Tuesday, April 18, 2023

16 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses For Every Type Of Wedding, From Black Tie Affairs To Casual Events

It's no secret that Refinery29 readers and editors love any excuse to stock up on summer dresses, whether it's for a happy hour, picnic, or fancier event. And when it comes to summer, one fancy event reigns supreme: The wedding. If your fridge is filled with save the dates, you might be thinking about what you're going to wear. There's a lot to consider, like comfort, weather, and, of course, dress code.
Don't leave it to the last minute to peruse for summer-ready wedding guest dresses. We've compiled a list of dresses for destination beach weddings, cocktail parties, casual summer nuptials, and black tie events. It never hurts to be party-ready — especially when your comfy dancing shoes have been begging for use. 

Discover a bountiful array of airy silhouettes in summer's trending colors, like terracotta, cherry red, cool blue, and vibrant lime green. You'll find ethereal gowns with embellishments, glossy silk frocks designed for lavish black-tie weddings, and ombrƩ hues that resemble the sunset. Ahead, stroll through the 16 best summer wedding guest dresses. We've picked the best of the best from reader-favorite brands like Free People, Anthropologie, and Madewell. Now all that's left for you to do is book your flight, pick out your mani color, and toast to the happy couple.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

Summer Beach Wedding Guest Dresses


Embrace your whimsical side for summer beach weddings. Glide into sandals, wedges, or espadrilles and feel airy and cool in a tropical-colored frock. Lightweight maxis or midis with a flowing skirt not only look dramatic in the summer breeze, they can also protect you from, ahem, wardrobe malfunctions that can happen with a sudden gust of sea wind.

Shop Free People

Free People On My Level Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People
Shop STAUD At Saks Fifth Avenue

Staud OmbrƩ Floral Tie-Strap Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Shop Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Lorelei Ruched-Bodice Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Shop & Other Stories

& Other Stories Babydoll Tied Sleeve Detail Dress, $, available at & Other Stories

Summer Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses

Get ready to dance all night long with a cool drink in hand in a vibrant cocktail dress. Pick a style with eye-catching details like fringe, shimmering sequins, or unique necklines for a bit of pizzazz.

Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Ombre Sequin Slip Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Shop River Island

River Island Lime Green Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress, $, available at River Island
Shop ELLIAT At Nordstrom

ELLIATT Cassini One-Shoulder Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Shop Karen Millen

Karen Millen Metallic Iridescent Halter Column Midi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN

Casual Summer Wedding Guest Dresses


The styling opportunities are endless when it comes to a casual wedding. You can opt for a mini, midi, or maxi in a simple one-tone shade with subtle touches or choose a cheerful pattern. The perk with these designs is that you can wear them to plenty of other non-wedding events.

Shop Madewell

Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Madewell
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Lace-Up Back Slip Midi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie
Shop Saloni At Shopbop

Saloni Neelam Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Shop ASTR The Label At Nordstrom Rack

ASTR The Label Jelena Side Cutout Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Black Tie Summer Wedding Guest Dresses


Dress to impress for black-tie weddings. The formal affair calls for cascading gowns in satin, tulle, and silk fabrics. Feel free to dive into your red carpet dreams of rich gem tone, or opt for a light pastel-hued silhouette with a thigh-high slit.

Shop Lulus

Lulus Spellbinding Beauty Navy Glitter Sleeveless Tulle Maxi, $, available at Lulus
Shop Birdy Grey

Birdy Grey Mia Convertible Dress Curve, $, available at Birdy Grey
Shop Reformation

Reformation Frankie Silk Dress Es, $, available at Reformation
Shop ASOS DESIGN At ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress With Floral Embellishment, $, available at ASOS

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The 12 Best Plus Size Cocktail Wedding Guest Dress

18 Comfortable Wedding Guest Shoes For Summer

This Viral Coach Purse Is 2023's Wedding-Guest Bag

No comments:

Post a Comment