2025 wedding guest looks: natural & plant-based fibers
Dressy, destination, cocktail, black tie, and a bonus(!) 🤍
Hi there! This letter is for paid subscribers, but here’s a whole letter for free subscribers on wedding guest dresses under $75, covering peer-to-peer lending, rentals, and vintage:
Wedding guest looks was one of the most requested topics from paid readers, so… happy new year!!
53+ low-plastic pieces separated by dress code: American dressy, tropical, cocktail, and black tie. There are some excellent dresses on sale this January.
Sustainable can be a vague word, so let’s clarify what it means for this letter. Although most of the finds are 100% natural fibers, I’ve also included blends with plant-based semi-synthetics like lyocell and viscose for two reasons:
Some vegans avoid the traditionally luxe fabrics like wool, leather, or silk, which are derived from animals.
Partywear for the masses, but especially women, has meant more and more plastic over the past fifty years. Sequins? Plastic. Shiny lamé or lurex? Plastic. (Unless you’re heir to the throne and believe real gold or silver was woven in… )
So although I exclude semi-synthetics in many instances, like fluffy bathrobes, I include them today for the stretch and shimmer you may be looking for. It’s a win in my book if someone decides to buy plant-derived fabrics over plastics.
Finally, none of these gems contain more than 10% fossil-fuel derivatives like acrylic, elastane, nylon, polyamide, polyester, or spandex.
In short:
Mostly natural fibers
Less than 10% fossil fuel plastics
No recycled plastics (upcycled natural fibers like cotton are ok)
Plant-based semi-synthetics are included (though they’re not in some Silky Crunch round-ups)
Natural or plant-based fibers are not only sustainable, they’re also good investments when it comes to partywear! If you ever decide to resell, it may be easier to sell 92% silk, 8% polyester than 100% polyester.
I aimed to find options for a variety of budgets and tastes. Natural fiber gowns can be very expensive! Some of the pricy pieces can be found on resale sites like TRR, Vestiaire Collective, or eBay.
Mostly, I hoped to show the variety of what’s possible with non-plastic, natural materials. Let’s get it!
Silky Crunch may earn some cents if you make a purchase through one of the links below.
🎉 Dressy ✨
This dress code encompasses vague American phrases like: “casual smart,” “it’s a wedding!” or “no jeans.” I’ve been to such weddings where guests were wearing jeans anyway, and you feel awkward for being tooo dressy. Let’s say nice enough for date night, but not so fancy you’ll only wear it once.
The 100% linen Reformation Citron Linen Dress ($178) comes in “rose petals” and black, in sizes 14-24.
The Wray Vee Dress ($225) goes up to a size 6X and is 100% cotton. The neck scarf makes it fun to dress up or down.
This IRO Silk Cotton Dress ($90 $595) would be cute for Galentine’s day. 53% silk, 47% cotton.
The 100% linen Donni Spaghetti Dress ($150 $254) is made in LA. You’re guaranteed to get so much wear out of it! Goes up to XXL.
I have the top version of this LEHHO Cressida Dress ($695) in blue grey, and it’s an MVP in my closet. 55% silk and 45% cotton. The subtle sheen, draping, and stretch mean you’ll reach for it every week.
The Penelope Halter Dress ($215) is a retrofuture LBD with chic blue stitching! 55% lyocell, 45% cotton blend dress made in the USA.
This Quince Washable Silk Dress ($130) has pockets! 90% silk, 10% spandex for a little stretch.
The Arch4 Cashmere Coco Dress is on sale. Originally $925, it’s now $185-509 at The Outnet depending on the color.
For that snatched Skims fit minus the poly, try the 95% cotton, 5% spandex LA Apparel Halter Maxi Dress ($65).
This COS Bardot Dress ($75 $150) in 100% merino wool for a wintry celebration. Imagine how unbothered and cozy you’ll feel when you step outside for fresh air.
This 100% cotton Cult Gaia Dress ($488) has a fun asymmetrical neck and hem.
The 100% silk RIXO Alondra Patchwork Dress ($400) goes up to a UK size 20 (US 16) and would look perfect at any destination wedding, whether it’s Pocatello, Idaho, or Cabo, Mexico.
🪸Warm Destination 🌺
I saw pics of my cool Brazilian friend at a wedding in Rio, and so many guests were wearing stripes. Her included! Are “tropical prints” boring for them? This Free People Eden Romper ($98) has similar vibes.
And this 100% silk Reformation Dress is ($119 $498) is called Rio Stripe!!
Tinier stripes with this 100% silk, striped Doen Adelana Dress ($478).
The 100% cotton ELOQUII Bow Bodice Dress ($79 $159) goes up to a size 32. I love this bow and print combo, but it also comes in a pretty red!
This Ramie Zimmerman Top ($375) is made of a rare natural fiber called ramie that’s stronger than cotton or linen. You can wear it with or without straps.
This 100% cotton Anthropologie Dress ($110) is available in petite sizing, and the chic ties make the straps adjustable.
The 76% cotton, 24% silk Isabel Marant Birona Dress ($149 $990) is on sale at the Outnet in both pink and green. Also in this purple paisley ($250 $1250).
This Tove Cotton Poplin Dress ($300 $600) has elite ruching and paneled construction, and is also available in coral and white.
The Farm Rio Chita Dress ($220) is made of Ecovero viscose, a semi-synthetic material. The dark colors make it feel wearable for any destination, day or night.
The sheer Rat & Boa Arabella Dress ($255) in viscose can be dressed up jewelry and a slip for a wedding, or over your swimsuit for the beach.
Savannah Morrow has really interesting plant-based fiber offerings! This knit Bamboo Oia Dress ($103 $550) is the prettiest plum.
If you’re going to a destination wedding in the winter, this long-sleeved RHODE Hilma Dress ($296 $695) with sea kelp print might hit the right balance. 100% viscose.
This linen SIR Eleanora Top ($212) is lined with cotton inside. You can wear it with the matching skirt for a formal event, or some shorts for a lunch date.
Keeping an eye on this La DoubleJ Cotton Dress ($1100)… maybe it’ll go on sale?! Heirloom grade.
One of my favorite finds is this Gauge81 Cotton Silk Dress ($220 $550) that has cotton against your body and a sheer, organza silk sheath on top. You can wear it to a destination wedding with tropical accessories, then a cocktail party in NYC.
I’ve worn this SIR Vista Print Dress ($230 $460) to warm weather weddings in Miami and Milwaukee. The 79% cotton, 21% silk blend is so pleasant!
🕺🏻Cocktail 🪩
This Baserange Silk Dress ($295) is reversible: two looks in one! 96% silk, 4% elastane.
A bit more daring, the Lola Dress ($235) is 66% lyocell, 28% organic cotton, 6% spandex.
If you’re a US size 6, this Nicholas 100% silk satin dress ($87 $575) could be yours.
I love all the colorways of this Reformation Stella Silk Dress ($348)! Sizes 14 to 24.
This Superyaya Multicolor A Top ($605 $945) in 100% bazin cotton is made in Lebanon. Would be cool worn with trousers or this matching skirt!
This structured Shushu/Tong Bow Dress ($396 $660) is 52% wool, 48% silk. I love the bow, but what do you think? Are bows on their way out?
The Rat & Boa Rosso Dress ($255) is gorgeous in the front AND back. Viscose on the chest and 100% silk red skirt.
The hammered silk Rachel Comey Fontes Dress is currently on sale ($357 $895). Not normally a ruffles person but this design is so playful!
