This post is sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue.
Do I technically have a wedding to attend? Yes—my own. Which means I’ve been deep in the world of special occasion dresses lately. With four daughters, six bridesmaids, and two moms (one in-law), I’ve been scrolling through a lot of options. Along the way, I found a few that would be perfect for wedding guests, too. This one from Alice + Olivia? I kind of wish I had another wedding to attend that wasn’t mine—just so I’d have an excuse to wear it.
These 3 Wedding Guest Dresses Deserve an Invite
Some dresses just hit different. I’ve been doing a lot of wedding guest dress scrolling lately, and this one from Alice + Olivia made me pause mid-scroll (and immediately add to cart). It’s not your average floral. It’s structured, a little unexpected, and just fun—the kind of dress that makes you feel good the second you zip it up. Flattering, comfy enough to actually wear all day, and eye-catching in the best way.
(And if florals aren’t your thing—or this one just doesn’t feel like you—I’ve got two more dresses below that are just as wedding-guest-worthy, depending on the vibe you’re going for.)
1. Romantic Florals: Alice + Olivia Structured Lantern Dress
One of the coolest parts of this dress? The adjustable straps—but not in that obvious, bra-strap-hook-on-the-back way. When I first tried it on, I actually thought I’d need to break out the stitch gun or take it to a tailor. But turns out, the straps are sewn with this genius hidden loop system under the top of the dress, so you can tighten or loosen them without it being visible. The result? It looks like it was tailor-made for you—but you can easily tweak the fit depending on what you need. It’s thoughtful little design details like this that take a dress from good to really good.
Another reason this dress feels so elevated (and honestly worth the $300+ price tag)? No bra required. I didn’t have to worry about slippage, weird gaping, or whether the girls were going to stay put. Even without any kind of bra, I felt totally supported—no visible nipples, no flimsy fabric, nothing flopping around. It’s structured in all the right places but doesn’t feel stiff or overly revealing.
A big part of that is the fabric—it’s thicker and more substantial than the usual lightweight floral dresses out there, and the full lining helps everything lay smoothly. It just feels well made. If you really wanted some extra coverage, you could throw on nipple covers, but I didn’t find them necessary at all. And as someone who fluctuates between a D and DD (depending on the boob, let’s be honest), I so appreciate a dress that offers legit support without giving over-the-top cleavage or those “will-they-stay-in?” vibes.
And while the dress is on the shorter side—especially if you’ve got a booty—it doesn’t feel too revealing or bodycon in that self-conscious way. That same thicker fabric I mentioned earlier works its magic here, too. It smooths everything out without clinging to every curve or showing every dimple and line.
It’s not one of those dresses that hugs your butt so tightly you’re adjusting it every five seconds, and it’s definitely not the kind where one bite of food makes your stomach instantly visible. It’s the kind of dress you can wear all day, eat, drink, and dance in without giving it a second thought—aka perfect for weddings.
Also…this bag?? SO good. The oversized bow makes such a statement, and the raffia material is perfect for summer weddings (or any warm-weather event!). You can wear it over the shoulder with the hidden strap for a hands-free option, or tuck the strap in to carry it as a clutch. It’s lightweight, structured, and one of those accessories that pulls the whole outfit together (even just jeans and a tee–not just for formal events!).
The interior is lined with a soft faille fabric, which gives it a little extra luxe feel, and the bow really is the star—it instantly elevates even the simplest dress. Total outfit-maker.
And while I love these sandals, I’ve got to be honest—they weren’t the best choice for a lawn or garden wedding. The textured footbed and heel match the raffia bag perfectly, but the narrow heel meant I was basically aerating the lawn with every step.
That said, they’re still a gorgeous option for solid surfaces (think patio, ballroom, or indoor venues), and I really appreciate that both the ankle and toe straps are adjustable—a rare win for strappy heels. But if you’re heading to a wedding on grass, sand, or any kind of uneven ground, I’d definitely recommend going with a wedge instead.
2. Sleek & Timeless: Staud Phare Mini Dress (aka the LBD Upgrade)
Everyone needs a go-to little black dress, and this one is so good. It’s fitted but not too tight, has ruching in all the right places, and the off-shoulder neckline gives it just enough interest without being fussy. You can wear it off both shoulders or just one, and the top stays put—no constant adjusting required.
dress (8, runs small) | bag (on sale!) | similar sandals
It’s also super bra-friendly. I wore a strapless with no problem, and the fabric is that perfect in-between: light enough to be breathable, but thick and structured enough to smooth everything out and lay just right. The dress is made from 98% cotton with 2% spandex, so while it has structure, it still feels lightweight and has just a hint of stretch. It does run small, though—I normally wear a size 6 and had to size up to an 8 to get the fit I wanted.
dress (8, runs small) | bag (on sale!) | similar sandals
And that bag? Same Loeffler Randall Valerie style as before, but in black moiré fabric—which makes it feel a little dressier and perfect for year-round wear. It’s one of those outfit-making pieces that somehow works with everything—from denim and tees to formal dresses. A total statement bag, but still feels wearable.
dress (8, runs small) | bag (on sale!) | similar sandals
The real magic of the dress, though, is in the bottom half. The hemline doesn’t cling to the booty—it has just enough room to highlight curves without crossing into bodycon territory. There’s shape, there’s movement, and it feels sexy without feeling like you’re trying too hard. It’s flattering in that understated, confident kind of way.
3. Bright & Playful: Staud Wylie Mini Dress
I tried the longer version of this dress a couple of years ago and realized—this silhouette is made for curves. It keeps the girls in place (no bra necessary), shows a little without being cleavage-forward, highlights the waist, and then flows out over the hips and booty in the most flattering way. If you’re hourglass, pear-shaped, or anywhere in the curvy zone…this cut just works.
dress (6, also in cherry red and a pretty mint green) | bag | shoes
I went with the mini in orange (ok, technically apricot) this time—which I know isn’t for everyone—but it also comes in a gorgeous cherry red and a really pretty mint green. And if you’re not into short dresses, this same silhouette is available in longer versions too (white or black in a midi, black in a maxi).
I styled it with the same Schutz gold heels and raffia Loeffler Randall bag from the first look. The gold + raffia combo is so good for summer—neutral enough to go with a bunch of dresses, but still interesting. And the heel height is just right—high enough to feel a little fancy, but still comfortable to walk (and dance) in (that is, as long as you’re not on grass or sand). And again, both the ankle and toe straps are adjustable, which is kind of rare in strappy heels and makes a big difference in comfort.
Whether you’ve got a wedding on the calendar or just love a good excuse to dress up (and let’s be honest—they’re all good excuses), all three of these dresses are worth a spot in the rotation. The Alice + Olivia is romantic and structured, the black Staud is sleek and timeless, and the apricot mini? Just plain fun. They’re all flattering in different ways—and most importantly, they’re wearable. You can actually move, eat, and dance in them without feeling like you need a backup outfit stashed in your bag.
I am someone who gets a little too excited about special occasion dresses—especially when they hit that sweet spot of being pretty and practical. And these three? I’d wear them on repeat if I could.
Which one’s your favorite? Or if you’ve found a wedding guest dress you love, drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new ones to obsess over.
XOXO,
Scotti
photo credit: j. birdie photography
A huge thank you to Saks for sponsoring this post–I have LOVED the opportunity to find gorgeous dresses to share with our readers. And readers, thank you ESPECIALLY for all your support of what we do here at The Mom Edit. ❤️