Monday, May 20, 2024

24 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses For Black-Tie Affairs & Casual Parties

Finding a wedding guest dress you feel comfortable and look great in is no small feat. Add in the complexities of dressing for summer — hello, wrinkly fabrics and visible sweat marks — and you’ve got a major shopping project on your hands. The good news? Even if your calendar is already chock-full of save-the-dates through September, you don't have to waste your weekend braving the fluorescent-lit dressing rooms at your local mall to find the perfect summer wedding guest dress.

Whether you’re shopping for a stylish plus-size cocktail dress for your cousin’s formal wedding, a trendy dress that won’t break the bank for your BFF’s casual backyard affair, or a slip dress that’s versatile enough for any wedding dress code, we’ve got you covered.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the 24 best summer dresses on the market for everything from beach to black-tie weddings, spanning a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points. All you have left to do is pick out that perfect mani color, strap on your trusty pair of dancing shoes, and raise your glass to the happy couple.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses


Dress to impress for black-tie weddings. The formal dress code calls for cascading and column gowns in satin, silk, tulle, and lace fabrics. Feel free to dive into your red carpet dreams of rich gem tones, or opt for lighter, pastel-hued shades. No matter your vibe, there's a range of summer wedding guest dresses perfect for your upcoming formal affairs.

Shop Reformation

Reformation Twila Dress, $, available at Reformation

Mango Asymmetrical Bow Neck Dress


Black-tie attire doesn’t necessarily require black dresses, so don’t be afraid to step out in a vibrant color, like an on-trend citron zest gown.

Shop Mango

Mango Asymmetrical Bow Neck Dress, $, available at Mango

Eloquii Strappy Paillette Column Dress


Summer nights call for shimmering dresses. Go subtle with dainty sparkles or make a statement with large sequins, as seen here.

Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Strappy Paillette Column Dress, $, available at Eloquii

Skims Summer Mesh Deep Plunge Long Dress


Yes, Skims has wedding guest dress options, like this black maxi dress with a halter neckline that can be adjusted for different party looks.

Shop Skims

Skims Summer Mesh Deep Plunge Long Dress, $, available at Skims

Staud Cadence Dress


An ombre print is another easy way to implement color without going for an out-of-the-box pattern.

Shop Staud

Staud Ombre Cadence Dress, $, available at Staud

Lulus Glitter Sleeveless Tulle Maxi Dress


According to our shopping data, this dress is a reader-favorite wedding guest style, so take their lead and glimmer in it at your next formal wedding.

Shop Lulus

Lulus Glitter Sleeveless Tulle Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus

Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses


Get ready to dance all night long, cool drink in hand, while wearing a sleek, tried-and-true cocktail dress. Pick a midi-length style with eye-catching details, like a one-shoulder neckline, textured overlay, or side cutouts. Or opt for a maxi dress with elevated bustier-style tops or thigh-high slits.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

Free People Freya Maxi Dress


Yes, cocktail dresses can be floor-length, and our eyes are on this silky, tiered Free People dress.

Shop Free People

Free People Freya Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People

Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown


This particular cocktail dress has been an R29 reader-favorite style for a while, and we understand why. The ruched fabric, one-shoulder neckline, asymmetric hemline, and sweet periwinkle hue make a winning summer dress formula.

Shop Revolve

Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown, $, available at Revolve

PrettyLittleThing Plus Underwire Draped Midi Dress


Yet another reader-approved style, this sleek plus-size ‘fit would make for an excellent wedding cocktail dress.

Shop PrettyLittleThing

PrettyLittleThing Plus Underwire Draped Midi Dress, $, available at PrettyLittleThing

Petal & Pup Vienna Strapless Midi Dress


Look like a literal summer rose in this frilly and dainty berry-pink strapless dress.

Shop Petal & Pup

Petal & Pup Vienna Strapless Midi Dress, $, available at Petal & Pup

Pari Passu Floral Long Sleeve Poplin Shirtdress


If your upcoming cocktail-attire wedding is being held during the daytime, consider opting for an elevated shirt dress in a neutral floral print.

Shop Nordstrom

pari passu Floral Long Sleeve Poplin Shirtdress, $, available at Nordstom

Casual Wedding Guest Dresses


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

Shop Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Katerina Button-Front Dress, $, available at Anthropologie

L’Agence Jodie Silk Slip Dress


A slip dress can easily be dressed up or down, so it’s one of the most versatile wedding guest dress styles. But for more casual affairs, you can pick playful prints, like florals and butterflies.

Shop L’Agence

L'Agence Jodie Silk Slip Dress, $, available at L'Agence

Banana Republic Cici Poplin Mini Dress


A backyard wedding calls for a mini dress, and we’re all about this purple pleated style.

Shop Banana Republic

Banana Republic Cici Poplin Mini Dress, $, available at Banana Republic

Massimo Dutti Linen Blend Halter Dress


Casual summer parties also call for breezy linen dresses. You’ll feel cool and comfortable while looking chic in this number.

Shop Zara

Massimo Dutti Linen Blend Halter Dress, $, available at Zara

Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress


We can’t help but recommend this Quince bestseller because of its effortlessly elegant silhouette and (thankfully) washable material.

Shop Quince

Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress, $, available at Quince

Madewell Empire-Waist Tiered Maxi Dress in Stripe


And depending on just how casual a wedding is, you can get away with pops of white. A pattern, like a subtle strip, is a great option.

Shop Madewell

Madewell Empire-Waist Tiered Maxi Dress in Stripe, $, available at Madewell

Beach Wedding Guest Dresses


Embrace your whimsical side for summer beach weddings. Slide into sandals, espadrilles, or wedges and feel airy and cool in a vibrant-colored or tropical-patterned frock, especially for destination weddings. Lightweight maxis or midis with a flowing skirt not only look dramatic in the summer breeze, but they can also protect you from — ahem — wardrobe malfunctions.

Shop Rent The Runway

Rent The Runway Emmett Pleated Gown, $, available at Rent The Runway

LoveShackFancy Suniva Silk Charmeuse Slip Dress


Swish along the seaside in a drapey silk slip dress that doesn’t cling too tight to the body, like this LoveShackFancy style in the brand’s signature florals.

Shop LoveShackFancy

LoveShackFancy Suniva Silk Charmeuse Slip Dress, $, available at loveshackfancy

Farm Rio Fresh Macaws Midi Dress


Whether the ceremony takes place in Cape Code or Hawaii, don’t be afraid to go bold in a patterned dress for seaside nuptials.

Shop Farm Rio

Farm Rio Fresh Macaws Midi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio

H&M Ramie Bandeau Dress


While H&M’s Studio Resort collection is nearly sold out, the Summer 2024 collection is filled with elegant, airy dresses to choose from. This bandeau style with a dramatic bow-tied back has caught our eye.

Shop H&M

H&M Ramie Bandeau Dress, $, available at H&M

Show Me Your Mumu Stella Smocked Dress


While airy, voluminous dresses are prime for beach weddings, smocked bodycon dresses are equally summer-y, especially when they’re worn in cheery colors.

Shop Show Me Your Mumu

Show Me Your Mumu Stella Smocked Dress, $, available at Show Me Your Mumu

Sézane Aphrodite Dress


Likewise, a fitted summer knit dress is a great option. Look out for details like plunging necklines and frilly sleeves for a whimsical touch.

Shop Sézane

Sézane Summer Aphrodite Dress, $, available at Sézane

Black-Tie 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 tones, or opt for lighter, pastel-hued shades. No matter your vibe, there's a range of summer wedding guest dresses perfect for your upcoming formal affairs.

Shop Lulus

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

BCBG Max Azaria Kiana One Shoulder Gown


This elegant blue gown not only boasts a showstopping color, but also its side cutout gives some unexpected ooh la la vibes.

Shop BCBG MAX AZARIA

BCBG MAX AZARIA Kiana One Shoulder Gown, $, available at BCBG MAX AZRIA

Asos Edition Satin Off-the-Shoulder Drape Wrap Maxi Dress


This pinkish taupe hue is the perfect modern neutral. It'll look great with both demure and over-the-top accessories.

Shop Asos

ASOS EDITION Satin Off-the-Shoulder Drape Wrap Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS

Birdy Grey Mia Convertible Satin Dress


Two dresses for the price of one, this terracotta number from Birdy Grey can be worn on the shoulder or off.

Shop Birdy Grey

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

L'Idée Renaissance Sleeveless Pleated Gown


Elegant with a hint of '70s style, this emerald-hued number gives serious Studio 54 vibes.

Shop Saks Fifth Avenue

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L'IDEE Renaissance Sleeveless Pleated Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Reformation Frankie Silk Dress Es


Available in two patterns and this stunning solid blue hue — in sizes 14 to 24 — this Reformation dress is bound to turn heads at any occasion.

Shop Reformation


Reformation Frankie Silk Dress Es, $, available at Reformation

Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses


Get ready to dance all night long, cool drink in hand, while wearing a sleek cocktail dress. Pick a midi-length style with eye-catching details, like a one-shoulder neckline, puffy sleeves, or a frilly skirt for a bit more summer pizzazz. Cocktail dresses are tried-and-true and will have you looking perfectly on theme no matter what.

Shop Nordstrom

ELLIATT Cassini One-Shoulder Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

& Other Stories Babydoll Tied Sleeve Detail Dress


Hot weather doesn't stand a chance against this flowy number with its seriously on-trend puff sleeves.

Shop & Other Stories

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

Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown


With stylish ruching and a dramatic one-shoulder design, this Norma Kamali x Revolve gown will have all eyes on you.

Shop Revolve

Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown, $, available at Revolve

Embellished Bandeau Column Midi Dress


Just a hint of sparkle at the top of this Karen Millen gown means you can leave those oversized accessories at home.

Shop Karen Millen

Karen Millen Embellished Bandeau Column Midi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN

Eloquii Tiered Puff Sleeve Dress


Light, flowy, and perfectly sunny, this Eloquii dress just screams "summer."

Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Tiered Puff Sleeve Dress, $, available at Eloquii

River Island Lime Green Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress


Dramatic fringe and a bright color are sure to make this River Island number a summer staple.

Shop River Island

River Island Lime Green Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress, $, available at River Island

Casual Wedding Guest Dresses


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

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Lace-Up Back Slip Midi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie

UO Theodora Poplin Mini Dress


Comfy and bright, this popular Urban Outfitters dress looks just as good with a denim jacket as it does on its own.

Shop Urban Outfitters

Urban Outffiters Theodora Poplin Mini Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters

BTFBM Ruffle Cap Sleeve Belted Maxi Dress


At only $45.99, this BTFBM number is as elegant as it is budget-friendly.

Shop Amazon

BTFBM Ruffle Cap Sleeve Belted Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon

Saloni Neelam Dress


This colorful dress has some unexpected and stylish details, like cutouts on the waist and puff sleeves.

Shop Shopbop

Saloni Neelam Dress, $, available at Shopbop

Love by Design Athen Plunging V-Neck Maxi Dress


Live your Angelina Jolie moment with this v-neck dress that has a dramatic slit.

Shop Nordstrom Rack

Love by Design Athen Plunging V-Neck Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress


This midi dress has stylish and unexpected details, like a belted waist and a ruffle on one shoulder.

Shop Madewell

Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Madewell

HBEYYTO V Neck Swiss Dot Sundress


A Swiss-dot sundress can go from a park picnic to a casual wedding with little more than a change of accessories.

Shop Amazon

HBEYYTO V Neck Swiss Dot Sundress, $, available at Amazon

Beach Wedding Guest Dresses


Embrace your whimsical side for summer beach weddings. Slide 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, but they can also protect you from — ahem — wardrobe malfunctions.

Shop Farm Rio

Farm Rio Yellow Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio

Ghost London Grace Dark Green Satin Midi Dress


Silky, light, and fluttery, this Ghost London dress has "summer" written all over it.

Shop Ghost London

Ghost London Grace Dark Green Satin Midi Dress, $, available at Ghost

Anthropologie The Lorelei Ruched-Bodice Midi Dress


Floral details and spaghetti straps make this Anthropologie midi dress the perfect beach wedding look.

Shop Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Lorelei Ruched-Bodice Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie

Free People On My Level Maxi Dress


The hottest days don't stand a chance against this flowy number from Free People.

Shop Free People

Free People On My Level Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People

Pinup Fashion Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress with Pockets


The only thing better than a comfy maxi dress? One with pockets, of course.

Shop Amazon

Pinup Fashion Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress with Pockets, $, available at Amazon

SheBird The Emma Satin Dress With Built-In Bra


No patience for a bra in hot weather? No problem! This one from SheBird has one built right in.

Shop SheBird

Shebird The Emma Satin Dress with Built-in Bra, $, available at Shebird

Staud Ombré Floral Tie-Strap Gown


Embrace your inner fairy princess with this stunning ombré number with comfy adjustable tie straps.

Shop Saks Fifth Avenue

Staud Ombré Floral Tie-Strap Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Birdy Grey Shiny Satin Mia Convertible Dress


Shop Birdy Grey

Birdy Grey Shiny Satin Mia Convertible Dress, $, available at Birdy Grey

Bloomchic Abstract Textured Shirred Pocket Dress


Shop Bloomchic

Bloomchic Abstract Textured Shirred Pocket Dress, $, available at Bloomchic

PQ Swim Gelato Shea Long Dress


Shop PQ Swim

PQ Swim Gelato Shea Long Dress, $, available at PQ Swim

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

The 27 Most Trendy Wedding Guest Dress Styles

24 Elevated Slip Dresses For A One-And-Done Look

The Best Wedding Guest Looks From Rent The Runway

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