After the open bar, the second best part of attending a wedding is having the excuse to buy a new dress and get glammed up. Renting a dress is a modern and cost-effective way to stay on your 20-something budget and score a high-quality, on-trend dress by a designer you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.
This is not a sponsored post. We at Forever Twenty Somethings just actually *love* Rent the Runway. And we promise – if you haven’t used Rent the Runway, yet you are missing out!
Whether the wedding you’re attending is formal or casual, indoors or outdoors, here are my picks for 12 perfect wedding guest dresses. The best part? They are all under $100!
1. This adorable red halter dress.
Lacy and red for a little sass, yet with a tasteful neckline and length to appease even your grandmother. Strappy sandals can help keep it casual, and the texture of the dress keeps you from worrying too much about accessories.
Rent it: Cherry Red Lace Halter Dress by Cynthia Rowley, $75 to rent, $495 retail.
2. This floral off-the-shoulder dress.
The off-the-shoulder trend is hot right now and this short, fun dress does it right. It’s a floral pattern but in darker tones so it looks more “I am trendy and mysterious” and less “I am 5 years old.”
Rent it: Floral Sandy Dress by Parker, $60 to rent, $308 retail.
3. This classy AF dress.
This dress is classy yet low-maintenance. Despite the fitted body, the top ruffle looks super flattering, and the dress is simple enough to dress up or dress down depending on the event.
Rent it: LIKELY, $40 to rent, $178 retail.
4. This ‘business in the front, party in the back’ number.
This dress could easily transition from afternoon wedding to evening reception. I like that this is navy and not a standard black. Also the strappy back is E V E R Y T H I N G on this dress. Business in the front, party in the back!
Rent it: Navy Cross the Back Lace Sheath by Nanette Lepore, $50 to rent, $298 retail.
5. This flattering-for-all dress.
Using the Customer Photos feature, this dress looks like it would be flattering on literally every size. It’s a little more formal, but the shorter length still keeps it fun. It’s a great choice if you like to show off your girls as the cleavage with this dress is insane. The dark color is versatile but it also comes in red.
Rent it: Navy Petal Dress by Slate & Willow, $40 to rent, $225 value.
6. This classic and preppy dress.
I love that this dress is so well-tailored – the capped sleeves and front pleats make me think that Princess Kate might be seen wearing it. It’s a modern twist on a classic style and is perfect for embracing your inner lady.
Rent it: Rosette Envelope Dress by Carmen Marc Valvo, $70 to rent, $425 retail.
7. This neon show-stopper.
Nothing like a bright coral color to stand out from the crowd and bring out your golden summer tan! Review say this fabric is on the thick side, which means YAY for hiding body imperfections by BOO if you’re heading to an outdoor wedding.
Rent it: Neon Coral Porter Dress by Hunter Bell, $50 to rent, $300 retail.
8. This casual but elegant dress.
Another slightly off-the-shoulder dress. It looks stretchy and flattering, like the on-purpose bunching in the front will hide your post-cake stomach. The light, floral colors would be perfect for a day wedding.
Rent it: Garden Bouquet Dress by Nicole Miller, $75 to rent, $440 retail.
9. This trendy blue dress.
I guess this dress is blue because of the name Blue Phoenix, however, I am convinced that it is purple. Regardless, the cutouts are great and the fit is classic. Another great dress to either jazz up or keep on the casual side.
Rent it: Blue Phoenix Dress by Elizabeth and James, $65 to rent, $365 retail.
10. This sexy LBD with a slit.
This dress is sexy AF and still classy as hell. You can literally never go wrong an LBD and the length is moderate- not too long, not too short, and a slit for good measure.
Rent it: Witherspoon Sheath by Jay Godfrey, $65 to rent, $325 retail.
11. This super fun open back LBD.
I’m loving that you get a little extra skin with the delicate straps, cutouts, and open back on this dress. It looks comfortable and sexy – perfect for spending all night on the dance floor.
Rent it: Crossed Dress by Halston Heritage, $75 to rent, $395 retail.
12. This maxi you really want, but have no excuse to wear… except to a WEDDING!
I had to throw a maxi in this list because #summer. This one looks extra slimming with a black base and fun pattern. Bonus: the material looks like it could pass at either a formal or more casual affair.
Rent it: Sinuous Maxi by Laundry by Shelli Segal, $75 to rent, $365 retail.
