Don’t spend a fortune on a formal dress for a wedding. These dresses cost less than $120 and you’ll be able to wear them again.
Summer is definitely wedding season. You probably started getting the “save the date” invites in the mail back when it was still freezing out, instructing you to leave a Saturday in July free. Now the time is here, and you need a dress to wear to the occasion. Sometimes picking out a wedding guest outfit feels as complicated as picking out an actual wedding dress. You want something appropriate, flattering, fairly comfortable, and inexpensive. When you add in transportation, gifts, and all of the other wedding costs, you can’t be shelling out big bucks for a dress. Thankfully there are lots of stylish options that are well under the $150 mark.
Here are 15 wedding guest-appropriate dresses that won’t break the bank:
1. Cutout Dress ($100, & Other Stories)
If you’re not one for feathers, sparkles, sequins, and whatever other things designers find in the craft box to glue on dresses, this frock is free from embellishment. The overlapping neckline and crisscross back are the standout details.
2. Truly You Contrast Mesh Skater Dress With Floral Applique ($82, ASOS)
You don’t need to wear a long dress unless there is a very strict black-tie dress code. Show off your legs and a bit of your arms with this sheer dress with contrasting floral appliques.
3. Plunge Neck Satin Dress ($110, Topshop)
Simplicity doesn’t have to mean boring. This raspberry-colored dress has a flattering lampshade shape with a crisscross detail on the back. You can play up the color with a matching vibrant lipstick.
4. Lace Dress ($49.99, H&M)
You might think that the price is missing an extra number, but it’s not. You can really get this teal lace dress for $50. If you buy it, you have to promise to wear your hair up to show off the lace cutout detail on the back.
5. Do Me Any Way Multiway Slinky Maxi Dress ($70, Missguided)
A maxi gown for under $100? Yes, please. The name isn’t just cheeky. This is just one of the ways you can wear this dress. If you have multiple events to attend, switch up the straps for each one, and it’ll feel like you’re wearing a brand new gown.
6. Club L Plus Sequin Embellished Maxi Dress With Front Plunge ($109, ASOS)
This dress is worthy of a red carpet, and it is yours for well under $150—the plunging neckline and sexy slit contrast the long-sleeved silhouette.
7. Pleated Gown ($74.99, Mango)
The summer sales have already started, and there are great bargains to be had. This dress was originally $150, and now it can be yours for half that. The vermillion color is eye-catching, but it won’t upstage the bride.
8. Jeslina Cutout Jumpsuit ($88, Nasty Gal)
The title says “dresses,” but here is a formal jumpsuit option. The halter neckline has subtle cutout sides and an open back. Wear your hair up so you can properly show the detail off.
9. Off-The-Shoulder Swing Dress ($68.50, Torrid)
An off-the-shoulder neckline frames your face. It is the perfect way to show off your gorgeous face and a statement piece of jewelry.
10. Light Pink Glitter Lace Cami Dress ($70, River Island)
The typical slip dress gets a sexier upgrade thanks to a form-fitting silhouette and glitter lace fabric. The sparkly fabric and light pink color will complement your skin, but they won’t make you look naked.
11. Combined Dress ($69.90, Zara)
This pastel pink dress is a great option for less formal weddings. The flounce neckline and lace detail add a feminine touch to the flared style. After the wedding, dress it down with flats and a denim jacket.
12. Sandra Darren Sleeveless Lace Ombre Dress ($59.99, Macy’s)
This is a cheerful dress. Even if you don’t really want to go to the wedding, this vibrant orange color and the ombre lace will make you feel good.
13. Wink And A Promenade Dress ($44.99, ModCloth)
Meet the gorgeous dress that is in the same shade as your favorite mint nail polish. You can coordinate your nails with it or try another pretty pastel polish. Note: It was originally $89.99, so if you love it, there’s no time to procrastinate.
14. Alythea Scallop Neck Scuba Dress ($54.40, Bloomingdale’s)
You don’t have to avoid wearing saturated colors for fear you’ll upstage the bride. The bride will always be the center of attention, but your dress will stand out in the crowd thanks to the scallop neckline and pleated skirt.
15. Boutique Sienna Embellished Top Chiffon Maxi Dress ($60, Boohoo)
This LBG (little black gown) is one of the rare dresses that are actually comfortable. You don’t have to worry about having your organs squished in this flowing frock.