:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fb-bf0014ff9b794bdea2c940a8d0fcdd5f.jpg)
Photo by Rachel Pearlman Photography
The buzzy cottagecore trend is one we absolutely love for weddings given its idealized take on clothing worn in rural settings, like a country home or during a rustic retreat that skews super romantic. “From the nubby knits and homespun charm detailing to peter pan collars and embroidery, the cottagecore trend makes for the perfect romantic aesthetic for any wedding guest dress," shares Caroline Maguire, fashion director at Shopbop.
Simply put, think lace and frills, puff sleeves, full skirts, high necklines, and super pretty floral prints. However, it is important to note that while cottagecore is inherently feminine, it can easily skew casual when relaxed fabrics and silhouettes are at play. So for a dressier result, Maguire says details will help to elevate any wedding guest look. Among her favorites are voluminous shapes like a balloon or mutton sleeve, pin-tuck shoulders, ruffled and tiered skirts, and demure necklines.
With all this in mind, for those attending a wedding this year and looking for a fresh take on wedding guest attire, we've got you covered. Keep scrolling to discover the best cottagecore-inspired dresses, including lots of florals, fresh colors, and feminine flourishes.
Best Square Neckline
Free People Ain’t She A Beaut Midi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/download-2-d2d172e34a3649eb8b3ed7486ae3a499.jpg)
Courtesy of Free People
Size: XS-L | Materials: Cotton | Length: Ankle
This square-neck dress is a stunner when it comes to wedding guest attire, featuring signature cottagecore details like voluminous puff sleeves, a fitted waist, and a full skirt. Keep the elegant detailing as the focal point, and pair yours with natural-colored accessories for an effortless finish.
Best Florals
The Vampire's Wife The Villanelle Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/01-a096482b3ccc4f009d7ad0cf8b549560.jpeg)
Courtesy of Selfridges
Size: UK 6-18 | Materials: Cotton | Length: Tea
It doesn’t get more quintessentially cottagecore than this floral dress, featuring puffed shoulders, blouson sleeves, a ruffled hem, and a high round neckline. Style yours with a barely-there sandal to offset the demure design.
For a Summer Wedding
Tove Ceres Cotton Midi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Tove-eed6dd7594214b42b00f958609ac52d4.jpg)
Courtesy of Tove
Size: FR 34-42 | Materials: Cotton | Length: Midi
This beautifully gathered dress sets a feminine tone while striking a chord in a bright yellow. The delicate bow ties and full skirt steer it further in a romantic direction—a look we love for a wedding in the summer.
For a Winter Wedding
Autumn Adeigbo Jade Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/02-ebe35c2a2ad14c8da3528ea47b8fcdf1.jpg)
Courtesy of Shopbop
Size: 0-14 | Materials: Jacquard | Length: Ankle
This metallic jacquard print maxi dress puts a bold and vintage-inspired spin on the cottagecore aesthetic. Take your look up a notch and pair your ensemble with a solid strappy sandal in forest green or black.
Most Simple
Mie Havana Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/03-66f7b0bd369c469aa57353c641052376.jpg)
Courtesy of Shopbop
Size: XS-3X | Materials: Linen | Length: Floor
For warm-weather nuptials, this linen maxi dress is the perfect way to master the cottagecore look. We love how the minimal silhouette masterfully balances the bold sleeves and buttoned-up front.
For a Spring Wedding
Zimmermann High Tide Belted Embellished Midi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/04-68658b3ee9b5418b84aebe1be250fac7.jpg)
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size: 00-4 | Materials: Linen | Length: Midi
This purple and pink dress is demure yet striking, featuring a fitted bust, belted waist, and relaxed skirt. We love it for a springtime wedding when there’s a hint of chill in the air.
Most Playful
LOVESHACKFANCY Dandy Maxi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/05-034d56d1226745d28662719a509e21ae.jpeg)
Courtesy of LOVESHACKFANCY
Size: 00-14 | Materials: Linen | Length: Midi
This midi dress combines a frothy palette of pink with feminine florals and puff sleeves. Offset the playfulness with a simple white, pink, or silver sandal to not detract from the whimsical design.
Best Knit Option
Reformation Banks Knit Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/06-78561f1bb6db4b4dba660e8a8c9045b7.jpeg)
Courtesy of Reformation
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Knit | Length: Tea
Long sleeves and a sweetheart neckline bring balance to this minimal knit dress that's at once modern and sweet. Style yours with a delicate sandal and straw mini bag for outdoor “I do’s.”
Most Vibrant
Farm Rio Red Secret Garden Organic Cotton Midi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/07-8a4570444083400db790d295eab1b36e.jpeg)
Courtesy of Farm Rio
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton | Length: Ankle
When it comes to cottagecore, there’s no sleeve too puffy or skirt too full. Enter: Farm Rio’s printed maxi, featuring ample proportions and an enchanting patterned motif.
Best Mini
For Love & Lemons Merrill Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/08-42e17e2df59b419287d2444948988215.jpeg)
Courtesy of For Love & Lemons
Size: XXS-2X | Materials: Recycled polyester | Length: Mini
If extra is your vibe, this bright floral number is your ultimate cottagecore wedding guest dress. The bold puff-sleeve sleeves are, indeed, the focal point, made even better when combined with the sweetheart neckline and mini hemline.
Best Column Silhouette
Kika Vargas Metvi Column Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/09-a9a1d9ce97ca4e0ebd6e6c6484a2c9a2.jpeg)
Courtesy of Farfetch
Size: XS-L | Materials: Taffeta | Length: Midi
Corseted waists often define the cottagecore trend, but this dress proves you can opt for a looser fit and still master the look. The taffeta fabric and voluminous sleeves are fanciful as ever, especially when paired with a pretty pair of delicate sandals or heels.
Best Slip
Doen Calsi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/10-916fb3f5ee194424b69fe8a139d6e269.jpeg)
Courtesy of Doen
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Silk satin | Length: Midi
This gorgeous slip dress still hits the cottagecore aesthetic, with more of a modern vibe. The silky fabric and ruffled trim feel elegant and luxe, with a vintage feel, to boot.
Best Cutouts
Mara Hoffman Banditta Shaina Cutout Maxi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/11-ba44e4a06c204baa951a81c9fa82a48e.jpeg)
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Organic cotton | Length: Ankle
If the puff sleeves and side cutouts weren’t captivating enough, you’d earn the title of best-dressed guest in this number thanks to the gorgeous abstract print alone. Delicate white sandals and a colorful bag are the perfect finishes in the spring or summer.
For a Casual Wedding
Sleeper Atlanta Linen Dress in Coral
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/12-33314a234a354b69b3691c80f8a8135b.jpeg)
Courtesy of Sleeper
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Linen | Length: Midi
With long puffed sleeves, this midi-length linen dress is a romantic option for a casual summer wedding or daytime nuptials in the spring. It comes in various colors and prints, too, including darling gingham checks and delicate blooms.
For a Semi-Formal Wedding
Selkie The Puff Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/12-646404e285f5456cb13110f450650136.jpeg)
Size: XS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini
Here for a mini? We love it. This all-black number is wedding-guest approved in our book, featuring three-quarter-length puff sleeves and a voluminous skirt.
Vintage-Inspired
Christy Dawn The Callan Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/13-52d9bbebfa0b4d81a5ca71fbd5a1e345.jpeg)
Courtesy of Christy Dawn
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Regenerative cotton | Length: Midi
This vintage-inspired dress is our pick for a wedding at a rustic venue. Riff off the gathered skirt detailing and style your look with black sandals and delicate jewelry.
For a Beach Wedding
Ulla Johnson Fontaine Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/16-f7e31afe0e2b4e549f077475075e080b.jpeg)
Courtesy of Ulla Johnson
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Regenerative cotton | Length: Midi
Cottagecore, but make it beachy in this ruffled dress featuring a vintage tapestry fabric design. To offset the voluminous silhouette, we love a simple sandal and a modern mini bag.
Most Modern
Christopher Esber Balconette Chiffon Bra Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/01-da6c5c498ab64f14b8fbca487035c262.jpeg)
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Size: 0-10 | Materials: Chiffon | Length: Floor
This green dress is so darling for a relaxed wedding in a garden, a vineyard, or a beautiful backyard. We love it styled with strappy sandals and pearl jewelry for an ultra-feminine look.
For a Daytime Wedding
Reformation Baxley Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/reformation-baxley-dress-69aa316d9dcf4cbf95bdae35340ff5bd.jpg)
Reformation
Size: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose | Length: Midi
This baby blue dress is as sweet as can be for daytime nuptials held in the summer. The sweetheart neckline, flutter shoulders, and column skirt are fully cottagecore, with a formal touch à la the middle split.
Best Ruffles
LIKELY Dannia Floral Tiered Ruffle Cutout Belted Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/03-de563d6c99604008aefba2821f8c4abc.jpeg)
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Size: 0-12 | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Midi
This tiered dress is perfect for a formal wedding, boasting feminine touches like a high neckline and three-quarter sleeves. For a glamorous finish, opt for metallic accessories, like heels, a bag, and drop earrings.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Cottagecore Wedding Guest Dress
As with all wedding guest attire, you always want to be mindful of the dress code, season, and location of the event. Since cottagecore can oftentimes skew a bit more casual, it's best to stick with this aesthetic if attending a relaxed celebration. However, if you'd like to embrace this style for a formal affair, be sure to incorporate accessories in order to dress up your look a bit more. Don't be afraid to play around with texture and patterns as well, since cottagecore is an aesthetic that lends itself to unique prints and unexpected looks.