If you're on the hunt for the perfect wedding guest outfit, then look no further than these high-street options from M&S, New Look H&M, Primark and River Island
I’ve already witnessed my first ‘I do’ of 2024, which means the wedding season is truly in full swing. And if you’ve RSVP’d to a friend or family member’s big day this year, then you’re no doubt going to be on the hunt for the perfect outfit for the occasion.
Naturally, picking your outfit will depend on whether the bride and groom have a dress code, with black tie requiring floor-length fits and luxurious styles, while co*cktail and casual occasions would lend themselves to shorter hemlines and more laidback looks.
I headed out onto the high street to popular retailers like , New Look and River Island and found some gorgeous options, whether you’re attending a formal affair or an abroad wedding, there really is something for everyone and you don’t have to spend a fortune, either.
In each store, I sought out the dress I’d be most likely to wear to a 2024 wedding, looking for spring-ready and on-trend colours, romantic silhouettes and most importantly - nothing white. Here are my top picks from the high street:
New Look - Green Ruffle V-Neck Midi Slip Dress - £37.99
If I were heading to another wedding this year, I’d absolutely be wearing this lime green number from New Look, ideal for co*cktail attire, but could work just as well for black tie. I typically struggle to find occasionwear in my local New Look without having to dive into their concessions like AX Paris, but this is from the retailer’s core line and is a stunning yet affordable piece, coming in under £40.
The satin fabric makes this dress feel really luxurious, and it’s in a flattering midi length that you won’t find yourself tripping over on the dance floor, either. The ruffle detailing is really romantic and it’s one of those dresses that looks as good from the back as it does the front.
M&S - Crepe Tab Detail Wide Leg Trousers, £39.50 & Ruched Sleeve Blazer, £49.50
If you want to do something a little different and ditch the idea of a dress, I think coloured suits are such an elevated alternative for wedding guests. M&S’s sophisticated twist on wedding guest attire comes in the form of their Crepe Tab Detail Wide Leg Trousers and Ruched Sleeve Blazer, which I want to buy in every colour.
What I love most about co-ord sets like this is how effective and powerful they are for a special event, but equally, how they can later be worn for the office, or dressed down further for your brunches and days out. Whenever you buy a two-piece suit, you’re really getting at least three outfits, which brings the cost-per-wear down significantly and makes it feel like better value. For example, the easy-to-wear blazer can be worn with jeans, while the trousers can be paired with a striped t-shirt and trainers for a laidback look.
The trousers have an elegant silhouette, complete with a high waist and wide leg, while the blazer offers ruched sleeves and long lapels - I just wish it had a button or some form of fastening so it could be worn with nothing underneath for evening occasions - but paired with a pretty blouse, it’s a great wedding pick.
The blazer has more than 1,000 reviews from shoppers, who say it’s ideal for styling for a range of occasions. One said: “Lovely blazer, fits perfectly, not oversized at all, light in colour. Would be perfect to dress up or down.” But one said it was “too summery for what I need.”
While another added: “I purchased the neutral/beige jacket last year. Is so comfortable. Good quality and looks dressy. So I have the pink jacket to wear over a dress for a wedding. The size is true to size. Can recommend.”
River Island - Pink Satin Twist Front Floral Maxi Dress, £50
Sticking with a satin theme - a really popular choice for wedding guests in 2024 - is this River Island dress, which doubles as the ultimate holiday evening look, too. Also available in plain green, I really loved the red and pink floral pattern of this piece, which felt made for Spring events.
The twist front detail is ideal for anyone who feels a little conscious about their tummy as it really helps disguise that area, while the split hem gives it a little bit of sass. The £50 outfit boasts a v-neckline which is secured with a tack stitch so as to not be overly revealing, while the back has a slight elastic waist so it’s comfortable to wear all day. The long sleeves are a lovely touch as it makes it ideal for those April/May weddings when it’s a bit cooler, too. I also love the idea of wearing this to an evening meal on a holiday abroad.
For me, this was a really gorgeous dress, but there were a couple of things I might have changed. I think a side slit in the skirt would have looked better, and the tack securing the front of the dress had torn on some of the dresses in store, so I don’t think I’d be confident enough in its security for such a special occasion.
Primark - Rita Ora Ruffle Maxi Dress, £25
Other people’s weddings can be expensive to attend, so for those on a budget, Primark’s latest collection with Rita Ora has some worthy options. While some plain blue and pink ruffle dresses did capture my attention, it was this buttermilk yellow floral number that ticks all the trend boxes that left me swooning.
The £25 dress is the most affordable I tried, and I think it looks a lot more expensive than the price you pay. The whimsical dress features frilly layers, spaghetti straps, and off-the-shoulder sleeves that drape beautifully over the upper arm, which is ideal if this is an area you’re conscious of.
Pair this dress with slim heels plus a mini bag and you’ve got yourself a wedding guest-friendly ensemble.
H&M - Broderie Anglaise Tunic Dress, £27.99
At H&M, I spotted a lot of patterns that might have fit the wedding guest bill, but then fell short when it came to the cut and shape. The best I could find in my local store was this Broderie Anglaise Tunic Dress, ideal if you’re going as their ‘something blue’.
Crafted from airy cotton, this dress definitely has a relaxed vibe and would be most suited to a sunny destination wedding. However, it absolutely requires nude underwear as it’s unlined. The short, loose-fit tunic dress features long raglan balloon sleeves with elasticated cuffs and a small collar with gathers and a V-shaped opening at the front.
Some shoppers have said it’s a ‘stunning dress’, even ordering it in white which would be perfect for a bride-to-be on their hen party, while another said it was ‘perfect for my holiday’. That said, I have to agree with some of the less glowing reviews, where one person summed up my thoughts perfectly: “Lovely fabric but it's just not for me. Strange length and too wide.”
Elsewhere, online we also found some stunning picks from Nobody's Child, River Island and Oasis, like this Green Satin Button Down Dress from Yumi at Coast, which is now £10.80 down from £65. Meanwhile, ASOS has launched a huge sale with up to 60 per cent off, which provides an opportunity to find ‘the one’ when it comes to your wedding guest look.
Oh, and if you're yet to congratulate the happy couple, make sure to check out these thoughtful engagement gift ideas.
