7 Wedding Guest Outfits That Aren’t Dresses

We’re deep into summer wedding season, and I’ve had quite a few people ask what to wear—especially if dresses and gowns aren’t your thing. Gowns often feel like a one-time wear, and I don’t always love them—they can come off fussy and overdone.

I prefer pieces with range—things you can wear more than once and actually feel comfortable in (yes, comfort is a thing for me).

Below are some dress alternatives to inspire you, they work for everything from casual daytime garden weddings to a black-tie evening—and the bonus? You can wear each piece again!

Scroll down for styling tips and shopping options.

1. Feathered Cotton Top and Silk Maxi Skirt

I love a set. It feels more polished than separates, but still gives you options—you can break it apart and wear each piece again.

This look by Andrés Otálora is perfect for a black-tie summer event. Later, pair the top with jeans or tailored trousers, or dress the skirt down with a cardigan and flats.

STYLIST TIP: This silhouette works especially well on straighter body types or anyone with minimal curves.

2. Asymmetrical Cutout Top and Flowy pants

This silhouette can flatter many body types, including curvier figures. The top’s versatility lets you mix it with different bottoms, while the pants work well with a simple top for a laid-back look.

STYLIST TIP: Because the top is slightly cropped, rounder shapes might want to skip it or style it with intention. And if you have broader shoulders, the high neck draws attention there—think about whether you want to highlight or soften that feature.

3. Wide-leg Cape Jumpsuit

I love a bit of drama (unfortunately, in real life too, lol), and the delicate cape on this jumpsuit delivers without looking costumey. The pants and color keep it approachable and comfortable, while the cape adds enough “fancy” to take you from day to evening events—I would even wear it in a black-tie situation. This one isn’t the easiest to rewear, but a tailor could remove the cape to make it work for more casual daytime looks.

STYLIST TIP: This style works well on petites (just shorten the cape if it’s too long), as well as on curvier and straighter silhouettes.

4. Harem Pant Jumpsuit 

This Rat & Boa jumpsuit reminds me of the Jacquemus Melao from Spring/Summer 2025, but I didn’t include that one—it’s sold out in most sizes. This is a great alternative to a gown and taps into the harem pants trend—very vintage chic.

Perfect for a daytime wedding or event. Dress it up with bold accessories, then rewear it with flats and a jacket for something more casual.

STYLIST TIP: This shape works on most body types. If you’re curvier, add a belt to define the waist (honestly, add a belt regardless). If you’re petite, skip it—this brand runs long. I’m 5’10 and it was still too long on me.

5. Strapless Silk Top and Pants

I love this Max Mara set. Perfect for a daytime wedding or event—would be gorgeous for a beach wedding. You can rewear the top with jeans and the trousers with a tee for a cute vacation look.

STYLIST TIP: Great for petites and straighter figures.

6. Polkadot Culotte Cascading Set

Is it a skirt? Is it pants? Nope—it’s a culotte. I love it. It brings me back to the ’90s. I love that the polka dots are small. It gives you that bohemian glam, and it’s easy to wear to any daytime event.

And as the theme continues—you can wear it with other pieces. I’d love to see this top tucked into a pair of high-waisted pants or wide-leg jeans, and the culottes would be cute with a simple black top and sandals.

STYLIST TIP: If you’ve got a larger bust you’d rather minimize, I’d pass—it’ll make you look bigger on top. I also find that Zimmermann runs large, so I’d avoid it for petites.

7. Rosette Top and Column Skirt

I love Carolina Herrera. This is such a sleek option for a black-tie event, and although the pieces are pretty fancy, you could minimally rewear them for other occasions. The top would pair perfectly with black trousers for a more comfortable option, or with jeans for a girls’ night out. The skirt would be super chic with a white button-up shirt, worn as a totally different look.

STYLIST TIP: This will fare well on many body shapes—just make sure you’re buying the correct size.

Enjoy!