What silhouettes will work best for my body type?

Every body type is different and everyone should feel empowered to wear whatever makes them feel the most stylish and confident. Some universally flattering silhouettes are A-line , empire-waist, sheath, wrap, and fit-to-flare .

What are some flattering necklines?

This all depends on what features you're looking to emphasize. If you want to showcase your shoulders, opt for off-the-shoulder , one-shoulder, strapless, or halter necklines. For those who want an outfit with a sexier cut, plunging necklines, and scoop neck silhouettes are flattering, elongating, and alluring.

What colors should guests avoid wearing to a wedding?

Although not all brides choose to wear white , it's generally a good rule of thumb for guests to avoid wearing anything white, cream, or ivory.

18 Best Plus-Size Wedding Guest Dresses of 2021

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One of the best parts about attending a wedding is that it's the perfect excuse to dress up and showcase your unique personal style. As a wedding guest, you'll want to choose an outfit that not only follows the dress code, but makes you feel beautiful and confident too. The good news? This season’s dresses are all about party-ready silhouettes designed to celebrate and accentuate your figure.

If you're stuck on what to wear to an upcoming wedding, let the season and dress code guide you in the right direction. If you're attending a black-tie wedding in the winter, opt for formal floor-length gowns, with glittering embellishments, and figure-flattering silhouettes that hug you in all the right places. Headed to a casual summer wedding? Mini and midi dresses in floral prints and bright patterns are always a cheery and appropriate choice. No matter your size or shape, you can rest assured that there's a wedding guest dress out there that will flatter your frame and spotlight your style.

Read on for the best plus-size wedding guest dresses for every dress code and season.

For a Black-Tie Wedding: Mac Duggal Sequin Long Sleeve Gown

sequin dress — Courtesy of Lord & Taylor

Attending a black-tie wedding? Consider donning head-to-toe sequins for a truly dazzling and glamorous look. We love this shimmering style with a bold red lip and minimal accessories.

Most Flattering Color: ASOS Design Curve Exclusive Pleated Midi Dress

Stuck on what color to wear to a spring wedding? Opt for a dress in a beautiful blush hue. This pretty pink color is flattering on all complexions and can easily be dressed up or down.

Most Sexy: Lulus Black Bodycon Dress

This figure flaunting and sexy dress was born to be danced in, and is the perfect transition piece to take you from the aisle to the afterparty.

Most Statement-Making: Lavish Alice Floral One-Shoulder Faux Wrap Minidress

If you're not one to shy away from bold prints and vibrant colors, then you'll love this eye-catching number. From its one-shoulder neckline to its unique print and flattering faux-wrap silhouette, you'll be sure to look stunning in every photo.

For a Beach Wedding: Anthropologie Silk Halter Midi Dress

We love this swoon-worthy style for destination weddings and seaside nuptials. Highlight the halter neckline with shoulder-grazing earrings–and don't forget to pack your sand-friendly espadrilles!

Best Pattern: Reformation Orange Grove Dress

A citrus print is a great alternative to a traditional floral pattern. It's fresh, fun, and instantly classic. Wear this fruit-flocked dress with casual espadrilles and minimal jewelry for a laidback summer look.

For a Spring Wedding: BHLDN Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress

Stun at spring or summer weddings in this dusty blue slip dress. Designed with a flattering cowl neckline and a thigh-high slit, this style is equal parts sophisticated and sexy.

Best Little Black Dress: Reformation Long Sleeve Dress

Not all little black dresses are created equal. A flattering square neckline, sexy thigh-high slit, and gently gathered long sleeves are just a few details that set this one apart from the rest.

For a Tropical Wedding: Maeve Tropical Wrap Caftan

Headed to a destination wedding? This tropical print dress is a must-have for any warm-weather nuptials. Its bright colors and relaxed silhouette make it particularly fitting for a beach wedding.

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Guest Attire

For a Backyard Wedding: Reformation Meadow Dress-oos

For an utterly romantic outdoor wedding, set in a luscious garden or an intimate backyard setting, this floral gown is a stylish and practical choice. Its smocked bodice is super comfortable and flattering, while the midi-length skirt is ideal for walking across grass-covered venues.

Best Bright Color: Hutch Colorblocked Bow-Tie Maxi Dress

At once bold and effortlessly chic, this bright, colorblocked dress will stand out in all of your photos. Style yours with sandals and colorful jewelry for a playful look.

For a Casual Wedding: Eloquii Off the Shoulder Dress with Puff Sleeves

You can't go wrong with this alluring off-the-shoulder dress in a fresh green hue. This springy style is perfect for casual warm-weather weddings.

For the Minimalist: Baacal Bias Slip Dress

You'll undoubtedly be the best-dressed guest in this impossibly chic slip dress. Stunning on its own or with accessories, this style is perfect for a chic city wedding with a minimalist aesthetic.

For a Summer Wedding: Eloquii Tie Front Full Skirted Maxi Dres

Bright and cheery dresses are a must-have for any of your summer weddings on deck this year. We love the contrast of these two unexpected colors, and the playful nature of the cut-out bodice.

For a Winter Wedding: Jenny Yoo Velvet Maxi Dress

Stylish and warm, a velvet long-sleeve dress is the perfect ensemble for a winter wedding. This body-hugging style comes in five beautiful colors from french blue (pictured) to dramatic dark berry.

Best Under $50: Who What Wear Floral Print Balloon Long Sleeve Dress

You don't have to sacrifice style when it comes to staying within a certain budget. This floral frock is a stunning choice for all of your upcoming weddings and rings in under $40.

Most Playful: Tanya Taylor Floral Dress

Have some fun with your look and opt for a bright floral print. This mini dress from Tanya Taylor practically screams summer wedding, and is perfect for the guest who is unabashed by statement-making colors.

Best Budget: Torrid Floral Maxi Dress

There's no denying that attending a wedding can be hard on your wallet. Luckily, this gorgeous style won't break the bank and is versatile enough to be worn to a wide array of weddings.

What to look for in a plus-size wedding guest outfit

When shopping for a wedding guest outfit, it can be helpful to narrow down your options by picking silhouettes that work best for the season, dress code, and for your body type. Certain silhouettes like A-line, empire waist, and fit-to-flare are some of the most flattering cuts out there – no matter your shape or size. For formal affairs, opt for floor-length gowns with dazzling details like beaded embellishments and trendy puff sleeves. Attending a more casual celebration? Opt for mini dresses or wrap silhouettes in flirty floral prints and soft pastels. And don't forget about necklines! From off-the-shoulder to square and deep–V, there are scores of pretty necklines out there perfect for highlighting the shoulders and décolletage.

FAQ

What silhouettes will work best for my body type?

Every body type is different and everyone should feel empowered to wear whatever makes them feel the most stylish and confident. Some universally flattering silhouettes are A-line, empire-waist, sheath, wrap, and fit-to-flare.
What are some flattering necklines?

This all depends on what features you're looking to emphasize. If you want to showcase your shoulders, opt for off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, strapless, or halter necklines. For those who want an outfit with a sexier cut, plunging necklines, and scoop neck silhouettes are flattering, elongating, and alluring.
What colors should guests avoid wearing to a wedding?

Although not all brides choose to wear white, it's generally a good rule of thumb for guests to avoid wearing anything white, cream, or ivory.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.

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