WITH wedding season in full swing, deciding what outfit to wear as a guest isn’t always the easiest of shopping tasks.
Not only is there so much choice out there, but some dresses can cost a fortune.
And that’s an added cost on top of actually attending the wedding itself.
Luckily the high street is full of options that don’t have to break the bank and will still make you look and feel amazing.
From feathered one shouldered gowns, to tummy flattering ruching and dresses to accommodate a fuller bust, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale has scoured the shops to bring you ten of the best dresses all for under £50.
Tu at Sainsbury’s
This red crochet dress from Tu at Sainsbury’s is a steal at just £28.
Crochet is great for the summer months as it is cooling, so if you’re heading to a hot destination for a wedding this could be a good option.
Wear with some gold accessories to compliment the red and if you want an extra layer add a blazer over the top.
George at Asda
Can you believe this dress is from the supermarket? And just £32.
Part of George at Asda’s collection with Billie Faiers, this orange satin halterneck dress is floor length with a bow detail at the neck.
Not only will this make you look super expensive, but totally hits the brief for a chic wedding guest dress.
New Look
Empire line dresses are super flattering and look great on those with a fuller bust.
Not only does this New Look dress plunge into a v-neckline, but the lining underneath the bust will hold shape, before flowing over the rest of your body.
This pretty check floral pattern is soft and romantic, plus it has a cut out detail at the back, but it’s high enough that you can still wear a bra – result.
H&M
Ruching is a great technique that looks great and flatters all, especially in areas you may feel more self conscious of.
This H&M dress keeps you cinched in at the waist with its stretchy fabric, the asymmetric element gives Grecian vibes with the gold clasp on the shoulder making this dress look a lot more expensive than its £22.99 price tag.
This is certainly a dress that you’d be comfortable in all day long.
Zara
Nothing screams glam quite like a one shouldered cape dress with a feathered cuff.
And for under £50 – practically unheard of.
This dress from Zara really brings the wow factor and if you’re after something that is lightweight, airy and most importantly comfortable for the day, then this ticks all the boxes.
Very
Pale yellow is one of the big colours for the season, so why not hop on board the trend for just £25.
The twist front around the bust area makes this a great option for everyone no matter what size you are and the tie straps also make a nice additional detail.
The dress is made from a stretchy ribbed fabric, meaning it won’t cling where you don’t want it to.
River Island
Wrap style dresses are always a fail safe flattering option for all and this dress from River Island is a new take on the look.
The fabric gathers together at one side, giving the illusion of a wrap dress and the bardot sleeves are also a great way of showing your decolletage and having some of your arm covered if you wish.
Next
This puff sleeve floral dress from Next is a great option for a wedding.
As well as the classic navy floral pattern it also comes in a polka dot and a red.
The puff sleeves and empire line detail elevate the dress and also make it flattering at the same time.
A great way to decide what colours to accessorise with is to pick them out from the dress and with plenty of other colours in this look you’ll be spoilt for choice.
F&F at Tesco
F&F at Tesco has not only launched online recently, meaning you no longer can only shop in store, but it’s new rage of occasion wear will make you feel like a million dollars.
This particular dress is just £29.50, with ruffle capped sleeves and that empire line cut.
The small polka dot print is also bang on trend.
Boohoo
If you’re looking for a long sleeve maxi dress then this one from Boohoo could be for you.
Not only is it a fun vibrant colour perfect for summer, but the elasticated waist panel in the middle makes this dress extra comfy and gives you some wiggle room.
Having the elastic in the middle then means the dress fans out and flows over the body to create a lovely shape.
What’s the best style that suits everyone?
ACCORDING to the fashion pros at Fabulous, there's a new style of dress that suits all body shapes.
Low-slung, dropped-waist silhouette styles have surged, thanks to the Noughties fashion trend that has swept the catwalks, social media and, of course, the high street.
First seen on the runways of luxury labels Molly Goddard and Jil Sander, the style typically cinches around the hip and pelvic area rather than the waist.
Now a plethora of more affordable options of the dress that suits a number of body shapes have dropped just as the sun starts to come out.
Clemmie Fieldsend, Fashion Editor, said: “There’s something so stylish about these dresses, and I love them.
“The simplicity of the top half teamed with the full skirt is like a sleeker and more grown-up tutu.
“I have a short torso so the dropped waist makes my body look longer, but, thankfully, the long skirt means your legs don’t look shorter.
“Plus it means I can tap into the low-waist trend without baring all in a pair of low-slung jeans.
“I know I’ll be living in mine all summer, paired with black sandals and sunnies, but for now all I need is a blazer slipped over the top and a closed-toe shoe and I’m ready to go.”
Meanwhile, Fashion Director, Tracey Lea Sayer, added: “I remember dropped-waist dresses from the 80s. I loved them then and I still love them again now!
“Forty years on from when they were first popular and I am not so sure they will be quite as flattering around my middle, because two kids and middle-aged spread later, my waist doesn’t exist any more.
“With a dress like this I can disguise my middle bit and still feel on trend for summer.”
