Welcome to Aisle Style, a week-long series that features the most untraditional wedding fashion trends, bridal designers behind the coolest wedding looks, and brides who walk to the beat of their own “Canon In D.” Buck the tradition and say I do to personal style — the aisle is yours.
As everything starts to look a bit sunnier, odds are that you've found yourself on the guest list of several upcoming spring weddings. To help, we've put together some style ideas based on spring 2023 trends and runway-approved looks that will surely get you onto the best dressed list.
Embrace these formal (or more casual) affairs with spring wedding guest dresses that touch on this year's trends, including bright colors, high-shine metallic fabrics, and Y2K-esque details that will keep your fancy 'fit feeling fresh. And if you thought dramatic trains were just reserved for the bride, we're here to prove otherwise.
Click through to browse our favorite trending wedding guest dresses in a range of styles, straight and plus size fits, and colors to don for any springtime nuptial celebration.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
The cottagecore and balletcore trends of the past few years have merged with sleeker ruffles and elegant silhouettes. The result is fluttery, dreamy dresses that skew squarely in "party-ready" mode. However, don't worry; your favorite puff sleeves and tiered styles aren't going anywhere. Choose from a flowy or more body-hugging dresses to fit your style and the wedding's vibe.
V. Chapman Lily Ruched & Ruffled Stretch Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Brights Wedding Guest Dresses
An electric spring trend (and broader 2023 trend) that our R29 Style team identified is gem tones that have undergone a fluorescent mutation. Think Barbie hot pinks, vibrant purples, fiery reds, and Mediterranean blues. So here's your chance to be bold and stand out in the best way possible.
Flounce London Petite All Over Ruffle Cami Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Garden Party Wedding Guest Dresses
After a long winter season, it's refreshing to celebrate marriage in an outdoor setting like a garden or vineyard. Keep it casual or dress up for the occasion with midi and maxi dresses that flow in the breeze and floral prints that scream spring. You can even play with the 3D flowers spring trend if you want to be particularly on theme.
The Somerset Collection by Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress: Cutwork Edition, $, available at Anthropologie
Y2K Wedding Guest Dresses
The term "Y2K fashion" may conjure up belly tees and low-rise flares, but the trend has also made its way into formal wear — and it's not as risqué as you'd imagine. This spring, expect the likes of early 2000s slip dress styles, nostalgic frills, and sherbet colorways.
Rihoas The Water Ripple Textured Cami Dress, $, available at Rihoas
Metallic Wedding Guest Dresses
Metallics, and specifically silver metallics, found themselves on a ton of spring runways this year. Whether it's a black tie affair or night club type celebration, shine bright in metallic fabrics, sequins, or embellishments for your next wedding party.
Veronica Beard Kaira Metallic Floral Dress, $, available at Veronica Beard
Satin Wedding Guest Dresses
Exude elegance in a silky satin gown for a black-tie wedding. Not only do popular pastel tones work well in spring, but the fabric gives off an effortless (and cooling] luxe appearance. Keep your look minimalistic and chic with a pair of strappy heels or cream-colored mules.
Designers reinterpreted the classic dress train for their spring 2023 runway shows, and we're on board. Mini dresses are now accompanied by floor-length trains with bows or delicate and reserved side trains. We believe that you'll be seeing this dramatic accent more frequently — and that you'll look amazing in one, too.
Once again, dads and nerds are absolutely winning the fashion game. We've already seen the rise of "ugly" sneakers, dad hats, Bermuda shorts, and '70s-style glasses. Now, with spring in full swing, we're officially in the era of the sweater vest. These sleeveless wonders didn't just appear out of the ether — luxury designers have been surfacing various styles throughout recent seasons — but spring means this trend is peaking. And, we already took it upon ourselves to browse the top online shops for the best sweater vests inspired by Dad.
The classic standards like argyle and cable-knit are well-represented, but what's more noteworthy are the fashion-forward silhouettes. There are massively oversized sweater vests that could be worn as tunics, itty-bitty cropped versions that fit like baby tees, and chunky technicolor knits that incorporate Y2K-style crochet patterns.
Ahead, shop 35 of the best sweater vest styles that are bonafide chic but also sure to get your pop's stamp of approval.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
JW Anderson X Uniqlo Cricket Long Vest, $, available at Uniqlo
Cable-Knit Sweater Vests
Perhaps the most classic sweater vest of all, the cable-knit can be found crafted from wool blends with high crew-neck collars and more streamlined silhouettes that are perfect for layering over white button-downs. Wear one with your favorite pair of dad jeans.
Naadam Cashmere Cable Knit Cropped Vest, $, available at Naadam
Buttoned Sweater Vests
Sweater vests with buttons down the front might surpass dad style and go straight into grandpa territory. But with such sleek fabrics, such as ribbed knit and lightweight merino, who wouldn't want to wear what is essentially a sleeveless cardigan?
RE/DONE 90s Cardigan Vest, $, available at RE/DONE
Cropped Sweater Vests
These midriff-happy sweater vests are by far the most fashion-y style you could wear. The cropped length makes for an ideal combo with high-waisted jeans. Or, layer one atop an oversize button-down to create a cool silhouette straight out of Clueless.
Looser and airier — but also chunkier and likely warmer — than other sweater vests, crocheted and knit vests are the style to grab if you're into a more vintage look.
Farm Rio Multi Circles Crochet Vest, $, available at Shopbop
Turtleneck Sweater Vest
The most popular sweater vests are going to be V-necks, yes. But don't overlook the turtleneck sweater vest. It tends to be the most versatile of the bunch since it passes as a regular shirt (and a complete look).
Hosbjerg | Free People Dorthea Sweater Vest, $, available at Free People
Colorful Sweater Vests
The best sweater vest will add a pop to any outfit — whether it be with a sunshiny color or an eye-catching pattern. We love a good statement sweater vest!
Maje Melonie Clover Jacquard Sleeveless Sweater, $, available at Nordstom
Urban Outfitters Paige Textured Sweater Vest
Shop Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters Paige Textured Sweater Vest, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Abercrombie and Fitch Cable Knit V-Neck Sweater Vest, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
Free People Quinn Sweater Vest
Shop Free People
Free People Quinn Sweater Vest, $, available at Free People
Polo Ralph Lauren Aran Cabled Sweater Vest
Shop Polo Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren Aran Cabled Sweater Vest, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Free People Wilder Turtleneck Sweater Vest
Shop Free People
Free People Wilder Turtleneck Sweater Vest, $, available at Nordstrom
H&M Jacquard-Knit Sweater Vest
Shop H&M
H&M Jacquard-Knit Sweater Vest, $, available at H&M
Naadam Cashmere Sleeveless Turtleneck
Shop Naadam
Naadam Cashmere Sleeveless Turtleneck, $, available at Naadam
Crochet & Knit Sweater Vests
Looser and airier — but also chunkier and likely warmer — than other sweater vests, crocheted and knit vests are the style to grab if you're into a more vintage look.
Shop Farm Rio
Farm Rio Crochet Square Vest, $, available at ban.do
GANNI Graphic-Knit Vest Top
Shop Ganni
Ganni Graphic-Knit Vest Top, $, available at Farfetch
Naadam Cashmere Sleeveless Turtleneck
Shop Naadam
Naadam Cashmere Sleeveless Turtleneck, $, available at Naadam
Cropped Sweater Vests
These midriff-happy sweater vests are by far the most fashion-y style you could wear. The cropped length makes for an ideal combo with high-waisted jeans. Or, layer one atop an oversize button-up to create a cool silhouette straight out of Clueless.
Shop Maeve
Maeve Vera Jacquard Sweater Vest, $, available at Anthropologie
Madewell Ribbed Button-Up Sweater Vest
Shop Madewell
Madewell Ribbed Button-Up Sweater Vest, $, available at Madewell
Abercrombie & Fitch Slim Cropped V-Neck Sweater Vest
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Slim Cropped V-Neck Sweater Vest, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Buttoned Sweater Vests
Sweater vests with buttons down the front might surpass dad style and go straight into grandpa territory. But with such sleek fabrics, such as ribbed knit and lightweight merino, who wouldn't want to wear what is essentially a sleeveless cardigan?
Shop Alex Mill
Alex Mill Francis Cardigan Vest in Donegal, $, available at Alex Mill
Envii Oversized Sweater Vest
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Envii Oversized Sweater Vest In Green Grid Check, $, available at ASOS
Wild Fable Oversized Sweater Vest
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Wild Fable Oversized Sweater Vest, $, available at Target
English Factory Checker Knit Vest
Shop English Factory
English Factory Checker Knit Vest, $, available at Shopbop
Oversize Sweater Vests
Whether you wear one solo like a tank top or over a collared shirt, massive knit vests provide just the right amount of cozy professionalism.
Shop Anthropologie
By Anthropologie Oversized Cable-Knit Sweater Vest, $, available at Anthropologie
Comme des Garçons Black & Red Contrast Vest Cardigan
Shop Comme des Garçons
Comme des Garçons Black & Red Contrast Vest Cardigan, $, available at SSENSE
Pilcro Cable-Knit Tunic Vest, $, available at Anthropologie
& Other Stories Oversized Knit Vest, $, available at & Other Stories
Hotapei Oversized V-Neck Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon
Pilcro Washed Sweater Vest, $, available at Anthropologie
Boden Relaxed Cable Sweater Vest
Shop Boden
Boden Relaxed Cable Sweater Vest, $, available at Boden
BDG Rowen Button-Front Sweater Vest, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Romwe Floral Crop Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon
Madewell Cropped Sweater Vest, $, available at Madewell
Baum Und Pferdgarten Coastal Communities Coletta Wool-Blend Sweater Vest, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
N\C Women's Knit Crochet Squares Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon
LOULOU STUDIO Mélange wool and cashmere-blend turtleneck tank, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Mango cable knit roll neck sleeveless vest, $, available at ASOS
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