23 Unusual Dresses for Wedding Guests
Make your mark at any special occasion with the best unusual dresses for wedding guests who want outfits that are as unique as they are elegant
Whoever came up with "twinning is winning" had clearly never turned up to a wedding in the same outfit as another guest. To help you avoid this less-than-ideal scenario, we're bringing you our favourite unusual dresses for wedding guests, hot off the high street for 2020.
While there's nothing wrong with choosing a classic look, we are partial to quirky wedding guest dresses that show off your unique personality. Remember, unusual doesn't mean inappropriate - we're not talking Met Gala levels of sartorial extravagance. Our edit has everything from pared-back and elegant wedding guest dresses to stunning occasion outfits with bright and bold prints, alongside on-trend elements such as statement sleeves and colour blocking.
And because we know how important it is to make weddings more sustainable - including for guests - we've deliberately selected wear-again styles that'll see you through many a future social outing. As always, we’ve also got your budget in mind, and have included dresses with a purse-friendly price tag that definitely don't look cheap, as well as a designer pick or two for those looking to splash out. However much you’re looking to spend, you’ll feel like a fashion leader in one of these fabulous dresses. Happy shopping!
NB: We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
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1. Idol Mixed Print Midi Dress - Topshop, £39
We're getting real Rixo vibes from Topshop's Idol dress, but at a fraction of that cool-girl label's price tag. Pair it with on-trend chunky chain accessories for a catwalk-inspired, boho-goes-tough look.
2. Chakra Short Sleeve Sequin Mini Dress - Needle & Thread, £355
It's not usually ok to wear white for a wedding - unless, of course, you choose a style that's liberally embellished with colour, like the rainbow sequins and lace on Needle & Thread's Chakra dress. We love the flowing tulle shape and delicate butterfly sleeves.
3. Marley Dress - Reformation, £265
We've fallen hard for Reformation's sustainable-fashion designs, and none more so than the Marley dress. This off-the-shoulder midi also comes in cream for a more pared-back look, but for a summer wedding, we love the cool lemon print.
4. Long Tie Dress - Maje, £209
Make your wedding guest look all about grown-up French chic with this red polka dot dress from Parisian label Maje. The figure-skimming silhouette and side cut-outs give it a subtle sexiness.
READ MORE: 29 of the Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
5. Zebra Print Patched Midi Dress - Oliver Bonas, £75
Would you ever think of combining a striking botanical print with zebra? It's lucky that the design team at Oliver Bonas did - this easy-wearing dress is stunning.
6. Belted Blazer Mini Dress - & Other Stories, £120
Sugary pink meets crisp masculine tailoring: this & Other Stories blazer dress is an absolute triumph. The look proves pastels can be sexy rather than just sweet.
7. Open-back Ruched Leopard-print Maxi Dress - Self-Portrait at Net-A-Porter, £144
What makes this Self-Portrait maxi stand out is the monochrome take on animal print, which adds edge to the classically chic silhouette.
8. Sofia Check Print Dress - AND/OR at John Lewis, £89
This ticks a lot of 2020 trend boxes, from the check pattern to the tiered skirt. Styled with the right accessories, AND/OR's Sofia dress is a chic wedding-guest look, but it'll also work as a cool day dress after the event.
READ MORE: The 39 Best Spring Wedding Guest Dresses
9. Embroidered Midi Fringe Dress - ASOS EDITION, £66
ASOS describe this embroidered dress as a midi, but's really a mini with some hot fringe action going on. Whatever the hem length, keep accessories simple so as not to overwhelm the look.
10. Christine Embroidered Maxi Dress - Phase Eight, £225
Phase Eight elevate the classic wedding-guest floral maxi by giving their Christine dress a fishtail skirt - instant evening-glamour vibes.
11. Belted Puff Sleeve Mini Dress - & Other Stories, £95
The shape and colour of this & Other Stories dress give a nod to one of the year's hottest trends, '70s-inspired fashion. However, the fact that they've made it a mini rather than a midi ensures the overall look is totally 2020.
12. Andela Satin Lace Trim Slip Dress - £80, French Connection
Simply pop French Connection's slip dress over a t-shirt-style body suit (better than an actual t-shirt if you want a smooth silhouette) for instant fashion editor appeal, then dress it up with the wedding guest accessories of your choice.
13. Stephanie Floral Dress - Phase Eight, £99
To celebrate 40 years in fashion, Phase Eight went into their archive to find the vibrant print used on their Stephanie dress. We love the '60s feel and the unashamedly joyous colour.
14. Draped Tie-neck Dress - Cos, £99
Cos isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you're a fan of their architectural silhouettes and pared-back style, you're in for a treat with this draped neck-tie dress. The colour makes us think of cloudless summer skies.
READ MORE: 33 of the Most Beautiful Wedding Guest Hairstyles
15. Yellow Bardot Maxi Puff Dress - River Island, £38
This vibrant maxi is pure joy in a dress, from the skirt with just the right amount of volume to the collarbone-baring neckline. Pair with strappy sandals and a carefree attitude.
16. Animal Print Dress - Zara, £29.99
Our love affair with animal print shows no signs of abating - in fact, it's practically reached classic status, and as such, is perfectly acceptable to wear at a wedding. This Zara midi has a beautifully form-flattering silhouette, finished with unusual ruffled straps.
17. Belt Fitted Dress - Mango, £35.99
Bodycon dresses are a staple at formal weddings. Mango adds freshness to this modern classic through the colour of their fitted dress. Olive green makes a change from pastels, and works well against all kinds of metallics when it comes to accessorising your look.
READ MORE: 38 of the Best Cheap Wedding Guest Dresses
18. Glittery Evening Dress - Swing Curve at Navabi, £175
Navabi are like a Net-A-Porter for sizes 14+, with gorgeous looks from some of the world's most stylish plus size designers. This shimmering evening dress is a case in point, with that fabulous ombre effect and semi-sheer skirt.
19. Syllabub Ruffle Mini Dress - Sister Jane, £79
Gingham should be your go-to for instant summer fashion points. We love how this Sister Jane dress combines the pattern with ruffles and yet still manages to look edgy rather than pretty-pretty.
20. Floral Lace Tiered Maxi Dress - New Look, £42.99
This New Look maxi feels so refined thanks to the eau de nil colour, and those tiers really elevate the look. It's like Self-Portrait crossed with Needle & Thread, at a fraction of the price.
21. Mathilde Floral-print Crepe Midi Dress - Faithfull The Brand at Selfridges, £190
It's the colour combination that makes this Faithfull The Brand dress feel so fresh. That sweetheart neckline is sexy, working perfectly against the flowing, figure-skimming silhouette.
22. Capulet Karma Tie Dye Dress - Réalisation Par, £210
Who knew tie dye could look so chic - and sexy? The bias cut and cowl neck of this Réalisation Par dress are super-flattering, and that print puts you ahead in the fashion stakes.
23. Sequinned Midi Dress - Zara, £49.99
Did somebody say fluorescent sequins? Yes, this lime-green midi is a bold look - but bold can often be beautiful. It's a party-perfect look that you can wear again after the wedding.
Outfit sorted? Find out how to be every couple's dream guest with our round-up of 39 of the biggest wedding guest mistakes.
