The Best Multifunctional Wedding Guest Dresses

When it comes to the general consensus of style priorities this season, one word takes precedent; multifunctionality. Investments are working smarter and harder, with a plethora of outfitting opportunity a necessary reason to purchase. However, occasion pieces in particular can cause some difficulty when considering cost-per-use. Dressing for a wedding requires glamour and formality, and this and multifunctionality may not always go hand in hand. Fortunately, Karen Millen has mastered the three as a package, and all it takes is some styling fixes and effortless creativity.

Print Dresses

Enhanced with details such as metallic threading and vivid florals, print dresses are a versatile choice that add modern elegance to every wedding event - especially when paired with bold earrings. Rich, darker shades effortlessly transition floral prints into autumn, and could suit a breadth of locations, from a traditional church wedding accompanied with a fascinator, to a city registry and champagne toast.

When it comes to a more relaxed approach, perfect for stepping out from the office to dinner with friends, knee high boots and a leather jacket creates a more casual alternative to these floral dresses, whilst still looking considered.

Satin Dresses

A simple-yet-feminine piece, a satin dress provides understated glamour to the big day. A simple slip is timeless, and a lace detail adds intrigue. An easy option for an evening wedding outfit in particular, the use of a shawl or faux fur layer can evolve a satin dress through winter.

When it comes to a satin design, the versatility of these dresses speaks for itself. A leather blazer and ankle boots take it to weekday evenings, or layer with a fitted roll neck sweater underneath to make appropriate for the office.

Black Dresses

As we know, the LBD takes many shapes and forms, and while black can be a periodically controversial colour for a wedding guest to wear, there’s no denying it’s a timeless and versatile fashion choice. Opting for a black dress allows you to effortlessly blend sophistication with style, whether you're attending a formal evening ceremony or a more casual daytime event. To speak to the optimism of a wedding day, choose colour-pop or metallic accessories to evoke a more celebratory mood.

The cleanness of a black dress also gives it great opportunity to be worn, depending on your desired aesthetic. For a feminine look, layer a white shirt with neutral courts underneath and a coat draped over the shoulders, or as an edgier, more youthful approach dare to try a head-to-toe look alongside a leather trench, biker jacket and boots.

Blazer Dresses

A blazer dress is a forever-favourite, a sartorial reliable design that truly ticks the wedding guest boxes. Both tailoring and the colour red are key A/W trends, so a combination of both offers a modern moment. Red also speaks to the romance of the event, and this rich hue is bound to make a statement. If looking for something a little different, embrace a joyful mood in green, pink or blue.

Tailored Dresses

Tailored dresses may be seen as a workwear staple, but they also have a place when it comes to event dressing, especially if you’re in search of a Mother of the Bride piece. This design effortlessly skims the form, and its monochrome hue means that it will suit all. It’s rare that any piece can suit both work and wedding, but this design successfully manages to do both.