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Summer is a season of sunshine and memories. What better way to celebrate than with a beautiful summer wedding. Finding the perfect summer wedding guest dress can feel overwhelming, but fear not! This summer wedding guest dress guide is here to help you feel beautiful in the perfect wedding guest dress.
Summer Wedding Guest Dresses Guide
One of the most popular fashion questions I receive is all about what to wear to weddings. Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing lots more fashion including more specific guides to wedding guest dresses for beach weddings, formal weddings and more. In the meantime, here are some beautiful summer wedding guest dresses that will have you looking fabulous.
I’ve included a wide variety of summer wedding guest dresses so regardless of your length, fit or color preferences, you are bound to find a pretty dress for your upcoming wedding. I’ve included summer wedding guest dresses at multiple price points. While some are investment pieces, a lot of the wedding guest dresses are reasonable (with some under $150).
Enjoy browsing these beautiful summer wedding guest dresses.
Bright Colors – Embrace the Summer Wedding Season
Summer is all about vibrant hues, so why not embrace the season with a dress in a cheerful color? A bright pink gorgeous dress, perfect for a daytime wedding or a garden ceremony. It exudes a sense of joy and optimism, making it a lovely choice for a celebratory occasion.
For a touch of sophistication, opt for a dress in a bold teal or a stunning emerald green. These colors photograph beautifully and are timeless wedding guest dresses.
Here are some of my favorite bold-colored summer wedding guest dresses:
Floral Print Dresses for Summer – Flowery and Fabulous
Summer and florals go hand in hand, making floral dresses an easy way to embrace the summer wedding season.
From dainty florals to bold, dramatic blooms, there’s a floral print for every personality. A dress with a scattered floral print is perfect for a casual outdoor wedding, while a dress with a more structured floral pattern is well-suited for a semi-formal event.
The best part about a floral dress? You’ll be able to wear your wedding guest dress again and again over the summer! Look for dresses in soft, airy fabric that move beautifully as you dance the night away on the dance floor. Floral print dresses are a great option for a beach wedding.
Mini Dresses – The Versatility of Dress It Up or Down
Mini dresses are a popular choice for summer wedding guest dresses. They’re playful and perfect for warm summer weddings. A dress with a fitted silhouette and a flowing skirt is perfect for a cocktail wedding.
For a more modest take on the mini dress, look for a dress with a slightly looser fit or a ruffled hemline. The key to rocking a mini dress as a wedding guest is to find one that feels polished and appropriate for the occasion.
Pair your mini dress with elegant heels and statement jewelry for a dressy look, or dress it down with sandals and dainty jewelry for casual weddings. I love Sarah Flint heels as they are so comfortable.
Here are some of my favorite mini summer wedding guest dresses:
Slip Dresses – Effortless Elegance
Looking for a dress that’s both comfortable and chic as a wedding guest? Look no further than the slip dress!
A slip dress is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down depending on the time of year. For a summer wedding, choose a slip dress in a soft pastel color or a delicate floral print.
Layer it over a lace bralette or camisole for coverage, and accessorize with statement earrings and strappy sandals for an effortless and elegant look.
Slip dresses are perfect for summer weddings with a more relaxed dress code, such as a backyard ceremony or a beach wedding.
Here are some of my favorite slip dresses for the perfect wedding guest dresses:
Black Tie – Formal Gowns for Elegant Summer Affairs
Summer isn’t just about casual celebrations! If you’ve been invited to black-tie weddings this summer, you’ll need formal wedding guest dresses that make a grand entrance.
A floor-length gown in a luxurious fabric like satin or chiffon is always a perfect look. For some summertime flair, opt for a gown in a soft pastel hue or a delicate floral print.
Be sure the dress adheres to the black-tie wedding dress code, which typically calls for floor-length gowns and elegant evening wear.
I’ve added some beautiful formal wedding guest dresses below. It’s also a great idea to rent a formal gown from Rent the Runway. You can join for a month and rent a beautiful gown, a purse and a few extra pieces. You can opt to rent one piece only for a set number of days. I was a member for over 3 years and LOVED it so much.
Here are some of my favorite formal wedding guest dresses if you decide to buy:
Midi Dresses – The Best of Both Worlds
Midi dresses are a fantastic option for summer wedding guest dresses because they offer the perfect balance between elegance and comfort.
They’re not too short, not too long, and just the right amount of dressy for most summer wedding occasions.
A midi dress with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt is a universally flattering silhouette that looks amazing on all body types. You can find midi dresses in a variety of styles, from sleek and sophisticated to whimsical and romantic. This makes them perfect for a wide range of wedding themes, from a formal church wedding to a casual outdoor ceremony.
Here are some of my favorite midi wedding guest dresses:
Elegant Dresses – To Wear Again and Again
When it comes to summer wedding guest dresses, you can never go wrong with an elegant dress. An elegant dress is a timeless piece that will never go out of style. Look for a dress made from high-quality materials like silk or lace, with classic design elements like ruching, draping, or a statement neckline.
The key to an elegant dress is its simplicity and sophistication. Let the quality of the fabric and the beauty of the design speak for themselves to be the best-dressed guest. These Loeffler Randall dupes are so pretty!
Here are some of my favorite elegant wedding guest dresses:
Shoulder Dresses – Show Off Your Shoulders
Summer is all about showing a little skin, and what better way to do that than with a shoulder dress?
Shoulder dresses come in a variety of styles, from one-shoulder wonders to off-the-shoulder showstoppers. They’re a great way to add a touch of femininity and romance to your look, making them perfect for summer weddings.
A one-shoulder dress with a structured silhouette is perfect for a semi-formal wedding, while an off-the-shoulder dress with a flowy skirt is ideal for a more casual celebration. No matter what style you choose, a shoulder dress is sure to turn heads and leave a lasting impression.
Here are some of my favorite off-the-shoulder wedding guest dresses:
Black Dresses – A Summer Wedding Guest Dress Staple
The little black dress (LBD) is a wardrobe essential for every woman, and it can be a lifesaver for summer wedding guest attire too! The beauty of the LBD lies in its versatility and needs to be part of every capsule wardrobe.
Dress it up with a pair of heels and statement jewelry for a sleek and sophisticated look, ideal for a black-tie wedding or a wedding at a fancy venue.
For a more relaxed summer wedding vibe, pair your LBD with cute strappy sandals. The LBD is a summer wedding guest dress that’s both timeless and chic, making it a perfect choice for any wedding with a semi-formal or cocktail dress code.
Don’t limit yourself to just a classic black dress, though! Summer is a great time to experiment with dresses in other colors, like pink or a jewel green.
Here are some of my favorite black wedding guest dresses:
Long Dresses – Timeless Elegance
Long dresses are a gorgeous choice for summer wedding guest attire, especially for formal weddings or evening ceremonies.
A long dress in a soft, flowing fabric like chiffon or crepe is both elegant and comfortable, allowing you to move and dance freely throughout the night.
For some summertime whimsy, choose a long dress with a floral print or a delicate pastel hue. Long dresses can also be quite dramatic, making them a great choice for a black-tie wedding or a romantic vineyard wedding with a more formal dress code.
Just remember, when choosing a long dress, make sure it fits you perfectly to avoid any fashion mishaps.
Here are some of my favorite long wedding guest dresses:
Green Dresses – Embrace the Summertime Chic Green Trend
Green is a major color trend this summer, and it’s a perfect choice for a summer wedding guest dress.
A dress in a soft sage green or a bright emerald is both eye-catching and elegant. For a modern twist, opt for a dress with a unique neckline or an interesting sleeve detail. Green dresses work well for a variety of wedding dress codes, from semi-formal to black-tie. Just be sure to choose a shade of green that compliments your skin tone and hair color.
Here are some of my favorite long wedding guest dresses:
Maxi Dresses – Flowy and Flattering
Maxi dresses are a summertime staple, and they can also be a great choice for a summer wedding guest dress.
Maxi dresses are comfortable, flattering, and come in a variety of styles to suit any taste. A flowy maxi dress in a floral print is perfect for a casual outdoor wedding, while a more structured maxi dress with a fitted bodice is well-suited for a semi-formal event.
The best part about maxi dresses is that they’re so versatile! You can dress them up with heels and statement jewelry or dress them down with sandals. No matter how you style it, a maxi dress is a surefire way to look effortlessly chic at a summer wedding. Salty Crush are a great brand for finding some flowy, maxi dresses that are not too formal. I have about 7 dresses and they have lasted summer after summer.
Here are some of my favorite maxi wedding guest dresses:
How to choose a summer wedding guest dress for different body types
You can find a summer wedding guest dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Here’s how to choose a dress for different body types:
- Petite: Opt for dresses with a higher waistline and shorter hemlines to elongate your silhouette. A-line dresses and dresses with empire waists are also great choices for petite figures.
- Curvy: Empire waist dresses, wrap dresses, and dresses with ruching or draping can all help to flatter your curves. Avoid dresses that are too tight or too baggy.
- Tall and slender: You have a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing a dress silhouette! However, dresses with a cinched waist or a belt can help to define your curves.
- Apple shape: A-line dresses and empire waist dresses are your best friends! These silhouettes will skim over your midsection and flatter your figure.
- Pear shape: Dresses with a fitted bodice and a flowy skirt will help to balance out your proportions. Look for dresses with details on the top half, like ruffles or embellishments, to draw the eye upwards.
Remember, the most important thing is to choose a dress that you feel comfortable and confident in. Don’t be afraid to try on a variety of styles to find the perfect one for you!
Tips for accessorizing a summer wedding guest dress
When accessorizing a summer wedding guest dress, keep it simple and elegant. Here are a few tips:
- Jewelry: Choose delicate jewelry that compliments your dress. Statement earrings or a dainty necklace are always a safe bet.
- Shoes: Heels are always a classic choice for a wedding guest dress. However, if the wedding is outdoors or on grass, you might want to choose wedges or flats. Just make sure your shoes are comfortable enough to dance in all night! Birdies have the prettiest and most comfortable flats. These Loeffler Randall dupes are reasonable and very pretty.
- Bag: A clutch or a small crossbody bag is the perfect way to add a touch of polish to your look. I love these floral purses.
- Hair and makeup: Keep your hair and makeup simple and elegant. For your hair, consider a romantic updo or a soft curl. For your makeup, opt for natural-looking tones with a pop of color on your lips or cheeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to choose a dress for a summer wedding?
The best way to choose a dress for a summer wedding is to consider the dress code, location, and time of the wedding. Once you know these factors, you can start to narrow down your options. It’s also important to choose a dress that you feel comfortable and confident in.
What are some popular summer wedding guest dress trends?
Some popular summer wedding guest dress trends include floral prints, bright colors, midi dresses, and shoulder dresses. However, the most important trend is to find a dress that flatters your figure and reflects your personal style.
What if I’m attending a summer wedding with a casual dress code?
For a casual summer wedding, you can choose a dress that is more relaxed and comfortable. A maxi dress, or a midi dress with a cute print, or a dress with a short sleeve length are all great options.
With so many gorgeous options to choose from, finding the perfect summer wedding guest dress is an exciting adventure! Get ready to bloom with style and celebrate the season of love in a dress that makes you feel radiant.
Find more fashion inspiration in these blog posts:
If you have any more questions about summer wedding guest dresses, dress recommendations, or all things fashion, please reach out via Instagram or my contact page. I would love to help you out!
