We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise stated, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. A sleeveless maxi in an eye-catching shade like bubblegum pink if you're looking for an excuse to go wild with a color you aren't brave enough to wear in your everyday life.
Promising review: "Loved this dress! It hugs nicely so everything feels secure and it looks great on curves. The fabric isn’t too thick or too thin… it’s a really nice weight. It has plenty of stretch but holds its shape. Wore it on a cruise and got lots of compliments! I felt very pretty in this dress!" —Aylissa
Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 21 colors).
2. A split hem midi dress with an effortless, elegant silhouette so you can accessorize to the moon and back.
Promising review: "This was a the perfect wedding guest dress. It is so stretchy and comfortable but still formal for an event." —Jessica Fee
Get it from Amazon for $38.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 26 colors).
3. A long sleeve mesh mini ready to tackle those spring days that start off in the low 50s and end up in the high 70s. 🙃
Beginning Boutique is a woman–founded Aussie brand based in Brisbane. In an effort to be more sustainable and ethical, they ship in compostable packaging and partner with programs like Thread Together to recycle and upcycle old stock.
Promising review: "Fits PERFECTLY. I think this mini dress is beautiful and I absolutely love the color." —Heather
Get it from Beginning Boutique for $84.99 (available in sizes 0–18 and in six colors).
4. A satin midi dress that's semi-adjustable thanks to a tie-front design, so if you're in between sizes, you don't have to worry about the time you absolutely don't have for tailoring.
Promising review: "Really liked this dress! Wore it to my friend’s wedding. The color is vibrant, the material has a satin finish, and it doesn’t feel too heavy or too light. I was able to wear a bra underneath and safety pinned it under the bow I tied in the front. Highly recommend!" —Savitha Racha
Get it from Amazon for $45.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 22 colors).
5. A short puff-sleeve dress sure to have you feeling like a Disney princess with its Jasmine-esque bodice and sleeves.
Promising review: "I bought this as a last-minute dress to wear to a wedding, and it was perfect! I liked that it wasn’t see-through or sheer by any means because I often find that dresses I buy online are super thin. The quality was pretty good, and I was overall very satisfied." —Brooke
Get it from Amazon for $42.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 30 colors).
6. An off-the-shoulder number with eye-catching embroidery if you're looking for a lil' spice but only wear black and white — no matter the season. 🖤 🤍
Get it from Eloquii for $54 (originally $180; available in sizes 14–28).
7. A smocked long-sleeve dress that comes in an array of arresting prints and — the real clincher — you don't even have to shave your pits! (Not that you have to anyway... but you know, if you're self-conscious about that type of thing.)
8. A checkered baby doll mini perfect for more casual events. Plus, because the silhouette is simple and the color is solid, you can pick a really out-there bag or shoes.
Get it from Beginning Boutique for $84.99 (available in sizes 0–18 and in six colors).
9. An off-the-shoulder ruffle dress so high quality, reviewers say people were shocked to learn it was from good ol' Amazon!
Here's what former BuzzFeed editor Ciera Velarde has to say:
"I wore this to a wedding this summer that had an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour in 90-degree heat, and even though it's maxi length, I didn't get too hot or sweaty. I was really pleased with how the pleated tiers fell on my body...I just felt very dainty and romantic and confident in this dress! I also loved that I could wear it on or off the shoulders. And no joke I had at least a dozen people compliment me on this dress! And no one believed what I spent on it! I might just have to buy this in many other colors now!"
Get it from Amazon for $33.98 (available in sizes XS–XL and 32 colors/patterns).
10. A one-shoulder bodycon midi one reviewer has worn to a number of weddings already. They say it washes so well and has garnered them so many compliments, they were honestly tempted to gatekeep it.
Promising review: "Finding a dress for a wedding is annoying. I bought four different dresses and this last one that came the day before was the winner at one-quarter the cost of the others. Amazing buy. Good quality. Looks elegant and fit beautifully. So happy with it." —S. Camarena Di Paola
Get it from Amazon $53.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 19 colors).
11. A mock neck mini dress with a big, loud pattern that'll match your big, loud presence on the dance floor.
Promising review: "I have many colors of this dress I love each one. They are so comfortable and light — you won’t regret buying it. By far, this one is my favorite dresses ever!!" —RTmo Lartigue
Get it from Amazon for $38.99 (available in sizes XS–4X and in 23 colors/prints).
12. A halter-neck maxi so easy to wear, one reviewer bought it in four colors! If you're chronically online like I am, you probably have a certain TikTok sound — "If I like it, I'll just grab it in another color. If I like it and they have it in another color... I'll just grab it." — playing in your head right now.
Promising review: "This purchase completely exceeded my expectations. Dress is well made and SOFT. It also has a slip underneath, which is awesome — no fear of undies showing! Waist is elastic. Comes with a detachable belt so it can be worn with or without." —MsMGR
Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 26 colors).
13. A one-shoulder bodycon you can absolutely dress up with heels but also use post-wedding by pairing it with your chunkiest platform sneakers and your tried-and-true jean jacket because who doesn't love a versatile piece?
Promising review: "I got so many compliments on this dress and even more when I said where I got it from!! It is comfortable and the material is breathable. It is stretchy so you could even wear it with a baby bump. I will say if you are small chested it may be big up top! Perfect dress for a wedding, bridal shower, or any nice occasion!" —Katerina
Get it from Amazon for $47.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 22 colors).
14. A sleeveless ruched maxi with a big ol' bow on one shoulder if you often find yourself jealous of babies who get to wear those [comically] large bow headbands.
Promising review: "Purchased this dress for a semi-formal wedding and let me tell you... It is amazing! The bow detail on the shoulder is so cute and I had compliments all night long. This wedding was in New Orleans and I was even comfortable during the second line parade. Do not hesitate...the quality is amazing!" —Jennifer Longo
Get it from Amazon for $59.79+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 18 colors).
15. An asymmetrical satin cocktail dress that gives me human tulip vibes and I kind of love that??
Promising review: "This is the perfect wedding guest dress! Very elegant while still being fairly priced. I could’ve potentially sized down for a more fitted look in the chest, but I’m not sure if I would’ve run into more problems doing that. Love that this dress comes in so many colors, too! My only issue with the dress is the belt. I thought it was attached to the dress. A part of me wished it was but I felt like it looked silly when I tried to tie the belt around so I opted for the beltless look." —Felicia
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 27 colors).
16. A cowl-neck abstract plisse maxi if you're not one for solids — especially when you have an excuse to dress up.
Get it from Pretty Little Thing for $55 (available in sizes 12–26 and in six solid colors).
17. A tiered one-shoulder chiffon mini with an extremely comfy A-line silhouette so you can actually *enjoy* sitting down for lunch and not spend it counting down the seconds until you can stand up.
Just FYI: Many reviewers say it runs a little large so you may want to consider sizing down one.
Promising review: "I ordered this red dress for a wedding I was attending and I loved it. I got the XL to play it safe and I definitely could’ve sized down. It was so cute, comfy and I got a ton of compliments on it. Also I didn’t have to wear a bra which was nice haha." —Ainsley
Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 13 colors).
18. A batwing swing dress that will have you waving your arm around to Beyoncé in such a dramatic fashion, you'll look like you're in high school color guard.
19. A simple square-neck dress so cute (and popular), just don't be surprised if you run into another guest wearing it in a different color.
Promising review: "This dress is absolutely adorable and so comfortable! I wore this to a wedding as a guest and got so many compliments! The material is great quality and it looks more expensive than it is. You will have to steam it before wearing because it’s creased from being folded in the packaging. I can confidently say this is one of my favorite dresses in my closet. The only downside is you have to tie the sleeves in a bow and it can be a bit difficult to do on your own. Other than that, this dress is amazing." —mj
Get it from Amazon for $44.99 (available in sizes S–XL and in 23 colors).
20. A pleated halter-neck maxi with a silhouette that's strapless bra-friendly so you don't have to worry about searching high and low for specialized undergarments.
Promising review: "Needed a dress for a last-minute event — this arrived quickly and was dressy but not too formal, so it's pretty versatile. True to size and it wasn't see-through (not sure about lighter colors, though). Nice bold color and overall a simple, pretty dress that could work for many different occasions." —NW
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 12 colors).
21. A showstopping cut-out midi in which you can really get down to Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" — an absolute wedding banger.
Promising review: "Loved wearing this to a wedding recently. It was comfortable and I felt amazing! The colors are beautiful and the fabric was soft and light." —Customer O.
Get it from Showpo for $79.95 (available in sizes 0–16 and in two colors).
22. A fitted silk dress that won't one-up the bride but will earn you endless compliments all the same.
Get it from Reformation for $298 (available in sizes 0–12 and in two colors/patterns).
23. A tie-front satin dress so good, you *might* grow impatient waiting for the day you can wear it.
Just FYI: the majority of reviewers say to size up!
Promising review: "This dress matched my expectations. The material is silky and can be a little clingy with static. It comes very wrinkled and creates wrinkles easily so definitely iron before wearing. I love how the straps are adjustable, though. The top is stretchy and was almost a little on the bigger side for me but was very comfy to wear." —Christina
Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and in 17 colors).
24. A spaghetti strap cowl-neck number with some slight stretch so you won't have to wrestle your way out of it at the end of the night.
Promising review: "If love was a piece of clothing this dress would be it!!! The fit is absolute perfection!!!!!!! It fits like it was made for my body and the color definitely has my melanin popping!!!! Girl!! Just buy it!!!" —Amber
Get it from Amazon $45.99+ (available in sizes XS–5X and in 44 colors/styles).
25. A ruffled puff-sleeve, ruched-bust dress that will have you feeling like the main character in a new Netflix original series.
Promising review: "So happy with my purchase! I received many compliments when wearing this dress and it makes sense, because it’s lovely! It’s super comfortable, too. It’s beautiful to wear out but also comfortable enough to wear around the house. It’s just as beautiful on the shoulder, though I prefer it off, but the great thing is that it stays put whichever way you should to wear it. I highly recommend it!" —Melanie Grace
Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in seven colors/prints).
26. An abstract pleated midi dress with fluttery sleeves, dainty ties, and a flowy silhoeutte that'll have you absolutely floating through your day.
Current Air is a Los Angeles–based small business that designs trendy yet effortless styles .
Get it from Current Air for $158 (available in sizes XS–L).
27. A ribbed, one-shoulder cutout dress so simple but stunning, all of the other guests with 10+ spring wedding invites *will* be asking where you got it so they can order one ASAP.
28. A halter neck maxi dress with a flowy skirt that'll have you feeling blissfully unencumbered as you do the macarena and then start a conga line.
29. A bodycon that'll lend you some real ✨ wow✨ factor when you rip off your oversized jean jacket to reveal some super cute cutouts, bayyyybee.
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.