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SAY YES TO
THE WEDDING GUEST DRESS

Ready to embrace wedding season? Us too. For a calendar full of invites, here’s our edit of the very best dresses for every type of occasion – and how to get your make-up on point, too 

The floral-print wedding guest dress

A floral-print dress is a pretty choice for a spring or summer wedding, perfectly complementing country house, marquee, or beach settings. When selecting a patterned dress, consider styles that will work beyond the wedding season for maximum cost per wear.

Choose a flattering style like this dreamy midi dress by LK Bennett, to tap into the season’s whimsical mood, and add a pair of sleek sandals to ground the look. (Wedges, block heels and flatforms work well for lawn receptions). A wedding can be a magical occasion, but is often an all-day affair, so make sure your dress can go the distance by having an oversized blazer or cardigan to hand.

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STYLE THE FLORAL DRESS

LK Bennett floral midi dress. Shop now
The perfect floral dress for parties and weddings
£279
Clinique Pop Lip Colour Primer. Shop now
An all-in-one for all-day (and night!) colour
£26
Jaeger linen-blend single-breasted blazer. Shop now 
Jaeger’s linen-blend blazer is a must-buy
£150
LK Bennett satin grab bag. Shop now
Add a contrasting pop of colour
£99

The cocktail dress that’s perfect for evening receptions

If your invite is for the evening do only and not the official ceremony, the dress code could go either way, so check with the host to see if they’ll be expecting you to rock up in black tie or smart-casual before committing to your outfit. A failsafe midi dress is comfy and flattering and can easily be dressed up or down. Whether you choose a formal dress, a wrap dress or a shirt dress, a midi will easily earn its keep in your post-party wardrobe.

This sleek, black one-shouldered dress ticks all the boxes: the asymmetrical neckline elevates the simple design above the everyday, while the flattering midi length makes it comfortable to wear with or without tights. Accessorise with bold gold jewellery to complement the dark hue.

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STYLE THE COCKTAIL DRESS

Gold-toned earrings. Shop now
Add drama with statement earrings
£14
Black one-shouldered cocktail dress. Shop now
Stand out at an evening reception
£TBC
Dune London gold evening bag with chain strap. Shop now
Choose an elegant clutch bag by Dune London
£85
Clinique black High Impact mascara. Shop now
Finish your look with dramatically black lashes
£24

The polka-dot wedding guest dress

If you’re not a lover of bright colour or graphic prints, don’t worry. We’ve got a wedding guest dress for you. This midaxi dress makes for one of the best summer outfits to have in your occasionwear line-up. Featuring a striking polka-dot print, voluminous, puffed sleeves and a full, vintage-inspired skirt, it’ll get you noticed for all the right reasons. Contrast the loose silhouette of the dress with angular accessories, like pointed slingbacks and add an oversized blazer for an insouciant finish.

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STYLE THE POLKA-DOT DRESS

Cream polka-dot dress. Shop now
We love the chic monochrome dots
£45
Black relaxed blazer. Shop now
Size up for an extra-slouchy fit 
£49.50
Cream ruched clutch bag. Shop now
Holds all your party essentials
£29.50
Black patent slingback shoes. Shop now
Dance all night in sleek slingbacks
£45

The lace-is-more slip dress

Stand out from the crowd in a minimalist slip dress that nods to the sleek sophistication of the Nineties. Ideal for petite women who feel overwhelmed in voluminous dresses, slip dresses look just as lovely when teamed with mules or kitten heels.

This zesty yellow lace design is ideal for beating any residual winter blues: the square neckline, spaghetti straps and semi-sheer hem are rays of sartorial sunshine for your wardrobe. Throw a pretty cashmere cardigan over the top to stay warm while hobnobbing outside the registry office, and keep a pair of ballet pumps in your shoulder bag in case walking is required.

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STYLE THE SIMPLE SHIFT

Lemon yellow lace slip dress. Shop now
A vibrant lace style that packs a punch
£89
Cream cashmere crew-neck cardigan. Shop now.
Opt for our super-soft cashmere
£89
Dune London silver leather ballet pumps
Put a spring in your step with silver pumps
£89
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight. Shop now
Get your glow on with this clever highlighter
£25

Words: Dulcie Emerson and Sarah Lafarge

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