27 Spectacular Beach Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Dress Code
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Shop our favorites from Amazon, Lulus, Free People, and more — starting at $25
Free People / J.Crew / Amazon
Beach weddings: Love is in the air, water is in the distance, and sand is at your feet. It all sounds lovely, but the excitement can come crashing down once it comes time to find the perfect dress.
Stylist Tip!
“As a guest to a beach wedding, depending on the location, look for dresses that are soft and flowy. A beach wedding in Tulum is vastly different from a seaside wedding in Martha’s Vineyard. The wedding location can be your inspiration for your outfit.” -Francesca Dispirito, bridal stylist
Skip the fitting-room panic and shop our favorite beach wedding guest dresses, hand-picked by a shopping writer for every dress code, location, and budget.
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses Under $50
Laspia Cowl Neck Dress
Amazon
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. This beach-ready Amazon pick is super flattering and comfortable, too, according to reviewers. As one reviewer put it: “My friends couldn't believe that I got it from Amazon.”
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 16 | Material: Polyester
Fiemaoves Linen Sweetheart Midi
Amazon
When it comes to a beach wedding, there’s no better fabric than linen. This strapless midi features a small cutout, which is one of this season’s trendiest silhouettes, according to our stylists.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 8 | Material: Linen
Stylist Tip!
“If you’re shopping for a beach wedding guest attire, look for breathable fabrics in natural fibers such as silk and linen to keep you comfortable.” -Gabrielle Hurwitz, bridal stylist
Jasambac Ruffle A-Line Dress
Amazon
This ruffled dress from Amazon is designed with short sleeves and a midi length, perfect if you’re after a more modest look. This breathable dress comes in a variety of colors and summery patterns, though most of the options lean casual.
Size Range: S-2XL | Colors: 17 | Material: Polyester, viscose
Anrabess Bodycon Ruffle Dress
Amazon
Depending on the formality of the wedding, a black dress can be a chic choice (just keep in mind that it will attract more heat than lighter colors). The ruffled leg slit on this Amazon pick adds a summery flair to classic cocktail attire.
Size Range: S-XL | Colors: 12 | Material: Polyester, spandex
Prettygarden Pleated Maxi
Amazon
This high-neck maxi features a classic A-line silhouette and so many beach-ready colors to choose from. The pleated skirt and cinched waist make this a flattering option for any beach wedding.
Size Range: S-2XL | Colors: 10 | Material: Polyester, spandex
Old Navy Waist-Defined Midi
Old Navy
We love the embroidered flutter sleeves on this little black dress, and the 100 percent cotton construction that’s sure to keep you cool. This budget pick is perfect for a more casual affair.
Size Range: XS-4XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses Under $100
Zesica Halter Ruffle Midi
Amazon
We love this tiered dress from Amazon that will keep you feeling breezy during sunny ceremonies. Plus, this fun silhouette will look amazing on the dance floor.
Size Range: S-XL | Colors: 15 | Material: Polyester
Zesica Crossover Halter Maxi
Amazon
Get ready for countless compliments with this lightweight maxi that can be dressed up or down. We love this dress’s vibrant pattern, unique cut-out, and adjustable straps that promise a comfortable fit.
Size Range: S-XL | Colors: 25 | Material: Rayon
Prettygarden Ruffle Short Sleeve Midi
Amazon
We love the feminine wrap silhouette of this Amazon dress, along with the modest length that makes this a wind-proof choice. Reviewers appreciate that this feminine wrap dress doesn’t show sweat (an important consideration when it comes to beach wedding attire).
Size Range: S-2XL | Colors: 20 | Material: Polyester
Lulus Seriously Sensational Sage Tiered Maxi Dress
Lulus
Lulus is a go-to for dress shopping on a budget, and for good reason. This stunning strapless maxi can be dressed up or down and won’t wrinkle thanks to the plisse fabric.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Tencel, Nylon, Polyester, Spandex
Lulus Cascading Crush Tiered Midi
Lulus
It doesn’t get better than this tiered midi from Lulus. The fitted bust and tiered skirt would flatter any body type, and both tall and short reviewers say the length worked on them. We read through the reviews and can confirm that this dress is summer-wedding approved!
Size Range: XS-2XL | Colors: 7 | Material: Polyester, Spandex
Lulus Take a Glance Mock Neck Midi
Lulus
Ruffled sleeves and a metallic sheen add a unique touch to this midi dress. Reviewers love that this dress is airy enough to wear in the summer heat, so it’s sure to keep you cool by the shore.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 3 | Material: Polyester
Gap Mixed Media Midi
Gap
Dress this midi up or down for a timeless summer look. We love that this dress is 100 percent cotton so you won’t overheat and that it also comes in tall and petite sizes.
Size Range: 2XS-2XL (standard, tall, petite) | Colors: 3 | Material: Cotton
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses Under $150
Free People Ruffle It Up Midi
Free People
The classic A-line silhouette gets a romantic revamp with this Free People midi. The 100 percent cotton fabric provides structure, while still being airy enough for warm-weather occasions. Whether you’re looking for a classic black dress or a more tropical color, this dress is one of our favorites.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 4 | Material: Cotton
J.Crew Clio Dress
J. Crew
This gauzy dress is sure to keep you cool, and with a summery silhouette, it’s perfect for a casual beach wedding. We love the yellow color option, though the black version would suit a slightly more formal affair.
Size Range: 2XS-3XL | Colors: 3 | Material: Cotton
Free People Dixie Maxi
Free People
We recommend this bohemian maxi for anyone who wants more coverage on their arms. The breathable viscose and cotton fabrics ensure more coverage won’t mean too much heat.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 8 | Material: Viscose, cotton
Eliza J Ruffle Sleeve Sheath Dress
Nordstrom
Add a dramatic flair to a classic sheath dress with this ruffly pick from Eliza J. The scuba fabric means this dress is slightly shaping, while the exaggerated sleeves provide some upper-arm coverage.
Size Range: 0-18 | Colors: 4 | Material: Polyester, spandex
Free People Sweetest Rose Dress
Free People
If you’re loving rosettes as much as we are, this simple black maxi is a no-brainer. We love the airy silhouette of this dress (accentuated by breathable viscose fabric), and we think it would suit both a casual and formal event.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Viscose
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses Under $200
J.Crew Squareneck Linen Midi
J.Crew
This linen midi, available in both black and red, will make sure you stay cool while looking effortlessly chic. (Plus, it has pockets!)
Size Range: 00-24 | Colors: 3 | Material: Linen
Related: The 11 Best Linen Pants of 2024, Inspired by Katie Holmes and Jennifer Lawrence
Banana Republic Aurelia Linen-Blend Maxi
Banana Republic
“Warm-weather tested, warm-weather approved!” one reviewer writes. This dress’s elegant trapeze silhouette is designed to keep you breezy.
Size Range: 2XS-2XL (standard, tall, petite) | Colors: 3 | Material: Viscose, hemp
Banana Republic Odetta Pleated Maxi
Odetta
This trapeze maxi is perfect for beach weddings thanks to its airy construction. The floral pattern is perfect for a tropical wedding, while the black option offers a more classic look.
Size Range: 2XS-2XL, available in tall and petite | Colors: 2 | Material: Polyester
The More You Know
“A lot of summer prints do have a white background, so rule of thumb is, if there’s more than 20-30 percent of white showing it’s a safe bet to not wear it.” -Francesca Dispirito, bridal stylist
Eloquii Twisted Neck Satin Maxi
Eloquii
This satin maxi is one of our favorite plus-size wedding guest dresses due to its unique twisted neckline and asymmetrical hem. We can’t get over the gorgeous lemon colorway that’s reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast.
Size Range: 14-32 | Colors: 2 | Material: Polyester
Stylist Tip!
Hurwitz warns us that satin can stick to your skin and show sweat, especially at a sunny beach event. Keep this in mind when you shop, and consider using a full-body deodorant, which can greatly reduce sweating.
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses Under $300
Banana Republic Cotton Poplin Maxi
Banana Republic
This breathable cotton maxi is an elegant choice for any beach wedding. We love the flattering A-line cut of this dress, along with the playful cutout at the back. Plus. the lime green and pink iris colorways will ensure you stand out.
Size Range: 0-20 | Colors: 3 | Material: Cotton, elastane
J.Crew Tie-Waist Linen Dress
J.Crew
We love this functional linen dress that can be dressed up or down and can help keep you cool during beach ceremonies. Pair with comfortable sandals or a pair of platform espadrilles for a beach-ready look.
Size Range: 2XS-3XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Linen
Related: Your Summer 2024 Beach Packing List: Swimsuits, Beach Wagons, and More Editor Favorites
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses Over $300
Saloni Chandra Short Dress
ShopBop
Bridal stylist Jackie Avrumson recommends this yellow mini dress, which features a lightweight chiffon fabric and ruffle trim. Though it’s a shorter length, it still provides enough coverage for a wind-blown event.
Size Range: 0-14 | Colors: 1 | Material: Silk, rayon, polyester
Stylist Tip!
“I typically don’t suggest wearing micro minis to a wedding, so the fingertip rule is helpful when measuring the length of a hem. (Don’t let the hem go above your fingertip.)” -Francesca Dispirito, bridal stylist
Alice + Olivia Adrianna Pleated Maxi
Alice + Olivia
Let the nearby ocean serve as your inspiration in this blue maxi from Alice and Olivia. This pleated look is one of Avrumson’s favorites for beach weddings, thanks to its free-flowing silhouette.
Size Range: 0-14 | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyester
J.Crew Ruffle-Tier Chiffon Dress
J.Crew
We’re obsessed with this ruffled maxi from J.Crew. Perfect for destination weddings, this dress features a tropical print and breathable viscose fabric. Now that we’ve fallen in love with this dress, we’re just waiting on a destination wedding invite.
Size Range: 00-24 | Colors: 3 | Material: Viscose
Related: The 16 Best Mother-of-the-Bride Pantsuits of 2024, According to Fashion Experts
Complete the Look
Cynllio Platform Espadrille Sandals
Amazon
If you’re opting for a heel, definitely go with something chunky like platform espadrilles. The thick block heel will make sure you feel stable in the sand, and reviewers say this pair is super comfortable and lightweight.
Sam Edelman Bay Sandal
Amazon
There’s nothing like a flat sandal for a beach wedding. This pair is one of the most comfortable sandals we’ve found, and with so many color options to choose from, there’s a perfect match for every dress on this list.
Experts Say
“Wearing the wrong shoes is a faux pas. If you know that the ceremony or reception is going to be in the sand, don’t plan on wearing four-inch stiletto heels, unless you’re comfortable going barefoot throughout the night.” -Gabrielle Hurwitz, bridal stylist
Charming Tailor Leather Clutch
Amazon
This roomy Amazon clutch will hold all your beach wedding essentials, like your favorite sunscreen and stylish sunglasses. The subtle gold detailing elevates this basic clutch, and with 21 colors to choose from, you’re sure to find one that completes your look.
What’s Trending?
Cut-Outs: Avrumson and Hurwitz agree that cut-outs are having their moment. We loved the Fiemaoves Linen Sweetheart Midi and Lulus Radiant Season Strapless Maxi which feature cut-outs on the torso and back, respectively.
Halter Necks with Open Backs: Consider the Odetta Pleated Maxi Dress and Zesica Crossover Halter Maxi to shop this stylist-approved trend, recommended by Avrumson.
Colors and Prints: Avrumson says we’ll see fun colors and prints this year, while Saratino adds “pretty floral patterns, defined prints, and sherbert hues” will be trending. The Eloquii Twisted Neck Satin Maxi, Laspia Cowl Neck Dress, and J.Crew Ruffle-Tier Chiffon Dress boast some of our favorite colors and prints of the season.
Statement Skirts: Dispirito is loving multi-tiered skirts, ruched fabric, pleats, and flowy skirts. Our favorite statement skirts are those that will move with you on the dance floor, like the Zesica Halter Ruffle Midi, Lulus Cascading Crush Tiered Midi, and Alice + Olivia Adrianna Pleated Maxi.
What to Know About Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
Weddings come with a lot of rules. Knowing what’s acceptable can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to wedding guest attire. We had experts weigh in on common guest concerns.
Dress Code
“If the couple hasn’t specified a formality, I would default to cocktail attire to be safe—that typically means knee-length or midi dresses and suits with ties,” Hurwitz says. “But if it’s on a beach and specifically cocktail attire, I think you can also get away with a long, flowing maxi dress or a suit with the dress shirt slightly unbuttoned and no tie.”
Bridal stylist Julie Sabatino tells PEOPLE that weddings on the beach differ from weddings overlooking the beach. While weddings on the sand are typically more casual, weddings that overlook the beach could vary in dress code. “If the ceremony is overlooking the beach, it could potentially be a dressier affair,” Sabatino says. “I’ve seen everything from casual dress codes to formal, and everything in between.”
Faux Pas
When it comes to attire to avoid, our experts agreed: don’t wear white. While this might seem obvious, it’s important to note that lighter colors like blush and light blues can also read white depending on the lighting. Bridal stylist Francesco Dispirito recommends steering away from light shades that could get confused for white or ivory.
“In general, a wedding guest should stay away from anything that is too sexy or revealing,” Sabitino adds. “Instead focus on classic, elegant, and chic pieces that aren’t too revealing or short.”
Price Range
The dresses on this list range from $25 to $600. We think it’s worth it to invest a bit more on a timeless dress that you’ll wear for years to come, but if you’re shopping for the latest trend, go with a more affordable option.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Genevieve Cepeda is a shopping writer with expertise in style. She previously worked for PEOPLE’s beauty and style team, where she covered red-carpet events and celebrity fashion. She has interviewed A-list celebrities, stylists, and models to learn more about the industry. For this article, she consulted four bridal stylists to learn more about beach wedding guest dresses. She took into consideration stylist favorites as well as personal finds to put together a list that suits every dress code and budget.
Our Expert Panel
Julie Sabatino is the founder of bridal styling company The Stylish Bride, where she has styled thousands of clients for their big day.
Francesca Dispirito is a bridal stylist based in New York City, with over two decades of experience in the wedding industry.
Gabrielle Hurwitz is a bridal stylist based in New York City, with experience styling weddings, engagement shoots, and editorials.
Jackie Avrumson is a bridal stylist in New York City with over two decades of experience. She also runs a blog where she shares tips for bridal styling.
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