24 Gorgeous Daytime Wedding Guest Dresses

We guarantee you'll be the best dressed guest at your next daytime wedding.
23 Gorgeous Daytime Wedding Guest Dresses
Photos, left to right: Kohl's, ASOS, ASTR the Label
carli brennan headshot
by
Carli Brennan
carli brennan headshot
Carli Brennan
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Carli writes freelance fashion articles for The Knot.
  • Prior to The Knot, she was the style section editor at Her Campus Media and launched the Fashion Institute of Technology chapter of Her Campus.
  • Carli’s passion for the wedding industry stems from her time as a bridal consultant and her previous internship in a bridal showroom.
Updated Dec 07, 2023
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

If you're invited to a daytime wedding, you may be wondering how to find a daytime wedding guest dress that strikes the perfect balance of dressy and casual—your fit should be appropriate for an important occasion like a wedding, but also not so formal and vampy you're dressed for a soiree after dark. The good news: There's no shortage of chic outfit possibilities out there. If you're not sure where to begin your search, we're here to help you narrow down which daytime wedding guest dress is right for your upcoming event. Below, we break down expert tips on how to choose the right look—plus editor-approved daytime wedding guest dresses you can add to your cart right now.

What to Wear to a Day Wedding

When deciding on a wedding guest dress, it's important to consider the time of day of the wedding. The rules of how to dress as a daytime wedding guest vary from those of an evening event. While night time special events call for darker, moodier colors, a daytime wedding is the perfect time to wear brighter colors and softer silhouettes.

Beyond color, there are a few important factors to consider when dressing for a daytime wedding. When it comes to choosing wedding attire, keep in mind the level of formality of the event. Just because the wedding takes place during the day doesn't mean that you should stray from a more formal dress code. Also, be sure to take into account the seasonality of the event. Save shorter, skin-baring styles for the warmer months and opt for long sleeves and heavier fabrics when it's cold outside.

To ensure you're the best dressed guest at your next daytime soiree, we've compiled a list of our favorite festive daytime wedding guest dresses. Whether you're looking for an elegant daytime gown or a sweet mini dress, we've got you covered.

Our Favorite Daytime Wedding Guest Dresses

Free People Sundrenched Silky Maxi Dress

Sundrenched Silky Maxi Dress
Photo: Free People

Lean into the theme of love with this romantic dress. Ruching at the waist makes for a flattering fit, while the sweetheart neckline and puff sleeves channel that cottage-core energy.

Cider Ditsy Floral Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

Ditsy Floral Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
Photo: Cider

You can't go wrong with a floral mini dress. This one features a draw-string sweetheart neckline, a fitted bodice, and a fluttering translucent hemline.

AND NOW THISWomen's Mixed-Media Sleeveless Midi Dress

AND NOW THIS Women's Mixed-Media Sleeveless Midi Dress
Photo: Macy's

This pale blue midi dress is chic without being too formal. You can dress it or down depending on the occasion.

Reformation Nadira Dress

Reformation Nadira Dress
Photo: Reformation

It's clear to see why this classic style from Reformation is a best seller. It comes in solids and whimsical floral prints. Bonus: the calf-length means you can get away with wearing comfortable shoes and no one will be the wiser.

Lulus Smokeshow Teal Metallic Mini Dress

Pleated metallic mini dress with plunging neckline

Pleated metallic fabric elevates this flowy mini dress, while velvet detailing at the waist creates a flattering skater skirt shape. We're Adding this one to our wishlist ASAP!

PatBO Bustier Ruffle Maxi Dress

PatBO Bustier Ruffle Maxi Dress
Photo: PatBO

For a black tie affair, always opt for a floor-length gown. This one from PatBO is made from a structured pink fabric that catches the light with any movement. Its daring hemline but modest neckline make it perfect for a destination beach wedding.

Camila Coelho Payton Maxi Dress

Mermaid maxi dress with fringe hem and halter neck

The trendy Valentino pink shade of this maxi dress and the fringe detail at the hem feel so fresh. Keep accessories minimal so that the dress can steal the show.

LC Lauren Conrad Peplum Waist Faux-Wrap Dress

LC Lauren Conrad Peplum Waist Faux-Wrap Dress
Photo: Kohl's

An A-line dress is always timeless—and for good reason! The tried and true silhouette is perfect for any special occasion. This plum rendition is perfect for a vineyard wedding.

Sea New York Lourdes L/S Dress

Sea Lourdes L/S Dress
Photo: Sea New York

This luxe summery dress is perfect for a daytime wedding outdoors. It features a cute cut-out, ruched bodice, and puff sleeves.

LoveShackFancy Zennia Off-Shoulder Silk Mini Dress

Zennia Off-Shoulder Silk Mini Dress
Photo: LoveShackFancy

Calling all cottagecore lovers. LoveShackFancy breathes new life into a classic mini dress with this romantic number. Its blue and white marble print and ruffles along the neckline are sure to make a statement.

ASOS Design Washed One Sleeve Drape Mini Dress

ASOS Design Washed One Sleeve Drape Mini Dress
Photo: ASOS

This Barbiecore dress is equal parts glamorous and flirty. A single statement sleeve and asymmetrical neckline plus a short hemline add drama. Pair this with platform sandals to play up its inherently retro vibe.

Reformation Kailyn Silk Dress

Kailyn Silk Dress from Reformation
Photo: Reformation

The spaghetti straps, slinky silhouette and calf-length hem make this green silk dress an instant classic. It's perfect to dress up or down, so it'll easily take you through wedding season and beyond.

Petal + Pup Laurel Dress

Simple midi dress with tie sleeves and front slit

Navy is great for when you want to keep things simple, but are tired of your LBD. The tie straps on this midi dress add a feminine touch to an otherwise simple dress.

Zimmermann Matchmaker Frilled Midi Dress

Zimmermann Matchmaker Frilled Midi Dress
Photo: ShopBop

This pale pink paisley dress is perfect for your next beach wedding. Its flowy A-line skirt makes it perfect for dancing the day away. And, the trendy frilled neckline will set you apart from the crowd.

Veronica Beard Ginny Quilted Denim Dress

Veronica Beard Ginny Quilted Denim Dress
Photo: Veronica Beard

Two words: Effortlessly chic. This classic denim dress is sure to garner tons of compliments. We especially love its oh-so-now blue color and criss crossed quilted stitching.

ASTR the Label Lourdes Sequin Long Sleeve Midi Dress

ASTR the Label Lourdes Sequin Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Photo: ASTR the Label

A shimmering sequined fabric elevates this midi dress to new heights. The trendy rose color is perfect for winter, while the form-fitting bodice gives it some sultry appeal.

Dress the Population Sloane Sequin Sheath Dress

Dress the Population Sloane Sequin Sheath Dress
Photo: Nordstrom

Who said sequin dresses are only for the evening? This dazzling gold dress would work just as well during a daytime wedding. Because this sparkly dress is jewelry itself, keep accessories minimal and pair it with a simple strappy heel.

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress
Photo: Hill House Home

This brand is a cult-favorite among fashionistas for a reason: it's both comfortable and stylish. We love the smocked detailing and whimsical florals on this elevated midi dress.

Staud Serena Dress in Red Rose

Serena Dress in Red Rose
Photo: Staud

Va va voom. Fire engine red makes this elegant gown a head turner. A single sleeve and asymmetrical neckline turn up the heat.

Elliatt Asymmetric Satin Cocktail Dress

Asymmetrical mini dress with sleeveless halter neck

The asymmetrical hemline and cowl halter neck make this satin dress a standout. It comes in a wide array of colors, so there's something for everyone. Pair this sleek style with metallic accessories that will pop against its lush green hue.

Lulus Next to You Emerald Green Swiss Dot Ruffled Midi Dress

Next to You Emerald Green Swiss Dot Ruffled Midi Dress
Photo: Lulus

A retro polka-dot gown is perfect for any occasion—and any time of day. You can't go wrong with this classic emerald option for a more formal wedding. Bonus: You will definitely wear this look again.

V. Chapman Dianthus Gown

Floor length silk gown with peplum and lace bodice

This silk gown is perfect for a black tie daytime wedding. Lace panels on the bodice and a peplum make it feel extra feminine.

Red Dress Boutique Up To You Emerald Maxi Dress

Red Dress Boutique Up To You Emerald Maxi Dress
Photo: Red Dress Boutique

Gold foil and floral jacquard are a welcome update on this little black dress. Pair it with your favorite gold shoes and jewelry for a glamorous look.

Up Next
  • Collage of two Rent the Runway wedding guest dresses and a jumpsuit
    The Best Rent the Runway Wedding Guest Dresses for 2024