Best Dressed Guest: Wedding Guest Dresses Under $500

Attending a wedding can be stressful enough for many reasons that we won't even get into here, BUT one thing can be for certain— you're going to look amazing, sweetie!

While that last part was a play on Kris Jenner's famous words "you're doing amazing, sweetie!" we're being dead serious— it's 2021 and there's no reason for you to show up to a huge hours-long party, aka a wedding, feeling awkward in your own skin. Oh, no no no.

Weddings include taking boatloads of photos, mingling with old friends and family, as well as making new ones, and basically just marketing yourself as a decent person and putting your best self on display. No pressure, right?

Here are some basic rules of engagement to keep you off the wedding guest faux pas list:

• never wear a white or cream colored dress— ever
• silver, gold, or nude colors are also not really appropriate to wear to someone else's wedding
• unless otherwise noted, avoid wearing cocktail style or mini dresses
• tea length, maxi length, and even a gown with a small train are the most appropriate styles to wear to a wedding as a guest
• it's easy to reveal too much with today's fashion-forward cut-out style dresses, but it's best to err on the side of caution, aka keep your ladies contained

That's it! Enough of the sweet talk, here are 10 stunning wedding guest dresses to wear to numerous ceremonies (sourced from sale shopping clothing app, Shop It To Me) and they are all under $500.

Get Ready To Party . . . .

1.) For a Black Tie wedding, tasteful drama is encouraged

Marchesa Notte is the more affordable line coming from the Marchesa brand, but that doesn't mean it's cheap by any means. This Marchesa Notte black tulle gown is actually on sale from $800, so thankfully it made it onto our Best Dressed Wedding Guest, Dresses Under $500 list.

2.) Because tulle makes every woman feel like a Princess

Again, we're at it with the drama. Because the bride isn't the only lady who is allowed to look killer on her big day. If you find this BCBG tulle gown to be too sheer on the bottom, add black pantyhose (or nude, or lace), get creative!

3.) When the invite reads Summer Casual

Remember, even though it's hot as hell during the Spring/Summer months and you probably want to wear a mini dress— don't do it! The maxi length on a dress makes it much more formal and totally acceptable to wear to a casual Summer wedding.

4.) When the invite reads Beach Casual wedding

We love to see ruffles on display at a beach wedding, and when the invite reads "casual" it's still a great idea to choose a full length gown. Don't you dare show up in shorts!

5.) Yes, it's OK to wear red to a wedding

Wearing red does not mean that you are upstaging the bride. Red is just as acceptable as any other color to wear to a wedding, so if you find yourself loving the way you shine in a red number— get it and wear it!

6.) Black florals always work

You really can't go wrong with a black floral gown. The best part about this guest wedding dress option is that you're likely to wear it again! Take this floral gown on vacation and wear with black flip flops.

7.) Florals in their truest form

If it's a daytime wedding and the invitation does not mention black tie, then go for a chic floral dress like the Marchesa one above. The sheer puff sleeves and asymmetrical hem really up its fancy factor.

8.) Daytime, next Summer

This pastel pink Badgley Mischka crepe dress is the perfect wedding guest dress to don to a formal day wedding. Very Jackie O.

9.) So you're invited to a Destination wedding

More and more people are having destination weddings, or even a renewal of their vows, in some far far away uber romantic place. Chances are that if you're invited to a destination wedding, it's going to be some sort of beachy resort vibe. Definitely dress to impress and choose a more formal gown like the Camilla tiered maxi above.

10.) A little NAVY dress

So everyone knows that a lbd (little black dress) is a tried and true closet staple, and it comes in many lengths. Well, if you're tired of wearing black, why not choose a deep navy color? Slinky, sexy, and downright flattering on all shapes and sizes, Eliza J perfects the little navy dress, complete with 90's spaghetti straps and ruching in the middle meant to flatter.

Be That Best Dressed Wedding Guest

Wear what feels right on your body!

As long as you're not breaking any of the "rules of engagement" listed earlier in this Best Dressed Wedding Guest Dress Guide, then you're all good!

Choose a wedding guest dress that is more your style, don't try to please everyone else or assume that you need to wear some crazy ball gown with ruffles and long sleeves, etc.

Now that you're armored with some sartorial advice and wedding guest dress options from your friends at Shop It To Me, do a little online shopping and get excited!