The 26 Best Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Dresses, According to BRIDES

You're guaranteed to look good at a semi-formal wedding with this simple satin dress, constructed with a midi hemline to ensure it's not too formal. Eight different color options allow you to wear this option year-round.

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester, elastane

For a fun floral moment at a spring, summer, or early fall wedding, consider this Cinq à Sept midi. It features allover ruffles and a gorgeous, watercolor-esque red floral pattern.

Size Range: 00-16 | Materials: Polyester

Sleeveless, 100 percent silk, and adorned with lace at the bodice and skirt hem, this Reformation dress is a versatile enough option to get you through any semi-formal wedding on your calendar this year.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Silk

Effortlessly chic and comfortable, we love this brown strapless option for any semi-formal wedding guest, no matter their style. The jersey fabric has a slight stretch to help you feel secure on the dance floor.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex

Navy is an ideal color choice for a semi-formal affair, given its versatility. This Cult Gaia midi in this shade features a tasteful corset-style bodice, ruching on the bust, and a comfortable cotton poplin makeup for nuptials in the spring, summer, or early fall months.

Size Range: 0-10 | Materials: Cotton, polyamide, elastane

For the vintage lovers, this special Rixo piece will satisfy their tastes for a semi-formal wedding. Made from 100 percent silk, this midi boasts a retro, '40s-inspired design with a gorgeous, lace-adorned neckline and hems on the sleeves and skirt, and a satin bow at the waist.

Size Range: US 2-US 16 | Materials: Silk

If you're partial to a chic black colorway for a fall or winter wedding, consider this Ulla Johnson piece. This fashion-forward option made from comfy cotton jersey features intricate ruffles and ruching at the bust for a unique look.

Size Range: P-XL | Materials: Cotton

Perfectly boho and appropriate for any autumn affair, this Anthropologie dress is one of our favorites for semi-formal weddings. It comes in either mustard yellow, muted red, or black—any of these options satisfies the classic fall color palette.

Size Range: XXS-3X (petite sizes also available) | Materials: Viscose

Nothing says "summer" quite like this cheerful shade of blue, especially when combined with the white floral details on the skirt. The linen fabric ensures your skin can breathe while sitting through steamy outdoor ceremonies or dancing at the reception.

Size Range: US 2-US 10 | Materials: Linen, viscose rayon

Velvet is the ultimate wintry fabric, so there's no wondering why we love this Rixo option for a semi-formal wedding during the winter season. The black colorway, lace details, and delicate satin bow at the bust are the prettiest touches.

Size Range: US 2-US 22 (petite sizes also available) | Materials: Viscose, silk (main); cotton, polyamide (contrast)

A mini with some flair is another fabulous option for a semi-formal wedding, especially this one from Mango. The precisely-tailored fabric on this mini serves as the perfect contrast to the delicate bow detail at the neckline.

Size Range: 2-8 | Materials: Cotton, viscose, elastane

If you're searching for a patterned option, we love the design on this Tanya Taylor mini. Whimsical yet still wearable for most seasons, this navy blue piece will look perfect for a semi-formal wedding dressed up with some chic pointed-toe heels, in our opinion.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Viscose, nylon, polyester, spandex

The unique mock-neck halter detail on this Mango midi is the most dramatic element of this dress, making it perfect for minimalists on the hunt for a semi-formal wedding guest dress. The shade of brown is undeniably chic and ideal for fall or winter nuptials.

Size Range: 2-10 | Materials: Lyocell, polyamide

Another simple option with an extensive size range, this Estelle midi comes in chocolate brown or navy—both choices are suitable for weddings in the fall or winter months. We're obsessed with the subtlety of the sheer skirt hemline.

Size Range: 16W-24W | Materials: Linen, viscose

Polka dots are still very much on-trend—we love DÔEN's take on this playful pattern. This dress has all the classic details for a chic, ultrafeminine wedding look, including a bias-cut skirt and a sweetheart neckline.

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Silk, viscose

We'll always encourage a fun color for a wedding guest look, especially for a spring wedding. This bright blue Rixo dress is made from luxe silk and features the cutest puff sleeves and embroidered neckline.

Size Range: US 2-US 16 | Materials: Silk

Serve a playful and comfortable look for a semi-formal beachfront celebration with this strapless cotton poplin maxi dress. The ruffled bust and smocked bodice, combined with the understated red and blue striped skirt, give it a coastal-chic appeal.

Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Cotton

One of the coolest pieces we've seen, any maximalist dresser will obsess over this DÔEN mini dress. Its classic short, shift silhouette is the only minimal thing about it, contrasted with the allover blue and green florals, sparkly embroidery, and beaded fringe on the hemline.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Viscose

You can't beat the size range seen with this Lioness maxi dress, making it one of the most versatile choices on this list. This maxi dress comes in either navy or sage green and sizes ranging from 4XS to 4XL. Not to mention the dress itself is made with a breathable linen fabric blend and the coolest boned bodice.

Size Range: XXXXS-XXXXL | Materials: Linen, viscose

Go bold for a destination wedding, especially if you're headed somewhere tropical for the couple's nuptials. This bright orange number with a beaded self-tie belt will make a statement in the best way.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Rayon, linen

With chocolate brown always trending, we'd be remiss not to include this VRG GRL option in a comfortable linen fabric. Between the basque waist, oversized bows on the bodice, and the deep V-neckline, it's safe to say we're obsessed with this for a semi-formal wedding.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Linen

You don't always have to wear sleeves for warmth, as demonstrated by this stunning Staud piece with an elegant sheer chiffon overlay. This mini is perfectly boho chic and semi-formal for a wedding with a more laid-back dress code.

Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Viscose

Celebrate the couple of the moment with the prettiest color combination of green, yellow, purple, and pink, as seen on this SIR slip dress. We love this easygoing, 100 percent silk maxi for a late spring or summertime wedding requiring semi-formal attire.

Size Range: US 0-US 10 | Materials: Silk

It's difficult to choose which elements of this Sea dress we love the most: the capelet with intricate lace cutouts, the embroidery on the bodice, skirt, and hem, or the stunning shade of green.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Cotton, linen

We've seen sheer skirt moments everywhere lately—why not incorporate this trend into your wedding guest look? This beautiful boho option from Sea features this beloved design detail, with the sheer section decorated with the most gorgeous floral embroidery.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Nylon

The thoughtful, delicate lace design on this Ulla Johnson dress makes it worth the splurge if you want a wedding guest option you can cherish forever. We're partial to this bold yellow hue, although it comes in black if you desire a truly versatile look with this designer dress.

Size Range: 00-12 | Materials: Linen

FAQ

• Semi-formal and cocktail attire have been known to be interchangeable, but in some cases, a cocktail dress is a small step above a semi-formal dress. While semi-formal can include elevated sundresses, this may not be appropriate for a cocktail dress code. If you are genuinely stuck on whether your dress is suitable, consult with the hosts to see what they recommend.

• Unlike black-tie events, semi-formal weddings don’t adhere to a strict color palette. If you’re attending a fall or winter wedding, you might want to choose darker colors and solid patterns. For spring and summer nuptials, prints and florals are completely appropriate. Steer clear of traditional bridal colors like white and off-white, and if you’re in doubt about what colors are appropriate to wear, ask the engaged couple.