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The invitation tells you what to wear. Black tie means floor length, formal leaves room for an elegant midi, and cocktail asks for something polished at the knee. These are the best-rated dresses for each, so the only decision left is the color.
Black tie and formal gowns
Xscape Evenings Lace Detail Off the Shoulder Sheath Gown
From the first toast to the last dance: the Xscape Evenings Lace Detail Off the Shoulder Sheath Gown, a fitted sheath with a frothy flounce at the romantic neckline.
Ieena for Mac Duggal Classic Sleeveless A-Line Gown with Pockets
Elegantly tailored with pockets: the Ieena for Mac Duggal Classic Sleeveless A-Line Gown, with a V-neckline, fitted bodice and a full tulle skirt. A black-tie wedding guest gown that feels like a ball gown.
Adrianna Papell Pearl Embellished Neck Mermaid Gown
Timeless and stunning: the Adrianna Papell Pearl Embellished Neck Mermaid Gown, a mermaid silhouette elevated by imitation pearls along the neck. For formal and black-tie weddings.
Xscape Evenings Off the Shoulder Ruffle Scuba Crepe Gown
Elegant and flattering: the Xscape Evenings Off the Shoulder Ruffle Scuba Crepe Gown, ruched at the waist with a ruffle running down the wrap-look skirt.
Mac Duggal Jeweled Cuff Drop Shoulder Faux Wrap Gown
A glamorous touch at the wrists: the Mac Duggal Jeweled Cuff Faux Wrap Gown, with a drop shoulder and multicolour beaded cuffs. For galas, formal weddings and special occasions.
Adrianna Papell Mikado High/Low Sleeveless Gown
Swish, sway and swing: the Adrianna Papell Mikado High/Low Sleeveless Gown, a structured mikado silhouette with a dance-friendly high-low hem for formal affairs.
Betsy & Adam V-Neck Cascade Ruffle High-Low Gown
Flowing folds and a little drama: the Betsy & Adam V-Neck Cascade Ruffle High-Low Gown, with fabric cascading down the side into a high-low hem that subtly shows off your shoes.
Betsy & Adam Tux Detail Strapless Column Gown
A black-tie favourite: the Betsy & Adam Tux Detail Strapless Column Gown, with satin panels at the neckline and a leg-baring slit. Sleek, elegant and timeless.
Betsy & Adam Ruffle Long Sleeve Sheath Gown
Texture and elegance: the Betsy & Adam Ruffle Long Sleeve Sheath Gown, floor-grazing with gathering at the shoulder and side and a frilly ruffle down the skirt. Lovely for a winter wedding.
Betsy & Adam Bow One-Shoulder Crepe Mermaid Gown
Bold and graceful: the Betsy & Adam Bow One-Shoulder Crepe Mermaid Gown, a soft stretch-crepe mermaid silhouette with a single bare shoulder topped by a bow.
Kay Unger Mariah Crinkle Pleated Gown
Make the occasion unforgettable: the Kay Unger Mariah Crinkle Pleated Gown, crinkly satin with a pleated skirt and handy side pockets.
Xscape Evenings Asymmetric Neck Scuba Knit Trumpet Gown
Intriguing and elegant: the Xscape Evenings Asymmetric Neck Trumpet Gown, a stretchy scuba gown with perfectly placed pleats and a soaring side slit.
Princess Polly Celena Floral Burnout Gown
Occasion-ready romance: the Princess Polly Celena Floral Burnout Gown, with a draped cowl neckline, a strappy open back and a tonal burnout floral design.
Mac Duggal Ruffle Shoulder V-Neck Chiffon Gown
Graceful and flowing: the Mac Duggal Ruffle Shoulder V-Neck Chiffon Gown, with ruffled shoulders, a ruched empire waist and ruffles flowing down the skirt.
Dress the Population Kinley Accordion Pleat Strapless Evening Gown
A stunning statement: the Dress the Population Kinley Strapless Evening Gown, with accordion pleats cascading from the hip in a rich green hue. Perfect for a black-tie wedding.
Alex Evenings Pleated Portrait Collar Chiffon Gown
Elegant from every angle: the Alex Evenings Pleated Portrait Collar Chiffon Gown, with rich ruching gathered at a sparkling brooch offset at the waist.
Marcella Monroe Long Sleeve Mermaid Gown
Light as air: the Marcella Monroe Long Sleeve Mermaid Gown, with a sheer mesh overlay draped across the bodice and sleeve on a one-shoulder mermaid silhouette.
Mac Duggal Long Sleeve Applique V-neck Gown
Refined and regal: the Mac Duggal Long Sleeve Applique V-neck Gown, with metallic gold applique and embroidery and a hand-beaded belt at the natural waist.
Betsy & Adam Halter Charmeuse Gown
Simple and stunning: the Betsy & Adam Halter Charmeuse Gown, a halter neck in charmeuse with a subtle sheen. A wedding guest gown that lets your jewelry shine.
Dessy Collection Sleeveless Satin Gown
Make a grand entrance: the Dessy Collection Sleeveless Satin Gown, glossy satin with a full, dance-floor-ready skirt. Also a favourite for bridesmaids.
Marcella Manhattan One-Shoulder Ponte Knit Gown
Strike a pose: the Marcella Manhattan One-Shoulder Ponte Knit Gown, in European ponte with an asymmetric neck sweeping across the open back into a single long sleeve.
Dress the Population Sidney Deep V-Neck 3D Lace Gown
Fluttery 3D appliques: the Dress the Population Sidney Deep V-Neck Gown, a sleeveless A-line with a plunging neckline and a sweeping peekaboo skirt.
Cocktail and midi dresses
SL Fashions Tiered Chiffon Midi Dress
Rows of ruffles and beaded flutter sleeves: the SL Fashions Tiered Chiffon Midi Dress, romantic and easy to move in for a garden or daytime wedding.
Alex Evenings Pleated Velvet Sheath Cocktail Dress
Winter-wedding ready: the Alex Evenings Pleated Velvet Sheath Cocktail Dress, with textured side pleats and an embellished detail above a fluttery ruffle.
Tadashi Shoji Long Sleeve Lace & Crepe Dress
Romantic charm with long sleeves: the Tadashi Shoji Long Sleeve Lace & Crepe Dress, a gorgeous sheath with a lace bodice. Elegant for fall and winter weddings.
Baltic Born Clementine Tulle Midi Dress
Fun and flirty: the Baltic Born Clementine Tulle Midi Dress, with a smocked bodice and waistband and sweet sleeves. A wedding guest dress for daytime celebrations.
Maxi dresses for semi-formal weddings
Donna Karan New York Belt Detail Sheath Maxi Dress
A modern mood for any dress code: the Donna Karan New York Belt Detail Sheath Maxi Dress, a fitted sheath with a sculptural belt and an easy side slit. Polished for an evening wedding.
Petal & Pup Anabelle Halter Neck Maxi Dress
Smooth satin and a romantic flourish: the Petal & Pup Anabelle Halter Neck Maxi Dress, event-ready with lacy trim. A wedding guest dress for semi-formal evenings.
Petal & Pup Belle Swiss Dot Tulle Tiered Maxi Dress
Dreamy and romantic: the Petal & Pup Belle Swiss Dot Tulle Tiered Maxi Dress, with cascading tiers, flutter sleeves and a dainty keyhole tie. For daytime and garden weddings.
Chelsea28 Bow One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
A fanciful bow and a striking line: the Chelsea28 Bow One-Shoulder Maxi Dress, cut on one shoulder with a leggy slit at the hem.
Wedding Guest Dresses & Cocktail Dresses
Floor-length gowns in blush and sage, a lilac lace dress made for a terrace on the Riviera, strapless satin, pleated pink chiffon and a pale blue column. Something for black tie, the garden ceremony and the destination wedding, and nothing that competes with the bride.
Every piece here is pinned on our Wedding Guest Dresses & Cocktail Dresses board, where we add new ones through the season.