15 Must-Have Dresses for Wedding Guests & Formal Evenings

When you get an invite to a wedding or formal event, the first question is always, "What am I going to wear?" Whether it's a black-tie party, a garden wedding, or a fancy night out, having the right dress makes everything easier.

I’ve picked out 15 beautiful dresses that are great for wedding guests or any formal evening. These dresses are stylish, look good on many body types, and come in different styles, colors, and cuts. Let’s look at them.


1. Steve Madden Brianna Dress

This maxi dress is easy to wear and stylish. Its flowy shape, along with a special strappy design and side slit, adds a touch of elegance. The straps can be adjusted with ties, so you can make it fit just right. It’s a good choice for formal evenings or for wearing as a wedding guest.



2. Dress the Population Parker Fit and Flare Maxi

Get ready to feel like you're floating in this lovely and romantic maxi dress. Its shape is good for everyone, making your figure look nice. The flowy skirt moves beautifully with every step. This is a great choice for more formal weddings or when you want to look elegant without wearing a big ball gown.

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3. R&M Richards Beaded Long Gown with Draped Sleeves

Step into classic style with this timeless long dress. The small beads on the top add just a little sparkle, catching the light nicely. The draped chiffon sleeves hang softly and gracefully. It's a very beautiful dress, perfect for traditional weddings or fancy evening parties where you want to look graceful.


4. Adrianna Papell Short-Sleeve All-Over Sequin Gown

If you want a striking and fancy dress for formal nights, this gown is perfect. It's covered in shiny sequins from top to bottom. It has short sleeves, a round neckline, and a deep scoop back. The soft, flowy skirt and small train add elegance, and all the sparkle will make everyone look at you at any special event.

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5. Popilush Off-Shoulder Sparkly Mermaid Dress


This dress is made to show off your curves, hugging them in all the best ways. A big plus? It has built-in shapewear, which gives you a smooth and confident base. The pretty off-shoulder neckline adds a touch of drama, making you feel both comfy and super sparkly—a perfect mix of easy wear and fancy style.

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6. Adrianna Papell Shimmer Jacquard Mermaid Gown

Look very elegant in this well-made dress. The shimmery fabric has a rich feel and shines subtly in the light. The perfectly shaped mermaid cut looks great, making your natural figure stand out. This is a good choice for fancy evening weddings or big parties where you want a neat and important look.

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7. Miao Duo Tea Length Ruffle Chiffon Dress

Find the beauty in this nice dress, perfect for sunny daytime weddings or smart casual events. The graceful tea-length hem (not too long, not too short) and soft flutter sleeves make it look classy and comfy. The pretty ruffle details add a touch of playful style. It's a good mix of elegance and comfort.

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8. Lin Lin Q Off-Shoulder Colorblock Sequin Mermaid Dress

Be bold, be bright, and be remembered in this truly fun and special dress. The eye-catching colorblock sequins make it a real standout, ensuring you get noticed. Its tight mermaid fit shapes your figure nicely, making it a great choice for more lively, energetic, or glamorous places where you want to make a big entrance.

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9. Dress the Population Sharon Mermaid Maxi Dress

Enjoy simple luxury with this plain, sleek, and very smart maxi dress. Its clean lines and classic shape give it a timeless appeal, making it a useful dress for almost any formal event. This dress is like a blank page for your own style—you can easily dress it up with bold jewelry or keep it simple and elegant with small accessories.

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10. Dotted Tulle Off Shoulder Sweetheart Midi Dress

If you dream of a dress that's both dreamy and fancy, this dotted tulle midi dress is perfect. It has an off-shoulder sweetheart top and a big puffy skirt. This dress mixes a fairy-tale look with simple elegance. It's a great choice for prom, parties, or any nice evening event.

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11. Off-Shoulder Ruched Chiffon Mermaid Dress

This dress perfectly mixes elegance with a bit of appealing charm. The cleverly ruched chiffon fabric drapes nicely, making a flattering shape. The smart off-shoulder neckline and a stylish leg slit add just enough drama and interest. It’s an excellent choice for weddings or fancy parties where you want to feel both refined and charming.

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12. Maggy London Garden Embroidered Mesh Halter Midi

This dress is the perfect choice for spring or summer weddings. The delicate flower embroidery on mesh feels wonderfully fresh and feminine, while the stylish halter neckline adds a touch of modern grace. Its useful midi length makes sure you look classy and is just right for warmer weather parties.

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13. Adrianna Papell Off-the-Shoulder Sequin Beaded Gown

Get ready to shine in this dress, which is all about the sparkle. The detailed sequin beading creates an eye-catching shimmer that's fancy but not too much, making sure you glow with style. The elegant off-the-shoulder neckline adds a touch of timeless grace, making it a perfect choice for any event where you want to make a brilliant impression.

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14. Maggy London Ruched Midi Cap Sleeve Cocktail Dress

For those who want a look that is simpler but still very dressy, this midi cocktail dress is a clear winner. The smartly ruched waist and small cap sleeves work together to create a very flattering and neat shape. Its useful midi length makes it a smart and stylish choice for many semi-formal events.

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15. PRETTYGARDEN Ruffle Mermaid Gala Maxi Dress

This is a great all-around formal dress that promises both style and impact. The small but striking ruffle detail adds a touch of visual interest and movement, while the classic mermaid shape gives it a bit of dramatic flair. It’s a strong, reliable, and beautiful choice for weddings, galas, or any formal dinner where you want to look effortlessly chic.

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Whether you’re into sparkles, classic styles, or soft ruffles, there’s something on this list for you. The main thing is finding a dress that makes you feel good and confident. When you do that, everything else just works.

Just so you know, this post may include affiliate links. That means I might earn a small commission if you buy something—at no extra cost to you.