10 Cottagecore Wedding Guest Dresses

If you're attending a wedding this spring or summer, a look inspired by this trendy internet aesthetic would be perfect.

By
Corinne Pierre-Louis
Corinne Pierre-Louis headshot
Corinne Pierre-Louis
Corinne is a fashion expert, stylist, and former editor at Brides. She also worked at Vogue Magazine, then later as a talent manager for social media influencers in the fashion and beauty space.
Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on March 07, 2023 09:40AM
Two people wearing cottagecore wedding guest dresses while standing in front of dinner tables and chairs setup in garden

Photo by Rachel Pearlman Photography

The buzzy cottagecore trend is one we absolutely love for weddings given its idealized take on clothing worn in rural settings, like a country home or during a rustic retreat that skews super romantic. “From the nubby knits and homespun charm detailing to peter pan collars and embroidery, the cottagecore trend makes for the perfect romantic aesthetic for any wedding guest dress," shares Caroline Maguire, fashion director at Shopbop.

Simply put, think lace and frills, puff sleeves, full skirts, high necklines, and super pretty floral prints. However, it is important to note that while cottagecore is inherently feminine, it can easily skew casual when relaxed fabrics and silhouettes are at play. So for a dressier result, Maguire says details will help to elevate any wedding guest look. Among her favorites are voluminous shapes like a balloon or mutton sleeve, pin-tuck shoulders, ruffled and tiered skirts, and demure necklines. 

With all this in mind, for those attending a wedding this year and looking for a fresh take on wedding guest attire, we've got you covered. Keep scrolling to discover the best cottagecore-inspired dresses, including lots of florals, fresh colors, and feminine flourishes. 

01 of 10

Best Florals: The Vampire's Wife The Villanelle Dress

floral-print cotton midi dress

Courtesy of Selfridges

Size: UK 6-18 | Materials: Cotton | Length: Tea

It doesn’t get more quintessentially cottagecore than this floral dress, featuring puffed shoulders, blouson sleeves, a ruffled hem, and a high round neckline. Style yours with a barely-there sandal to offset the demure design. 

02 of 10

For a Summer Wedding: Tove Ceres Cotton Midi Dress

Tove Ceres Cotton Midi Dress $592

Courtesy of Tove

Size: FR 34-42 | Materials: Cotton | Length: Midi

This beautifully gathered dress sets a feminine tone while striking a chord in a bright yellow. The delicate bow ties and full skirt steer it further in a romantic direction—a look we love for a wedding in the summer.   

03 of 10

Most Playful: LOVESHACKFANCY Dandy Maxi Dress

pink floral dress

Courtesy of LOVESHACKFANCY

Size: 00-14 | Materials: Linen | Length: Midi

This midi dress combines a frothy palette of pink with feminine florals and puff sleeves. Offset the playfulness with a simple white, pink, or silver sandal to not detract from the whimsical design. 

04 of 10

Best Knit Option: Reformation Banks Knit Dress

long sleeve black midi dress

Courtesy of Reformation

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Knit | Length: Tea

Long sleeves and a sweetheart neckline bring balance to this minimal knit dress that's at once modern and sweet. Style yours with a delicate sandal and straw mini bag for outdoor “I do’s.”

05 of 10

Best Mini: For Love & Lemons Merrill Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

multi print dress

Courtesy of For Love & Lemons

Size: XXS-2X | Materials: Recycled polyester | Length: Mini

If extra is your vibe, this bright floral number is your ultimate cottagecore wedding guest dress. The bold puff-sleeve sleeves are, indeed, the focal point, made even better when combined with the sweetheart neckline and mini hemline. 

06 of 10

Best Cutouts: Mara Hoffman Banditta Shaina Cutout Maxi Dress

red multicolored Cutout Maxi Dress

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Organic cotton | Length: Ankle

If the puff sleeves and side cutouts weren’t captivating enough, you’d earn the title of best-dressed guest in this number thanks to the gorgeous abstract print alone. Delicate white sandals and a colorful bag are the perfect finishes in the spring or summer. 

07 of 10

For a Casual Wedding: Sleeper Atlanta Linen Dress

linen nap dress

Courtesy of Sleeper

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Linen | Length: Midi

With long puffed sleeves, this midi-length linen dress is a romantic option for a casual summer wedding or daytime nuptials in the spring. It comes in various colors and prints, too, including darling gingham checks and delicate blooms. 

08 of 10

For a Semi-Formal Wedding: Selkie The Puff Dress

Selkie The Puff Dress

REVOLVE

Size: XS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini

Here for a mini? We love it. This all-black number is wedding-guest approved in our book, featuring three-quarter-length puff sleeves and a voluminous skirt. 

09 of 10

Vintage-Inspired: Christy Dawn The Callan Dress

vintage calico printed 70's dress

Courtesy of Christy Dawn

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Regenerative cotton | Length: Midi

This vintage-inspired dress is our pick for a wedding at a rustic venue. Riff off the gathered skirt detailing and style your look with black sandals and delicate jewelry. 

10 of 10

For a Daytime Wedding: Reformation Baxley Dress

Reformation Baxley Dress

Reformation

Size: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose | Length: Midi

This baby blue dress is as sweet as can be for daytime nuptials held in the summer. The sweetheart neckline, flutter shoulders, and column skirt are fully cottagecore, with a formal touch à la the middle split.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Cottagecore Wedding Guest Dress

As with all wedding guest attire, you always want to be mindful of the dress code, season, and location of the event. Since cottagecore can oftentimes skew a bit more casual, it's best to stick with this aesthetic if attending a relaxed celebration. However, if you'd like to embrace this style for a formal affair, be sure to incorporate accessories in order to dress up your look a bit more. Don't be afraid to play around with texture and patterns as well, since cottagecore is an aesthetic that lends itself to unique prints and unexpected looks.

FAQ
  • Who can wear cottagecore?

    Anyone! Cottagecore is a universal trend that can apply to all body types, budgets, and events.

  • What shoes do you wear with a cottagecore dress?

    It all depends on the style of the event you're attending. You can wear a nicer sandal for a more casual event, or pair with wedges to keep the cottagecore trend going.

  • Can I wear cottagecore to a black tie wedding?

    Of course! You can dress up this trend by focusing on fabric and length to make it feel more formal.

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