The Prettiest Plus-Size Wedding Guest Dresses from Amazon, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, and More

Zip up your floral gown, strap on your most comfortable heels, and tuck an anti-chafing stick into your purse — because it’s officially wedding season.

Finding a dress that’s elegant, comfortable, and makes you feel your best is tough. According to plus-size fashion influencer Emma Arletta, it’s even more difficult to find the perfect dress outside of traditional sizing. 

“It can be really challenging to find something that fits my curves perfectly,” Arletta tells PEOPLE. “A lot of plus-size women, when we’re shopping for events, we have to shop so early because we can’t just go in-store at the last minute to find things.”

To make things simpler, we curated a list of the very best plus-size formal dresses for every kind of wedding, from casual to black tie. These dresses don’t compromise on comfort and elegance, and neither should you. Keep reading to see the prettiest plus-size wedding guest dresses starting at under $50.

Wedding Dress Codes, Explained 

Wedding dress codes can be confusing. (Hawaiian casual? Garden party formal? What does that even mean?) To make things clearer, we consulted Nordstrom’s official breakdown of what each dress code term means and tagged each dress on our list with the occasion it works for.

• White tie: These are the most formal weddings — think royal weddings and diplomat dinners — and are pretty rare to see IRL. Full-length dresses and gowns are expected, and you’ll likely see formal frocks paired with white, elbow-length gloves. As the name suggests, white bow ties are required with long-tailed black tuxedos. 
• Black tie: The second most formal dress code, black-tie occasions call for floor-length gowns with heels (or dressy flats) and tuxedos with white shirts and black bow ties. 
• Formal (or “black tie optional”): For formal weddings, tuxedos are not necessary; a dark suit with a tie will do. Floor-length dresses are still acceptable, but cocktail and knee-length dresses also fit the bill. 
• Cocktail: Cocktail weddings allow for shorter, but still elegant, dresses. It’s not the right time to pull out a sundress (save those for “casual” occasions). Suits with or without ties are appropriate. 
• Semi-formal: For semi-formal weddings, you can opt for more relaxed and comfortable styles, like jumpsuits, wrap dresses, and elegant separates. During the daytime, a sports jacket or button-down shirt with chinos will fit right in, but nighttime occasions tend to be slightly dressier, so you may want to lean towards darker-colored suit jackets. 
• Casual: Many beach weddings, daytime parties, and outdoor weddings today are asking guests to come comfortable and casual. Opt for sundresses, skirts, and blouses, or flowy frocks in your favorite colors. Short-sleeve polo shirts and khakis with boat shoes are also a safe bet.

Best Plus-Size Wedding Guest Dresses

Floerns Satin Spaghetti Strap Dress

Amazon

$44 at Amazon

This cowl-neck dress with a draped waist looks so elegant we could barely believe it’s priced at under $50. It comes in tons of different colors (43, to be exact), and the floral green colorway is a great choice for summer weddings. Dress it up with a pair of neutral-colored heels for a cocktail-attire wedding, or slip on your favorite wedges or espadrilles for a more casual vibe.

Occasion: Cocktail, semi-formal | Sizes: Large plus — 5XL plus | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine wash or hand wash cold, line dry

MakeMeChic Floral Maxi Dress

Amazon

Orig.
$63

$49 at Amazon

For daytime and semi-formal weddings, this floral maxi with a flattering A-line cut is comfortable and sweet. The scrunched top is stretchy and hugs the smallest point of the waist in a flattering way, and the short puff sleeves give it a boho vibe. Best of all, because the style is so versatile, you can wear it with sandals to a beach wedding and then wear it again on your next tropical vacation. 

Occasion: Semi-formal, casual | Sizes: Large plus — 4XL plus | Material: Polyester | Care: Not listed

Experts Say

“I like to have the top of the dress more fitted to accentuate my waist, and I love a flowy moment on the bottom so I don’t get too hot, especially coming into summer weddings.” —Emma Arletta

Pinup Fashion Chiffon Ruffle Dress

Amazon

$60 at Amazon

If you’re looking for a last-minute dress that’ll get to your doorstep in a snap, this chiffon dress from Amazon looks like it came from an elegant boutique. The ruffled, off-the-shoulder detail adds visual interest and creates a great moment for a statement necklace to shine. The design hugs the waist and falls loosely from the hips to skim the ground, creating a fairytale floating effect when you twirl on the dance floor.

Occasion: Black tie, formal, cocktail | Sizes: 14 plus — 28 plus | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine wash

Eloquii Scarf-Neck Maxi Dress

Eloquii

Orig.
$170

$119 at Eloquii.com

Elegant, comfortable, and on-trend — this scarf-neck pick from Eloquii has everything we could ever want in a dress. The one-shoulder scarf detail is the star of the show and is sure to draw compliments from your most fashionable pals. The silky material has a loose drape that’s easy and comfortable. And, from a black-tie event to a cocktail occasion, the polished maxi dress fits the bill. 

Occasion: Black tie, formal, cocktail | Sizes: 14 — 32 | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry

Eloquii Tie Detail Satin Jumpsuit

Eloquii

Orig.
$160

$96 at Eloquii.com

Jumpsuits are a fabulous choice for lots of occasions, and this satin number from Eloquii is easy and comfortable to throw on. The draped shoulder adds a flattering moment of visual intrigue and keeps the jumpsuit up while you hit the dance floor. It comes in a classic black and a fairy-esque lavender. And, unlike a lot of other formal dress options on our list, this one is machine-washable. 

Occasion: Formal, cocktail, casual | Sizes: 14 — 32 | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Pro Tip

“For a more formal event, I always go for a clutch and just bring the minimum. I think a clutch is so great for posing. You don’t have to worry about putting it over your shoulder.” —Emma Arletta

Eloquii Corset Column Dress

Eloquii

Orig.
$160

$96 at Eloquii.com

The Corset Column Dress from Eloquii is a stately, elegant, and architectural gown that would fit right in at a black-tie gala or a cocktail party. The corset top gives it a flattering structure, and the boning helps the strapless design to stay up. It comes in two neutral colors — black and brown — and would pop with a colorful heel or bedazzled clutch.

Occasion: Black tie, formal, cocktail | Sizes: 14 — 32 | Material: Rayon, nylon, spandex | Care: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry 

Atsu Sally Bow Midi Dress

Anthropologie

$248 at Anthropologie

Make a fashion statement while moving freely and comfortably in this adorable dress from Atsu. The oversized bow detail is on trend and conceals an adjustable one-shoulder strap, so you won’t have to worry about tugging the dress up all night. It comes in three colorways that are lightly lustrous, which gives it a luxury feel. This is the kind of show-stopping gown that looks so fashionable on its own that it can be paired with simple accessories and still make a major statement.

Occasion: Black tie, formal, cocktail | Sizes: XL — 3X | Material: Polyester | Care: Dry clean

Maeve Sweetheart Slip Dress

Anthropologie

$168 at Anthropologie

A slip dress is a wardrobe staple, and this one from Anthropologie can be dressed up or down in a snap — wear it with sandals to a beach wedding or strappy black heels for a formal occasion. We love how versatile this dress can be, and each of the three color options brings a different vibe that works for unique styles. The pale yellow floral pattern would look at home at a garden party, and the black and white pattern would suit an Art Deco theme perfectly.

Occasion: Formal, cocktail, casual | Sizes: XL — 3X | Material: Viscose | Care: Hand wash

The Fleur Strapless Satin Maxi Slip Dress

Anthropologie

$158 at Anthropologie

If elegant and timeless are what you’re after, then check out this silky strapless gown from Anthropologie. The lustrous fabric drapes romantically over curves, creating an easy, polished look that appears to be much more expensive than it actually is. The strapless design stays up with elastic stitched into the top of the bust, but it may also benefit from the use of a good strapless bra underneath if you’re worried about it staying up all night.

Occasion: Black tie, formal, cocktail | Sizes: XL — 3X | Material: Viscose | Care: Machine wash

Ever-Pretty Sequin Formal Dress

Amazon

$85 at Amazon

Channel Taylor Swift’s Speak Now era in this fairytale gown that can arrive on your doorstep in just a few days. The dress features a plunging neckline that shows off the bust and a tulle skirt with delicate vine appliques. The fluttery sleeves are flattering on the upper arm, and the fitted waist and flowy skirt create a pretty A-line shape. For a dreamy look, wear your hair loosely curled with a large-barrel curler or clip a few sparkly bobbles into a messy updo.

Occasion: Black tie, formal | Sizes: 14 — 36 | Material: Sequin, tulle | Care: Hand wash

Pro Tip

“In the summer, when you’re walking around, your legs can chafe, so something I always have in my clutch is an anti-chafe stick. I also use it on my heels for any shoes I’m wearing because it saves me from blisters.” —Emma Arletta

Every-Pretty Chiffon Knee-Length Dress

Amazon

Orig.
$67

$62 at Amazon

This fluttery dress comes in 14 colors, and each one looks soft and sophisticated. The A-line dress falls to knee length, so it’s great for semi-formal or cocktail weddings. It’s made from a light, flowy chiffon that’ll keep you cool and comfortable no matter the weather. The ruched V-neck top is flattering on larger chests, and the flutter sleeves cover the upper arms without being restricted. 

Occasion: Semi-formal, cocktail | Sizes: 8 — 26 | Material: Chiffon| Wash instructions: Hand wash only 

City Chic Mayah Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Nordstrom

Orig.
$179

$139 at Nordstrom

Made from luxurious satin with a ruched off-the-shoulder neckline, the Mayah dress makes an elegant statement. The dress has a structured waist that flows out to an ankle-length hem, which means that it works for black-tie weddings, but it could also be styled to fit a cocktail party with a pair of comfortable flats. It comes in a classic black and a vibrant green, and (drumroll, please) it has pockets!

Occasion: Black tie, formal, cocktail | Sizes: 14W — 24W | Material: Cotton | Care: Dry clean 

Nic+Zoe Midnight Shibori Sleeveless Dress

Nordstrom

Orig.
$188

$85 at Nordstrom

If you’re looking for a short dress that still provides modest coverage, the Midnight Shibori Dress from Nic+Zoe may be just what you’re after. The figure-hugging dress falls to just above-the-knee length and has a flattering twist detail that visually brings in the waist. The pattern is inspired by traditional Japanese shibori, and the fabric has a light stretch to it, making it super comfortable.

Occasion: Formal, cocktail | Sizes: 1X — 3X | Material: Viscose, spandex | Care: Hand wash, line dry

What to Know About Plus-Size Wedding Guest Dresses

Sizing

Online shopping can already feel overwhelming, so the fact that not all sizing charts use the same terms can be confusing. Before you order, it’s important to look at the sizing chart that most brands list on their product page. It will list out a range of measurements that will best fit each size and typically refer to the bust, waist, and hip circumferences in either inches or centimeters. Use a measuring tape at home to determine your measurements and find the right size for you.

Style

Once you know the dress code, you can get creative in choosing your outfit. If you’re not sure where to start in making your wedding guest outfit feel unique, Arletta has a few suggestions. “I love a textured dress — feather or beading. I’ve been seeing a lot of florals for spring and summer.”

Undergarments  

Figuring out what to wear under a wedding guest dress can be almost as tricky as finding the dress itself. A solid piece of shapewear — whether it’s shorts, underwear, or a bodysuit — can help you feel comfortable all night long. “I love to have shapewear on for a formal event because it makes your dress lay better on top,” Arletta says. Finding the right shapewear to go under a strapless dress can be even trickier, but Arletta recommends a strapless bodysuit that you can find at Amazon.

Price Range

Elegant plus-size formal dresses exist across a wide range of prices to fit any budget. Generally, the lower end of the price range starts around $50 and, depending on how much you want to spend on a dress, can go all the way up to $500.

Why Trust PEOPLE? 

Cai Cramer is a shopping writer for PEOPLE who has been writing about style and fashion trends since 2021. She loves to peruse stores, shop online, and make Pinterest boards dedicated to the latest fashion trends. For this story, Cai chatted with plus-size fashion expert Emma Arletta about where to find plus-size wedding guest dresses, the best materials for dresses, and the latest trends in wedding guest attire. Cai also consulted Nordstrom’s wedding attire guide for insights on occasion buzzwords like “black tie,” “cocktail,” and “black tie optional.”

Our Expert Panel

Emma Arletta is a plus-size fashion influencer, style expert, and model with over one million followers across Instagram and TikTok.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education