Modest wedding guest dresses: how to choose yours

Dressing modestly for a wedding is not a compromise. A long-sleeved maxi dress in the right fabric is one of the most elegant things a guest can wear, and unlike many occasion dresses it will be worn again. Here is how to choose one.

Let the fabric set the tone

For an evening wedding, satin is the natural choice: its soft sheen catches the light and reads as formal without any embellishment. See the satin edit. For a daytime or outdoor wedding, chiffon moves beautifully and stays comfortable in the heat; our floral and chiffon dresses are made for it. Crepe hangs in clean lines and suits a guest who prefers something understated. Our article on chiffon, crepe and satin compares the three.

Choose a colour that suits the day

Soft colours and florals suit daytime; deeper shades suit the evening. It is a kindness in most traditions to leave white and ivory to the bride unless the invitation asks for them. If the family or the invitation names a colour scheme, follow it.

Look for one detail, not several

A dress needs one point of interest: a cape, a pleated skirt, pearl trim, a lace sleeve, a belt. More than one and they compete. The evening edit gathers our dresses and gowns with embellishment and sheen.

Consider an abaya set

An embellished abaya worn over a matching slip dress is as formal as any gown, and it is easy to wear for a long celebration. Several of ours come as a set with the slip dress and a belt.

Finish with the hijab

Choose the hijab after the dress. With a printed dress, wear a plain hijab in one of its colours. With a plain dress, a satin hijab or a soft print adds interest near the face. Our guide on wearing a chiffon hijab shows a loose drape that suits occasions.

Get the fit right, and allow time

A dress for a wedding should fit well through the shoulders and fall to the right length with the shoes you will wear. Check the size guide, and if you are between sizes, tall or petite, have the dress made to your measurements. A made-to-measure piece needs 14 extra working days before it is dispatched, so order early; delivery times for your country are on the shipping page.

A short checklist

• Fabric that suits the time of day and the season
• A colour that leaves white to the bride
• One detail that makes the dress
• A hijab chosen to go with it
• Ordered in time to arrive, with a few days to spare