fashion
By Olivia Dubyak
•
Published Apr 11, 2023
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We’re totally jealous that you have a beach wedding in your travel plans this summer, and if you’re stuck on what you’re going to wear at the seaside ceremony, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Beach wedding guest dresses come in a range of styles, from fitted mini dresses to ruffled maxis, so it’s all about your personal preference.
Meet the Expert
Amberly Reese is an expert stylist atStitch FixShe’s involved in assisting shoppers customize their wardrobe picks to align with their styles and what will complement their body.
What to Wear to a Beach Wedding
There's not a definitive checklist of musts for what to wear to a beach wedding, but guidelines sure do help. Beach weddings typically have a light, airy and bohemian essenceto them,but that doesn’t meanglamorous,black tie-esqueoptions are excluded.
Most couples declare a dress code for theirspecial dayto guide you to the right style selections. While neutrals are always a hit, and a top ask from clients for Stitch Fixstylist Amberly Reese, you have other options, too. "Maximalism—amashup of saturated shades and boldprints—isour clients’ second-favorite trend for the year, according to the2023 Style Forecast," she says. Brands like Amanda Uprichard, Farm Rio, boutique brands from Anthropologie and even Reformation have gorgeous vibrant pattern and coloroptions.
Where material is concerned, linen is a great choice for more casual nuptials but it isn't always the dressiest of options. "When thinking about destination and beach weddings, you’ll see the Beachcomber trend in full force!Beachcomber—ablend of tropical prints and breezy fabrics as a take on 'Vacationcore' (a TikTok fashion term our clients identified as the trend of the year in2022!)—bringsthe vacation-wear aesthetic into the day-to-day wardrobe," continues Reese.
For a fancier beach wedding, asatin or chiffondress may suit the occasion better. The length you decide on is definitely more of a personal choice, so if you feel the most beautiful in a mini dress, by all means go with a mini dress, it will definitely keep you the coolest.
What to Avoid Wearing to a Beach Wedding
Stay away from heavier fabrics and overly layered silhouettes to ensure you're staying cool all nightlong—and looking seasonallystylish. Reese also recommendspickingsomething your body feels comfortable in. "I always recommend my clients choose a dress they can dance and move freely in—silhouettes that are too tight, short or restricting should be avoided to ensure you’re able to have fun and not worry about what you have on,"she tells us. While we recommend maybe steering clear of deep, dark jewel tones, there are a few exceptions here. If you're going to pick a dark green dress,for example,maybe opt for a high slit or spaghetti straps to offset thewintery hue. A burgundy dress may give you a fall vibe, but if that's your color, grab a dress with a floral pattern and airy fabrics to give it that beachy feel.
How We Chose the Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
When it comes to picking our top choices for the best beach wedding guest dresses, wefocused onthe fashion rules for the seasonal and venue style. The beach is typically a warm yet breezy setting with airy, tropical vibes. This means the most important aspects in a dress to consider are the fabrics and colors. The dresses ahead are top sellers or ones that embody the stylistic guidelines we previously stated. We also like to stick with brands we know and love,andcan attest to the high-quality of the products.
Here, our top 23 choices for beach wedding guest dresses.And one more protip:Don’tstress over the shoes. Your toes will be in the sand anyway.
Top 5 Beach Wedding Guest Dresses At A Glance
- Best Overall: Anthropologie One-Shoulder Midi Dress
- Cutest Nautical Style: Ralph Lauren co*cktail Dress
- Most Unique Dress: Let Me Be Slim Bubble Dress
- Best Boho Style: Love the Label Spaghetti Maxi Dress
- Sleekest Keyhole Neckline: Baobab Dalia Maxi Dress
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- Why We Love It: asymmetrical ruffles, three color options
- Size Range: 00 to 16
This dress may beblack,but thefeminineruffles will mimic the look of the waves for a beachier feel. The ruffles have anasymmetricalalignment for a more unique look,too. Thisone-shoulder option is available in black, white and red as well as standard, petite and plus sizes. The dress is cotton and has a rayonlining, which makes itlightweight and breathable.
- Why We Love It: white bow, one shoulder
- Size Range: 0 to 18
Made of a buttery soft satin charmeuse, this dress would be a supremely comfortable choice for a long day celebrating the happy couple. It has an asymmetrical neckline decorated with a pretty whitebow, and thewhite and navygives it asleek nautical vibe perfect for a beachside wedding.
- Why We Love It: bubble top, fitted skirt
- Size Range: XXS to XL
Looking for a unique take on a wedding guest dress? We're used to seeingbubble detailing at the bottom of skirts and dresses,but this one bubbles at the chest. It falls about 39-inches from the bust and the back has a slitto make walking and dancing easier.You can get this dress in black or aqua, but of course, we recommend the blue for the seaside effect.
- Why We Love It: fun pattern, center slit
- Size Range: XS to L
If your style is a little more on the boho side, you're going to love this dress. It has a sundress vibe, so it's a great pick for wedding that has a more casual dress code. It has a button-up closure and you can make the slit as high or low as you'd like. Plus, the back is open and has atie for a more customizable fit.It's made of 100 percent cotton so it's nice and breathable for a night on the beach.
- Why We Love It: keyhole opening, low back
- Size Range: XS to XL
We're truly head over heels for this dreamy green shade. The criss-cross neckline with the keyhole opening is very classy and the open back is gorgeous to highlight yoursummerglow. The glossy material is partially lined and has a side seam slit so you can show off your legs, too.Reviewers say it'ssuper lightweight andbreathable,so even if you're baking in the sun during the ceremony, at least you're not sweating in a suit like the guys.
- Why We Love It: pleated skirt, asymmetrical shape
- Size Range: 0 to 16
If you're looking for a little more coverage, thisdressoffers plenty of fabric on the sleevesand skirt.This style can definitelyfit in duringany season orfor any wedding, so you can rewear it for your friend's fall barn weddingwithout feeling out of place.The lightweight chiffon will catch the ocean breeze beautifully and it comes in three colors.
- Why We Love It: cute pattern, tie neck
- Size Range: XS to XL
We love this cute mini dress for a tropical wedding. It has a sleek exotic pattern and the tie neck would pair nicely with a beachy hair style. The asymmetrical hemline is pretty short, so if that makes you nervous, you may want to opt for a slip or shapewear underneath. It's unlined, which means the dress won't be super supportive, but the pattern will help keep from anything looking see through.
- Why We Love It: bubble hem, five colors
- Size Range: XXS to XL
Thisflirty, high-low stylehas a bubblehem,which adds some fun dimension to the silhouette. The back has a smocked panel to give you some extra stretch and an opening underneath to show a little extra skin. It comes in five colors and is made of a lightweight cotton for a comfortable option during a hot day. If you have a larger chest and need a little more support, you can tighten the adjustable strapsfor additional security.
- Why We Love It: cowl neck, asymmetrical hem
- Size Range: XS to XL
A simple slip dress is a great pick for a summer or beachy wedding. The minimalist silhouette won't feel heavy on your body as you dance the night away and it's not form fitting so you can leave some room for your food baby after dinner and dessert. Plus, we love the dreamy light pink shade, too.
- Why We Love It: beaded straps, criss-cross back
- Size Range: 0 to 10
Linen is the best lightweight fabric choice to keep you cooled off on the sunny beach. Thisstyle has beadson the straps to add a little detail to the drawstring-link neckline. The straps continue into a criss-cross pattern on the back and the skirtis pretty straight,so you may not be able to easily drop it like it's hot.
- Why We Love It: high slit, criss-cross back
- Size Range: XXS to 3XL
A dreamy maxi gown with a high slit is a wonderful choice for a beachy setting. "[I] love the material and thelength," reports one customer. "Thedress is simple but the slit adds so much to it [and] the color is exactly what I was looking for and I'mobsessed!" Thelight fabric will catch the sea breeze while the A-line silhouette keeps you comfortable while you dance the night away. A few customers mention that the dress can run a bit on the smaller side, so make sure you consult the size chart before you add to cart.
- Why We Love It: layered ruffles, high slit
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
We love thisultra-feminineoption with ruffled tiers and straps.The midi length is great if you don’t want the bottom of your dress to hit the sand. It has a high slit so you'll be able to comfortably move and groove all night long. "The fabric is thick so it holds everything in like shape wear, but comfy at the same time," says one customer. Plus, it's available in ten gorgeous colors. Customers say it runs a smidge tight, so refer to the size guide before you buy.
- Why We Love It: silk, six colorways
- Size Range: 0 to 12
A buttery soft silkdress screams luxury. This gorgeous stylehas a fitted bodice with stretch smocking in the back so it doesn’t squeeze you too tight, and adjustable tie straps for customizable length. If you have a larger chest, this dress may not be the best for you since the cups are so defined, but consulting the size chart is never a bad idea. It’s available in six colorways, all of which are beautiful choices.
- Why We Love It: open back, adjustable straps
- Size Range: XXS to xL
Ashort,skater silhouette will fit a more dressed down wedding,and we love this pick for its detailedpattern, breezy chiffon material and low back. A few reviewersmentionit can fit a little big in the chest if you have smaller breasts, but onesuggestsdouble-sidedtape does the trick to keep you feeling secure. You can choose between the shades rose pink and dusty blue.
- Why We Love It: cowl neck, 23 colors
- Size Range: XS to XL
This stunner has more than 7,900 five-star ratings on Amazon, and we’re obsessed with the basic silhouette and satin material. "The cowl neck is super cute—make sure to tighten straps all the way for the full effect," mentions one customer. She goes on to say that she didn't need to wear a bra when she tightened the straps correctly. Another reviewer says it washes well, too. You can choose between 23 different colors and patterns, and customers mention it runs a bit small, so grab a size up.
- Why We Love It: draped neckline, asymmetrical hem
- Size Range: XS to XL
Are you as in love with this draped mock neckline as we are? This co*cktail dress has an asymmetrical length and an open back to keep you cool in the humid beach temps. It has a halter closure around the neck and the ruched detailing on the side is super flattering. While we’re partial to the green, you can also grab this one in red or black.
- Why We Love It: floral print, ruffles
- Size Range: 0 to 12
Headed to a tropical location for your bestie’s nuptials? We recommend a dress like this maxi. We love that the high slit is decorated with a ruffled hemline, and reviewers mention they're wearing this for tons of occasions from summer weddings to graduations. Most customers say this one fits true to size, too, so grab your go-to size in dresses. Full of beautiful colors and flower prints, this fun option is destined to see a beachy sunset and a sandy dance floor.
- Why We Love It: V-neckline, eight colors
- Size Range: XS to XL
Keep the seaside theme by going with something elegant but light. This satin dress has a simple silhouette with a mid-thigh slit and that’s all it really needs to look formal and beachy. The waist is fittedandflares out into a flowy skirt for a twirl-worthy look on the dance floor. Reviewers mention it runs on the smaller side, so you may want to opt for a sizebiggerthan your usual.It's available ina fun range of colors, but we recommend the lavender, sage or slate blue shades.
- Why We Love It: tie straps, ruffle hem
- Size Range: XXS to 3XL
A satin dress for a wedding is a go-to for us. We love the square neck and bow details around the shoulder straps and waist for a bit of femininity. The chest has darted cups to add a little structure to the bodice, but the fun skirt is separated by that adorable tie waist. The side slit is great for showing a little leg, but we like it for the extra room when we drop it low on the dance floor. We hope you'redecisive, becausethis dress comes in a whopping 29 color options.
- Why We Love It: one shoulder, high slit
- Size Range: XXS to XL
You can never go wrong with a classic LBD. This fitted option has one shoulder strap and subtle ruching along the midsection that will hug your curves for a flattering fit. If you're headed to a classy black-tie beach wedding, this one can easily be accessorized with a bold colorful heel or pair of earrings to addan unexpected popto your look. The shoulder strap has a second strap that connects on the back to make sure your chest is supported all night long, too.
- Why We Love It: halter style, two fun color options
- Size Range: XS to XL
The halter tie on this dress drapes into a long bowfor a little drama.The bold hue will highlight your tan and you’ll have room for an extra piece of cake thanks to theloosersilhouette. The crepe fabric is lightweight, so if the reception is also on the beach, you'll stay cool throughout the event. Grab this one in pink or a bold blue hue.
- Why We Love It: strapless, jacquard floral pattern
- Size Range: XS to XL
A flouncy strapless number will have you twirling allnight. This Lulus pickhas a chiffon jacquard floral pattern that gives it a luxuriousvibe, and the bodice’s top layer is so adorable for a beachy, breezy wedding. It comes in fivecolors, andreviewers recommend going up a size,because the chest fits pretty narrowly. The chiffon is nice andbreathable, too,so you won't be sweating in the sun during the ceremony.
- Why We Love It: asymmetrical hem, ruching
- Size Range: XXS to XL
A pale blue is stunningat sea or on land.Thisasymmetricaldress has ruching fromtop to bottomto accentuate yourshape, plus spandexblended into the polyester to give the dress some stretch and sculpting. While it's only available in this blue shade, we couldn't have chosen a better hue for a seaside wedding. Plus, it will showoffthat tan you've developed if you arrived a couple days early.
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Olivia Dubyak
Commerce Editor
Olivia Dubyak is PureWow's Commerce Editor and textbook Capricorn. She studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has gone from New York City to...
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