2 weeks ago
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Courtesy of Birdy Grey
While wedding season is technically all year long, there's no doubt that it peaks in spring and summer. If you've submitted the RSVP for an upcoming wedding, it's time to start thinking about what you're wearing.
A wedding guest dress is naturally of utmost importance, but Birdy Grey founder Grace Lee Chen says to not overlook this one accessory trend when attempting to elevate your look.
TLDR: it's a scarf.
While scarves in evening wear and wedding attire rose in popularity during 2024, Chen says that "the trend is truly at its peak and most ubiquitous right now."
It's an easy way for brides, bridesmaids and wedding guests alike to "make their attire more special and unique," says Chen. "A scarf delivers that in such a versatile way—from a 90s choker moment to a nonchalant toss around the shoulders."
For less than $20, Chen says, "This one accessory has the power to turn an average look to one that's stylish and of-the-moment."
While the right accessories can instantly elevate any look, Chen says it's all about the dress these days. She notes several wedding guest trends, including 90s-inspired slip dresses, bold fruity shades, "pale pastels like blues and pinks," and unexpected silhouettes.
Top Wedding Guest Dress Trends 2026
Before you being shopping for your wedding guest dress, keep these expert-approved trends in mind.
Scarves
The easiest (and most affordable) way to add a trendy touch to your look? A scarf.
Pro styling advice from Chen: "I suggest a scarf with any dress that has an open neckline, like our Lydia, Anne, or Sasha dress. I would steer clear from adding a scarf to any look where the neck is high or the dress straps have a lot going on."
Vera Scarf
"Our Vera chiffon scarf is so versatile and only $19. It can be fanned out like a faux cape moment, asymmetrical with one side draping longer than the other, a traditional wrap around the shoulders, or gathered into a skinny choker scarf."
Valerie Scarf
Of the Valerie matte satin scarf, Chen said, "It's a long, skinny scarf that you can either drape it over the neck like a choker, or wrap it around your neck with just one end streaming down the front."
Anne Dress
"I love the strapless Anne dress with our matte satin Valerie scarf," says Chen. The dress features intricate draping and ruching for added interest that hugs your body in all the right places.
'90s Minimalism
Embrace simplicity with an always chic slip dress.
Alyse Dress
Chen says that a classic satin slip dress like this under-$100 pick offers "a chic 90s Kate Moss vibe" and is totally on-trend given the recent resurgence of 90s minimalism in fashion.
Lydia Dress
With its modest slip and cowl neckline, this simple yet stunning dress is another option that Chen recommends pairing with a scarf.
Juicy Fruit Hues
Chen also highlights an uptick in bold, bright colors. "We're launching a new collection of juicy fruit hues, like guava and apricot, which I believe will resonate, not just with our bridal parties, but for wedding guests as well."
Eileen Dress
As if the vivid color of this halter dress wasn't show stopping enough, the high neckline transitions into a long scarf that drapes effortlessly over your shoulder.
Lola Dress
Chen notes that "guests are gravitating more toward really interesting dress silhouettes in lieu of a big accessory." This tiered ruffle dress delivers the unexpected design Chen is referring to and comes in on-trend vibrant hues.
Pastel dresses are having a major moment—shop our absolute favorite styles on the internet RN.
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