I'm Entering My Wedding Guest Era—19 Dresses on My Shortlist

I have waited years to be the girl who attends multiple weddings a year. I'm always envious of those who go to dozens in a single season, yearning to have that many close friends. Finally, last year, three of my closest friends got engaged—and suddenly my dreams of being a wedding guest came true.

However, much to my surprise, finding The Dress is proving more difficult than I imagined. The weddings in question are in June, September, and October. First in New York, and then the latter two in Los Angeles.

In addition to finding a dress, I have to find the perfect shoe and clutch to go with each one. That’s nine items in total, at the very least. As previously stated, I’m not much of a dress girl to begin with, so shopping my closet isn’t an option here. I only own black dresses, and they aren’t formal enough for a wedding.

There are a few black dresses I've seen recently that I love, largely on the Calvin Klein Collection front. Anything from '90s Calvin I would make an exception for, like this one from 1998 (great with these Manolos), or this one with perfectly skinny straps. I can’t wear gray with my fair skin, but this is unbelievable, even for a bride! But I am trying to stay away from a black dress for these weddings—a little challenge for myself.

Typically, I gravitate to vintage. I dread looking across the room to see someone else wearing the same dress as me; I can’t imagine the humiliation. If I didn’t care about that, it would be easy for me to wear this number from Dôen (another here).

For the June wedding, I found a lovely Alfalo dress on markdown from Poshmark. It's quite similar in color to this from Reformation. I plan on bringing a shawl or wrap of some sort, like this one from Emily Dawn Long that I’ve had my eye on for a while. I’m thinking of pairing it with these earrings from Completed Works and this Lalique ring. These are also special— it looks like they are referencing Margiela’s ice cube jewelry from Spring 2006. Especially with this necklace—almost an exact match.

I keep coming back to this buttery Aflalo number, I think it’s the perfect wedding guest dress with the rosette detail. Easy pairing with these Sophie Buhai dangling pearls and this clutch.

This silk option from Matteau is beautiful, the halter adds a nice elevation to it. I’d pair with these Emme Parsons sandals.

Rohe has some options I’m looking at for the fall, like this dusty brown with pankou closures (on trend!) and her similar sister in black. Another option for fall is this La Ligne navy ruched dress. A drop waist flatters my long torso quite well. For a strapless option, this from SIR has a really subtle pattern; typically I avoid those out of fear of Doing It Wrong.

I wanted to save the best for last. This mermaid dress from Tory Burch is my ideal WGD (Wedding Guest Dress) with its bright blue color and asymmetrical skirt. Mostly high on my list because it reminds me of this perfect blue skirt from Chloe Spring 2003. I’d pair with the classic Maryam Nassir Zadeh Olympia Wedge. I got my first pair in 2018 and they are still going strong! One of the most worn shoes in my closet. I think a pop of red here elevates the look. Finishing touch: this satin pouch from Sophie Buhai.

I am hoping by the time my October wedding rolls around this Ulla Johnson number will be on markdown. I recently discovered my color analysis is Soft Summer, so this is the ideal color for my skin tone. I’d pair with this clutch from Dôen and these heels that I’ve been waiting to purchase for the perfect occasion.

I would really like to wear something from Giovanna Flores to a wedding, like this one. Everything Flores makes is from recycled materials. This dress on a balmy summer night with a silver heel is what I am really striving for here.

I think if you can shop vintage for a wedding guest dress then it’s worth doing. The colors and patterns are more exciting and it’s always rewarding to find something that’s just right. Dolce & Gabbana was doing it right in the early 2000s.

I almost pulled the trigger on this 2009 Margiela for my June wedding. I’ve also always wanted to wear a skirt set like this one. Such darling colors that remind me of Ralph Lauren 2003. Finally, more options from Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.