Once the weather starts to warm up, getting dressed feels a tad easier for me. Gone are the days of piling on layers and searching for cute yet functional boots. Easy outfit combos take their place, and a T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers or sundresses and sandals work for nearly every occasion.
However, selecting what to wear to a summer wedding is a different story. These joyful events usually come with specific dress codes, and on top of staying cool (which is key if the ceremony is taking place outside), I also want to look nice. As someone who writes about fashion and works as a stylist, I also enjoy getting dressed up, which is why once I receive those Save the Dates, I instantly start searching for cute summer wedding guest dresses.
Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses at a Glance
- Meshki Claire Satin Drape Back Maxi Dress with Split, $115
- Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown, $215
- PRETTYGARDEN Summer Satin Dress , $56
- Quince 100% Washable Silk Square Neck Midi Dress, $130
- The Drop Women’s April One-Shoulder Cutout Tiered Midi Dress , $56
- Abercrombie The A&F Giselle Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress, $150
- Hutch Bow Halter Slim Mini Dress, $149
- Reformation Aiko Dress, $298
- Showpo Marlette Halter Neck Midi Dress, $110
- Bardot Mimi Linen Mini Dress, $169
What to Wear to a Summer Wedding, According to a Stylist
When deciding what to wear to a summer wedding, you really can’t go wrong with keeping things classic and opting for a sleeveless mid-length or maxi dress. Most of the time, cocktail attire means you can get playful, so incorporating details such as elevated floral prints, subtle cutouts, and even shorter lengths should be perfectly fine. Personally, I love a wedding guest dress that includes ruffles, pleats, tiers, or bow embellishments, all of which can add an element of fun to your look. And if dresses aren’t your thing, you can always rock a sleek jumpsuit or suit instead.
Unless you’re headed to a beach destination or expect the wedding to be super low-key, I would steer clear of anything that feels too casual. If you’d slip it on over your bathing suit, skip it and select something a bit fancier instead. Statement details—metallic sequins, low-cut necklines, etc.—can also be tricky. While most couples want you to feel and look your best, I’d double-check before rolling up in something super elaborate, which could end up making you the center of attention instead of the people getting married.
What Wedding Guest Colors Are Best for Summer, According to a Stylist
When selecting your summer wedding guest dress, I’d embrace seasonal shades like yellows, oranges, blues, greens, and pinks. Alternatively, you can play it safe and choose the muted alternative to these vibrant colors. While black is often associated with fall and winter, it’s versatile, looks good on everyone, and in 2024, considered to be seasonless. If you go that route, feel free to amp up your look with bold accessories, which will end up taking simple designs to the next level.
While wearing red to a wedding is sometimes seen as a controversial and over-the-top, I think it’s fine for guests to wear the color, especially in the summer, when brighter hues are everywhere. However, I would still avoid arriving in white or cream unless it’s noted as part of the dress code.
Meshki Claire Satin Drape Back Maxi Dress with Split
Sizes available: XXS – 3X
Color options: 9
Material: 53% Viscose, 47% Rayon
Dress code: Formal, Cocktail
Pros: At first glance, this dress is sleek and simple, but the high neck, open back, and leg slit turn it into something stunning. Like with most black dresses, there’s an opportunity to make it your own by adding accessories and sparkly shoes.
Cons: Technically, you’re covering your neck, so if it’s sweltering outside, you may feel too hot.
Meshki Claire Satin Drape Back Maxi Dress with Split
Sizes available: XXS – XL
Color options: 1
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
Dress code: Formal, Cocktail
Pros: Norma Kamali’s one-shouldered Diana dress is a tried-and-true, timeless wedding guest dress, and this light “celestial blue” colorway is the perfect shade for a sweet summer wedding.
Cons: Polyester isn’t the most breathable material, but if the place is air-conditioned, that shouldn’t be a problem.
Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown
PRETTYGARDEN Summer Satin Dress
Sizes available: S – XXL
Color options: 32
Material: 100% polyester satin
Dress code: Formal, Cocktail
Pros: For just $56, you’re getting a lightweight, luxe-looking design , and with tons of color options, you’re bound to find one that speaks to your style. I personally enjoy the red because, while it may be bold, the dress itself is understated, so the two end up balancing each other out.
Cons: Some customers complained that the material felt thin—which is the opposite problem of other dresses on this list!
PRETTYGARDEN Women’s 2024 Summer Satin Dress Elegant Sleeveless Mock Neck
Quince 100% Washable Silk Square Neck Midi Dress
Sizes available: XS – XL
Color options: 3
Material: 100% mulberry silk
Dress code: Cocktail
Pros: Quince created the ultimate summer wedding guest dress with this washable (!!!) design. I love the shoulder bows, detachable sash, and ruffle at the bottom—details that turn it into something special, yet won’t make it feel outdated a year or two from now (so you can wear it again and again).
Cons: Unfortunately, this piece only goes up to a size XL and if you’re searching for a more vibrant color, you won’t find that here.
Quince 100% Washable Silk Square Neck Midi Dress
The Drop Women’s April One-Shoulder Cutout Tiered Midi Dress
Sizes available: XXS – 5X
Color options: 6
Material: 100% Cotton
Dress code: Semi-Formal, Casual, Destination
Pros: This dress from The Drop is the definition of something that can be worn casually, but with the right shoes and accessories, can also be dressed up. I’m drawn to the summer-friendly orange colorway for a tropical destination or low-key wedding, and the fact that it’s made of cotton means it’ll be breathable on a hot day. Reviewers also note that it looks expensive (a major plus).
Cons: Cotton wrinkles easily and some say it’s too much dress for those who are petite.
The Drop Women’s April One-Shoulder Cutout Tiered Midi Dress
Abercrombie The A&F Giselle Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress
Sizes available: XXS – XXL, including petite and tall
Color options: 8
Material: 100% Polyester
Dress code: Cocktail, Semi-Formal, Casual, Destination
Pros: This is the modern version of Andie Anderson’s yellow dress from How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days. The pleats give it a playful spin and those side cutouts ensure you’ll still feel cool as temperatures rise.
Cons: Sadly, there are no plus sizes and a few customers thought the skirt looked bulky on smaller frames.
The A&F Giselle Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress
Hutch Bow Halter Slim Mini Dress
Sizes available: XXS – 3X, including petite
Color options: 2
Material: Polyester
Dress code: Cocktail, Semi-Formal, Casual
Pros: If I were a dress, this mini would be me. I’m a big fan of the halter top and that tiny bow detail adds a pop of something extra. If the wedding’s dress code is on the casual side, show some leg with this ’60s-inspired Hutch design.
Cons: I can see the tie becoming a bit of an issue should it come undone. Definitely double-knot it before heading out on the dance floor.
Hutch Bow Halter Slim Mini Dress
Reformation Aiko Dress
Sizes available: 0 – 12
Color options: 3
Material: 100% Viscose
Dress code: Cocktail, Semi-Formal, Casual, Destination
Pros: If you’re tempted to try a print, go with something familiar, like a classic floral design. Thanks to the muted colorway and body-hugging fit, this lightweight dress comes across as elegant rather than too relaxed or distracting. A major bonus: celebrities love rocking this brand on press tours, and over the years, Reformation has become the go-to for wedding guest dresses.
Cons: Sizing doesn’t go past a 12 and the price tag isn’t exactly cheap.
Reformation Aiko Dress
Showpo Marlette Halter Neck Midi Dress
Sizes available: 0 – 16
Color options: 4
Material: 97% Polyester, 3% Spandex
Dress code: Formal, Cocktail
Pros: You want to look red carpet ready? Showpo has you covered. Between the pleats, the twisted neckline, and the shiny pink color, this dress will for sure stun fellow guests—without stealing the spotlight from the people getting married.
Cons: One customer noted that it’s “very sensitive to moisture,” which isn’t ideal if you’re prone to sweating.
Showpo Marlette Halter Neck Midi Dress in Grape
Bardot Mimi Linen Mini Dress
Sizes available: 2 – 12
Color options: 1
Material: 100% linen
Dress code: Casual, Destination
Pros: If the dress code is casual but you still want to put your best fashion foot forward, a puff-sleeved design is a safe bet. The cutouts on this Bardot dress give this everyday design a unique, eye-catching twist, and it’s dressy enough that you’ll feel wedding-ready without looking too fancy.
Cons: You’ll want to be absolutely sure that the dress code is laid-back since this could feel out of place in a crowd of long, silky gowns.
