27 Beach Wedding Guest Dresses That Pair Perfectly with the Stunning Seascape
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I'm totally jealous if you have a beach wedding in your travel plans this summer. If you’re stuck on what you’re going to wear at the seaside ceremony, don’t worry, I've got you covered. Beach wedding guest dresses come in a range of styles, from fitted mini dresses to ruffled maxis, so it’s all about your personal preference. Below, 27 gorgeous options, plus expert advice for choosing the right style for you.
The Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses at a Glance
Meet the Expert
Amberly Reese is an expert stylist at Stitch Fix. She’s involved in assisting shoppers customize their wardrobe picks to align with their styles and what will complement their body.
How I Chose the Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
When it comes to picking the best beach wedding guest dresses, I focused on making sure styles are climate-appropriate and fit the vibe of many types of wedding styles, from casual to black tie. I considers fabrics and lengths, plus price points, scouring some of our favorite stores for best-selling dresses and new ones that are sure to go viral.
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1. Abercrombie & Fitch Taffeta Off-the-Shoulder Dress
This elegant blue number is gorgeous for a seaside ceremony. It has off-the-shoulder puff sleeves and a high slit to make walking a breeze. While the design of this dress is stunning, my favorite part has to be the taffeta material. Not only does it have a slightly shiny finish, it has a bit of stretch so you won't feel stiff when it's on. Right now, you can grab it in French blue or fuchsia.
$130; $104 at Abercrombie & Fitch
2. A New Day Flutter Dress
A lightweight, floral dress is a great option for a beach wedding. This style has flouncy flutter sleeves that will catch the breeze and a short slit on the side. The back has a stretch panel across it with an opening below it for a little extra breathability. One Target shopper shares, "I love everything about this dress! It’s so flattering and comfortable! The sleeves are dreamy." Note that aside from that back panel, there isn't much stretchiness to this crepe material.
3. Petal & Pup Cali Maxi Dress
A sunny selection to align with the tropical, outdoor vibe at your bestie's beach wedding is a great way to stay on theme. This dress is pleated from top to bottom, which means it will be a blast to spin around in. I think this dress is giving total glamour and the one shoulder is sexy without showing too much skin. The whole dress is lined and the shoulder strap is is adjustable, too.
4. Sheridan French Sunset Ikat Kelly Dress
I'm all for investing in quality clothing. This dress is made of cotton lycra, so not only does it have the soft, breathability of cotton, the lycra mix makes the fabric flexible and flattering. The vibrant pattern of this of this dress would be perfect for a fun beachy wedding and the design is one that would be comfortable to wear all day and night thanks to the fabric and the stretchy bodice
5. Zara Satin Effect Dress
A simple slip dress is a great pick for a summer or beachy wedding. The minimalist silhouette won't feel heavy on your body as you dance the night away and it's not form-fitting, so you won't feel too restricted. I love how this dress flatters my body without clinging awkwardly to my hips or butt. Plus, the glistening black hue is totally timeless.
6. Dress the Population Rose Maxi Dress
I would never have thought that lavender and black would mesh well together in a color palette but this dress has convinced me. The tropical vibes from the floral pattern and the wrap front neckline have me ready to order this just for fun. You would think the front wraps back into a halter neckline, but it actually turns into normal straps. The high slit will show off some leg while giving you more room to get down and boogey on the dance floor, too.
7. Abercrombie & Fitch Draped Skirt Dress
I may or may not be picturing my very own How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days moment in this yellow stunner, but can attest to the fit of it in addition to the gorgeous aesthetic. I have wide hips and am a few months postpartum, so I wanted a dress for an upcoming wedding that flattered my midsection but still had a sexy feel, and this did just that. The back is fully open and there's a tie at the top to help keep the straps secure. The boat neckline is also so classy and flattering.
$130; $104 at Abercrombie & Fitch
8. Anthropologie BHLDN Jia Dress
The feminine ruffles of this dress with the vibrant blue hue will mimic the look of the waves for a beachy feel. The ruffles have an asymmetrical alignment for a more unique look, too. It's made of a breathable viscose material that will help keep you from sweating. The spaghetti straps are adjustable and, if you ask me, bias cut items fit much more naturally to your body shape and feel more comfortable since they're designed against the material grain. This dress measures 34 inches from the top of the shoulder to the bottom hem, so if you feel like this style may be too short on you, check your measurements before you buy.
9. Norma Kamali X Revolve Diana Gown
A periwinkle shade is stunning at sea or on land. This asymmetrical dress has ruching from top to bottom to accentuate your shape, plus spandex blended into the polyester to give the dress some stretch and sculpting. While it's only available in this blue shade, we couldn't have chosen a better hue for a seaside wedding. Plus, it will show off that tan you've developed if you arrived a couple days early.
10. Xxxiticat Satin Dress
This stunner has more than 8,400 five-star ratings on Amazon, and we’re obsessed with the basic silhouette and satin material. "The cowl neck is super cute—make sure to tighten straps all the way for the full effect," mentions one customer. She goes on to say that she didn't need to wear a bra when she tightened the straps correctly. Another reviewer says it washes well, too. You can choose among tons of colors different colors and patterns, and customers mention it runs a bit small, so grab a size up.
11. L'idee Renaissance Gown
We're truly head over heels for this dreamy purple shade. The criss-cross neckline with the keyhole opening is very classy and the open back will highlight your summer glow. The glossy material is partially lined and has a side seam slit so you can show off your legs, too. "[A] beautiful dress that looks very elegant but sexy. [It's] very good quality material and light to wear. Would 100 percent recommend," says one customer.
12. Reformation Marguerite Silk Dress
A buttery-soft silk dress screams luxury. This gorgeous style has a fitted bodice with stretch smocking in the back so it doesn’t squeeze you too tight, and adjustable tie straps for customizable length. If you have a larger chest, this dress may not be the best for you since the cups are so defined, but consulting the size chart is never a bad idea. It’s available in multiple colorways, all of which are beautiful choices.
13. Lauren Ralph Lauren Satin Gown
Made of a luxe satin, this dress would be a supremely comfortable choice for a long day celebrating the happy couple at a more dressed-up wedding. The one-shoulder silhouette is so elegant and that gorgeous minty shade will feel right at home in the sand. It has an asymmetrical neckline decorated with a pretty white bow, and the white and navy gives it a sleek nautical vibe perfect for a beachside wedding.
14. Let Me Be Slim Bubble Dress
Looking for a unique take on a wedding guest dress? We're used to seeing bubble detailing at the bottom of skirts and dresses, but this one bubbles at the chest. It falls about 39 inches from the bust and the back has a slit to make walking and dancing easier. "I wore this to a wedding over the summer and got so many compliments," Anthro shopper Alex C. tells me. "The bubble top is super unique and the tight skirt made me feel secure and accentuated my body nicely." You can get this dress in black or aqua, but of course, we recommend the blue for the seaside effect.
15. Lulus Dreamy Romance Maxi Dress
A dreamy maxi gown with a high slit is a wonderful choice for a beachy setting. "[I] love the material and the length," reports one customer. "The dress is simple but the slit adds so much to it [and] the color is exactly what I was looking for and I'm obsessed!" The light fabric will catch the sea breeze while the A-line silhouette keeps you comfortable while you dance the night away. A few customers mention that the dress can show a bit of cleavage and side boob if you have larger boobs.
16. Amanda Uprichard Samba Dress
Are you as in love with this draped mock neckline as I am? This cocktail dress has an asymmetrical length and an open back to keep you cool in the humid beach temps. It has a halter closure around the neck and the ruched detailing on the side is super flattering. It isn't lined, which is great if you want something even more lightweight (especially since reviewers say it's not see-through in the slightest), but you may need a slip if you prefer a little more fabric for security. While I'm partial to the green, you can also grab this one in red or black.
17. Love the Label Spaghetti Maxi Dress
If your style is a little more on the boho side, you're going to love this dress. It has a sundress vibe, so it's a great pick for wedding that has a more casual dress code. It has a button-up closure and you can make the slit as high or low as you'd like. Plus, the back is open and has a tie for a more customizable fit. It's made of 100 percent cotton so it's nice and breathable for a night on the beach.
18. Lulus Days Of Beauty Skater Dress
A short, skater silhouette will fit a more dressed-down wedding, and I love this pick for its detailed pattern, breezy chiffon material and low back. A few reviewers mention it can fit a little big in the chest if you have smaller breasts, but one suggests double-sided tape does the trick to keep you feeling secure. You can choose between the shades rose pink and dusty blue.
19. Show Me Your Mumu Greta Dress
We love this ultra-feminine option with ruffled tiers and straps. The midi length is great if you don’t want the bottom of your dress to hit the sand, and it has a high slit so you'll be able to comfortably move and groove all night long. "The fabric is thick so it holds everything in like shapewear, but comfy at the same time," says one customer. Plus, it's available in tons of gorgeous colors. Customers say it runs a smidge tight, so refer to the size guide before you buy.
$168; $118 at Show me your mumu
20. Resa Diana Dress
I love this cute mini dress for a tropical wedding. It has a sleek exotic pattern and the tie neck would pair nicely with a beachy hairstyle. The asymmetrical hemline is pretty short, so if that makes you nervous, you may want to opt for a slip or shapewear underneath. It's unlined, which means the dress won't be super supportive, but the pattern will help keep from anything looking see through.
21. Kensie Chiffon Pleated Dress
If you're looking for a little more coverage, this dress offers plenty of fabric on the sleeves and skirt. This style can definitely fit in during any season or for any wedding, so you can rewear it for your friend's fall barn wedding without feeling out of place. The lightweight chiffon will catch the ocean breeze beautifully and it zips up on the back so you don't have to deal with those pesky side zippers.
22. Lulus Constantine Dress
Keep the seaside theme by going with something elegant but light. This satin dress has a simple silhouette with a mid-thigh slit and that’s all it really needs to look formal and beachy. The waist is fitted and flares out into a flowy skirt for a twirl-worthy look on the dance floor. Reviewers mention it runs on the smaller side, so you may want to opt for a size bigger than your usual. It's available in a fun range of colors that will glisten in the sun.
23. Show Me Your Mumu Claire Midi Dress
A satin dress for a wedding is a go-to for me. I love the square neck and bow details around the shoulder straps and waist for a bit of femininity. The chest has darted cups to add a little structure to the bodice, but the fun skirt is separated by that adorable tie waist. The side slit is great for showing a little leg, and for giving you extra room when you drop it low on the dance floor. I just hope you're decisive, because this dress comes in a whopping 29 color options.
24. Lovers And Friends Nami Maxi Dress
You can never go wrong with a classic LBD (in this case, long black dress). This fitted option has one shoulder strap and subtle ruching along the midsection that will hug your curves for a flattering fit. If you're headed to a fancy beach wedding, this style can easily be accessorized with a bold heel or statement earrings to add an unexpected pop to your look. The shoulder strap has a second strap that connects on the back to make sure your chest is supported all night long, too.
25. Krisa Halter Dress
The halter tie on this dress drapes into a long bow for a little drama. The bold hue will highlight your tan and you’ll have room for an extra piece of cake thanks to the looser silhouette. The crepe fabric is lightweight, so if the reception is also on the beach, you'll stay cool throughout the event. Grab this one in pink, lime green or a bright blue shade.
26. Lulus Love You So Truly Midi Dress
A flouncy strapless number will have you twirling all night. This Lulus pick has a chiffon jacquard floral pattern that gives it a luxurious vibe, and the bodice’s top layer is so chic for a beachy, breezy wedding. It comes in five colors, and reviewers recommend going up a size, because the chest fits pretty narrowly. The chiffon is nice and breathable, too, so you won't be sweating in the sun during the ceremony.
27. Hutch Sleeveless Midi Dress
This flirty, floral midi has a bubble hem, which adds some fun dimension to the silhouette. The back has a smocked panel to give you some extra stretch and the opening underneath the bust shows a little extra skin and keeps you cool. It's made of a lightweight cotton for a comfortable option during a hot day. Several reviewers note that if you have a larger chest it can expose some underboob in the keyhole opening, but the straps are adjustable for additional security.
What to Wear to a Beach Wedding
There's not a definitive checklist of musts for what to wear to a beach wedding, but guidelines sure do help. Beach weddings typically have a light, airy and bohemian essence to them, but that doesn’t mean glamorous, black tie-esque options are excluded.
Most couples declare a dress code for their special day to guide you to the right style selections. While neutrals are always a hit, and a top ask from Stitch Fix clients, per Reese, you have other. "Maximalism—a mashup of saturated shades and bold prints—is our clients’ second-favorite trend for the year," she says. Brands like Amanda Uprichard, Farm Rio, boutique brands from Anthropologie and even Reformation have gorgeous vibrant pattern and color options.
Where material is concerned, linen is a great choice for more casual nuptials but it isn't always the dressiest of options. "When thinking about destination and beach weddings, you’ll see the Beachcomber trend in full force! Beachcomber—blend of tropical prints and breezy fabrics as a take on 'Vacationcore'—brings the vacation-wear aesthetic into the day-to-day wardrobe," continues Reese.
For a fancier beach wedding, a satin or chiffon dress may suit the occasion better. The length you decide on is definitely more of a personal choice, so if you feel the most beautiful in a mini dress, by all means go with a mini dress, it will definitely keep you the coolest.
What to Avoid Wearing to a Beach Wedding
Stay away from heavier fabrics and overly layered silhouettes to ensure you're staying cool all night long—and looking seasonally stylish. Reese also recommends picking something your body feels comfortable in. "I always recommend my clients choose a dress they can dance and move freely in—silhouettes that are too tight, short or restricting should be avoided to ensure you’re able to have fun and not worry about what you have on," she tells me. While I recommend maybe steering clear of deep, dark jewel tones, there are a few exceptions here. If you're going to pick a dark green dress, for example, maybe opt for a high slit or spaghetti straps to offset the wintery hue. A burgundy dress may give you a fall vibe, but if that's your color, grab a dress with a floral pattern and airy fabrics to give it that beachy feel.
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