specifically for special events like weddings.
Shop wedding guest dresses at Revolve
15. For daytime wedding guest dresses: Farm Rio
Farm Rio dresses are designed to catch your attention, no matter what sort of event you're headed to.
Sizes: XS-XL Prices: $$$$ Return/Exchange Policy: 30 days
Our top picks from Farm Rio:
- Red Sweet Jungle Midi Dress for $192 (Save $48)
- Off-White Macaw Bloom Mini Dress for $215
- Black Ainika Sparkle Long Sleeve Maxi Dress for $315
Farm Rio is the place to go if you believe that more color equals better. Farm Rio’s sustainable silhouettes are great for beach wedding guest dresses, or other more casual wedding situations. You can choose between mini, midi, and maxi styles, as well as flowy or more form-fitting silhouettes. If you don’t end up liking what you order, no worries—returns and refunds at the retailer are a cinch. For an unforgettable transitional option, consider the Black Ainika Sparkle Long Sleeve Maxi Dress.
Shop wedding guest dresses at Farm Rio