Deciding what to wear to an engagement party should be exciting and fun—after all, it’s the first time you’re officially celebrating your loved ones on their upcoming wedding! The perfect engagement party dress for a guest should take a few things into consideration: the party venue, time of day, and the theme, if there is one. While a black tie dress code will call for an evening gown, you can opt for an elegant cocktail dress in most cases. Other classic options include an LBD (a little black dress), a sleek sheath dress, or a casual sundress for daytime and outdoor parties. One final piece of advice: If the couple includes a bride, skip the white dress, since most brides typically wear white for pre-wedding events, including engagement parties. Need some more guidance? Here are our picks for the chicest dresses you can wear to an upcoming engagement party (and beyond).
Floral Midi Dress
Ruched dresses are one of this year’s biggest trends. Featuring a pretty floral print, this flirty number is the perfect engagement party option. It comes in a stylish midi length and has a sexy bodycon fit with playful ruffles.
Comfortable Wrap Dress
Wrap dresses are known for being universally flattering. For proof, look no further than this long-sleeve emerald green style from 11 Honoré, one of our favorite spots for size-inclusive and plus-size options. It has a faux-wrap bodice and an A-line skirt that was made for twirling.
Gold Sequin Dress
This classy golden dress is giving us major glam vibes. The bustier bodice and and fitted skirt make for a sophisticated, party-ready look.
Little Black (Sparkly) Dress
A little sparkle—or a lot—never hurt anybody. Case in point: this knee-length, short-sleeve cocktail party dress. It’s covered in crystals, sequins, and intricate beading that create a dazzling effect.
Boho Chic Midi
Romantic and playful, this midi dress is the epitome of boho chic. It comes in a pretty floral print, ruched bodice, square neckline, and delicate puff sleeves.
Pastel Maxi Dress
A black tie dress code calls for a formal gown like this beauty made from embroidered floral organza. The sleeveless bodice features an elegant square neckline and a low back.
Beaded Fit-and-Flare Dress
Flutter sleeves and beautiful hand-beaded detailing make this fit-and-flare dress an elegant engagement party outfit that could also work as a wedding guest dress. It has a demure illusion neckline and reaches the knee for a classic look.
Velvet Dress with Slit
Luxe velvet fabric and a timeless wrap silhouette are always a winning fashion combination. This maxi dress has short sleeves and comes in five different jewel tones, making it a gorgeous engagement party outfit idea for fall and winter celebrations.
Asymmetrical Slip Dress
This sophisticated cocktail dress features a trendy one-shoulder neckline and fitted silhouette. The midi skirt allows you to show off your favorite pair of heels.
One-Shoulder Dress
Whether it’s a summer engagement party or an early fall bridal shower you’re attending, this flowy dress was made to impress. The chic one-shoulder silhouette includes a puff sleeve, an asymmetrical ruffle hemline, and a vintage-inspired floral print.
Timeless Sheath Dress
Classic, sexy, sleek, and flattering—this sheath dress is staple style you need in your wardrobe. Thanks to its elegant silhouette that can be dressed up or down, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again any time you need to look put together at a moment’s notice.
Boho Floral Maxi Dress
Expectant moms-to-be, we haven’t forgotten about you. This comfortable maxi dress proves that maternity style can be just as chic. The blouson sleeves, adjustable waist, and high-low hem guarantee you a spot on the best-dressed engagement party guest list.
Strapless Polka-Dot Dress
Bows and polka dots make for eye-catching details regardless of the party’s dress code. Along with a retro-style polka-dot print, this color-block midi dress has a bow-tie bodice and an A-line skirt with a flounced hem.
Minimalist Slip Dress
Slip dresses are a wardrobe staple for a reason—they are easy to style, timeless, and versatile. This beautiful silk midi dress has a slim fit, a V-neckline, and adjustable spaghetti straps accentuated by pearl beads. The dress is made from the highest quality OEKO-TEX certified silk and is available in five classic shades.
Colorful Tiered Maxi
People tend to stick to dark colors in the fall and winter, but you don’t have to. This gorgeous, vibrantly printed maxi dress is cold-weather appropriate, thanks to the high neck and long sleeves. Style it with a belt to highlight your waist.
Lace Midi Dress
When in doubt, a classic lace number is always a stylish engagement party dress for a guest. Whether you’re attending a formal engagement party or a bridal shower luncheon, this lace dress is flattering, classy, and so chic. We love the adjustable spaghetti straps that allow you to customize the fit.
Patterned Jumpsuit
A colorful jumpsuit is a great alternative to traditional engagement party dresses for guests, especially for a casual event. This fun style has an allover floral print and cutout back—pair it with dressy sandals to elevate the overall look.
Colorful Flamingo-Print Dress
Looking for an easy-to-pack yet stylish option for a destination engagement party? The fun flamingo print on this sundress will fit right in at a sun-drenched Caribbean beach. You can also wear it as an off-the-shoulder dress for a romantic look.
Yellow Chiffon Dress
Perfect for a garden soirée or black tie event during the summer, we could sing the praises of this stunning maxi gown all day long. It’s cut from flowy chiffon and features ruffled cap sleeves, a tiered A-line skirt, and statement lace-up back.
Mini Dress with Lace Sleeves
LBDs are some of the best engagement party dresses for guests—you can’t go wrong with a little black mini like this. The lace sleeves, bodycon fit, and short hemline make it ideal for other special occasions later on, like a bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, or even date night.
Empire Waist Gown
Don this satin maxi dress at an engagement party or other wedding-related celebration that calls for formal or semi-formal attire. It has draped sleeves and comes in a burnt orange hue that’s perfect for a fall event. Accessorize with drop earrings and an updo to show off the sexy V-neckline.
Pastel Blazer Dress
Fashionistas, this pastel pink dress is for you. Its ultra-modern blazer-inspired silhouette includes shawl lapels, pearl embellishments, and buttons down the front.
Party-Ready Mini Dress
This shimmering mini dress comes in a gorgeous shade of teal and is a great pick for an engagement party that’s all about drinks and dancing. The party-ready style has a plunging V-neckline and twisted racerback straps.
Pop of Color Dress
Available in six statement colors, this chiffon midi dress features a pleated flowy skirt that reaches below the knee. It’s an elegant engagement party dress for a guest that’s easily re-wearable.
