10 of the best: wedding guest outfits for all ages and sizes (2024)

Laura Jordan, a Dublin-based image consultant and personal shopper (StyleSavvy.ie), notes that whatever you choose, there are a couple of steps you can take to ensure it’s a showstopper.

“Underwear is key,” she explains. “Get the good stuff at a registered supplier, like Peaches and Cream. If you bring your outfit into them, they will suggest the correct combination of underwear.”

And don’t underestimate the power of a good tailor and some subtle alterations. “A hemline that is two inches shorter or a waist that is slightly more cinched or a shoulder strap that is a little lifted can be a game-changer for your look,” Laura adds.

We asked Irish stylists for their favourite wedding guest outfits to shop for this season.

Maje Resia satin dress, €90 for three day rental, Happy-Days.ie

“If you are looking for something unique and beautiful but don’t want to spend big money, then rent, don’t buy,” advises stylist and creative director Courtney Smith (@courtneysmithstyle). “If your budget is in the €100 region and you think you are limited to high street [shops], then chances are at a wedding you will bump into someone in the same outfit, which is never fun.”

Renting, she adds, gives you access to higher-end brands at a fraction of the price. Courtney recommends Dublin company Happy Days, which delivers throughout Ireland, and highlights its luxurious satin dress from Parisian brand Maje, in a size 8. “I love this one and yellow really is the colour of the season.”

Buy it here.​

Jolie Moi Bianca dress, €99, Lir Boutique

Fashion broadcaster and stylist Emily O’Donnell (@emilyodonnellstyle) calls Jolie Moi’s collection “failsafe dresses for all shapes, sizes and budgets”, available in sizes 8-20.

“They come in a variety of colours, prints and sizes and have a lovely bit of stretch to them. They also have pockets, which I love,” she explains. “The reason these dresses are so flattering is because they skim the body in all the right places, don’t crease and really hold their shape all day so you can relax and eat, drink and dance.

“Amy time I’ve shown them on TV the reaction has been incredible and they are very purse-friendly too. You can style them up different ways and wear them again, what’s not to love?”

Buy it here.​

Blazer, €69.95 and trousers, €49.95, Zara

“A suit offers sharp smartness with lots of rewear opportunities,” Laura says. “I would choose this one for a more casual wedding day, perhaps a small city ceremony or wedding abroad.”

The double-breasted jacket is slightly oversized with padded shoulders, and the matching trousers are cut in a wide leg silhouette, in sizes XS-XL.

Buy it here.

The Aurora jacket, €135 and trousers, €95, Sinead Keary

Stylist and personal shopper Joanna Cluskey (@stylebyjo.ie) recommends this “timeless and elegant” set from Irish designer Sinead Keary, available in sizes XS-XXL. “Navy is such a versatile colour, which pairs wonderfully with so many bright shades and tones,” she explains.

“The top features a beautiful puff sleeve and a flattering V-neck. The trousers are very on-trend with a looser straight leg, an elasticated waistband and a high-waisted design. Pair with silver accessories and a silk cami for a sophisticated wedding guest look.”

Buy it here.​

Caped tailored midi dress, €242.25 reduced from €285, Karen Millen

“This is one of my favourites,” Laura says of this figure-hugging design, which comes in sizes 6-16 as well as a Plus version in extended sizing up to 24. “Red is having an occasionwear moment and the structure of this capelet really adds the drama here. A chic chignon and drop earrings, paired with a clutch, and you are ready to go.”

Buy it in sizes 6-16 here or buy the Plus version here.​

Férí Julie cut-out dress, €299, Arnotts

Sustainable stylist Roxanne Parker (@roxanne_parker) praises the Wexford-based label, run by Faye Rochford, for its feminine designs and vibrant colours, available in sizes 8-16.

“I think what she’s doing is fantastic for Irish women’s shapes, the cuts are very flattering and very comfortable to wear,” Roxanne says. “They’re the kind of thing you could pull out of your wardrobe for a tea party, a wedding, any kind of summer event — it’s great occasionwear for the summer season.”

Buy it here.​

Gloria midi dress, €299.95, Tallulah & Hope

“I’m a huge fan of Tallulah & Hope, and of a midi dress,” says wardrobe consultant Máirín Ní Bheacháin (MoStyle.ie). The London brand makes dresses in sizes 8-18, including this printed wrap style.

“I love a three-quarter length sleeve, and I find this shape works for a lot of my clients whether they have a bust or not. The colour palette has a gentle nod to summer, too.”

Buy it here.

Dance of Life Irish linen dress, €420, Aoife McNamara

Courtney and Roxanne both recommend this coral dress from the Limerick designer, which comes in sizes XS-L.

“It has that puff sleeve, because a lot of Irish women don’t like to show their arms, and it’s the kind of shape that would suit a lot of different body shapes and ages,” Roxanne explains. “I thought that was super pretty. It’s a midi, below the knee, but it has a lovely corset detail at the back — that Bridgerton silhouette is so feminine and beautiful for a summer wedding.”

Buy it here.

Aje Minette off the shoulder chiffon dress, €490, Brown Thomas

“I do love a simple slip dress, and this Aje powder blue one ticks that box but has the added dimension of the sheer off-the-shoulder sleeves,” Courtney says of the chiffon design, available in sizes 6-12. “It would be really beautiful for a summer wedding.”

Buy it here.​

Rose corset, €250 and culottes, €280, Cobbler’s Lane

Made in Ireland, Roxanne calls Cobbler’s Lane’s occasionwear “spectacular” for wedding season, pointing to this two-piece, sold in sizes 6-18.

“It’s just stunning, and because they’re separates, you can wear the cami with jeans, you could wear the trousers with a lovely blazer and a white vest top, or you can wear them together for an incredible summer wedding look,” she says. “We’re seeing a lot of that 3D floral effect throughout the catwalk looks, it’s very feminine and it’s so lovely to see that elevated standard of design being manufactured in Ireland as well.”

Buy it here.