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On the hunt for the best sustainable wedding guest dresses that you can also wear beyond the one-day event? We’ve got you covered!
We made a list of beautiful eco-friendly wedding guest dresses just for you. From sustainable cocktail dress options to organic and fair trade wedding guest dresses with prints, the options are endless!
P.S. If you’re looking for more dresses, check out our full roundup of the 25+ stunning yet affordable linen dresses for all the things!
Ethical Wedding Guest Dresses from Sustainable Brands
Granted, nothing compares to the stress the bride and groom go through to plan their big day. We get it! However, for us attendees, finding a sustainable formal dress to wear when we are invited to a wedding can be a stress on its own!
Versatility is the key here! Ideally, we need a green wedding guest dress that can be worn on various occasions beyond weddings.
By selecting a formal dress that suits different events, such as cocktail parties, dinners, or even casual outings, you maximize its lifespan and reduce the need for frequent purchases.
Because let me tell you, of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills. So, let’s not let our sustainable fashion wedding guest dresses be a part of this horrible statistic.
While secondhand is a great option, sometimes handmade dresses from a small and conscious brand can also do the trick. Bonus point if the ethical dress brand has plenty of options when it comes to sizing and inclusivity!).
To make the quest easier, we’ve listed 15 amazing sustainable dresses wedding guests can be proud to wear.
Don’t forget to have a look at the 25 sustainable shoe brands to love year round to find your “forever” heels and flats as well.
What is a sustainable wedding guest dress?
Unlike the cheaply-made fast fashion options, sustainable wedding guest dresses are made responsibly with eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, Tencel, hemp, or recycled fabrics.
These materials have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional fabrics and often involve fewer harmful chemicals in their production.
Also, when you choose an ethical wedding guest dress from a sustainable brand, it guarantees fair and ethical working conditions for the workers involved in its production.
This includes fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working environments.
To top it all off, artisanal production methods may involve traditional craftsmanship, contributing to the preservation of cultural practices.
What to look for in an eco-friendly wedding guest dress?
- Sustainable Fabrics: When searching for an eco-friendly and sustainable wedding guest dress, prioritize fabrics that have a lower environmental impact. Look for materials like organic cotton, Tencel, hemp, or recycled fibers. These fabrics typically require fewer pesticides, water, and energy in their production, contributing to a more sustainable choice.
- Ethical Production Practice: Ensure that sustainable fashion wedding guest dresses are produced ethically, supporting fair labor practices. Choose to shop from ethical brands that provide transparency about their supply chain. This way you’ll ensure that workers involved in the manufacturing process are treated fairly, paid reasonable wages, and work in safe conditions.
- Certifications & Sustainable Initiatives: To find the most ethical organic and fair trade wedding guest dresses, always look for certifications or evidence of sustainable initiatives by the brand, such as B Corp or Fair Trade certifications. These indicate a commitment to environmentally and socially responsible practices.
- Timeless Design: Choose sustainable dresses for weddings with a timeless design that transcends fleeting fashion trends. A classic and versatile style ensures that the dress remains relevant for various occasions, reducing the likelihood of it becoming outdated quickly and contributing to a longer product lifecycle.
- Versatility: Look for wedding guest green dresses that can be worn on multiple occasions beyond the wedding. A versatile piece adds value to your wardrobe and reduces the need for purchasing single-use outfits, contributing to a more sustainable approach to fashion.
- Second-hand or Vintage Options: Consider second-hand or vintage wedding guest dresses. Shopping from thrift stores, consignment shops, or online second-hand platforms is an eco-friendly choice that extends the lifecycle of clothing and reduces the demand for new production.
- Low Environmental Impact Packaging: Lastly, pay attention to the packaging of the sustainable formal dress. Eco-friendly options include minimalist, recyclable, or compostable packaging, minimizing the environmental impact associated with packaging waste.
Gorgeous Sustainable Wedding Guest Dresses
1. Reformation
Reformation’s sustainable wedding guest dresses are equal parts chic, breezy, and eco-friendly!
Most options are fitted in the bodice with a relaxed-fitting skirt.
However, there are multiple variations of the silk, slim-fitting, ankle-length dresses, and some fantastic linen pieces with subtle prints.
If you prefer long-sleeve, sustainable formal dresses with a universally flattering sweetheart neckline, their assortment includes those as well.
In addition, you will be at ease knowing your wardrobe was artfully, ethically, and sustainably made under fair and safe working conditions.
Price Range: From $148+
Size Range: 0-12
Materials: Linen, satin, silk, woven, deadstock, knit, leather, velvet
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
Best Sustainable Wedding Guest Dresses from Reformation:
2. Quince
If you are a minimalist, with a love for sustainable cocktail dresses, check out Quince.
The brand is making waves with its stunning collection of budget-friendly dresses that won’t break the bank.
Impressively, they manage to maintain affordability while incorporating recycled polyester, organic cotton twill, and silk into their designs.
That’s because Quince skips intermediaries and ships directly from its BSCI-certified factories.
There’s a plethora of sustainable fashion wedding guest dresses designed to fit seamlessly into a sustainable and stylish wardrobe.
Our top picks from Quince:
Price Range: From $49.90+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: Cotton, linen, silk, bamboo, wool, viscose, leather, modal/rayon
Location/Shipping: United States
3. Christy Dawn
Christy Dawn is the mecca of fairy tale-like ethical wedding guest dresses with distinctive clean, nostalgic aesthetics and earthy tones.
We are enamored with their smocked waistband designs and ruffle trims –so breezy and feminine!
The best part? Most styles are made with regenerated organic cotton that would otherwise go to waste in the fashion industry.
What’s even more amazing? Each piece of their “farm to closet” collection is made from organic cotton from their own 25 acres of land in Erode, India.
Our top picks from Christy Dawn:
Price Range: From $288+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: Organic cotton, regenerative cotton, regenerative silk, deadstock fabric
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
4. Neu Nomads
Inspired by adventurous women who love to explore, Neu Nomads’ sustainable wedding guest dress collection was designed with modern, comfort-seeking wearers in mind.
Each piece boasts practicality and can be layered or combined with other items effortlessly.
In fact, many ethical formal dresses are designed to be reversible which is so cool!
Plus, if you love to travel, you wouldn’t have a problem packing because they solely use 100% Tencel which makes it lightweight.
Let’s not forget that all sustainable formal dresses are manufactured in family-run factories that pay fair wages and provide medical care.
Our top picks from Neu Nomads:
Price Range: From $219+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: 100% TENCEL™ Modal
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
5. Sondeflor
If classic linen dresses are your thing, then have a look at Sondeflor’s feminine, subtle, charming, and timeless dresses.
The woman-owned business opts for linen from local, fair labor producers.
Plus, a small family-owned company does the stone-washing process to soften their dresses.
As for their 80+ different sustainable wedding guest dresses, they come in an array of neutral colors to match your skin tone and sartorial preferences.
We have an affinity for their wrap dress silhouettes! However, there are plenty of full-circle skirt dresses as well as button-front options to choose from.
Both flattering fitting and comfort, what more do we need?
Our top picks from Sondeflor:
Price Range: From $235+
Size Range: XXS-4XL
Materials: 100% linen textile
Location/Shipping: Lithuania, ships worldwide
6. Whimsy + Row
Whimsy and Row redefines green wedding guest dresses with a commitment to sustainability that goes beyond the seams.
Their dresses are crafted from natural flax plants grown in Belgium, dyed in LA using recycled water, and adorned with certified low-impact dyes.
You can slip into midi-length ethical dresses adorned with palm prints, perfect for warm-weather gatherings and weddings!
On top of that, the brand adds versatility to ethical fashion with convertible dresses.
For example, detachable sleeves and straps transform the dress in three distinct ways.
Our top picks from Whimsy + Row:
Price Range: From $148+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: Tencel, cupro
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
7. Amour Vert
If you’re on the hunt for sustainable dresses wedding guests can wear to outdoor weddings during summer, Amour Vert is the brand for you.
The brand creates gorgeous clothing with timeless appeal, featuring classic silhouettes designed to be cherished for years.
We love that they design patterns that let your love for bold, vivid colors or a bouquet of blooming wildflowers shine through.
Their materials of choice? Organic cotton, Tencel, and modal.
Of course, all staples are crafted ethically to boot.
Our top picks from Amour Vert:
Price Range: From $150+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: Organic cotton, linen, Tencel, silk, ECOVERO™ Viscose
Location/Shipping: United States
8. Able
Able is a fantastic destination for ethical wedding guest dresses.
They offer a diverse range of sustainable formal dresses, catering to various styles and preferences.
Whether you’re drawn to the charm of wrap mini dresses or the comfort and elegance of midi dresses, there’s something for everyone!
Plus, Able’s commitment to inclusivity goes beyond design.
If your size changes, the brand offers an inclusive option to swap the item for your current size.
The brand is a vocal advocate for workers’ rights, ensuring that those involved in the production process are treated with respect, are protected, and receive fair wages.
Lastly, by allowing repairs, replacements, and inclusive size swapping, Able ensures longevity and inclusivity in a conscious wardrobe.
Our top picks from Able:
Price Range: From $120+
Size Range: XS-3X
Materials: Cotton, Supima cotton, linen, viscose, modal
Location/Shipping: Canada, ships worldwide
9. Universal Standard
Universal Standard aims to break the size-inclusive barrier by creating access for all women.
Thus, their dazzling sustainable wedding guest dresses come in sizes up to 4XL!
What’s more, you can find Fair Trade Certified, ethical formal dresses for petite gals.
Using high-quality fabrics, they designed multiple ethical wedding guest dresses with a simple, streamlined silhouette with a v-shape neckline, wider sleeves, and an optional belt to accentuate the waist.
Heads up, the same option is also available with a crew neckline.
Wear it daily or dress it up with a pair of heels – it’s all up to you!
Our top picks from Universal Standard:
Price Range: From $74+
Size Range: 4XS-4XL
Materials: Cotton, linen, rayon, polyester
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
10. Oh Seven Days
Next up is Oh Seven Days, one of Europe’s best destinations for affordable sustainable wedding guest dresses.
From the allure of strappy back midi dresses to dinner-night approved maxis featuring convenient side pockets and knee-high side slits, each design is as visually stunning as they are comfortable.
Also, the brand ensures that each eco-friendly wedding guest dress is crafted under safe and fair labor conditions, reflecting a dedication to fostering a positive and respectful work environment.
Our top picks from Oh Seven Days:
Price Range: From $150+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: Cotton, cupro, linen, viscose
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
11. Farm Rio
FARM Rio is Brazil’s most beloved women’s clothing and lifestyle brand with a cult eco-following.
They fully embrace color, which is evident from the array of ethical wedding guest dresses that are practically covered with striking prints that “go with your solar flow.”
In fact, the entire collection looks like a blooming garden, with a few solid color options here and there for good balance. In other words, dopamine-dressing at its finest.
One-shoulder frocks, mini, midi, maxis, ruffles, wraps, frills–this collection has it all!
What’s more, there are at least 20 stages, starting from the print’s creation to its final destination: Us. And all of them are super transparent!
Our top picks from Farm Rio:
Price Range: From $135+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: Cotton, linen, Viscose, deadstock fabrics
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
12. Gaâla
Gaâla is a family-run business that thrives on crafting time-honored apparel responsibly using luxurious upcycled fabrics in a small-scale European workshop.
The trend-transcending designs have a subtle vintage-inspired look you’ll certainly fall in love with!
On their shelves, you can find tea dresses, backless dresses, wrap dresses, short dresses, midi dresses, long dresses, linen, silk, and cotton dresses for graceful, airy movement.
There is, however, one common denominator: Cinched waist silhouettes that perfectly accentuate your curves.
Our top picks from Gaâla:
Price Range: From $285+
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: Cotton, linen, silk, viscose
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
13. Thought Clothing UK
Organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and Tencel – Thought UK Clothing knows a thing or two about eco-friendly fibers.
The inclusive brand’s assortment of sustainable wedding guest dresses includes a flattering range of maxi, midi, and mini dress styles crafted from Fairtrade, organic, natural, and recycled materials.
Flattering and timeless with a “feel-good” fit – made by real women for real women. Exactly how we like them!
The best part? Hidden pockets, and exclusive prints! You can opt for watercolor wrap dresses, sleeveless shirt dresses, tunics, ruffle-enhanced maxis and so many more.
One thing is certain, you’ll love forever and reach for time and time again.
Price Range: From $31+
Size Range: 6-18
Materials: Organic cotton, Tencel, hemp, bamboo
Location/Shipping: United Kingdom, ships worldwide
14. Linen Handmade Studio
If you’re interested in a sustainable wedding guest wrap dress, the Linen Handmade Studio should be on your radar.
The brand has been crafting exquisite and breathable linen dresses from the finest European linen for years!
From flowing silhouettes to tailored styles, and sustainable wedding dresses with long sleeves, each option is versatile, allowing wearers to embrace the charm of linen throughout the changing seasons
Price Range: From $85+
Size Range: XS-L
Materials: 100% softened European linen fabric
Location/Shipping: Lithuania, ships worldwide
15. Baukjen UK
Baukjen and their beautifully crafted sustainable wedding guest dresses are meant to last for years!
That’s why they allow us to repair, rent, and shop pre-loved options instead of buying new pieces for one-time use or special events.
The B-certified brand created a slew of pretty botanical prints, ideal for all spring/summer weddings.
Plus, most dresses feature pockets as well as tiered skirts for all-day comfort –yay!
Let’s say that these ethical wedding guest dresses are made to allow plenty of swishing!
Just don’t blame them for all the compliments you’re about to get.
Price Range: From $194+
Size Range: 6-18
Materials: Organic cotton, Tencel, LENZING™ ECOVERO™
Location/Shipping: United Kingdom, ships worldwide
What are the best sustainable fabrics for wedding guest dresses?
When picking a sustainable wedding guest dress, it would be best to opt for eco-friendly materials that are produced in a way that minimizes their environmental impact.
Organic cotton, linen, Tencel, hemp, recycled fabrics, and silk are all great options.
Luckily, there are many slow-fashion brands that use all the aforementioned materials to craft their gorgeous ethical formal dresses for every budget and aesthetic.
What is the best color to wear to a wedding?
Traditionally, guests should avoid wearing anything white or off-white to a wedding, as those colors are typically reserved for the bride. We wouldn’t want to cross her during her special day, right?
Black can also be seen as too formal or somber for a wedding, but it’s becoming more acceptable as a color option for evening weddings.
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to choose a sustainable wedding guest dress or an outfit that complements the wedding’s color scheme or theme.
For example, if the wedding has a specific color scheme, you may want to incorporate those colors into your outfit.
If the wedding has a specific theme, such as a beach wedding, you may want to choose an outfit that reflects that theme.
Lastly, if it’s in the morning or early in the afternoon, you can choose ethical wedding guest dresses with lighter colors like siege, light blue, and yellow.
If it’s later in the day, you can go with darker colors like navy blue, burgundy, etc.
What color to wear to a summer wedding?
For a summer wedding, it’s common to wear light and bright colors as well as whimsical prints that reflect the mood of the season.
Soft shades of pink, blue, yellow, and lavender are perfect for a summer wedding. They’re light, airy, and cheerful, which complements the happy and joyful atmosphere of the event.
Sustainable dresses for garden wedding guests can be proud to wear that feature a bold floral print or a delicate pattern of flowers.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to go for bold colors, such as fuchsia, coral, or turquoise. These bright hues can add a pop of color to your outfit and make you stand out.
This blog post was all about sustainable wedding guest dresses.
Hopefully, this post was super helpful for your sustainable evening dress or sustainable wedding guest dress needs.
We also hope you have the best time and enjoy dancing the night away (or people-watching in the corner with a yummy drink in hand!).
If you enjoyed this article, check out these other community favourites below!
- The 25 Best Organic Cotton Dresses For Spring & Summer
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- 11 Best Long Linen Dresses To Love For Natural Fall & Winter Fashion
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