The 25 Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses for 2024

A Silky Dress With Pockets

Banana Republic Isa Cotton-Silk Dress

A Silky Dress With Pockets

Banana Republic Isa Cotton-Silk Dress

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 Tropical-Themed Dress

Farm Rio Red Heliconia Midi Dress

A Tropical-Themed Dress

Farm Rio Red Heliconia Midi Dress

Now 50% Off

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

A Flirty Open-Back Dress

ASTR the Label Neira Dress

A Flirty Open-Back Dress

ASTR the Label Neira Dress

Now 30% Off

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

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A Monochrome Linen Dress

Reformation Selia Linen Dress

A Monochrome Linen Dress

Reformation Selia Linen Dress

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

An Ocean-Inspired Dress

Rixo Moniq Maxi Dress

An Ocean-Inspired Dress

Rixo Moniq Maxi Dress

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

A Vibrant Caftan Dress

Eloquii One-Shoulder Kaftan

A Vibrant Caftan Dress

Eloquii One-Shoulder Kaftan

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

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A Mermaidcore Dress

Baoab Mambo Maxi Dress

A Mermaidcore Dress

Baoab Mambo Maxi Dress

Now 63% Off

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

A Puff-Sleeve Eyelet Dress

By Anthropologie Puff-Sleeve Eyelet Dress

A Puff-Sleeve Eyelet Dress

By Anthropologie Puff-Sleeve Eyelet Dress

Now 50% Off

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

A Two-Tone Silk Maxi Dress

SIR. Printed Silk Maxi Dress

A Two-Tone Silk Maxi Dress

SIR. Printed Silk Maxi Dress

This colorful SIR. style takes the classic silk maxi up a notch with an arty, high-impact print, unique tailoring, and a large side slit to let the breeze in. Choose neutral-toned accessories or play up the colors of the dress by opting for matching yellow and orange adornments.

Sizes: XXS-L

Colors: Orange/yellow

Materials: 100% silk

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An Intricate Tiered Dress

Rhode Alber Dress

An Intricate Tiered Dress

Rhode Alber Dress

Now 60% Off

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

A Trippy Second-Skin Maxi Dress

Solid & Striped Carnation Pink and Clementine Leaf Print Dress

A Trippy Second-Skin Maxi Dress

Solid & Striped Carnation Pink and Clementine Leaf Print Dress

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

A Wispy, Ruffled Dress

Mango Ruffled Dress

A Wispy, Ruffled Dress

Mango Ruffled Dress

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

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A Rosette-Embellished Dress

Maygel Coronel Cenit Cut-Out Maxi Dress

A Rosette-Embellished Dress

Maygel Coronel Cenit Cut-Out Maxi Dress

As someone who adores peak-2000s Carrie Bradshaw fashion, I couldn’t be happier about the return of the rosette. For more formal beachside ceremonies, swim and beachwear designer Maygel Coronel offers a stunning way to incorporate the detail into your look. Similar to a favorite bikini or one-piece, this dress is made with a blend of smoothing elastane and polyamide to enhance your figure (and keep you comfortable).

Sizes: Petite, standard, plus

Colors: Shiva Pink

Materials: 80% polyamide/20% elastane

A Watercolor Print Dress

Simkhai Alfie Dress

A Watercolor Print Dress

Simkhai Alfie Dress

“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

A Dainty Floral Dress

Christy Lynn Christian Dress

A Dainty Floral Dress

Christy Lynn Christian Dress

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

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An Asymmetrical Jersey Dress

Stella McCartney Asymmetric Draped Jersey Dress

An Asymmetrical Jersey Dress

Stella McCartney Asymmetric Draped Jersey Dress

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

A Pleated Maxi Dress

A.L.C. Angelina Dress

A Pleated Maxi Dress

A.L.C. Angelina Dress

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

A Fringed Midi Dress

PatBo Cutout Fringed Metallic Knitted Midi Dress

A Fringed Midi Dress

PatBo Cutout Fringed Metallic Knitted Midi Dress

Now 30% Off

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

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A Classic Striped Halter Dress

Veronica Beard Radley Dress

A Classic Striped Halter Dress

Veronica Beard Radley Dress

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

A Festive One-Shoulder Minidress

La DoubleJ One-Shoulder Bouclé Minidress

A Festive One-Shoulder Minidress

La DoubleJ One-Shoulder Bouclé Minidress

Now 30% Off

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

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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