30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (2024)

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (1)

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As spring rolls into summer, we still can't figure out when we'll need to bring a jacket. The one thing we do know for sure? It's wedding season. Once you RSVP to someone’s wedding invitation, there’s no denying that finding the perfect wedding guest dress can be mildly stress-inducing.

For day receptions such as backyard, garden, or beach weddings, opt for above-the-knee or midi-length dresses in airy fabrics like crisp cotton poplin, light chiffon, and even jersey if it’s a more casual event. co*cktail attire calls for more elevated materials such as crepe, silk, or lace (check out our guide to co*cktail dresses, as well). Knee-length, midi, or maxi silhouettes are a good rule of thumb for the evening.

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Invited to a fancy black-tie soiree? Make like a royal and go all out in an elegant floor-length gown. It's always better to overdress than be unprepared. And friendly reminder: wearing white is an absolute no. This also applies to any lighter shades that could be mistaken for white in different lighting, like cream, blush pink, or pale yellow.

As for shoes, pair these dresses with comfortable styles that will withstand hours of celebrating. And if you'll be on uneven terrain like grass, gravel, or sand, don't overlook strappy flat sandals, block heels, or pretty embellished flats.

Whether you prefer a floral midi, an off-the-shoulder number, or a design with sleeves for extra coverage, we have the best wedding guest dresses from reliable stores like Nordstrom, Reformation, and Anthropologie, as well as budget-friendly websites such as ASOS and Lulus. P.S. Many of these summer dresses can even be worn with white sneakers when wedding season is over.

1

Best Floral Dress to Wear to a Wedding

ASOS Design Satin Midi Dress with Blouson Bodice

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (13)

Vintage florals strike a sweet note, but be sure to check out the open back, too. A blouson front makes this a great choice for anyone who doesn't want something too tight.

2

MANGO Pleated Fuschia Satin Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (14)

2

MANGO Pleated Fuschia Satin Dress

Now 50% Off

A covered belt accents this berry-hued pleated midi with a relaxed fit for effortless style that's easy to wear. Available in sizes 0 - 20.

3

Best Wrap Dress

Frances Valentine Lucille Wrap Dress Pink

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (15)

3

Best Wrap Dress

Frances Valentine Lucille Wrap Dress Pink

Named after Lucille Ball, this vintage-inspired dress is great for those looking for more polish and coverage for formal occasions. It also comes in green and blue, all with high shine. Available in sizes XS - 3X.

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4

Talbots Halter Maxi Dress in Navy Metallic Floral

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (16)

4

Talbots Halter Maxi Dress in Navy Metallic Floral

This halter neck fit-and-flare blue floral maxi dress is ideal for dancing. Available in sizes 2 - 18.

5

Best Amazon Dress to Wear to a Wedding

PrettyGarden Long Satin Dress with Mock Neck

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (17)

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (18)

5

Best Amazon Dress to Wear to a Wedding

PrettyGarden Long Satin Dress with Mock Neck

Now 12% Off

Get ready to hit the dance floor in this mock-neck satin dress with an elastic waist. Available in a plethora of colors, there's something for everyone.

6

Norma Kamali Diana Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (19)

6

Norma Kamali Diana Dress

Cut in comfortable and unbelievably flattering jersey, this slinky one-shoulder number is all about the draping. It even has a built-in bodysuit.

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7

Reformation Amiah Cutout Long Knit Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (20)

7

Reformation Amiah Cutout Long Knit Dress

Lean into a black-tie dress code with this sleek brown midi dress from Reformation. Available in sizes XS - XL.

8

Best Lace Dress

ASTR the Label Sleeveless Lace Fit & Flare Midi Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (21)

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (22)

8

Best Lace Dress

ASTR the Label Sleeveless Lace Fit & Flare Midi Dress

Now 46% Off

This delicate lace dress is perfect wedding fare. With a V-neck and a semi-sheer A-line skirt, it's flattering for most body types. Available in sizes 00 -16.

9

Best Black Dress to Wear to a Wedding

Loft Keyhole Halter Midi Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (23)

9

Best Black Dress to Wear to a Wedding

Loft Keyhole Halter Midi Dress

Now 40% Off

This super-flattering, wear-anywhere little black dress is perfect for throwing on and looking good for any summer wedding. Plus: It's now 40 percent off with code MIX. Available in sizes XXS - XXL.

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10

Best Petite Dress to Wear to a Wedding

Reformation Petites Frankie Silk Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (24)

10

Best Petite Dress to Wear to a Wedding

Reformation Petites Frankie Silk Dress

Reformation's pretty Frankie silk maxi dress has been designed specifically for petite frames. It features a square neckline, so you don't have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions while dancing the night away. It comes in a range of florals and a solid deep blue. Available in sizes 0P - 12P, 0 - 12, and 14 -22.

11

H&M Pink Long Maxi Satin Halter-Neck Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (25)

11

H&M Pink Long Maxi Satin Halter-Neck Dress

This ankle-length dress in textured jersey has a narrow cut at top with a twisted detail in the front for a draped effect, a halter neck with long, wide straps to tie at back of neck, and a low-cut back with an elasticized seam. Available in sizes XS - XXL.

12

Abercrombie Satin Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (26)

12

Abercrombie Satin Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress

This striking style is available in blue, pink, green, black, and navy, and runs in sizes XXS - XXL, as well as petite and tall lengths.

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13

Best Off-the-Shoulder Dress

ASOS Design Fallen Shoulder Body-Conscious Midi Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (27)

13

Best Off-the-Shoulder Dress

ASOS Design Fallen Shoulder Body-Conscious Midi Dress

Make a sculptural statement in this draped, off-the-shoulder dress with a gathered waist. The mid-length makes it suitable for co*cktail attire.

14

STATE Strapless Midi Dress in Juneberry Pink

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14

STATE Strapless Midi Dress in Juneberry Pink

This pretty pink tiered midi can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Available in sizes XS - XL.

15

Anthropologie The Elyse Slip Dress

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15

Anthropologie The Elyse Slip Dress

For more formal occasions, opt for a minimal slip dress. Like a blank canvas, the accessorizing options are endless. Available in five colors, sizes XXS - 3X, as well as petite and plus sizing.

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16

Best Plus-Size Dress to Wear to a Wedding

Eloquii Kimono-Sleeve Maxi Dress

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16

Best Plus-Size Dress to Wear to a Wedding

Eloquii Kimono-Sleeve Maxi Dress

Now 60% Off

Plus-size specialist Eloquii is known for making beautiful, flattering dresses. This kimono-sleeve silk maxi dress is also available in bright pink, light blue, and black; sizes 14 - 32.

One reviewer writes, "Beautiful dress with a perfect fit! I knew it was a glamorous dress, but never expected it to hit all of my curves in the right places while hiding slight imperfections."

17

Zara Black Satin Midi Dress

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17

Zara Black Satin Midi Dress

This minimalist black strapless midi is versatile enough for most of your warm-weather special occasions. Available in sizes XS - XXL.

18

Chico's Blue and White Ikat Tiered Midi Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (32)

18

Chico's Blue and White Ikat Tiered Midi Dress

Now 40% Off

This flattering blue-and-white printed midi dress has sleeves for coverage but is lightweight enough for warmer occasions. Available in sizes 0 - 20/22.

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19

H&M Draped Satin Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (33)

19

H&M Draped Satin Dress

Now 55% Off

Shimmery satin catches the light and is always appropriate for evening occasions. Wear this twisted-front dress with voluminous waves and a red lip for old-Hollywood vibes.

20

ASTR the Label Pleated Sateen Floral Blythe Dress

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (34)

20

ASTR the Label Pleated Sateen Floral Blythe Dress

ASTR's pretty pleated floral midi is light enough for a day wedding that rolls into nighttime drinks and dancing. Available in sizes XS - XL.

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (35)

Sara Klausing

Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily. Follow her on Instagram.

30 Beautiful Dresses to Wear to a Wedding This Summer (2024)

FAQs

What should I wear to a wedding this summer? ›

Bright colors, floral prints and bold patterns reflect the happy feeling that defines this sun-filled season. But don't forget the most important rule when it comes to wedding guest attire: don't wear white. You don't want to cause any confusion as to who the bride is.

Which type of dress is trending now for wedding? ›

Colorful Florals. Florals remain a perennial favorite as far as bridal trends go. Even tonal, white embellishments a statement adding texture and depth to otherwise unremarkable silhouettes.

What is the best color dress to wear to a summer wedding? ›

For summer weddings, go bold with bright colors, like greens, oranges, and pinks. This will help reflect the energy of the season and can be dressed up with statement jewelry or other accessories.

What is wedding summer chic dress code? ›

Summer chic is for the women a dress / jumpsuit with pumps or for the older ladies a long skirt with a jacket in a summer color or with a nice floral print. For men you should think of a shirt in a summer color with linen pants or colored cotton pants.

What are the colors for summer wedding guests? ›

In terms of colour, floral prints, mellow pastels and vibrant colours are all perfect for a summer wedding but it's generally best to avoid black and leave white and cream for the bride. From hemline to sleeve length, the type of dress you choose will be unique to what you feel confident in.

Is black OK to wear to a summer wedding? ›

As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," says bridal stylist Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. Make the shade work for you—at any type of wedding—with these ideas for choosing the right fabrice, length, and accessories.

Which type of outfit is best for wedding? ›

Formal/Black Tie: For an evening wedding or a highly formal event, opt for a tuxedo or a formal dark suit with a white dress shirt, a bow tie, and polished black dress shoes. Women can choose a floor-length gown, a formal co*cktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

How do I choose a classy wedding dress? ›

Things to consider are shape, necklines, and fabric. For shape, ball gowns are classic style with a full skirt and fitted bodice. An A-line or straight wedding dress is similar to a ball gown, but with a skirt that flares out slightly from the waist.

What is the most popular month to get married? ›

In fact, October, often regarded as the spooky season, is trending as the most romantic month for weddings! In 2022, 20% of ALL U.S. weddings took place in October, with September to November reigning supreme annually as the busiest months to be wed!

What should a 60 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›

Fit-and-flare Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60

Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.

Can you wear a floral dress to a summer wedding? ›

The short answer: Yes! Floral wedding guest dresses come in so many different styles, from festive frocks to sexy slips. No matter the dress code of the event you're attending, you're bound to find a floral wedding guest dress that's perfect for the occasion.

What color are most wedding dresses? ›

It is very traditional for brides to wear white on their wedding day. When you start looking at wedding dresses online or at a bridal shop, you will see wedding dresses labeled with many different color names, from white to ivory to off-white to diamond white to cream and many color names and shades in between.

Can I wear a maxi dress to a summer wedding? ›

What to wear to a formal summer wedding? A formal summer wedding usually means a floor sweeping gown and maxi, but less but a midi-length or a co*cktail number may be acceptable depending on how formal the dress code is.

What is the most popular wedding dress code? ›

Semi-Formal or co*cktail

This attire is one of the most popular dress codes, and for a good reason. It fits in with almost any wedding venue and is relatively easy for guests to follow. A semi-formal dress code calls for suits for men and co*cktail dresses for ladies.

Can you wear navy to a summer wedding? ›

Here are 13 gorgeous navy blue dresses to wear to a wedding! If you are a wedding guest these are perfect options for winter or summer weddings.

What should I wear to a wedding as a guest? ›

Women should embrace wrap dresses, midi dresses or elegant jumpsuits. For men, if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal.

Can I wear navy to a summer wedding? ›

Want to wear a navy blue dress to summer weddings instead? Be our guest! Navy is a natural choice for sunshine shindigs as well. Just opt for a dress with a warm-weather-friendly silhouette to balance out your outfit.

Is it OK not to wear a jacket to a summer wedding? ›

This is a difficult question to answer. While a suit jacket may be appropriate for an outdoor summer wedding, it may also be too hot to wear. If the wedding is formal, a suit jacket may be the best option. However, if the wedding is less formal, a lighter weight jacket or dress may be more appropriate.

Can I wear pants to a summer wedding? ›

Summer wedding season is in full swing, and some of you may be wondering what to wear. Can you wear pants to a wedding? Yes, you absolutely can. If you don't like dresses or your legs are not your best feature, pants are totally acceptable, so long as you keep the time of day and venue in mind.

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