17 Best Plus

May 27, 2023

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From designer gowns you can rent to budget-friendly chiffon dresses.

Wedding season is upon us and that means finding a dress for the ceremony just moved up on your to do list. Of course, when you need a dress for an upcoming occasion suddenly the racks are empty and the options feel subpar. That's why we've already done the tedious work of sorting through online customer reviews to find the best plus-size wedding guest dresses to wear for the 2023 season, including Amazon finds under $60 and designer gowns you can rent for less.

Whether you needed a dress yesterday (hello, Amazon Prime two-day shipping) or are looking ahead to a fall or spring reception you recently RSVP'd "yes" to, you'll find a dress that fits the dress code and predicted weather. We have included dresses from plus-size clothing brands we love, like Eloquii, Torrid and Lane Bryant, as well as plus-size designs from trendy outfitters including ASOS, Reformation and Anthropologie. Multiple retailers have expanded their collections to include sizing for curvy and plus-size individuals as well as add specific categories for weddings that make scrolling through seemingly endless options a whole lot easier.

After our top picks, you'll find style advice from experts about what to wear to a wedding and what to look for when choosing a plus-size wedding guest dress. Next up? Choosing a gorgeous wedding guest hairstyle for the event. And if you're a guest for one wedding but in the bridal party for another, consult our guide to the best places to buy bridesmaid dresses online.

We've named Reformation dresses best overall in previous wedding guest outfit roundups, and this gorgeous fitted silk gown is no exception. A light green and cream floral combo makes it ideal for a full-length outdoor wedding dress, and the high-neck halter neckline is simply perfection. It's lightweight for breathability and can be worn with a strapless bra. While it has a higher price tag, Reformation is known for its sustainable approach to fashion so you will both look and feel good in this dress.

Sizes: 14-24 | Color: Tarragon (pictured) | Material: Silk

Torrid makes clothing for curvy bodies and offers sizes 10 through 30. We love this babydoll silhouette, and so do customers as this dress has a 4.5-star rating online and close to three dozen customer reviews. The textured fabric is super cute while the v-shaped neckline, slight balloon sleeves and cinched waist elevate the look. It's also a total steal and could be worn to work events or other intimate gatherings, making it that much more of a great value to your closet.

Sizes: 1X-6X | Color: Deep black (pictured), floral | Material: Polyester

At just under $60, this full-length V-neck pleated evening gown is available in over 12 colors. Made of non-stretch material, this style runs slightly small so Amazon reviewers say it's best to go up one size. It is, however, fully lined and has a zipper in the back, although it lacks padding in the bust area. Still, five-star reviews call it an "amazing dress" with one writing, "I bought this dress to wear to a special event. I sized up because that’s what I read in the reviews. The dress is beautiful, well done and comfortable."

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Sizes: 14-26 | Colors: Floral (pictured), black, burgundy, burnt orange, dusty blue, green, navy blue, orchid, pink, printed, purple, royal blue, teal, cameo brown, grey, white | Material: Polyester

This showstopper has detailed embellishments on the front and back so you can shine and sparkle from every direction. The tulle bottom adds an elegant touch and allows for movement for when you hit the dance floor with friends and family. It has an almost perfect five-star rating online and while multiple five-star reviews call it a beautiful dress, some note that the length can run long.

Sizes: 14-24 | Colors: Muted blush (pictured), sage green, navy | Material: Not listed

Perfect for a dressier affair, this elegant floral lace cocktail dress is also a LBD you can wear again on a variety of occasions beyond the wedding sphere. It's available in 12 colors, including pink and deep blue. Close to 2K customer reviews suggest the dress is a popular pick, with multiple five-star reviews saying it's both comfortable and flattering. Plus, the sleeves maker it a slightly warmer option for a fall or winter wedding.

Sizes: XL-6X | Colors: Black floral (pictured), beige, blue, deep blue, deep red, dusty blue, gray, green, baby pink, green, purple, red, white floral | Material: Polyamide

Bring this bright two-tone maxi dress out of the closet for your next beach or garden wedding. The pleats add a fun touch and the asymmetrical hem will make this look extra fun to twirl and twist in all night long. It has moderate stretch, per ASOS's product description, which adds to the comfort factor. It's easy, breezy beach vibes all day long with this dress.

Sizes: 1X-3X | Color: Yellow and blue (pictured) | Material: Not listed

Lightweight woven chiffon, flutter sleeves and a high fitted empire waist make this dress look a lot more expensive than $100 but in fact it is under that price point! Over 200 online customer reviews rave about the color and quality of the dress, saying that you won't have any issues with it being see-through. One customer does note that the hidden back zipper kept getting stuck, though. Still, the fitted floor-length dress can be worn to a fancier destination wedding while saving you money for those tickets to the ceremony and reception. We do wish the burgundy color was available in plus sizes too.

Sizes: 1X-3X | Colors: Sage brush (pictured) | Material: Polyester

Show a little shoulder with this black evening dress. The shoulder cutouts make it more stylish than your average LBD, and the high slit adds subtle sex appeal. It's available in eight different colors, including embellished wine and glitter finishes. A 4.3-star Amazon rating and glowing customer reviews mean you'll likely also love the dress. One customer who wore the gown to her son's wedding writes, "Plus-size formals can be so matronly looking and I am far from matronly! The dress was stunning and I had compliments all night long!"

Sizes: 14-24 | Colors: Black (pictured), black glitter, dark navy glitter, deep teal, embellished bright purple, embellish navy, embellished wine, peacock glitter, smoke glitter, berry, plum, dusty blue glitter | Material: Polyester

Lane Bryant is a woman-founded brand built on a can-do attitude that applies its philosophy to its fit and fashion. This jumpsuit is actually named after the brand's founder, pioneer Lena Bryant, and gives off the same energy which the clothing brand was founded on. It's the perfect one-piece outfit, thanks to a wide pant leg, self-tie belt and short sleeves. Pair with a bold necklace and strappy heels to dress it up or slip on a pair of espadrilles and a floppy hat if it's a more casual wedding.

Sizes: 12-28 | Color: Black (pictured) | Material: Polyester, spandex

You may be surprised to learn that Amazon has a good selection of plus-size dresses that can certainly function for a wedding. Although this maxi dress is a bit more informal, we think it makes the perfect fit for a backyard wedding (and all future summer activities). The dress has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon and over 8.4K customer reviews with multiple five-star reviews noting how flattering and pretty the dress is. We appreciate the variety of colors and patterns available, as well as the soft and smooth material that will feel comfortable while you are sitting in (let's be honest) a not-so-comfortable chair.

Sizes: 1X-6X | Colors: Black (pictured), burgundy, navy, dark yellow, peach, light olive, jade green, charcoal feather, black confetti print, blue ditsy floral, brown floral, green floral, black confetti, black/dark camel, green vine/leaf, navy/pink abstract, rust orange, blue, bright pink, navy abstract, red/white ditsy floral | Material: Rayon, elastane

You can go all out formal and still stick to a budget thanks to this full-length gown by Dia&Co. Beautiful woven chiffon and a detailed, beaded belt make it perfect for formal events like weddings and proms. The long sleeves will flutter in the evening wind while keeping you warmer than a sleeveless gown. Choose from eight colors, whether you want burgundy for a fall wedding or light pink for a spring ceremony.

Sizes: 10-26 | Colors: Dark green (pictured), dusty navy, burgundy, pink, cream, black, grey, cameo brown | Material: Polyester

If you haven't already heard of Rent the Runway, let us introduce you to your one-way ticket to a designer wardrobe on a budget. Shop à la carte for a singular look or subscribe to one of its plans and receive five items at various intervals each month. We love how the website has a wedding-specific category that makes scrolling through its vast inventory a little less intimidating. This bright mid-length dress with spaghetti straps and side slits is made for a summertime wedding on a rooftop bar. If you decide not to sign up for a plan (which can range between $69 and $149 per month), you can get this dress as a one-time rental for as low as $30 or buy it for $306.

Sizes: 10-16 | Colors: Orange (pictured) | Material: Polyester

We have included Spanx's products in previous roundups for its flattering tummy-smoothing shape-wear, bathing suits and more. Thick ponte fabric is designed to have a smoothing effect, making it a great option if you want to slim your tummy area. One five star review says, "The fabric has a Spanx feel of holding but not squeezing." The simple silhouette is versatile for all evening gatherings, whether that be a city wedding reception or happy hour with friends. We appreciate the wide shoulder straps that can hide bra straps and that the dress is machine washable for easy cleaning.

Sizes: 1X-3X | Colors: Classic black (pictured), true red | Material: Premium ponte fabric

Vintage-themed wedding on your horizon? Say hello to your new favorite dress that will take you back in time with a classic sweetheart neckline and adorable cap sleeves. It has a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette and a buttoned bodice for that extra chic touch. The fabric combo is designed to have some stretch to it. Customers say it fits like a "forgiving glove." While you may not pair the dress with gloves (although it does give that vibe), we think the four out of 5-star rating means you will agree with the rave reviews.

Sizes: 1X-3X | Colors: Black (pictured), pink combo, neutral motif, green motif | Material: Viscose, linen, cotton, elastane

Whether you're attending a summer wedding when the sun will be beating down on you during the ceremony or you just prefer mini to full-length dresses, consider this babydoll number with puff sleeves that gather at the bottom and a square neckline. The skirt will blow in the wind and you will shine bright like a gem (hence the name). Keep in mind the manufacturer recommends you hand wash the dress.

Sizes: 1X-6X | Colors: Blue (pictured) | Material: Polyester

This one-shoulder dress has a "perennial silhouette," per the brand's description, and we have to agree with this distinction. The deep red color fits the color palette for any season and the midi length combined with short sleeves mean you can stay relatively cool at a warmer ceremony or layer with tights at a winter wedding. It's made from stretchy polyester and spandex, and is fitted through the bust, waist and hips for a flattering fit. Pair with your favorite pair of heels and you can even repurpose this dress for work.

Sizes: 12-24 | Colors: Red (pictured) | Material: Polyester, spandex

The cut-outs on this citron yellow dress make it perfect for a spring or summer wedding fit. Bubble blouson sleeves and a front tie will help you subtly stand out among guests without diverting too much attention from the bride, of course. You can wear it with or without a bra, per the manufacturer, and one customer who wore it to a black-tie, Southern wedding says, "it was so incredibly comfortable, I didn't have to wear any tight fitting undergarment since the sewn in slip was perfect coverage." We only wish it came in more colors.

Sizes: 12-24 | Color: Citron yellow (pictured) | Material: Polyester, spandex

✔️ Dress code: Before you start online shopping or heading to a store in-person, you'll want to double-check the dress code for the wedding, which is usually indicated on the save-the-date card. Make sure the dress you go with is appropriate for the occasion, explains wedding stylist and founder of The Stylish Bride Julie Sabatino. "This isn’t the time to be sexy, nor is it the time to wear something that is revealing. You want to rise to the occasion and look appropriate," says Sabatino. Of course, you also want to wear what you feel most comfortable in and you might have an evening reception where a cocktail dress may make the most sense. After all, a black-tie event is going to look a lot different than a more casual mountainside wedding. It's always a good idea to take a look at the weather forecast too, especially if it's a destination wedding in a state or country that's experiencing a different season than where you live.

✔️ Size range: Some retailers have a more limited plus-size range while other brands cater only to plus-size shoppers. Inventory can also be an issue so make sure to hop on any dress you fall in love with sooner rather than later.

✔️ Style: With more plus-size brands and size-inclusive retailers, there are a lot more styles to choose from when it comes to plus-size gowns and dresses, whether that be a fitted gown with an empire waist or a fit-and-flare midi with a sweetheart neckline. We have included a variety of dress styles in this roundup, including full length, mini, midi and maxi dresses. In addition, we considered waist- and neckline as well as overall fit and whether or not the dress includes padding or can be worn with a bra if you want the option. But, at the end of the day, "it’s difficult to say what style is the most flattering because every woman is different," Sabatino says. "So, it's going to depend on what each woman feels good in." Maybe you already know which waist- and necklines work best for your figure or perhaps you may order a variety of dresses to see which feels best.

✔️ Price: You definitely do not have to spend a fortune on a wedding guest dress. In fact, our research showed that you can find a budget-friendly dress for between $60 and $100. Of course, there are mid-range dresses that fall close to $200 with others that can go higher. When deciding on budget, think of other expenses you may have to factor in, like travel, hair and makeup.

Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute where she ensures product roundups across verticals reflect accurate information. She has written on a variety of wedding-related content from the best summer wedding guest dresses to the best wedding albums. Prior to her role at the GH Institute she was an editorial assistant at Woman's Day and has three years of experience selling size-inclusive clothing.

To write this article, Elizabeth interviewed Julie Sabatino, founder of The Stylish Bride, to learn more about wedding guest dress etiquette.

Raena Loper (she/her) is the product and reviews updates editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering textiles, home, wellness, tech and more. Prior to starting at GH in 2021, she worked as assistant lifestyle editor at O, The Oprah Magazine, where she covered fashion, food, tech and beauty content. A graduate of Montclair State University, she earned a degree in fashion studies with a concentration in design and garment construction as well as a degree in gender, sexuality and women's studies.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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