Where to buy wedding guest dresses depends on the style you want, but the best places are Nordstrom Rack, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. We found the top 10 stores to shop, 6 styled wedding guest outfits and 13 more dresses and accessories, each with a link and the price.
Top 10 Stores to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses
The best stores for wedding guest dresses carry classic midi lengths, sleeves, designer labels and a wide size range. Here are the top 10 places we shop first, and what each one is best for. Our favorite for finding a polished look quickly is Nordstrom Rack.
- Nordstrom Rack is best for designer wedding guest dresses at prices that often start around $50. It carries labels like Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld Paris and Maggy London, and the stock changes often, so it is the first place we check. It is also our top pick for a polished look in a hurry.
- Macy’s is best for classic midi dresses from labels like Lauren Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. It is a strong one-stop shop for dresses, jackets and jewelry, and it carries petite and plus sizes.
- Dillard’s is best for occasion dresses with sleeves from brands like Adrianna Papell and Lauren Ralph Lauren. Its wedding guest selection leans modest, with three-quarter sleeves and flattering midi lengths.
- Bloomingdale’s is best for polished designer dresses from labels like Donna Karan New York. It suits a wedding guest who wants a refined, high-end look with clean lines.
- Neiman Marcus is best for black tie and evening weddings. It carries luxury gowns from designers like Tadashi Shoji, so it is the place to look for a floor-length dress.
- Saks Fifth Avenue is best for lace, beaded and evening dresses with elegant sleeves. It is a good choice for a formal or winter wedding.
- Ann Taylor is best for tailored, classic midi dresses that look polished at any wedding. It is a good source for petite sizes and for dresses with a refined, old money feel.
- Ralph Lauren is best for timeless wraps, scarves and accessories that finish a wedding guest outfit. Its pieces bring the classic old money look that works season after season.
- Revolve is best for stylish heels and trend-forward wedding guest shoes. It is a good stop for the final piece of an outfit, like a pointed-toe pump.
- Tommy Hilfiger is best for crisp navy fit-and-flare dresses with a clean, preppy finish. Its dresses are easy to wear all day and work for both day and evening weddings.
Why Is Nordstrom Rack a Great Place to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses?
Nordstrom Rack is a great place to buy wedding guest dresses because it carries designer labels like Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld Paris and Maggy London at prices that often start around $50. The selection changes often, so you can find a new dress every time you look. Many of our readers find their favorite looks there, and you can see more Nordstrom Rack finds on the Best Outfits Today homepage.
Quick Summary
The most appropriate wedding guest dress is a knee-length or midi dress with sleeves in a rich color like navy, burgundy, emerald or soft floral. Buy it from Nordstrom Rack or Macy’s for classic styles, or from Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus for formal gowns. Avoid white, ivory and cream.
What Should a Wedding Guest Wear?
A wedding guest should wear a dress that fits the dress code, is modest in length and sleeves, and is never white, ivory or cream. A midi dress in a rich color with a light jacket or wrap, low heels and small jewelry works for most weddings.
Wedding Guest Dresses and Outfits to Shop
1. Floral Wrap Dress
Shop This Outfit: Calvin Klein Floral Long Sleeve Chiffon Wrap Dress, $44.97
A long-sleeve floral wrap dress is flattering, covered and easy to wear from the ceremony to the reception. Pair it with pointed-toe pumps, gold earrings and a small clutch.
2. Burgundy Georgette Midi Dress
Shop This Outfit: Lauren Ralph Lauren Self-Belt Long-Sleeve Surplice Georgette Midi Dress, $185
A burgundy georgette midi with a belted waist is a classic fall and winter wedding guest look. The surplice neckline and long sleeves keep it modest and elegant.
3. Navy Pleated Midi Dress
Shop This Outfit: Ann Taylor Pleated Polo Midi Dress with Long Sleeves, $209
A navy pleated midi with long sleeves is timeless and polished, and it works for almost any dress code. Add pearls and a metallic clutch for an old money finish.
4. Lace Balloon-Sleeve Midi Dress
Shop This Outfit: Tadashi Shoji Lace Balloon-Sleeve Midi Dress, $438
A lace midi dress with balloon sleeves is a romantic choice for an evening or formal wedding. Keep the jewelry simple and let the dress stand out.
5. Emerald Midi Dress with a Cropped Jacket
Shop This Outfit: Calvin Klein Tulip Sleeve A-Line Midi Dress, $49.97 + Calvin Klein Cropped Open Front Jacket, $149
An emerald tulip-sleeve midi dress is bright without being loud, and a cropped gray jacket adds coverage for a church ceremony. It is a smart outfit for a spring or fall wedding.
6. Floral Organza Midi Dress
Shop This Outfit: Adrianna Papell Floral Printed Organza V-Neck Midi Dress, $178
A floral organza midi with three-quarter sleeves is soft, feminine and perfect for a garden or daytime wedding. Pair it with nude heels and small drop earrings.
Shop More Wedding Guest Dresses
These dresses are all easy to wear to a wedding, from soft florals to sleek solids and a formal gown.
Wedding Guest Accessories
The best accessories for wedding guests are heels you can walk in, a small clutch, simple jewelry and a light wrap for the ceremony.
What Colors Are Appropriate for a Wedding Guest?
The most appropriate colors for a wedding guest are navy, burgundy, emerald, dusty blue, blush and soft florals. Women should avoid white, ivory and cream, because those colors are reserved for the bride. Black is fine for most evening weddings unless the couple asks for something else.
What Length Is Best for a Wedding Guest Dress?
The best length for a wedding guest dress is a knee-length or midi hem. A floor-length gown is right for black tie weddings, and a very short hem is best avoided.
What Fabrics Look Best for Wedding Guest Dresses?
The best fabrics for wedding guest dresses are crepe, georgette, chiffon, lace and satin. These fabrics drape well, resist wrinkles and look polished in photos.
What Should You Not Wear to a Wedding as a Guest?
Wedding guests should not wear white, ivory or cream, very short or backless dresses, or anything that looks like a bridal gown. Casual fabrics like denim and jersey are also best left at home.
Shop More Outfit Ideas on Best Outfits Today
For more classy outfit ideas, visit the Best Outfits Today homepage, where we share new Nordstrom Rack and designer finds every week. These guides are a good next stop:
- Wedding guest outfits for more styled looks for every season.
- Winter wedding guest outfits for cold-weather ceremonies.
- Semi-formal outfits for dressier events.
- Mother of the bride outfits and the top stores to shop for them.
- Bridal shower outfits for the bride and her guests.
- Church outfits for modest and classy dresses.
- Casual old money outfits for a timeless, elegant look.
Where to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses FAQs
Where is the best place to buy wedding guest dresses?
The best places to buy wedding guest dresses are Nordstrom Rack, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Nordstrom Rack is best for designer labels at lower prices, and Neiman Marcus and Saks are best for formal gowns.
What is a wedding guest dress?
A wedding guest dress is a dress that is polished, modest and appropriate for a wedding, usually in a midi or knee length with sleeves or a light layer. It is never white, ivory or cream.
Where can you buy wedding guest dresses in person?
You can buy wedding guest dresses in person at department stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus, and at Nordstrom Rack and Ann Taylor stores. Trying a dress on in person helps you check the fit and length.
What is the best store for designer wedding guest dresses?
The best stores for designer wedding guest dresses are Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. They carry labels like Donna Karan New York and Tadashi Shoji.
How early should you buy a wedding guest dress?
A wedding guest should buy a dress about four to six weeks before the wedding. That leaves time for shipping, returns and any alterations.
What colors should a wedding guest avoid?
A wedding guest should avoid white, ivory, cream and any color that looks like a wedding gown. Very bright neon colors can also draw attention away from the couple.
What is the best length for a wedding guest dress?
The best length for a wedding guest dress is knee-length or midi. A floor-length dress is best for black tie weddings.
Why is Nordstrom Rack good for wedding guest dresses?
Nordstrom Rack is good for wedding guest dresses because it carries designer labels like Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld Paris and Maggy London at prices that often start around $50. The selection changes often, so there is always something new to shop.
Key Takeaways
- The best places to buy wedding guest dresses are Nordstrom Rack, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
- Nordstrom Rack is the top pick for designer wedding guest dresses, with prices that often start around $50.
- A midi dress with sleeves in navy, burgundy, emerald or soft floral is the safest wedding guest choice.
- White, ivory and cream are reserved for the bride and should be avoided by guests.
- Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue are best for black tie gowns and lace evening dresses.
- A light jacket or wrap, low heels and a small clutch finish a wedding guest outfit.
- A wedding guest dress is best bought four to six weeks before the wedding.
