The best wedding guest dresses, inspired by celebrities

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Stars are no stranger to being the guests of honor — even at weddings.

From Taylor Swift’s frenzy-inducing appearance during Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley’s big day to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s star-studded royal nuptials, celebrities know a thing or two about dressing for the occasion.

So if you have a loved one’s “I dos” coming up on your calendar, why not look to the A-list for a little wedding-guest style inspiration?

Read on to shop a variety of event-appropriate looks inspired by the stars, with expert insights on how to master each dress code (listed from least to most formal).

Semi-Formal

At Marc Jacobs’ 2019 wedding, Gigi and Bella Hadid opted for stylish separates befitting a fashion designer’s big day. GC Images

Stumped about what flies fashion-wise at a semi-formal wedding? Marissa Rubinetti, the VP and COO of famed bridal boutique Kleinfeld, tells Page Six Style shorter styles, jumpsuits and separates are all generally appropriate.

“Consider dressing up your more casual look such as a midi or a sundress with accessories such as a statement necklace or fabulous sandal,” she advises.

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Rivet Utility

Rivet Utility Foxy Silk Jumpsuit

Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg Priyanka Reversible Mesh Dress

J.Crew

J.Crew Collection Fitted Midi Dress

Anthropologie

Amanda Uprichard Sandrine Silk Minidress

Cocktail

Hailey Bieber proved you can wear black to a wedding, rocking an LBD from AZ Factory for a 2017 ceremony. justinbieber/Instagram

For a cocktail look sure to be the toast of the town, consider the location and “balance elegance and comfort,” says Rubinetti. No need for a maxi here, however, as a floor-length formal dress is typically “not required” at cocktail gatherings.

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& Other Stories

& Other Stories Asymmetric Tank Midi Dress

Anthropologie

V. Chapman Virginia Tiered Strapless Corset Midi Dress

L’Agence

L’Agence Voila Cowl-Neck Silk Gown

Neiman Marcus

Cult Gaia Eos Pearl Clutch Bag

Beach

At Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley’s 2023 wedding, Taylor Swift rocked a lightweight lace Erdem look suited to a summer ceremony. Daniel William McKnight for Page Six

If you’re attending a coastal ceremony, lightweight styles in a fresh, fun color palette are a sure (or should we say, shore?) bet — but don’t ditch formality entirely, warns Rubinetti.

“Just because the wedding is on the beach does not necessarily mean casual attire,” she says. “I suggest avoiding black and navy. Stick to light fabrics such as chiffon, lace or tulle and sundresses or maxi dresses.”

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Revolve

Bronx and Banco Megan Minidress

Revolve

Sau Lee Nova Gown

Reformation

Reformation Poppies Silk Dress

Free People/PatBo

PatBo Flower Appliqué Midi Dress

Black-Tie Optional or Formal

Kendall Jenner brought the May flowers in a silk Dolce & Gabbana number at Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s spring wedding in Italy. TheImageDirect.com

Unlike at a black-tie wedding (more on that to come), long evening gowns are “preferred but not mandatory” at this type of soirée.

“A short cocktail dress could be acceptable but this should be mid-length or just above the knee,” says Rubinetti, who also recommends considering “a formal clutch and comfy heels” regardless of which style you select.

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Revolve

Amanda Uprichard x Revolve Simpson Dress

Reformation

Reformation Cassette Silk Dress

Anthropologie

Significant Other Demi Gown

Mansur Gavriel

Mansur Gavriel Mini Cloud Clutch

Black Tie

Kim Kardashian went al out with a black Balenciaga ballgown when Paris Hilton and Carter Reum tied the knot in 2021. kimkardashian/Instagram

As for what’s suitable at black-tie occasions? Guests should wear “evening attire such as floor-length gowns and formal suits or tuxedos,” says the bridal expert, who suggests looking for “darker colors such as black, navy or jewel tones.”

Revolve

Norma Kamali Halterneck Fishneck Gown

Free People

Free People Look Into the Sun Gown

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle High-Neck Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue

Staud Georgina Dress

White Tie

Cynthia Erivo and Ciara dialed up the glam for Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s 2017 nuptials. cynthiaerivo/Instagram

While Rubinetti notes that “there are not many events that require a white-tie dress code” these days, the elegant occasion calls for the most formal of fashions (i.e. floor-length gowns or a black jacket with tails.)

“Stick to dark colors and don’t forget to break out your fanciest clutch!” she advises.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Retrofête Waldorf Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue

Rixo Starburst Sequin Velvet Gown

Neiman Marcus

Alexis Bittar Convertible Shoulder Bag

Shopbop/Cult Gaia

Cult Gaia Bess Shoulder Bag

What to consider — and what to avoid — when picking the perfect dress

Kendall Jenner made headlines when she sported a skin-baring Monôt LBD at her friend Lauren Perez’s wedding reception in 2021. Instagram

Not every dress is cut out for a formal wedding — especially those with cutouts. While stars like Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian have made headlines by donning barely-there black dresses at friends’ wedding receptions, Rubinetti advises against styles that show lots of skin.

“Although dresses with cutouts are fashionable and on-trend, guests attending white-tie, black-tie or formal weddings should skip this trend and save it for a more casual event,” she says, suggesting sporting the styles at a bachelorette trip or afterparty instead.

When hunting for the perfect pieces, the expert also suggests keeping color top mind; while staying away from white and ivory is a well-known rule of thumb, she advises avoiding “colors similar to what the bridal party is wearing,” too.

“If you are unclear as to what type of wedding attire to wear, it is best to check with the couple and follow their suggestions,” she adds. “However, don’t stress them out with what you are going to wear — use your best judgment according to the type of wedding they are hosting.”

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