We’re going to bet you have quite a few weddings lined up this year, and whether you’re headed to a barn or a ballroom event, the dress code is up to the couple. Some like cocktail, others prefer dressy casual and a third group goes all out with formal. Formal wedding guest dresses are fun to shop for because there are so many options out there and it’s hard not to feel like the belle of the ball in an ultra-elegant frock. To get you started on your search, we’ve rounded up the 17 best formal wedding guest dresses to wear to all of your 2022 nuptials.
17 Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Perfect for Fancy Nuptials
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1. Love By Design Athen Plunging Maxi
Best Plunging Neckline
A simple gown with a plunging neckline is a beautiful, elegant option for a formal wedding. This baby blue is sure to highlight your tan (and that high slit will show off your legs and heels, too).
2. Susana Monaco Strapless Dress
Best Strapless Maxi
Yellow is one of the trendiest hues for summer 2022. This muted yellow number has gorgeous side cutouts that connect to an open back, and the A-line silhouette with the strapless, straight-across neckline is very ‘90s, which is so in right now.
3. Nbd Shelby Gown
Best Cowl Neck
We’d definitely buy this even if we didn’t have a formal wedding to wear it to. This stunning satin gown has a flattering high slit and cowl neck, and we can’t say enough good things about the regal dark blue color.
4. Superdown Ryleigh Strapless Maxi
Best Green Dress
Green is definitely one of the hottest colors of 2022, and this dress has a soft, jersey-like fabric with boning in the bodice to give your torso structure. Pair it with gold jewelry and some strappy heeled sandals and you’re good to go.
5. Nookie Jasmine One Shoulder Gown
Best Black Dress
A trio that can’t be beat? A one-shoulder black dress with a high slit. This triple threat is so timeless that you can wear again and again throughout the years.
6. Lush Perfect Night Culotte Jumpsuit
Best Jumpsuit
Sometimes you want to step outside the dress box with a stunning jumpsuit, and this one checks all the boxes. The shiny satin is lined for a supportive fit and the wide legs are great for keeping you comfortable while dancing.
7. Lovers And Friends Hayes Mini Dress
Best Short Dress
OK, we need this dress. The super high neck creates a great contrast when paired with a mini length and low back, and you really can’t go wrong with this light pink shade.
8. Fame And Partners Asymmetrical Drape Dress
Most Customizable
This gorgeous option can be customized to your exact measurements. Just pop your numbers into the Fame and Partners website and you’ll soon receive a dress that was quite literally made for you. Just make sure you order well in advance, since orders take four to seven weeks to be completed.
9. Reformation Marguerite Dress
Best Silk Dress
You’re never going to want to take this lavish silk dress off. The soft silk and romantic silhouette is enough to make us want to wear this every day.
10. Amanda Uprichard Amalia Gown
Best High-Low Gown
The ruffles are by far our favorite part of the dress, but the bright pink is such a great color option for summer. The sweetheart neckline is always a flattering choice, too.
11. Retrofête Dana Dress
Most Elegant Gown
How magnificent is this dress? The asymmetry of the sleeves paired with the high neck and high slit makes this one of our favorite picks on this list.
12. Lulus Still The One Satin Maxi Dress
Best Floral Dress
This dress is a great pick if you’re in the mood for a no-fuss, comfy, maxi dress. One PureWow editor, who wore this floral maxi to a summer wedding, raves about how easy to wear it is and how the deep V-neck complements her chest without showing too much
13. Lulus Alluring Dream Trumpet Dress
Best Lace Dress
Va-va-voom, are we right? The lace overlay is feminine and elegant, plus we love the navy, which is slightly less expected than black but equally versatile when it comes to styling.
14. Vince Camuto Popover Cocktail Dress
Best Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Show off your decolletage in this simple off-the-shoulder midi. Customers mention the material is super supportive but not too tight, which is great if you are looking for a little extra compression.
15. Eliza J Floral Halter Neck Dress
Best Halter Dress
If summer could be summed up in a dress, this would be it. The feminine, flowy feel of this silhouette makes it a no-brainer for a formal outdoor wedding. Halter necks are great to keep you cooled off and we recommend a sleek ponytail to go with it.
16. Monique Lhullier Sequin Tulle Gown
Best Designer Option
Talk about luxury. The lavender shade of this dress has us swooning, and the subtle sequin details in the floral print elevate the formal look of this more casual silhouette.
17. Lulus Radiant Ruby Chiffon Dress
Best for A Beach Wedding
Chiffon is a breezy material for warm days, and this fun, tropical pattern is perfect for dancing the night away.