If you’re heading to a wedding with an unspecified dress code and are unsure of what to wear, look no further than the midi dress. For those unfamiliar with the term, a midi dress has a hemline that falls anywhere from two inches below the knee to right above the ankle. In other words, it’s the best of both worlds when it comes to occasion dressing. You get the glamour and elegance of a longer length without committing to an overly formal look. Most midi ensembles can also be dressed up or down easily, making them a versatile choice if you have multiple weddings to attend.
Midi dresses also work for just about any season and are an especially great choice for more casual fall and winter celebrations. When the temps start to drop, you’ll be thankful to have those few extra inches without the fear of looking over-dressed. However, one thing to note is that if you’re on the petite side, keep in mind that this style may look different for you. Midi dresses are generally made to hit mid-calf, so if you are a bit shorter, this length may fall closer to the ground.
While there are tons of midi dress options to choose from, we narrowed down our favorites for you to peruse. Scroll on for the top midi-length dresses for every dress code, style, and season.
Best Ruffles
Reformation Kesia Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose
Sometimes all you need is some fun and flirty ruffles. Perfect for a daytime or evening wedding, this midi dress is sure to have you twirling from the second you step on the dance floor.
Best Cut-Outs
Shona Joy La Lune Tie Front Bias Midi Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-8 | Materials: Lenzing Ecovero, viscose
Cut-outs have been a major trend this year, and we love the way this midi dress elegantly incorporates the style. Plus, the airy sleeves add an effortless flair to the dress.
For a Tropical Wedding
Zara Printed Tulle Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: S-L | Materials: Tulle
The bright colors and halter-style neckline make this dress an instant winner for a tropical destination wedding. Style with loose beachy waves and a woven clutch.
Best Side Slit
Amanda Uprichard Mandy Midi Dress
Runs: P/XS-XL | Size: S-L | Materials: Capri polyester
Dubbed “the perfect wedding guest dress” on the brand’s website, this Amanda Uprichard midi dress is one you’ll be reaching for again and again. The flattering silhouette is the perfect mix of feminine and classic.
Best Metallic Accents
RIXO Cheryl Ruffled Metallic Fil Coupé Midi dress
Runs: True to size | Size: UK 6-20 | Materials: Silk
This tiered midi dress is a stunning option for any formal or semi-formal wedding you may be attending. The metallic dot accents will catch just the right amount of sparkle for a unique look.
Best Ruched Detailing
Shona Joy La Lune Ruched Bodice Midi Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-12 | Materials: Lenzing Ecovero, viscose, poleyster
Let’s all take a minute to appreciate how gorgeous this midi dress from Shona Joy is. The bust cut-out and ruched detailing are subtle, yet eye-catching, details and the drawstring neck allows you to adjust the neckline easily.
For a Garden Wedding
Reformation Alene Silk Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-12 | Materials: Silk
Nobody does wedding guest dresses quite like Reformation, and this midi proves it. From the tie straps to the elegant floral print, this dress is made to be worn to a garden wedding.
Best Cowlneck
Standards & Practices Drea Cowlneck Satin Midi Slip Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: L-3X | Materials: Satin
Few things are more flattering than a cowl neckline. Exhibit A: this satin cowl neck midi dress from Standards & Practices. The forest green shade is especially great for festive winter nuptials.
For a Bold Color
Zara Wrinkle Look Satin Effect Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester
We love a bold shade for a summer wedding, specifically this striking blue hue. Style the midi with statement earrings and neutral heels for a look sure to stand out.
Best Black Dress
Norma Kamali Slip Fishtail Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex
Many guests try to stay away from wearing black at a wedding, but for a semi-formal or formal dress code, it can definitely be pulled off. If you are leaning toward that shade, we suggest trying out this Norma Kamali fishtail dress.
Best Smocked
Eloquii Smocked Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: 14/16-26/28 | Materials: Rayon
Add a little flounce to your step with this midi dress. While the bodice has a bodycon silhouette, the bottom of the dress features a ruffle hemline that’s sweet and stylish.
Best Bead Detailing
Reformation Marixa Silk Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: XS-XL | Materials: Silk
While this dress may appear to be a regular floral midi dress, look a bit closer. The neckline is embellished with pearl beaded detailing, which sets this dress apart from other similar styles.
For a Spring Wedding
Likely Rosanna Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: 00-14 | Materials: Cotton
If you’re attending a spring wedding, may we propose this number from Likely? The midi dress is made from eyelet woven material and features cut-outs along the bodice and a tiered skirt. Plus, the lavender color could not be more perfect for a beautiful spring day.
Best One Shoulder
Lulus So Flirty One Shoulder Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex
This burgundy one-shoulder dress from Lulus is a chic and sophisticated option for a wintertime wedding. And priced at under-$100, it truly cannot be beaten.
Most Whimsical
RIXO Gio Red Pandy Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: XXS-3XL | Materials: Silk
For a colorful and eye-catching wedding guest dress, we love this RIXO midi number. The bright poppy print will fit in perfectly at an outdoor summer wedding. Not to mention the puff sleeves, which add a dose of whimsy to the look.
Best Jewel-Tone
Herve Leger Bandage Midi Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Rayon, nylon, spandex
Another exceptional option for a winter wedding is this iconic midi dress from Herve Leger. Made from a thicker material, it's perfect for when the weather turns a bit chilly.
Most Stylish
Zhivago Bond Midi Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: S-L | Materials: Polyester, spandex
Make a statement in this bright fuschia midi dress, which features padded shoulders for a fashion-forward and bold look. Style with gold accents and a slicked-back ponytail.
For a Backyard Wedding
Camila Coehlo Claudia Midi Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester
This easy-to-wear midi dress from Camila Coehlo is perfect for a casual outdoor wedding. The ribbed fabric makes for a comfortable option for you to show off your best dance moves.
For a Beach Wedding
Likely Katerina Dress
Runs: True to size | Size: 00-14 | Materials: Crinkled chiffon
This breezy midi is truly ideal for beach celebrations. Between the side cutouts, knee-high slit, and ruffle details, we see this ensemble on the sandy shores of a destination wedding.
What to Look for in a Midi Wedding Guest Dress
When shopping for a midi dress to wear to a wedding, keep in mind the dress code. For example, does it state semi-formal attire? If so, focus on fabrics and necklines, as styles made from materials like silk, satin, viscose, and tulle will naturally appear dressier than ones made from jersey or cotton. Cowlneck midi dresses are also incredibly elegant for a semi-formal or formal wedding, no matter the season.
However, if you are attending a casual outdoor wedding, your midi dress search may look a tad different. In this case, search for looks that have more flow to them (similar to a sundress). And as mentioned before, midi dresses are a great choice for weddings that don’t state a dress code.
About the Author
Contributing writer Melony Forcier is a recent graduate starting her career path in beauty and fashion journalism. Before graduating, she interned with both Boston Magazine and Foundation PR. Additionally, she served as a fashion editor for Boston University's lifestyle magazine, The Buzz.