The 25 Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses for 2023

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From semiformal dresses to black-tie-ready options, find standout silhouettes for every coastal dress code

Beach weddings are both idyllic and tough to dress for: Your outfit needs to match the ceremony's dress code and venue aesthetic just as at any wedding, but also stay comfortable in sand, sea spray, and hot, sticky weather. The key to finding just the right look? Skip stilettos in favor of flat sandals and go for the best beach wedding guest dresses that are wearable and refined at once.

"Look for styles that are flowy, made with lightweight fabrics like linen and viscose to help to keep you cool, and that you can dance on the beach in all night," Suzanne Smallshaw, senior director of fashion and styling at Rent the Runway, tells Bazaar. "If you’re looking for a more form-fitting dress, opt for one with breathable stretch, so you’re comfortable from the afternoon ceremony to sunset cocktails."

Don't be afraid to lean into bold, bright designs. In fact, Smallshaw suggests looking to mood-boosting spring 2023 trends for inspiration. "Opt for vibrant colors, seasonal prints, and interesting details or cutouts to show off a little skin," she says. "Playful pleats, sunset-inspired hues, and mermaid-esque silhouettes are top themes this summer that would also play wonderfully in a beach wedding setting."

Attending a black-tie seaside ceremony? Try a floor-length slipdress in a bright graphic print. If the invite specifies semiformal or cocktail attire, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit. To enhance the vibe of your beach-chic look, Smallshaw suggests adding timeless, beachy touches like straw bags, gold jewelry, and pearls.

Whether you’re staying local or traveling to faraway shores, I did the research and tapped Smallshaw's expertise to find the 25 best beach wedding guest dresses for every kind of seaside ceremony. Now, all that's left to do is enjoy the salty breeze on your skin and bask in the sunshine.

For those ultra-toasty destinations, caftans are an airy, effortless choice that will help keep you covered when you don't want to reveal too much skin. This kaleidoscopic version will certainly earn a spot on the best-dressed list. It's made with lightweight rayon and has a side zipper for easy on and off, as well.

Sizes: 14/16-30/32

Colors: Color Wave

Materials: 100% rayon

"The sunset hues of this Simkhai maxi are perfect for golden-hour pictures," Smallshaw says. "Also, the light fabric and cutouts make this dress ideal for warm, beachy temperatures."Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Multicolored

Materials: 100% recycled nylon

Rhode's vivid, intricate prints are personal favorites of mine. Starring a rich jewel-toned motif, this stunning number from the brand is sure to pop against a range of skin tones. Its strappy halter neckline, keyhole detail, and tiered skirt offer extra intrigue.

Sizes: 0-14

Colors: Ivy Flora

Materials: 100% viscose

Smallshaw also suggests A.L.C's Angeline dress, which plays into two popular summer dressing trends and can work for a variety of semiformal events. "This Barbiecore-pink gown has beautiful pleating for breezy summer nights on the beach, yet looks super elevated," she notes.

Sizes: 00-14

Colors: Chateau Rose, Off White

Materials: 100% polyester

Accesorized with block-heeled sandals and some delicate jewelry, this soft cotton-silk midi can go from weekend brunch to wedding-ready in a flash. In addition to coming in a wide range of sizes, it has adjustable straps and handy pockets.

Sizes: 0-20, including regular, tall, and petite options

Colors: Gather Floral Periwinkle

Materials: 70% cotton, 30% silk

A wedding in paradise calls for a joyous, statement-making dress. Rio de Janeiro–based label Farm Rio is an expert at those, including this vibrant tropical-print midi complete with billowing puff sleeves and front-to-back cutouts.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Red/multi

Materials: 60% cotton, 40% viscose

Silk wrap dresses are easy to dress up or down and complement basically every body type. I’m loving this ocean-blue, jacquard print version, which will easily become a staple in a summer wardrobe even after the ceremony is over.

Sizes: UK6-UK26

Colors: Blue

Materials: 58% viscose, 42% polyester

One of my new favorite closet additions, this exquisite chiffon dress from emerging designer Christy Lynn would easily fit in at a seaside wedding. Drawing inspiration from Lynn's Korean heritage and love for Parisian fashion, it boasts custom, hand-painted blooms and an ultra-flattering fit thanks to its adjustable waist tie and attached slip.Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Blue Garden

Materials: Silk crinkle chiffon

While Solid & Striped is best known for its cult-loved swimwear, don't sleep on the brand's newer ready-to-wear offerings. This groovy printed bodycon offers just the right amount of ’70s nostalgia with a lightweight fit and two side slits, ideal for traversing sandy shores.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Carnation Pink and Clementine Leaf Print

Materials: 75% rayon, 25% nylon

The mermaid aesthetic is set to be everywhere this summer. Channel your inner Ariel with this strapless number from sustainable resortwear and swimwear brand Baboab. "This sleek maxi is practically made for a beach wedding, showcasing a beautiful sheen and ombré color palette that's perfect for the season," says Smallshaw. "Additionally, the silhouette has breathable cutouts and a beautiful hourglass shape that's comfortable enough to wear all night long."

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Cosmo

Materials: 100% polyester

Simple yet elegant, this linen, plunge-back maxi will keep you cool at the hottest beachfront weddings. The simple cut and color can be styled in different ways for multiple weddings on your calendar.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Avocado, Black, Giverny

Materials: 100% linen

It can be difficult for petite women to find long wedding-guest dresses that don't need to be altered, but Anthropologie has some gorgeous boho-leaning options. Offered in six petite sizes (as well as plus sizes!), this eyelet style is the perfect companion to your favorite espadrille flatforms and a woven handbag.

Sizes: XXS-3X, including plus sizes

Colors: Ivory

Materials: Cotton, polyester

Going monochrome doesn't mean your look has to be basic. This punchy yellow midi from Stella McCartney's Spring ’23 collection expertly blends elements of fluidity and structure, featuring a fitted bodice, flowy asymmetrical skirt, and draping at the shoulders. Because it's made of a jersey material, the style should also be both stretchy and breathable.

Sizes: IT36-IT50

Colors: Yellow

Materials: 100% viscose

Perhaps no dress seems more fitting for a semiformal beach wedding than this playful Rixo piece, done in a lightweight gauze material with an embellished, aquatic-inspired print. Add on a bright handbag and pair of mules to inject some color into the cheeky look.

Sizes: UK6-UK20

Colors: Black

Materials: 100% viscose

This fabulous fringed number says you’re ready to party. The swishy cabana-style accents will sway with your every move, while the slit in the back ensures you can easily dance from sunset to sunrise. Plus, the subtly metallic fabric adds another flirty touch.

Sizes: 0-12

Colors: Beige

Materials: 92% polyamide, 4% elastane, 4% polyester

With its elegant striped print, crisscross halter neck, and drop-waist silhouette, this classic Veronica Beard dress feels just right for a dreamy coastal European wedding. Tie the look together with some low braided wedges for stability on the sand and at the cliffside villa where you’ll enjoy post-ceremony drinks.

Sizes: 00-16

Colors: Off White Multi

Materials: 65% viscose, 35% elastomultiester

Here: an adorable pineapple-print mini to match the piña colada that will inevitably make its way into your hands. Although the dress's bouclé-style fabric is a bit heartier than lighter-weight alternatives, its high cotton content still makes it breathable.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Yellow

Materials: 98% cotton, 2% elastane

ASTR the Label is a great source for contemporary, affordable occasionwear, and I’m currently eyeing this charming maxi from the brand for sun-soaked nuptials. My favorite part? The subtly plunging neckline and feminine open-back detail. For added coverage, make sure to pair this dress with some of the best nipple covers.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Green Multi

Materials: 100% polyester

Packing for a destination wedding with only one carry-on? Save space in your suitcase with this breezy cotton midi that can double as a beach cover-up. Like the rest of the Lemlem's ethical offerings, this piece is also sustainably made and responsibly crafted by artisans in Ethiopia.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Blue

Materials: 100% cotton

Ruffles have been experiencing a renaissance lately, and this polished Mango maxi gives them a decidedly modern spin. With an array of sheer, spindly accents, the gauzy purple gown is giving ethereal jellyfish vibes in the absolute best way possible.

Sizes: 2-10

Colors: Light/Pastel Purple

Materials: 100% polyester

Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.

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