August 12, 2025

Help! Which Wedding Guest Dress Would You Wear?

Freddie and I are going to a fall wedding, and the dress code is “cocktail attire.” The reception will be held at a Brooklyn brewery with views of the Statue of Liberty. Here’s what I’m thinking…

A shiny dress (like the one above) would feel flirty and fun. Here are two more: gold and pink. And this midi dress on Poshmark has the coolest back.

Wedding Guest Dresses

Tiny polka dots are everywhere right now. Here are three dresses: blue, brown, and black.

wedding guest dresses cocktail attire

Finally, red always looks gorgeous in photos. These three are lovely: gathered, pleated, and splurge.

Also, want to hear something sweet? I famously hate dancing, and the other day, I told Freddie that I was worried that he’d think I was no fun at weddings. His answer? “I hate dancing, too! Before, I’d force myself to dance, but now I can be done for life. There are so many things we can do besides dance. We can play with the kids. We can look at the view. We can pair off with another couple and hang out. We can go outside with the smokers and pretend to smoke. I guess we can’t bring Ono 99, but that would be fun. We can knit. We can read. You don’t have anything to worry about, I’ll be with you. It will just be so fun to be with you.”

Gahhhh. Now I kind of love to hate dancing.

Thoughts? What wedding guest dresses do you like? Where do you shop for things like this? If money were no object, this dress is BEAUTIFUL.

P.S. All about weddings, including a bakery proposal story and a heartfelt first look.

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Comments

116 comments
Cassie

I love the brown shiny one! It’s autumnal, beautiful and would look good with your coloring!

Anna

I would personally avoid a red dress at a wedding. It draws a lot of attention. Yes, red is great to stand out in your own photos. But for a wedding guest who is not in the bridal party it could be considered gauche.

Cassie

Agreed and, even if you don’t agree, it’s just too controversial.. Although that’s a beautiful dress that you should get for another occasion.

Caroline

Red ’splurge’ dress? I think it would be a lovely timeless addition to your wardrobe

Cussot

I’d probably pick the red pleated Zara one, but in the brown.

Dawn Judd

i think the red dress! and i like the idea of dancing lessons, but yay for you and freddie — you just don’t have to dance if you don’t want to!

Maggs

The Zara red pleated MIDI. That crisp cotton fabric looks the most flattering. The first one is cute, but the minute that synthetic fabric gets a splash of moisture or oil or a sweaty wrinkle it will not be forgiving. I’ve been to a wedding at the brewery, so fun! You can always walk around taking silly selfies with everyone and then gifting them to your married friends later.

Sharon Starkey

Go take dancing lessons!! You will learn to LOVE dancing. The day may come that you have to dance at your sons’ wedding or maybe your own! Dancing lessons!!!

Alex

I love dress #1 — it has an old Hollywood feeling to me without being totally over the top. The polka dot dress actually looks like the dress I wore as a guest at the wedding where I met my husband. It was a Laura Ashley dress and it was the 1980s, so that either means the dress you’re looking at is hopelessly out of style or you could be very cutting edge.

laura

Someone may have already said this, but I struggle with sequins. I love them SO MUCH. But they are so scratchy and uncomfortable to wear. Anyone who loves sparkles found a way or a brand to be comfortable?

Silly Lily

I have a few sequined wraps which really elevate an outfit without needing to wear the sequins right next to your skin. Bonus, they don’t need frequent cleaning and store easily in a bag in my scarf drawer, which keeps them from snagging. I highly recommend.

Glenda

I like the red one. And same 2 left feet

Maria Anagnostopoulouu

For you the gathered red dress

Leighton

The pink dress or the red one from Zara!

Claudia D

That brown silky dress is gorgeous! But I’d be worried about sweat stains and wrinkles showing.

Traci

How has no one suggested Nuuly or Rent the Runway?? Best place to get special occasion dresses!

Anon

Except that rent the runway doesn’t fully insure their clothing, so if it is lost or stolen you are out 100% of the retail price, 200% if you don’t file a police report in time. Learned this the hard way when someone stole my dresses from my apartment building a few years ago :(

Helen

Nuuly has wonderful options and they do insure their clothes AND have the best customer service team ever! I have seen versions of all three dresses that Joanna featured on Nuuly. Highly recommend xo

Joanna Goddard

oooh thank you for this tip!!

Carol

Pleated!!!

Emma

The Poshmark, The Reformation, or AYR! It’s not a splurge to get a dress that’s made in a factory that has passed the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit!! An inexpensive dress means inexpensive labor…which usually means exploitative labor. I have a limited budget which means 90 percent secondhand. Sometimes I want a cheap, fast-fashion option because I like the style and can afford it. But before I click Buy I try to ask myself–is my convenience and the joy I get from a good outfit more important to me than someone else’s safe working conditions? I don’t like to get preachy, but if I’m honest with myself, I want my idea of beauty to encompass my values.

Amy

Thank you for saying this Emma, I feel exactly the same way! And I work in an organisation working to end all forms of modern slavery globally (there are more people enslaved today than at any other point in history), and I feel like if people understood what is behind their clothing, they would be moved to, where possible, make compassionate choices. I understand budget is a huge thing, in no way downplaying that, but I love the idea of raising our consciousness together to slowly start changing things. Also I do want to say it’s absolutely not the consumer’s fault and people shouldn’t feel guilty if they can only afford certain brands – we need to hold the companies to account instead!

laura

Emma, I really appreciate that question you ask yourself. I do that from an environmental standpoint given the impact of fast fashion, but the human rights framing is so important too. Thank you! And I don’t think you sounded preachy…just frank and honest about your thoughtful approach.

Caitlin

“I want my idea of beauty to encompass my values.” Brb, going to tattoo this on myself!!!

Mollie

Amy! I can’t believe there are more people enslaved today than at any time in human history???? I will have to learn more about it. That’s devastating and shocking. Do you mean literally enslaved? Or just working for very low wages?

Liz

I vote for the pleated red dress! Personally, Boden is my go-to for fun, colorful, elegant dresses: https://us.boden.com/collections/womens-dresses.

Mersey

As a former ballroom dance instructor, I highly recommend taking some dance lessons together! If nothing else it is a fun activity for couples, even ones who “hate dancing” I promise!!

PNW GRATEFUL

I don’t understand all the let’s dance comments. They said they dont like to dance, they don’t like to dance. They are experienced enough to know what they like. The list of things Freddie said sound a heck of a lot better than dancing when they don’t even want to. I know people mean well but it’s just weird. I’m sure they know ball room dancing lessons exist. Do they want to partake ? Doesn’t sound like it. Life’s too short to do stuff ya don’t like. I don’t get all these attempts at persuasion. Not just you but I landed here first today.

Becca Ann

I like them all. I think the pink dress is really special!

C T

Yes to the pink dress!

kay

Could we please have a follow-up post about how to pose in such a lovely dress? Have gone through all of wedding season with a side-angle, hand on hip pageant pose because I know how to do nothing else confidently. Help!

Christine

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/mXy35dI0GSI This YouTube account has helped me enormously with how to pose. It seems a silly thing, but it’s nice to look at photos from a special event or trip and feel good about how we look.

Claire-Elisabeth

The red Madewell one!

Twyla

I love to dance, but my husband really dislikes it. But he makes an effort for me (for a song or two max), and ends up swaying side to side with his hands in his pockets. It’s adorable & I love him for it.

Annie

Flirty one (first one) – glorious! Hope to see pictures soon

Nicole

The shiny gold one!!! Have fun!!

Shel

I feel like none of these are formal enough and I’ve always heard you should try to avoid red for weddings because it just draws so much attention in photos. That’s just me though

Anon

I heard that as well (while I was wearing a red dress :-s).

Jamila

I’m so intrigued by all the love for the red “splurge” dress — wouldn’t it be so unflattering on anyone that didn’t look like the pictured model? The back “waist” is like halfway across the butt! If it were a stiffer fabric I could see it giving a vintage 20s? vibe. But more power to those who would wear it!!!

Amanda

for you, I like the polka dots

Leslie

I’m frugal so I’d only spend a lot of money if the dress wasn’t too trendy and I knew I had other opportunities to wear it.

Caitlin

I like the last splurge option the best too! I am also looking for a dress for a fall wedding (my 4th so far this year). I’m thinking of something like the below, but I also love the idea of something in a red wine color. It’s hard as it’s at the beach, and could be sunny or chilly! https://tnuck.com/products/baroque-floral-maria-dress

Amanda

You have such a great sense of style but I think all but the Old Navy Dress are too summery and casual for a fall cocktail wedding. The ON is so pretty but worried it will look cheap in person. The flutter sleeves are darling. There is a brown satin dress at Zara that would be a good option and a red strapless solid and striped dress at Tuckernuck that is similar. I would avoid cotton as feels too summery! You’re such a light anything you can lose will be perfect!

Carol Coote

Shiny dress in brown

CandiceZ

Two ideas! https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/maeve-sleeveless-cowl-neck-slip-midi-dress2?category=new-dresses&color=008&type=STANDARD&quantity=1 https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/hutch-sleeveless-slim-mesh-maxi-dress?category=new-dresses&color=049&type=STANDARD&quantity=1 Have a super time!

Rachel

Oh that first one is sooo pretty

olga

lol, i hate dancing too, as does my husband! strength in numbers!

Elizabeth Sims

The Sezane!! If you don’t have an occasion dress in your wardrobe right now, this would be such a special one to invest in!

Silly Lily

Joanna, I apologize, I didn’t get that quite right……the young woman in the article didn’t reference Paul’s book, it was the author who did. Still a lovely reference, though. And a reminder to me that I should not quote anyone until the caffeine fully kicks in.

Silly Lily

Joanna, here’s a comment way out of left field. I’m reading an article about progeria written by Dhruv Khullar in this month’s New Yorker. In it, one of the “children” profiled (she’s actually 22 and has outlived all predictions) referenced your brother-in-law’s book as inspiration. I thought you’d like to know how he remains present through what he left behind. A comforting idea, I hope. Just thought you and Lucy would like to know. Best wishes.

Andrea

Look at photos of Italian wedding guests! OMG such style and individuality, even in a small church outside Rome in high summer. They dress for the party after.

Madeline

You and Taylor Swift just thriving, glowing being wholeheartedly supported and loved-out-loud by good men is the best thing ever

Lilka

Absolutely hate dancing–at weddings and anywhere else. Every once in a rare while, I might get into it but it’s rare. I also hate karaoke with a passion! So glad there are others like me.

Julia W

I found these mostly leaned a little casual for cocktail. . I like the idea of silk but I think a beautiful green – maybe a warm olive – would be incredible on you! I could also see you in something chic like wide white ish pants and a bustier type top.

Hannah

This dress on ebay is so pretty https://www.ebay.com/itm/165430807504?_skw=vintage+silk+dress&itmmeta=01K2HTAE5Z4NRXX4JC754TCZ14&hash=item268471cbd0:g:D3QAAOSw-gpiVNHu&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1eU3pXs3iRGFmzq9conzM%2BDbfUo16wvpQachLmU1%2F225TSwfM3CVacWRG22U7vlS%2Fy35qa476RpqVd1W94Zk4k23oGNawiD%2Bts13Lfz6gY%2FU2j5JfAbOClql5nOH26OtIgfmQo0i0a9Z5yKMnFMb2E3QaDgdbwtnsMqyN8O9bpPyGnU%2Bzit7ZAPEFnwOjTeJ5d8gkfTefTfj8XeUkPMKQtTIzjHPNWEuADsTRA9P9D6%2Fuo070HAoV%2BwyBdLAQko%2BdQ%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR47jqbqUZg

Raven

I cannot with Freddie!!! The best!!

Sara

Okay totally unrelated but someone’s comment about Joanna’s coloring made me think of this: JO! Could we do a post about the infamous color wheel that is going around everywhere?! Or maybe you’ve done one in the past and I missed it? I have multiple friends who are obsessed with the color wheel and claim it has changed their lives. I…do not buy it! But I’m open to have my mind changed. I have a friend who literally quit her job to start a company based on the color wheel where she helps people find clothes that suit their body shape & color….I don’t know. I’d be curious if anyone really subscribes to the color idea. Also would love to hear other people’s comments! Once my friend told me that my cobalt sweater was not the right color for me, and I was like…but I LOVE cobalt!!! So that is where my hesitation lies — but hey, maybe she’s right!

Emily R

My mom paid for someone to do her colors in the 90s! I don’t subscribe to this theory. I think you really can wear any color that makes you feel good.

Anna

I also have a few friends who swear by their color season, and while I don’t follow it, I do believe it! I wear a lot of neutrals (a lot of black, grey, and dark blue) and when I put on a certain shade of orangey red, my face looks so bright and healthy and glowy. I definitly feel like I look washed out and less good in the colors I wear, but I also love those clothes for other reasons, so I’m fine with it. Similar to your cobalt, it’s great if you love it and want to wear it, but there really might be other colors that better suit you. Similar to how certain shapes are considered “flattering” (dreaded word), it’s ok to take it or leave it. I don’t think most would consider barrel jeans “flattering” on my short pear shaped frame, but I think they’re cool and I love them, so who cares?

Leslie

I’m likely older than you so I had my “colors done” in the 1980s! The fact is, they are right on regarding what colors are most complimentary for me. And now I always look at people and think they are in the ‘wrong’ color. But that said, I still wear black (though not the drab khaki).

Ellen

I don’t know anything about the color wheel, but the 12 seasons (4 “pure” seasons and 9 neutral seasons) system, which has been around for quite awhile, is rooted in color theory and I think there’s definitely something to it. While some people can pull off a variety of colors and seasons pretty well and others have a much more narrow set of colors that look good on them. we definitely all have colors that bring us to life and colors that either do nothing for us or look unflattering. I believe we should ultimately wear what we want, but it’s also true that some colors that we love may not love us back (ahem, me in dark, murky earth tones, haha). When I started dabbling in color analysis and landed on Spring (either True or Bright- I’d need professional draping to truly nail it down), it was a revelation to see how bright, clear, warm Mediterranean colors totally brought my skin and hair to life. It explained why I could never find the right “your lips but better” rosy neutral lip shade (they all washed me out or looked muddy) and why cool colors drained my face. But coral? Azure blue? Traffic cone orange (haha!)? They look amazing on me and make my skin look healthier and more alive. I started getting unsolicited compliments from people, which was fun. My acupuncturist told me that I looked “bright” and that I “used to look kind of yellow” (I was probably wearing those murky autumnal earth tones I so love, but which do bring out sallow tones in my skin).

Deb

I had my colours done and I’m a “spring”. Trouble is, I strongly dislike almost all of the spring palette. They might go with my colouring, they definitely don’t go with me as a person. Someone who doesn’t know me might look at me in spring colours and think I look nice (maybe?!) but what’s the point if I’m not comfortable in what I’m wearing? And colours aren’t vegetables (ie, full of nutrients and fibre so it’s worth trying to learn to like them). I now broadly subscribe to the idea of avoiding black and wearing a warmer palette over a cooler one. That seems like enough!

Megan

I am weirdly obsessed with color analysis. I can’t shut up about it and even think about getting certified myself! Even if you don’t love the colors that look best on you, I think it makes shopping SO much easier–I’ve invested in fewer, better pieces as a result. I did an in person color consult with House of Colour with a friend (makes it *slightly* cheaper and more fun) but I like the folks at Created Colorful too if you check out a virtual consult.

Anon

I don’t think there are necessarily colors anyone _should_ wear, and I have no color wheel/’what season are you?’ opinions…BUT, personally, pastel anything, yellow, and tan/khaki make me look like a literal corpse, so…which season is jewel tones? : )

Kristinanne

This has been asked before, to do a post on color analysis. I’m all for it and am adding my plea for a color analysis post. I’ve definitely seen how people glow in certain colors, but if a person dislikes the colors of your season, by all means go with what you love.

Bethan

Wear a dress you already have! I love to subvert our weird cultural expectation that women should buy a new dress for every formal occasion – we don’t expect guys to buy new suits all the darn time. I have three formal dresses that I rotate, plus a few slightly less formal that I can always dress up with accessories. We’re all too self conscious and forgetful to remember “oh, so-and-so wore that dress to that party last spring” and the odd time I do spot an outfit repeat, I think “that person is saving their wallet, their wardrobe space, and the planet! Good for them”. Saying that, it is fun buying a new outfit, so you do you, I just want to normalise rewearing formal wear!

Joanna Goddard

Totally get this! But I don’t really have a dress that would work as a wedding guest — I thought about wearing a brown silk dress that I have from banana republic but it’s a shirt dress and looks work-y. I also have a white dress but that’s out; and a black velvet dress but it would be too hot. I could borrow one though? Xoxo

Kay

I agree! I have a velvety hibiscus pink/red jumpsuit that I wear every holiday season now and I love it. I love having a fun outfit I know I wear for a fancy dinner in winter (I also love that it is super comfy and basically pajamas). I think we should rewear fancy and striking things more often in general. People remembering a fun outfit isn’t a bad thing and it doesn’t stop bringing joy (or compliments, honestly) just because someone has seen it before.

Rebecca

I was going to say this too! Please don’t buy a new dress if you don’t have to. What about the lovely dress you bought for your birthday, Joanna? Is that one too warm.

Lucia

Joanna, sounds like you need a formal dress that is not for work, i would feel fine with this! I have like 3 formal ones I’ve had for 5-10 years that are not white and I think that’s a good number :)

Anna

Jo, most of my gal pals rent for special occasions (rent the runway, nuuly, etc). Not necessarily a cost-saving option, but another possibility!

Hilary

I am also a proud outfit repeater AND I think a formal occasion can be a fun opportunity to try something new or be bold in your styling choices for a night. Have you polled any similar size friends? Sometimes friends and I dress swap for fancy events! When a dear friend went to a fancy weekend in Vegas, she came over and I opened a bottle of champagne while she shopped my closet and we had a ball. I’m invited to a black tie wedding this fall and I got nothin’ in my own closet, so my first stop is my friend group and then my second stop will be Rent The Runway!

A J

What about the dress you wore for your birthday celebration, Joanna?

Sarah

It’s your first wedding you’re attending with Freddie, right?! That’s a big, exciting, romantic occasion! I say treat yourself to a new dress – you don’t always have to be responsible. That being said, I think most of these read a little casual to me and maybe summery. I would err on the side of more dressed up than less! Have fun and pleaseeee give us the full post-wedding report!

Emily

TRICK QUESTION! Just wear one you already own — the wedding is about the bride, not you ;)

Mollie

But *we* are the main characters of our own lives, so it’s okay to get excited and at least entertain the thought of buying a new dress- even a secondhand one. ;)

Sasha in Montana

I love the main character of our lives bit! And for some of us, it’s very fun to have a special occasion to dress up and feel fancy, as Mister R would’ve said.

Sonia

I thought I was the only person who hated dancing! Happy to know I’m not alone.

Rozanne

I would love seeing you in something a bit different. What about those bold stripes ? I think you would look fantastic ! https://us.boden.com/products/verity-cotton-midi-skirt-pink-tonal-multistripe

Annie

Re: upstaging the bride. Unless Joanna goes in flowing white and cathedral veil, or top hat and tails, this is unlikely to happen. You dress to celebrate and that is appreciated.

Emily

well said–the idea of a guest stealing attention is comical to me. like someone’s going to look at you seated in an aisle/off to the side, versus the couple that is centered at the altar, trailed by the photographer all night, surrounded by their friends, etc.??? lol i think guests should spend their energy worrying about something else

Sasha in Montana

I mean Joanna is VERY stunning. Anything could happen! Lol. Sorry, just picturing a normal wedding, everyone murmuring about the setting and flowers and bridesmaids and the cute flower dog, but THEN IN WALKS JOANNA, IN RED! And the entire wedding screeches to a halt, all phones come out like paps to catch a photo of her!! Bride?! What bride?!? 😂😂😂

Joanna Goddard

hahahahahahahha

nadia

The real question for me is how do I stay WARM for a fall wedding? Esp in october …any suggestions?

Sparkles

Depending on how cold the temperatures are predicted to be: elegant trousers (you can add stockings underneath for extra warmth) with closed toe pumps and a silky blouse. With dresses, add stockings too (not super warm, but warmer than bare legs) and a bolero jacket or warm wrap. Something like this would add extra oomph to a little black dress: https://snagtights.us/products/40-denier-tights-polka-baby?_pos=30&_fid=b00b6f46d&_ss=c&variant=31961956614213. Or these could be worn over regular sheers for a bit more warmth but lots of impact: https://snagtights.us/products/shake-the-room-fishnets?_pos=8&_sid=ccea99551&_ss=r.

Rachel

I’m going to a wedding in Merida, Mexico in November. I need a dress that is long (formal dress code) but also colorful and bright. Any suggestions for something that isn’t crazy expensive? I didn’t see anything I loved on Rent the Runway

Hannah

https://www.rosewoodclothingco.com/shop/p/295y330buqiinr9kusdu2cuhwxeazd Is this formal/long enough? I think it’s so beautiful and easy to style and rewear.

Col

I’d look at Farm Rio brand. They are in the $200-300 range new, but see what shows up on Poshmark too.

Claire

Boden is good for colorful dresses: https://us.boden.com/collections/womens-going-out-dresses?page=2

emjort

girl…… Freddie sounds so great for you. so supportive. how can I say this? he seems like a really good partner, and…. that must be a really wonderful thing for you to experience! happy for you.

Andrea

OMG I hate dancing too…it stresses me out just going to a music concert with someone…lol – I need a ”I hate dancing too” partner <3 (((what a relief)))

Denise

The Poshmark dress with the cute back 🩷

Megs

I love Freddie. I love Freddie for you. He brings the best perspective.

Valerie

Try a Byron Lars dress on Poshmark. Stunning and unusual ♡

Kelly

Ooh next can we find dresses for a black tie December wedding? I recently turned 40 and I’m super uncomfortable with my body right now – so I don’t want to stuff myself into something ‘sexy’ that I’ll feel super uncomfortable in and hate to see in photos, but I also don’t want to give matronly, mother of the bride vibes. (Also if it helps we are very rank & file guests – not close to the couple – but it is at a very fancy Manhattan venue – which is also not my comfort zone. Help!)

Elly

Is there any part of your body you *do* feel comfortable with? Neck? Eyes? Hair? Can you accentuate those? I personally feel so great in boat or V necks, so would love something like this https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sleeveless-satin-twill-column-gown/8301723?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FFormal&color=405

Whitney

What about a caped caftan like this? https://www.nordstrom.com/s/trina-turk-masquerade-dress/8077443?origin=coordinating-8077443-0-3-PDP_2.SEEDED_SUB_1-recbot-vertex_recs_fbt_v2&recs_placement=PDP_2.SEEDED_SUB-1&recs_strategy=vertex_recs_fbt_v2&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=product&recs_seed=8104271&color=Red%20Spark

Mara

Try any of Xscape Evenings Scuba Crepe dresses. I hate dresses in general and I’m not comfortable displaying arms/legs/back etc… I went through this for a very fancy event, trying on probably 50 dresses? I ended up feeling amazing in an Xscape Evenings Ruffle Scuba Crepe Faux Wrap Midi Dress.

Kell

I wore a jumpsuit to a wedding last fall, and it’s the most comfortable I’ve ever been in formal wear. I paired it with glitter crocs, because I have foot problems and there are literally no dress shoes I can wear. The pants were long and billowy enough that they barely showed. Layered a bunch of gold necklaces, didn’t wear a bra, and felt like I was in my jammies all night. Highly recommend.

Mimi

Late to the party at this point, but I have to say I would go with the ME+EM too! ITS GORGEOUS! And you will wear it more than to this wedding – it will dress up or down. I like the blue polka dot for you, but it’s just not wedding-y enough for me. I like the brown satin, could see you wearing that well if it was a good fit. Honestly the gold is too close to the bride‘s colors for me (the Sézane dress is amazing though and seems very you – buy it anyway 😂). The red dresses are all amazing, but are not calling me. Let us know which one you pick! #teamdancingforever#liveforweddingssoicandancelikeafool PS I splurged on a ME+EM dress on sale last week for a August wedding 🤩

Kim

Ooohhh so fun! I can see the conundrum. Please share what you decide and pics of the party! And you dancing escape!

Christine

Another option that I think would look lovely on you is this one: https://www.quince.com/women/washable-stretch-silk-high-neck-midi-dress?color=wine-tasting-red&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fwomen%2Fdresses__Formal+Dresses__0

Jill

Agree! This color is so beautiful and would work with most skin tones. In the winter it would look cool with a chunky sweater and sneakers or boots.

Veronica

THIS is the one!!! I think this look soooo gorgeous on you, Joanna! We have similar frames and I’m trying ton think there’s a reason for me to buy this dress. Great find, Christine!

Carolin

Haha! I almost commented on this post https://cupofjo.com/2025/07/24/personal-wedding-ideas/ that one way our wedding was unique to us was that there was no dance floor because the idea stressed us both out!

ALV

Pass on the polka dots (tea party vibe) and solid red dresses are a bit much for a wedding. Go slinky brown or silky champagne. Cocktail hour is not a time for cotton!

Anon

Gold, definitely (#2 in your list).

Natalia

My vote is for the gold old navy dress or the red Zara pleated dress.

Ann

I love the poshmark dress!

Anon

The pink one (#3 in your list) would suit you. It’s minimalistically elegant.

anon

another anon here to second the pink one – it’s stunning

Kris

What do you already have in your closet? Wear that!

HJBK

The satin one seems very “you” and nie for a fall wedding. The red splurge one is really amazing, too thought.

JAK

I really appreciate you linking to a pre-loved website as one of the options, I’d really recommend whenever possible shopping secondhand, even for party dresses (or better yet, revisiting our own closets- no need to get a new dress for every wedding we attend. I’ve worn the same blue tulle maxi dress to 3 formal occasions and plan to wear it again too). And in regards to dancing, it seems that my husband and I well matched in that regard, we like dancing together at weddings but also prefer to wander and chitchat for half the time too. We did opt for no dancing at our upcoming second wedding ceremony since it is a daytime affair and we didn’t want to feel obligated to have to be on the dance floor the whole time (It always seems like the bridal couple always has to be dancing for a lot of the evening, which is exhausting). But it’s nice to know we feel similarly while attending others weddings too (and yes, before you ask, I did wear a green floral dress that I thrifted for $10 to this weekends wedding and it was a hit with other party guests)

jane

If I had an event, I’d buy the Sézane Layla dress. I lm obsessed with it. However, this is one of my fave dresses. I have in green and a burnt orange color. It will never go out of style and I’ve worn to lots of different events. I’ve also worn to work with a baggy sweater over it. https://cuyana.com/products/silk-slip-dress-v2?variant=44388536418619

Lauren

Wait – have we ever discussed in the comments are elsewhere what your favorite song to dance to is? I feel like karaoke song comes up all the time but I want to know what songs draw you to the dance floor like a moth to the flame.

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