Wedding season is almost upon us – and this year, it looks like things might actually be going ahead. So, whilst we’ve been putting off hunting out the perfect wedding guest dress for fear it might get a last minute cancellation, it looks like now might be the time to go, go, go!
I bloody love getting ready for a wedding. I love standing in front of all the fake lashes in Superdrug and trying to work out which pair look least like caterpillar/spider hybrids. I love picking out an M&S tinnie to enjoy whilst plastering on my make-up. I love that fizzy excitement feeling of knowing you’re going to be reunited with loads of people you adore. And truly, I love the thrill of the chase – of tracking down that dress that’s going to make me feel bloody spectacular.
I’ve done the lot over the years – I’ve panic ordered a budget second-hand number from eBay (and loved it). I’ve spent more than I should have on a three-figure baby from Ghost (it’s still my favourite item of clothing two and a half years later), and I’ve gone for something random and bright and on sale on the high street.
So, without further ado, these are the places to start the search for your next wedding guest dress…
ASOS – Price: £-££
It’s a classic one – and I know, I know, it’s likely the first place you’ll already look. My top tip for ASOS is to know which brands to filter for (I tend to avoid the ‘wedding guest dress’ category on most sites because they rarely carry the sort of styles I like). ASOS Design is obvs a classic, but other smaller brands they stock which are great if you like midi styles include Y.A.S, Topshop, Never Fully Dressed.
From L-R: Topshop Wrap Dress (£49), Never Fully Dressed Floral Dress (£79), ASOS Design Maternity Dress (£40).
Depop – Price: £-££
An instant bonus for shopping via Depop is that it’s better for the planet than buying new, and a second bonus is that you’ll likely save some cash. Depop holds secondhand buys from a wide selection of brands – from Primark and Matalan (fancier styles start at around £6) to RIXO and Ghost (between £75 and £200).
From L-R: Zara dress (£27), Primark dress (£8), Rixo dress (£195).
Ghost – Price: £££
I adore a floaty, ditsy-printed Ghost dress, and whilst they’re a bit more on the pricier side (dresses start just under £100), you can easily pick up a bargain in the sale. Or, you can hunt out one of the dresses from their collection with Marks & Spencer (currently out of stock online in most sizes, but worth checking back for returns). For a sale find, check out their other stockists – ASOS, Zalando and John Lewis are good shouts.
From L-R: Flo Dress (£95), Cora Star Dress (£133.30), M&S x Ghost Tea Dress (£69).
KITRI – Price: £££
Another slightly pricier brand that does absolutely outstanding bright-coloured midi dresses bound to hold centre stage in your wardrobe til the end of time, is KITRI. It’s loved by fashion editors and influencers alike, and for good reason. Expect to pay just over £150 for a wedding-worthy frock.
From L-R: Savannah Dress (£165), Persephone Dress (£165), Willow Dress (£150).
Hurr – Price: £-££
If you want to wear something designer but don’t want to fork out a load of cash for something you might not get a lot of wear of – then Hurr could be the gamechanger for you. You can rent dresses from brands like Reformation, Sleeper and Ganni from as little as £25. The other great thing about Hurr is that there’s also decent plus size options. Gemma created a post earlier in the year with her round-up of the best places to rent from – read it here.
From L-R: Rotate Dress (from £52), Needle & Thread Dress (from £66), Faithful The Brand Dress (from £30).
The Outnet – Price: £££
The sister brand of Net-A-Porter, The Outnet is essentially an online discounted shopping haven full of past season stock which is sold at much lower prices. It’s a great spot to find a designer piece at a fraction of the price and has new products added every week. Whilst you could easily shell out up to £1,000 on The Outnet, there’s also more affordable options Kate Spade, Ganni and their own brand, Iris & Ink.
From L-R: Kate Spade New York (£164), GANNI (£124), Iris & Ink (£155).
eBay – Price: £-££
Again, cost comes down to which kind of brand you’re on the hunt for. My best tip for finding a dress you’ll love (and won’t be able to return) on eBay is to stick to styles and brands you’re familiar with and already know you like. Always try and search with the size and brand you’re looking for in the search term to avoid wading through thousands of results – I always tick the box for auction only too.
From L-R: Whistles Dress (from £25), ASOS Curve Dress (from £4), Topshop Dress (from £3.20).
Nobody’s Child – Price: £
One of the best places on the high street for fancy dresses that aren’t too fancy and are still affordable is Nobody’s Child. Dresses are made with a sustainable ethos, and they’ve just launched a capsule dress collection with Simply Be which includes sizes 18-24. Again, it’s worth checking their stockists (Marks & Spencer and ASOS) as well as their own site.
From L-R: Teresa Dress (£45), Felicia Dress (£45), Selena Dress (£39).
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