Wedding season is upon us, which means the hunt for the perfect wedding guest dress has officially begun. But if only figuring out what to wear to all the celebrations on your calendar wasn't such a chore or so time-consuming — and it seems to only get harder with age. Luckily, you've come to the right place! We turned to celebrity stylists for the best wedding guest dresses for women over 50 that will make you look and feel your absolute best. And while you might feel like a lot of the options available look matronly, we can assure you that we gathered up the most modern and figure-flattering options. Keep scrolling to see for yourself!
Which dress styles look best on different body shapes?
If there's one thing we know for sure, it's that dresses are absolutely not "one size fits all." You might fall in love with a dress on the hanger, then try it on and realize it just doesn't flatter your shape, or vice versa. Different styles will look different on everybody. That's why it's key to be open to trying different shapes, styles and cuts, as some dresses you may surprise you!
To make the dress hunt easier, it can help to pinpoint one thing you want to highlight. "Women of all ages should look for dresses that feel comfortable and appropriately highlight their favorite body parts," advises celebrity stylist Samantha Brown. "I always advise my clients to pick one area of their body to show off, rather than wear something plunging and very short. Be strategic about what to show off and what to downplay."
The best dress style for curvy women
A "mermaid cut embraces the beauty of curves, drawing less attention to the bust and more to the hips and back figure," says stylist Catherine Bibeau. This makes "it an ideal choice for those wanting to showcase their natural shape with elegance."
The best dress styles for "straight" figures
"Less curvy women can create the illusion of curves with V-necks, A-lines, defined waistlines, wrap styles and stronger shoulders," suggests Brown.
The best dress necklines
Your bust size can also make a difference when deciding which dress suits you best. "Women with larger busts look best in lower scoops or V-necklines as a V-neck can help elongate your frame," explains Brown. "Smaller-chested women can experiment with corset style tops, ruffles or embellishment around the neckline." This helps add flattering volume to the chest area.
Related: Bra Pro Reveals the Best Shaping Bras To Lift, Smooth and Sculpt Breasts
For more tips on choosing the best type of dress for you, watch the below video from @shoppingonchampagne on YouTube.
How to accessorize a wedding guest dress
When it comes to accessorizing for a wedding, it's best not to overdo it — especially if your dress is patterned or "busy." However, don't be afraid to add a touch of glam with a pair of sparkly earrings, a clutch or a stack of bracelets.
"It's best to keep the jewelry chic and small to maintain the precious wedding spirit," affirms Bibeau. "For example, a pair of elegant studs will complement your hair and makeup without detracting focus from the outfit."
The best wedding guest dresses for women over 50
We put together the below guide to finding the perfect wedding guest dress for women over 50, based on the wedding dress code. Read on to find the one that's best for you.
Best backyard/casual wedding guest dresses for women over 50
A backyard wedding is the perfect opportunity to have fun with bright colors, especially in the summertime! A casual midi or maxi dress work perfectly for this type of wedding.
Best semi-formal wedding guest dresses for women over 50
Need something a little dressier than backyard but not as dressy as co*cktail attire? We call this "semi-formal." And most of the below picks can be dressed up or down, depending on the specifics of a wedding's dress code.
Best co*cktail wedding guest dresses for women over 50
co*cktail attire — we hear this term thrown around all the time, but what exactly is it? For a co*cktail attire wedding, you'll want to look for more luxurious-looking, thicker fabrics and sheath style or tea-length dresses.
Related: co*cktail Attire for Women: Dos and Don’ts That Ensure You Turn Heads In a Good Way
Best formal/black tie wedding guest dresses for women over 50
Black tie weddings are where you'll want to bring out the long or floor-length dresses and gowns. Stick to satin, chiffon or crepe fabric (with a few exceptions). Feel free to be a bit more extravagant with your accessories, too, for a formal/black tie wedding.
Best wedding guest jumpsuits for women over 50
Dresses not for you? Not a problem! Jumpsuits can just as easily be worn to a wedding. And just like dresses, there are many variations of jumpsuits for different occasions/levels or formality.
Get more styling inspiration:
11 Ways to Style Leather Pants, Jackets, Skirts and More, According To a Pro Stylist
The Most Figure-Flattering Ways to Style Flare Jeans for Any Occasion
