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You RSVP’d to that June wedding in December when you had plenty of time to find a gorgeous dress. Time is now dwindling as we’re far into spring and summer’s about to arrive! So let’s get you in something that will make you feel like the best-dressed — excluding the bride, of course. 

Let’s quickly recap some rules and faux pas:

• No white. Are you insane!?
• Don’t do red — it has weird implications
• Don’t do black — it’s not a funeral
• Don’t upstage the bride — you’re supporting cast, not the main character

If the bride says so, all these rules go out the window. If the invite says to wear white, do it. If it says to wear nothing, it’s birthday suit time. 

People do wear black, red, and even white (gasp!) to weddings. The rules against these colors are somewhat outdated. But when it comes to weddings, we don’t like to play with fire, and there are plenty of other colors to choose from. 

Texture As Your Plus One

One fun trend revolves around texture, so don’t be afraid to explore unique materials and capricious construction. 

We’ve always had a soft spot for pleats. Right now, tiered dresses are hot-hot-hot, and this Ieena For Mac Duggal Pleated Tiered Ruffle Gown is an absolute party. It’s for sure black tie-worthy. But if you want to be the pinnacle of haute elegance, go for the L’idée Black Tie Strapless Maxi Gown. Both are green with sheen and have marvelous movement, so you’ll be the star of the dancefloor without outshining the bride. 

Fringe is among our favorites. This asymmetrical Esperanza Dress from Cult Gaia has fringes going down one side and one sleeve for a wispy look. For something more straightforward, the ASOS Satin Fringe Bias Maxi Dress in Light Blue is stunning. Without the fringes, it would be a plain dress, but these feathery bits bring it to life. 

For a similarly breezy and textured look, the Maxine Gown from For Love & Lemons is fabulous. It’s a sheer ruffle design with soft sleeves that make you look like an angel. The low neckline and lace bodice lend a touch of sexiness without being trashy. 

Trend-Bending Looks

If you want to look like a fresh fashionista, these dresses have oodles of character. 

This Floral-Embroidered Dress With Fringe Detail from Mango (yes, it’s another fringe — last one, we promise) is exceedingly elegant and has a Euro essence. The bottom fringe sways as you walk — mesmerizing.

We also love Farm Rio’s Blue Fish Top Maxi Dress — the koi fish design around the bosom is so artsy. It turns you into a work of art without being obnoxious. This Abril Gown has a similarly abstract vibe but feels more like a Greek sculpture than a painting. The golden, structural neckline is saucy, so it’s not for the modest. 

On the other hand, the Helsi Margot Floral Gown is sweet and innocent without being bland. The strapless gown has a soft floral print with sparkly details and a layered appearance. These elevated elements give the very simple silhouette a fabulous look. 

Mid-Length, High-Fashion

Not every wedding calls for a full-length gown. Casual dress codes grant permission for low-key looks, like these midi dresses. 

Have a tropical destination wedding coming up? Look no further than this Red Dream Garden Jersey Midi Dress. That’s right; it’s made with jersey, so you’ll be comfy all day and night and can dance with abandon. 

No matter where the wedding is, the Darcey Dress in Calla Lily Green is a smashing option, as long as it’s a daytime wedding. The double spaghetti straps are a small but stylish detail, and the neckline is downright intriguing. This Revolve Maureen Dress lends itself to day and night weddings. The ruffled bottom is bold, while the peekaboo slit at the chest is chic and sexy.

We think this Blythe Dress from Revolve is one of the most versatile wedding guest dresses on our list. It comes in four patterns, each one magnificent and definitely not white. We’re partial to the polka dot option because it’s a classic and cute look. 

The Cool Girl

Why not opt for something more traditional without being boring? Sticking with timeless silhouettes but playing with the textures and patterns is a great way to look gorgeous without being over-the-top. You’ll be that effortlessly chic gal.

A simple option is this Significant Other Anabell Cowl-Neck Maxi Dress. The square neckline is sharp, but the luxurious satin-like fabric gives you a fluid aura. Plus, you can customize how you tie the straps and change up your look. The & Other Stories Maxi Cami Slip Dress in Lilac is another splendidly simple option. An asymmetrical skirt and pastel hues are refined, yet youthful.

If you want to mix up the colors and patterns, the Elea Maxi Dress is an alluring option, with a silhouette that compliments every body type. The watercolor floral pattern is whimsical but not weird. This Ruched Bust Cami Godet Maxi Dress — with its ombre pink to purplish-grey design — gives you an interesting appearance.

Lastly, this ASOS Chiffon Overlay Satin Bias Maxi Dress in Cornflower Blue has a regal feel. It’s modest without being a snooze-fest, revealing little skin with billowy sleeves and a decadent silhouette.

Short and Sweet

If you love the Cornflower Blue dress but need something more casual, wear this Willow Mini Dress, with uber-dramatic sleeves and a satin-like body. You’ll look like a woodland sprite. To keep those magical vibes going, check out the Velia Embellished Mini Gown, which is coated in flower elements, giving it a textured and upscale energy. Frankly, it’s like wearing a work of art.

Calling all you floral queens: the Mikaela Dress is another sublime option. The large pink flowers on an emerald green background are a burst of color that feels energetic. It’s a dream dress for a garden wedding. For island weddings and beach weddings on your calendar, the Ink Macaw Flight Mini T-Shirt Dress is a deceivingly comfy choice. Do you like birds? Hope so. Because it’s covered in macaws. It’s not for everyone, but you’re not everyone.

We adore a cocktail dress code because it gives you permission to be more playful than black tie. You can be cheeky and feminine in this Nessa Bubble Mini Dress that has a flamboyant silhouette and a glittery top adorned with sequins of all sizes.

And. . . our final short dress is the L’idée Amour Mini Dress, a fashion-forward pleated dress that you will genuinely wear again. It sits right on the line between high-class and casual, so it’s perfect for weddings, date nights, or dinner with friends. 

Not a Dress

Not a dress person? No worries, we’ve got you. 

This Stitched Garden Blue Romper is lovely for daytime weddings calling for cocktail attire. Just make sure you dress it up with heels and jewelry so it doesn’t look too laid back. Again, you’ll want to rewear this, so it’s a worthwhile investment. 

Next up is this Mango Linen Jumpsuit. It’s giving Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman after she went on her shopping spree. The brown fabric would look flat without those joyful polka dots, giving it a high-end balance of cute and classy. 

We’re head over high heels for this lana Sculpted Blazer and Nilda Voluminous Skirt, which are both super luxurious. The cool blue color and pop of pink flowers create a vintage feel while still being modern.

It can be tough to find formal looks that aren’t dresses. But we think a jumpsuit like the Farm Rio Flowery Black Jumpsuit is perfect. The wide pant gives it a more formal feel, and while it is black, nobody would wear this colorful floral design to a funeral. At least, we wouldn’t

Keep to the Code

No matter what, stick to the dress code the wedding couple gave you. We encourage you to be comfortable — consider stretchier materials and pockets — because you’ll probably be wearing your outfit for hours. Above all, enjoy the wedding and take advantage of the open bar.