Wedding Guest Dresses for Under $100

Reader Megan Humphrey wrote:

“I hate shopping for dresses to wear to weddings, and with a calender full of staring me down, I’m starting to get depressed, and no one likes a depressed wedding guest. So, it’s with this in mind that I’m pitching a summer wedding dress guide. Not wedding gowns or dresses for brides, but dresses for the rest of us, the people who show up, buy presents and try to look our best. ”

Here you go, Megan. We tried to keep them reasonably priced as well, so you can still afford to buy a wedding gift.

| Posted: 16 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

1-18 of 18

• Manoush 3/4 Length Dress

  

  Either you wear something cool, or you down one too many icy cocktails and wake up with the bride’s ex-con cousin. Your call.

  $90 at Yoox | Buy

  

  | Posted 16 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Birch Tree Baby Doll Dress

  

  A babydoll dress in a modern fairytale print. Don’t blame us if the little forrest animals scamper out to greet you.

  $50 at Frock Shop | Buy

  

  | Posted 16 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• JL Studio Scoopneck Dress

  

  Hey look! A plus-size dress that doesn’t make you look like you’re going to a funeral. Available in sizes 14W to 34W.

  $65 at Jessica London | Buy

  

  | Posted 15 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Dot Ruffle Dress

  

  A light, feminine mini for flirtations with the groomsmen.

  $78 at Frock Shop | Buy

  

  | Posted 15 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Laser Cut Pinafore

  

  You can wear it with flip flops too, but only if the bride and groom are barefoot in the sand.

  $32 at Alloy | Buy

  

  | Posted 14 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• JL Studio Empire-Waist Dress

  

  A plus-size option for girls who like to twirl.

  $35 at Jessica London | Buy

  

  | Posted 14 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Ruffle Yoke Dress

  

  Go Victorian, or open up the neck for some air. Comes in sizes up to XXXL, so show off your legs.

  $40 at Alloy | Buy

  

  | Posted 11 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Classiques Entier Pleated Silk Dress

  

  That “when I’m an old woman, I shall wear purple” poem completely ruined purple for the rest of us. We reclaim you, purple. You’re not just for crazy folks and old women anymore!

  $96 at Nordstrom | Buy

  

  | Posted 11 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Erez Dress

  

  Safety first.

  Thanks, Andrea!

  $98 at J Crew | Buy

  

  | Posted 10 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Floral Lace Dress

  

  It’s too hot to worry about jewelry.

  $28 at Forever 21 | Buy

  

  | Posted 10 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Taffeta Wrap Dress

  

  Pair it with an enormous sun hat for the afternoon wedding in Tuscany. Or the one at the Hilton in Fresno.

  Why don’t your friends ever get married anywhere cool?

  $75 at Victoria's Secret | Buy

  

  | Posted 10 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Sleeveless Polka Dot Dress

  

  You can wear it this summer, and for the next five summers, without worrying about whether the print or hemline has gone out of style.

  $50 at JC Penny's | Buy

  

  | Posted 09 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Taffeta Tailored Party Dress

  

  A cheerful dress that will look completely different every time you change out your accessories.

  $45 at Target | Buy

  

  | Posted 09 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Eliza J Strapless Satin Party Dress

  

  Tiered satin with unfinished edges lend an artsy element to an otherwise classic, strapless dress. Even sweeter with a pair of pale pink heels.

  $94 at Nordstrom | Buy

  

  | Posted 09 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Calvin Klein Sleeveless Belted Bubble-Hem Dress

  

  You can wear anything, girl. Don’t keep that figure to yourself.

  $74 at Macy's | Buy

  

  | Posted 08 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Envelope Back Dress

  

  A backless dress that, hallelujah, still lets you wear a bra. The front has a little Audrey Hepburn neckline going on. And? It also comes in yellow.

  $50 at Target | Buy

  

  | Posted 08 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Pleat Silk Cotton Dress

  

  At this price, I suspect you’re gonna need a slip and a way with an iron. Worth it.

  $33 at Forever 21 | Buy

  

  | Posted 07 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Supreme Grace Dress

  

  Pin your hair up, and find some long Indian-influenced earrings, or a chunky necklace, and you’re good to go.

  After the wedding, pair it with some leggings, a pair of flats, and a cardigan, and you can wear it anywhere. Bonus: it’s machine washable.

  $98 at Anthropologie | Buy

  

  | Posted 07 Jul, 2008 by Margaret Mason