What does a casual dress code mean at a wedding?

Casual wedding attire should be comfortable and easy to dance in, as well as more laid back. It can include shorter dresses, jumpsuits, fun prints, and bold colors. Additionally, since many casual weddings are outdoors and during the day, keep that in mind when looking for a dress.

What should you not wear to a casual wedding?

Casual means comfortable, but remember, you're still going to a wedding. Avoid jeans, flip-flops, and t-shirts (unless the invite says otherwise). You still want to dress to impress, while also keeping things low-key. Also, when it comes to a casual dress code, being too fancy is just as much of a faux pas as being too dressed down.

What should a woman wear to a casual wedding?

Dresses are an easy choice, as are jumpsuits, rompers, and two-piece outfits. Stick to easy silhouettes and classic fits, in comfortable fabrics that don't feel too stuffy.

22 Best Casual Wedding Guest Dresses

Several people dressed in colorful garden dresses surrounding a person wearing a bridal gown outside — Photo by Sasithon Photography

Being invited to a wedding with a casual dress code can be confusing. The word "casual" typically evokes ideas of laid-back and low-maintenance clothing (like jeans and a tee), but in the case of a wedding, don't be fooled. While you can certainly skip the long gown, you still need to go for a look that is put-together, chic, and impressive. Think versatile knee-length dresses that are easy to move around in, jumpsuits that look good and keep you comfortable, or midi dresses that give off an effortlessly stylish vibe.

With a casual dress code, you can really have fun with patterns, prints, and colors. What's more, you don't need to spend as much as you would if attending a black-tie wedding, and you also don't have to be pigeonholed into wearing dark, minimalist shades. It's a chance to show off your personality a bit, which makes it fun and easy.

What to Wear to a Casual Wedding

There are plenty of options out there, and below, you'll find a collection of the best casual wedding guest dresses you can buy now.

Lulus

View On Lulus $72

Size: XXS-3X | Length: Mid length | Care: Hand wash cold

With hundreds of positive reviews, this floral midi dress is a versatile and chic choice that you can wear on several occasions. With the mock neck and short sleeves, this is a great choice for those who want a bit of coverage without being too modest.

Courtesy of ASTR The Label

View On Astrthelabel.com

Size: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Care: Dry clean

Satin is usually reserved for colder weather, but the sleeveless top and mini length allow this dress to work for summer nuptials. Not to mention the teal shade which is perfect for a beach wedding. Throw on an oversized blazer for a chic layering piece, to boot.

Courtesy of White House Black Market

View On Whitehouseblackmarket.com

Size: 00-18 (also available in petite) | Length: Below the knee | Care: Machine wash cold

Made of a mix of vegan leather and lace, this dress by White House Black Market is an interesting design choice. It has a slight feminine edge and doesn't require many accessories to pull the look together.

Courtesy of J.Crew

View On Jcrew.com

Size: 00-24 | Length: Mid length | Care: Machine wash

The classic sheath silhouette of this dress makes it a versatile choice for most weddings. Wear it on its own with heels for a minimalist look, or add an oversized blazer to make it look more polished.

Courtesy of Lulus

View On Lulus $74

Size: XXS-XL | Length: Mini | Care: Hand wash cold

No matter the season, this long sleeve ensemble from Lulus is just what you need. We love the sheer touches and the contrast of red and black, a versatile option for most casual celebrations.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie $248

Size: XXS-XL | Length: Ankle length | Care: Machine wash

A maxi dress can work for casual weddings if it has a laid-back vibe to it, like this one from Farm Rio. Style with boots or heels to really play up your personality and personal style.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

Size: 2-18 | Length: Mini length | Care: Dry clean

This velvet mini dress is easy to wear, and ideal for a fall or winter wedding thanks to the burgundy hue. The faux-wrap silhouette and V-neck are also lovely details that stand out.

Courtesy of Astr The Label

View On Astrthelabel.com

Size: XS-XL | Length: Floor length | Care: Dry clean

A casual dress code is a great time to lean into jumpsuits. This sleeveless option from ASTR The Label features pretty pleats, and is an elegant choice that feels effortlessly stylish.

Courtesy of Grace Loves Lace

View On Graceloveslace.com

Size: XS-XXXL | Length: Knee length | Care: Delicate cold hand wash

A silky slip dress is always a great piece to have in your closet, no matter the occasion. You can wear this on its own to a wedding, layer it with a blazer, or make it even more casual with boots or flats.

Courtesy of White House Black Market

View On Whitehouseblackmarket.com

Size: 00-18 (also available in petite) | Length: Above the knee | Care: Machine wash cold

When you're unsure of what to wear, it's hard to go wrong with a tie-waist dress like this one from White House Black Market. Pleats at the hem keep it fun, while a V-neck and three-quarter sleeves make it comfortable and very easy to dance in.

View On Anthropologie $168

Size: XXS-XL (also available in petite and plus) | Length: Ankle length | Care: Hand wash

Anthropologie's Somerset maxi is one of the most popular options on the brand's website. Available in a wide variety of sizes and colors, this one can be worn with flat sandals for a daytime beach wedding, or heels and an updo for an evening reception.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $90

Size: XS-XL | Length: Mid length | Care: Dry clean

Allover plissé pleats make this dress look delicate and feminine. The Chianti color is a beautiful hue, although it's available in black for a more standard color. We also love the twisted front detail which provides a wrap-like shape.

Courtesy of Abercrombie & Fitch

View On Abercrombie.com

Size: XXS-XL (available in petite, regular, and tall) | Length: Mid length | Care: Machine wash cold

The smocked bodice on this dress gives it a trendy and stylish vibe. This one is great for an outdoor wedding, especially during the summer, and comes in a few different shades for those who love options.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size: 00-16 (available in standard or petite) | Length: Mini length | Care: Machine wash

Fun and flirty, with a bit of a '90s vibe, this dress by Maeve is a trendy pick. We love the floral print and the way it's styled on the model with black tights and shoes.

Courtesy of Banana Republic

View On Gap.com

Size: XXS-XL | Length: Above the knee | Care: Machine wash

Banana Republic's Colleta off-the-shoulder sweater dress is a chic and versatile choice. It's great for fall or winter weddings, but could even work for a spring celebration as well. The best part? You can absolutely wear it to other post-wedding events.

Courtesy of Eloquii

View On Eloquii.com

Size: 14-28| Length: Knee length | Care: Machine wash cold

Eloquii's velvet wrap dress is perfect for a casual winter wedding thanks to its long sleeves and velvet fabric. Wear it with tights during extremely cold temperatures, and pair it with a faux-fur coat to complete the look.

Courtesy of Love Bonito

View On Lovebonito.com

Size: XS-XL | Length: Knee length | Care: Machine wash cold

This black bodycon dress appears really simple from the front, but has a back bow tie that adds a layer of fun and sophistication. Wear yours with soft waves in your hair and minimal jewelry to pull off an effortless casual look.

Courtesy of Good American

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $91

Size: XS-5XL | Length: Below the kknee | Care: Hand wash cold

A wrap dress is one of the most comfortable styles you can find. This one is made of a soft sculpting fabric that feels great and allows you to move—plus, it's a versatile fit that can work well with so many dress codes.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size: 00-16 | Length: Mini length | Care: Dry clean

Hutch's black mini dress is made extremely cute with the bow detail in the front. It's a simple option that will feel comfortable and easy to dance in all night long.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie $90

Size: XXS-XL | Length: Mini length | Care: Machine wash

Opt for a more minimal style with this simple long-sleeve black dress. Worn with tights and heels, it's ideal for a winter wedding. Paired with bare legs and sandals, it can work for spring and summer "I dos". It would even look cute with sneakers for any post-wedding events.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie $100

Size: XXS-XL (also available in petite and plus) | Length: Knee length | Care: Machine wash

The mock neck and long sleeves of this dress make it a great choice for a cooler-weather wedding. We absolutely love the sheer panels which provide a unique and trendy touch to the classic black ensemble.

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

View On Bloomingdales

Size: XS-XL | Length: Midi length | Care: Dry clean

The bright orange hue of this dress is so much fun and perfect for summertime nuptials. Made of a comfortable knit material, this one is built to last.

What to Look for in a Casual Wedding Dress

If you're invited to a wedding with a casual dress code, be sure to pick something that is formal enough for a wedding, but simple enough for the vibe of the event. This is your time to have fun with your outfit, and you can even play around with different silhouettes, length, patterns, and prints. Additionally, look for a dress that is comfortable and easy to move around in, and pay attention the season, venue, and locale of the event to find the best style for you.

FAQ

What does a casual dress code mean at a wedding?

Casual wedding attire should be comfortable and easy to dance in, as well as more laid back. It can include shorter dresses, jumpsuits, fun prints, and bold colors. Additionally, since many casual weddings are outdoors and during the day, keep that in mind when looking for a dress.
What should you not wear to a casual wedding?

Casual means comfortable, but remember, you're still going to a wedding. Avoid jeans, flip-flops, and t-shirts (unless the invite says otherwise). You still want to dress to impress, while also keeping things low-key. Also, when it comes to a casual dress code, being too fancy is just as much of a faux pas as being too dressed down.
What should a woman wear to a casual wedding?

Dresses are an easy choice, as are jumpsuits, rompers, and two-piece outfits. Stick to easy silhouettes and classic fits, in comfortable fabrics that don't feel too stuffy.

The 27 Best Formal Wedding Guest Dresses

Why Trust Us

Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Romper, Insider, Forbes, Redbook, and Refinery29.