5 need-to-know wedding guest fashion trends for 2023

Wedding season is steaming ahead at breakneck speed and if you're not careful, you'll get left on the shelf.

We're not talking antiquated spinsterhood metaphors, rather we implore you to not let SS23's stylish crop of wedding guest trends pass you by.

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READ: How to find the perfect wedding guest hat according to an expert

Betty Bachz opted for a figure-skimming monochrome ensemble with baby blue platforms
Betty Bachz opted for a figure-skimming monochrome ensemble with baby blue platforms

Naturally, the bride will be the belle of the ball, but you still want to be on your fashion A-game.

Weddings are notoriously difficult to shop for – between unexpectedly exotic locations and draconianly enforced colour palettes, we extend our deepest sympathies.

Yoanna Hanbury hopped on the Barbiecore trend in a pink bow tie jumpsuit with a padded headband
Yoanna Hanbury hopped on the Barbiecore trend in a pink bow tie jumpsuit with a padded headband

But looking good is totally within reach, and if you're looking for some outfit inspiration, we've got you covered.

Hello! Fashion shares the need-to-know wedding guest trends for 2023:

Vintage florals

Florals are a classic motif for wedding guests. Elegant and joyful, budding blooms carry the metaphor of new beginnings – the ideal omen for a long and happy marriage. Made from featherlight georgette, Reformation's 'Reya' dress has a beautiful drape and would make for the perfect al fresco guest outfit alongside minimalist kitten heels. If your budget stretches slightly further, Rodarte's black and yellow maxi features a super lifelike 3D rosette as its centrepiece, and we are head over heels.

MUST-HAVE:

Reya asymmetric cold-shoulder floral-print georgette midi dress – Reformation
Reya asymmetric cold-shoulder floral-print georgette midi dress – Reformation

£335 AT NET-A-PORTER

LUST-HAVE:

Appliquéd printed silk crepe de chine maxi dress – Rodarte
Appliquéd printed silk crepe de chine maxi dress – Rodarte

£1,555 AT NET-A-PORTER

Statement headbands

Defy the conventional fascinator and turn heads with a statement headband this wedding season. Revered by the quintessential Sloane Ranger, a bold headband guarantees impact, and this playful beaded leopard piece by River Island would look killer atop a head of voluminous curls. A subtler, more delicate alternative is Simone Rocha's crystal version. Infused with girlish appeal, team it with a puff-sleeve gown for maximum femininity.

MUST-HAVE:

Orange Beaded Leopard Print Hairband – River Island
Orange Beaded Leopard Print Hairband – River Island

£18 AT RIVER ISLAND

LUST-HAVE:

Daisy silver-tone crystal headband- Simone Rocha
Daisy silver-tone crystal headband- Simone Rocha

£250 AT NET-A-PORTER

MORE: Our 7 favourite pairs of Gucci heels – just in time for wedding season

READ: 6 statement designer headbands and how to wear them this season

Barbiecore

Punchy pink is still the shade du jour, and we have Margot Robbie to thank profusely or blame, depending on your feelings towards loud brights. Combine the hue with either a voluminous or textural element for a guaranteed stand-out moment. We're eyeing up cool-girl ruffles by Nobody's Child and frothy feathers by Taller Marmo.

MUST-HAVE:

Pink Coco Midaxi Dress - Nobody's Child
Pink Coco Midaxi Dress - Nobody's Child

£95 AT NOBODY'S CHILD

LUST-HAVE:

Ubud one-sleeve feather-trimmed crepe gown – Taller Marmo
Ubud one-sleeve feather-trimmed crepe gown – Taller Marmo

£1,655 AT NET-A-PORTER

Bows

Inject your wedding guest outfit with a dose of saccharine girlishness with a playful bow. Go extreme with Oasis' super affordable electric blue number, or team yours with rich embellishment via Reem Acra. It's giving Grace Kelly, and we're not mad about it.

MUST-HAVE:

Strappy Extreme Bow Column Midi Dress – Oasis
Strappy Extreme Bow Column Midi Dress – Oasis

£79 AT OASIS

LUST-HAVE:

Bow and crystal-embellished satin-piqué gown - Reem Acra
Bow and crystal-embellished satin-piqué gown - Reem Acra

£3,115 AT NET-A-PORTER

Cut-outs

Cut-outs may feel a little adventurous for a wedding, but if the happy couple aren't super traditional, we say go for it. The trend allows you to keep things fresh with a subtle, unexpected glimpse of skin. Floral fans ought to check out Nasty Gal, whereas Lapointe's jersey maxi would look exquisite alongside bronzed skin for a ceremony taking place abroad.

MUST-HAVE:

Floral Print Satin Cut-Out Maxi Dress – Nasty Gal
Floral Print Satin Cut-Out Maxi Dress – Nasty Gal

£85 AT NASTY GAL

LUST-HAVE:

Cutout stretch-jersey maxi dress – Lapointe
Cutout stretch-jersey maxi dress – Lapointe

£1,240 AT NET-A-PORTER

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