There’s no getting away from maxi dresses this season. As one of the biggest and easiest-to-re-create trends from the 2022 runways, maxis in every guise were quickly adopted by fashion types, from linen fabrications for the beach to satin finishes for more formal occasions including weddings.
I attended six weddings last year, and even though I had fewer this year, I’ll admit I was less than enthused at the prospect of deciding what to wear to them. I always try to get more wear out of the pieces I already own, but in need of some inspiration for the months ahead, I thought, Why not invest in one fresh look to get me through? The style I chose? A maxi dress. Being petite, I tend to gravitate toward midi styles, which seem to land nearer my ankle anyway. However, after seeing the impressive maxi dresses on offer, I decided to embrace the look.
Sure, I had to get the one I settled on taken up slightly to save it from dragging along the floor, but just like that, I fell in love with long hemlines. With the ability to make me feel polished even when adhering to the leanest of budgets, maxi dresses have helped me to rediscover the joy of getting properly dressed up—and just in time for me to resume my role of devoted wedding guest.
Assuming you too have your fair share of weddings to attend this year, below, I’ve assembled an edit of what I consider the best wedding guest maxi dresses on the market. From printed wonders to jewel tones, I’ve ticked off every single mood. Scroll on to see them.
Shop the Best Wedding Guest Maxi Dresses
Florals are a wedding guest signature; Raey’s blooms feel so fresh.
In no way does this look high-street.
Jacquard satin adds dimension and glamour to a black maxi dress.
This shade of moss green has got me.
A divine silhouette and colour.
I keep seeing influencers in this printed maxi.
A truly great colour.
This looks so luxe on.
Strapless maxi dresses are my favourite kind of maxi dresses.
It might have a lighter base colour, but the oversize sunflowers ensure this speaks "wedding guest” not "bride upstager.”
I always enjoy cowl necklines.
The colour! The cut! The tie details!
I own the Winslow dress and always receive so many compliments on it.
You’ll get plenty of wear out of this style post-wedding.
This comes in an array of gemstone hues—pick your favourite.
Black for weddings is always a sophisticated idea.
Plissé pleats continue to say "I’m in the fashion know.”
A maxi you can easily dress up or down.
A very polished way to do cut-outs.
I’m way into Taller Marmo’s new dresses.
The epitome of elegance.
Side cutouts are still a major dress trend this year.
Halternecks never fail to look sleek.
Style this with any accessory you please.
This column gown feels quite ’90s in the best possible way.
This paisley print looks so expensive.
Did someone say feathers?
Ideal for minimalists.
This dress features beautiful bodice detailing.
This also comes in a chic rust hue.
Such a gorgeous print.
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