Maxi Dress to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest

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Brides / Chloe Jeong

One of the best parts about attending a wedding is that it's the perfect excuse to dress up and showcase your unique personal style. While finding a plus-size wedding guest outfit may have seemed difficult in the past, today, there are plenty of size-inclusive options that will flatter any body shape.

If you're stuck on what to wear to an upcoming wedding, let the season and dress code guide you in the right direction. However, in general, there are a few features you should always look for in a wedding guest outfit: the silhouette, neckline, and material. For example, a winter black-tie wedding usually requires floor-length silhouettes, while mini dresses with bright colors and lightweight fabrics are ideal for casual summer weddings. We researched various plus-size wedding guest dresses available with these features in mind to help you find an option that fits your style. Some of our top picks include the Mac Duggal Sequin Long Sleeve Gown, ASOS DESIGN Curve Exclusive Pleated Midi Dress, and Lulus Forever Your Girl Black Bodycon Dress.

When choosing the color of your outfit, it's best to avoid picking white, ivory, or cream and the bridal party's color. If unsure, you can ask the bride or bridal party in advance.

Read on for the best plus-size wedding guest dresses for every dress code and season.

Courtesy of Lord & Taylor

Attending a black-tie wedding? Consider donning this floor-length, sequin dress for a dazzling look. We love that the v-neckline and thigh-high slit add a sexy and dramatic touch, while the knotted front provides a trendy look. It's made of 100 percent polyester and comes fully lined, so you'll have a lightweight yet warm and comfortable fit. Style this with a bold red lip and minimal accessories.

Courtesy of ASOS

We love this fit-and-flare dress for its flattering shape and color. The beautiful blush hue looks great on all complexions, while the silhouette complements any body shape. The pleated detailing and tie waist adds elegance, while the v-neckline provides a little bit of drama. The knee-length makes it a great pick for weddings in warmer weather, like spring or summer. Wear this with strappy heels and statement earrings for a bold look, or dress it down with sandals and studs.

Courtesy of Lulus

With a v-neckline, princess-seamed bodice, and wrap skirt with a bodycon fit, this mini dress from Lulus exudes sexy. Like any classic LBD, this is the best transition piece to take you from the aisle to the afterparty. Made from polyester, rayon, and spandex, it has a stretchy and comfortable fit. While we're partial to the black shade, it does come in more lively colors, like bright pink and royal blue, if you're shopping for a spring or summer event.

Courtesy of Reformation

We love the citrus print on this maxi dress as an alternative to a traditional floral pattern. It's fresh, fun, and instantly classic. The tie straps and flounced hem skirt feel romantic, while the scoop neckline and fitted bodice add a dramatic flair. It's made of viscose fabric that has a lightweight and dry handfeel, making it ideal for warm-weather weddings. Wear this fruit-flocked dress with casual espadrilles and minimal jewelry for a laidback summer look.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Stun at spring or summer weddings in this simple yet elegant slip dress. Designed with a flattering cowl neckline and a thigh-high slit, this style is equal parts sophisticated and sexy. It comes in various colors, from this dazzling amber shade to ice blue to deep burgundy, so you can find a color that suits any season. The ankle-length makes it appropriate for formal weddings, but you could don this number at more casual events, too. It's made of lightweight polyester fabric, so it won't make you overheat in warmer weather. Pair this with statement earrings and heels for a completed look.

Courtesy of Reformation

A flattering square neckline, sexy thigh-high slit, and gently gathered long sleeves are just a few details that set this LBD apart from the rest. It has a fitted bodice and a full skirt, making for a silhouette that flatters various body types. Made of lightweight fabric, this maxi-length dress can get you through any event all wedding season long.

Courtesy of Reformation

For an utterly romantic outdoor wedding set in a luscious garden or an intimate backyard setting, this floral gown is a stylish and practical choice. Its smocked bodice is super comfortable and flattering, while the midi-length skirt is ideal for walking across grass-covered venues. We also love the square neckline, puff sleeves, and flounced hemline for a dreamy spring look. Pair it with block heels and a woven clutch for a laid-back look.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Bold and effortlessly chic, this bright, color-blocked dress will stand out in all of your photos. We love the large bow detail at the strapless neckline, and the maxi silhouette makes it ideal for formal and casual events. As a bonus, this dress even has pockets so you could skip a clutch if you travel light. Made of cotton, polyester, and spandex, this dress is stretchy and comfortable. Style yours with sandals and colorful jewelry for a playful look.

Courtesy of Eloquii

If you're invited to a casual wedding, you can't go wrong with this alluring off-the-shoulder dress in a fresh green hue. It has a flattering fitted bodice and a-line skirt, and the midi length makes it ideal for warm-weather weddings. It's made of cotton and spandex for a stretchy and lightweight fit. Pair it with a pair of nude heels and simple jewelry for a polished look.

Courtesy of Eloquii

Bright and cheery dresses are a must-have for any of your summer weddings, and this Eloquii dress fits the bill. We love the contrast of these two unexpected colors and the playful nature of the cut-out bodice. The full sweep maxi skirt flatters various body shapes, and the tie front adds a trendy look. It's made of 100 percent rayon, so you know it's lightweight enough to carry you through the summer wedding season. Style it with strappy heels or colorful sandals for a completed look.

Courtesy of Torrid

There's no denying that attending a wedding can be hard on your wallet. Luckily, this gorgeous style won't break the bank and is versatile enough to be worn to a wide array of weddings. We love the flattering v-neckline and the puff sleeves add a timeless and elegant look. The floral pattern makes it a great pick for spring and summer weddings, while the maxi length makes it appropriate for formal and casual events. Made from nylon and spandex, it has a comfortable fit. Style it with strappy sandals for a finished look.

What to look for in a plus-size wedding guest outfit

When shopping for a wedding guest outfit, it can be helpful to narrow down your options by picking silhouettes that work best for the season, dress code, and for your body type. Certain silhouettes like A-line, empire waist, and fit-to-flare are some of the most flattering cuts out there – no matter your shape or size. For formal affairs, opt for floor-length gowns with dazzling details like beaded embellishments and trendy puff sleeves. Attending a more casual celebration? Opt for mini dresses or wrap silhouettes in flirty floral prints and soft pastels. And don't forget about necklines! From off-the-shoulder to square and deep–V, there are scores of pretty necklines out there perfect for highlighting the shoulders and décolletage.

FAQ

• What silhouettes will work best for my body type?

  Every body type is different and everyone should feel empowered to wear whatever makes them feel the most stylish and confident. Some universally flattering silhouettes are A-line, empire-waist, sheath, wrap, and fit-to-flare.

• What are some flattering necklines?

  This all depends on what features you're looking to emphasize. If you want to showcase your shoulders, opt for off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, strapless, or halter necklines. For those who want an outfit with a sexier cut, plunging necklines, and scoop neck silhouettes are flattering, elongating, and alluring.

• What colors should guests avoid wearing to a wedding?

  Although not all brides choose to wear white, it's generally a good rule of thumb for guests to avoid wearing anything white, cream, or ivory.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.

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Source: https://www.brides.com/gallery/plus-size-wedding-guest-dresses

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