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Going to a fall wedding and tired of black and navy? Purple is the answer. The trick is picking the right purple dress for the right wedding.
Plum, aubergine and wine shades look rich in candlelight and gorgeous against fall leaves, and they feel far more special than another navy dress. They are also easier to wear than you would think. But a gown that works at a black tie ballroom will feel like too much at a garden ceremony.
So we rounded up 25+ purple wedding guest dresses from BHLDN, Shopbop, ASOS and more, sorted by type of wedding, with picks at every price. Some are budget finds, some sit in the middle and a few are true splurges.
You will find black tie, formal evening, cocktail, daytime and garden, and chilly outdoor weddings, plus a full section of purple dresses under $100.
Pin the ones you love so you can find them again when the RSVP deadline sneaks up on you.
The Best Purple Wedding Guest Dresses
1. Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses in Purple
If the invitation says black tie, you are looking at a long dress in an evening fabric like satin, silk, lace or velvet. Floor length is the safest choice, though a very formal midi can work.
Despite the name, black tie does not mean you have to wear black. A rich purple gown in plum, aubergine or burgundy is a far more memorable choice. Below are our picks, from true gowns to a few more relaxed options.
2. Formal Evening Wedding Guest Dresses in Purple
Formal sits one step below black tie. Think long or midi dresses in dressy fabrics, for an evening ceremony and a reception with dinner and dancing.
This is where plum really shines. It reads elegant in candlelight and flatters almost every skin tone. Gold jewelry or a brooch is all it needs.
3. Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses in Purple
Cocktail attire means polished and elegant without going full gown. Think dresses from knee length to ankle length, in refined fabrics like satin, velvet, lace or sequins.
Sparkle and lace are both big this season, and both look lovely in purple. These are for the evening receptions where you want to catch the light.
4. Daytime and Garden Wedding Guest Dresses in Purple
Daytime weddings call for something lighter than an evening gown. Midi lengths, softer shades and movement in the skirt all work well, especially for a garden ceremony or a vineyard lunch.
Plum lace and pleats feel romantic in the daylight. Softer shades like lavender and lilac are great here too, so they are welcome in this section.
5. Chilly Outdoor Wedding Guest Dresses in Purple
Fall weddings run chilly, especially outdoors. A dress with sleeves or a scarf detail keeps you warm without a bulky coat covering the whole look.
A statement brooch looks great on any of these, and it is one of the easiest ways to make a simple dress feel finished.
6. Affordable Purple Wedding Guest Dresses
If your budget is tight or this is your fifth wedding of the year, an affordable dress can be a lifesaver. There are plenty of purple options that look far more expensive than they are, and they work for any type of wedding above.
Many retailers, including Amazon, ASOS and Revolve stock budget-friendly dresses in rich fall shades. Below are our picks for purple wedding guest dresses under $100.
Best Places to Shop for Purple Wedding Guest Dresses
The first places we check when shopping for a dress:
Shopbop: trend-forward labels and easy returns
ASOS: budget-friendly purple dresses in lots of styles
Amazon: lots of inexpensive but super cute options
Revolve: a big wedding guest selection across lots of designers, from affordable labels to splurges
Anthropologie: romantic, detailed dresses that feel a little different from what everyone else will be wearing
Reformation: feminine silhouettes in lovely fabrics, and a go-to for a midi that looks effortless
Retrofête: our splurge stop for sequins, statement pieces and dresses made to be noticed
This post was all about finding the right purple wedding guest dress for every type of wedding.
Interested in More Wedding Guest Ideas?
Check back weekly and see what we have put together. You can also read more in the wedding guest section of the blog.
xo,
The TDR Team
For the Dress Obsessed.
