Call it the AC (After Covid) effect but with the quantity of ‘I Do’s filling our diaries, it is clear that there is no longer such thing as ‘wedding season’.
While nuptials may have once been reserved for the summer months or Christmas period, the influx of makeup celebrations after lockdowns (one, two and three) means that the weather will not dampen any perspective brides or grooms from tying the knot – but this has only exacerbated the already challenging task of the wedding guest ensemble.
Shopping for that perfect look requires consideration – namely, theme and venue. Where will it be held? Will you need long sleeves or layers? And most importantly of all, what is the dress code? Don’t fall into the traps of opting for pared-back neutral hues in winter and bright florals in summer. Mix it up, get playful and consider nude or black tights if needed. If you want to dance, make sure it’s not too restrictive – the same is true if you want to maximise the buffet. Give yourself some breathing room so you can enjoy the nuptials to its fullest.
The cost of living crisis paired with consideration for the planet means you need not invest in a new outfit for every single one of the innumerable events on your calendar – but this requires a versatile garment that can take you from the heatwave to the uncertainty of the British winter with ease. And that’s all without factoring in the further flung events that require a plane ticket and multiple looks for multiple parties.
When a big bash is looming and the sartorial panic starts to set in, consider this to be your Yellow Pages of fashion labels to browse.
No matter the dress code, the brands below specialise in the fine art of the wedding guest dress in order to nail your occasion wear – whether it is in fact a wedding, or any black tie event or celebration.
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Ghost
Price range: £95-£225
Delivery: Standard (three to five days - £4.95), Next Day (£7 or free over £250)
Whether you’re looking for bridesmaid or traditional guest wear, Ghost has inspiration aplenty with floral or classic minimalistic styles. The royal or muted colour palette are set on retro tea or empire silhouettes with fluted or draped sleeves and ruffles.
Buy now, Ghost
Galvan
Price range: £575-£5,995
Delivery: Standard (three to six days - £5), Next (£8) and Premier (£12)
A favourite among stylish brides, Galvan’s instantly recognisable collections are made up of lustrous satin constructions. The effortless slip dresses are ideal for cocktail parties with midi, mini and maxi silhouettes. Made from high quality materials, these are expertly crafted pieces that will stand the test of time - not in the least because they are minimalistic and timeless.
Buy now, Net-A-Porter
Rixo
Price range: £195-£345
Delivery: Standard (three to six days - £5), Next (£8) and Premier (£12)
Inspired by vintage designs, Rixo’s vibrant prints make exceptional wedding guest dress fodder with feminine and elegant pieces. The silhouettes are retro yet timeless and with the right accessories, they can take you from day to night with ease. Each one is made in small batches to reduce the possibility of that awkward moment when you show up wearing the same outfit as another guest.
Available at:
- Harrods
Buy now, Net-A-Porter
Karen Millen
Price range: £23-£535
Delivery: Standard (up to five days, £4.99), Next Day (£5.99) and Same Day (£9.99).
Since joining the PrettyLittleThing family, Karen Millen has had a total rebrand and now offers fashion staples on the more formal end of the spectrum. The tailored selection gives bank for your buck with classic silhouettes that are embellished in line with the latest trends, whether that’s with feather embellishments or cut-outs.
Buy now, Karen Millen
ASOS
Price range: £5 - £235
Delivery: Standard (£4 or free over £35), Next Day (£5.95), Premier Delivery (next day £9.95 a year).
No matter the dress code, the online fashion destination has the styles to suit. From its own-brand ASOS Design collection and its acquisition of the Topshop label, to the likes of & Other Stories, Closet London, and French Connection, there’s over 4,000 pieces to choose from - just make sure you use the filters on size, length and colour to narrow down your search.
Buy now, ASOS
16 Arlington
Price range: £395-£2,695
Delivery: Standard (£5), and Next Day (£8)
If your budget can stretch, London-based label 16 Arlington combines sharp Scandinavian tailoring with dance floor-ready glamour that will become staple parts of your party wardrobe. Embellishments like sequins and feathers are frequent motifs throughout the collections.
Also available at:
Buy now, Harvey Nichols
Reformation
Price range: £80-£705
Delivery: Free standard and nominated over £150 with code: UKFREEDEL
Sustainable label Reformation harks from LA and as such, has that effortless laid-back style associated with the West Coast. The brand launched wedding dresses back in 2017 and that extended past ensembles purely for the bride to include bridesmaid as well as guest wear aplenty. There are styles at all hem lines and classic, sweetheart and scoop necklines but they are generally characterised as lightweight and flowy with a boho edge.
Available at:
Buy now, Reformation
Never Fully Dressed
Price: £69-£99
Delivery: Standard (two-five day- £2.95) or Next Day (£9.95)
Whether you are looking for something floaty and dancefloor-ready or fitted and covered-up for church ceremonies, Never Fully Dressed has you covered with its signature style. The label is known for its use of bold prints that ensure that even if you opt for the more pared-back among the selection, you’ll still be making a statement. Think leopard, zebra and abstract designs.
Buy now, Never Fully Dressed
ROTATE Birger Christensen
Price: £120-£560
Delivery: Standard (three to six days - £5), Next (£8) and Premier (£12)
Danish label ROTATE Birger Christensen turns traditional Scandi minimalism on its head with 80s inspired prints that are bold, unique and living your lightly padded shouldered dreams. With maxis, midis and minis, there’s billowy constructions as well as generous cutouts to flash a bit of skin. Pair with heels and a clutch and you’ll have an effortless but chic wedding guest ensemble.
Available at:
Buy now, Net-A-Porter
The Attico
Price: £404-£3,950
Delivery: Standard (four days - £12) and Express (next or two days - £18)
Attend the nuptials filling your social calendar in disco-worthy look care of The Attico. The label references old Hollywood glamour with designs that are anything but subtle. The aesthetic is all about opulance, extravagance and vintage styling - but always with a sensual edge. There’s colour, a mix of texture (from sequins to feathers) and intricate detailing.
Available at:
Buy now, The Attico
Needle & Thread
Price: £195- £775
Delivery: Standard (Free over £300 or £5.95) or Next Day (£7.95)
Voluminous tulle, ruffles, and feminine styles is the MO of Needle & Thread - a go-to label for elegant evening wear. The brand doesn’t do things in halves and the dresses reflect that with special occasion gowns that are intricately detailed and embroidered. They come in mini, midi and floor-grazing as well as in sizes 4 to 22.
Available at:
Buy now, Needle & Thread
Warehouse
Price: £9- £280
Delivery: Standard (£3.99) or Next Day (£5.99)
Celebrate your friends, family or loved ones in style with wedding guest dresses from Warehouse to suit all occasions. If the nuptials are small and intimate, look to floral patterned midis, while if it’s a destination or an all out rave, there’s slips, sequins and ruched looks. Bank balance friendly.
Buy now, Warehouse
Omnes
Price: £9- £280
Delivery: Standard (two to three days - £3.99) and Next Day (£5.99)
Wedding guest dressing with a nod to sustainability, Omnes is a climate positive label that will eliminate your pre-nuptial woes. The label is sustainable yet still affordable and brimming with quality pieces that will take you from pub to party with ease. From the one-colour classic silhouettes that you can pair with accessories for a different look each time, to the bolder zebra and animal prints, there’s something for minimalists and maximalists alike.
Buy now, Omnes
The Vampire’s Wife
Price: £695- £2,500
Delivery: 90 minute (£18), Premium (£12), Next Day £8), Express (two to three days - free over £200 or £5)
The Vampire’s Wife has a very distinctive signature style. The dresses have been worn by everyone from Kate, Princess of Wales to Sienna Miller and have a fitted silhouette with a nipped in waist, voluminous shoulders and a ruffle-trimmed hem and sleeves. In midi, mini and gown lengths, they can be styled for every occasion but really not much is needed as the glittering lame texture speaks for itself.
Buy now, MatchesFashion
