Forget hot girl summer — this year we’re all about hot wedding guest summer. It’s officially the year of weddings, which means it’s time to invest in some seriously eye-catching summer wedding guest dresses.
From sultry cut-outs to dopamine-inducing colors, this year’s fashion lineup will have you looking the part, no matter how many weddings you have on your calendar.
But, with as many as 2.5 million couples getting hitched this year (more than any other year since the ’80s), it can feel both exciting and overwhelming to find the perfect party outfits. From balmy beach bashes to formal evening affairs, each event calls for its own style — and a dress that brings those celebratory vibes.
So, whether your next round of “I dos” takes you to Tuscany or Austin, we’ve rounded up the summer wedding guest dresses that will dazzle from cocktail hour to the last dance of the night. But first, a few wedding fashion tips!
If you have a fast-approaching wedding but still nothing to wear, you don’t want to miss these spring-approved guest gowns.
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What should a guest wear to a summer wedding?
For a summer wedding, it’s best to wear dresses that match the bright, breezy vibes of the season. Instead of dark colors and heavy fabrics, the most stunning summer wedding guest dresses are flowy and light — think brights pops of color, sweet pastels, floaty silhouettes, and breathable materials.
Summer weddings also tend to be more relaxed than their cold-weather counterparts, which means you have more freedom with hemlines, prints, and fabrics. While you still want to make sure you’re following dress codes, don’t be afraid to try out a new trend (hello, metallics!) or play with fun patterns.
Florals are a fool-proof print for summer wedding dresses, but there’s nothing stopping you from spicing them up with a bold color, an unexpected silhouette, or even some dazzling sequins.
What do you wear to a wedding when it’s hot?
It’s the ultimate dilemma: you want to look polished and elevated for that upcoming beach ceremony, but you also want to be comfortable under the July sun. For those extra hot summer days, stay cool (while still looking chic) with summer wedding guest dresses made out of lightweight and breathable fabric like chiffon or linen.
Current trends are also here to help you keep your cool in the heat. Cut-outs, for example, add an extra opportunity for breeziness, while also making a fashion-forward statement. The same goes for high leg slits, open backs, and leg-baring mini dresses.
If the dress code is more on the formal or semi-formal side, you can channel the same level of airiness (without showing as much skin) with bohemian flowy skirts and cottagecore billowy sleeves. Materials like silk and tulle will also give you an ultra luxe look, minus the weight of rich fabrics like velvet.
The best ways to accessorize a summer wedding guest dress
If you have several weddings lined up on your summer calendar, a creative approach to accessorizing can help you look your best for every event — without breaking the bank on multiple different dresses. Rock a slip dress with statement tassel earrings and a classic pair of flats for a relaxed backyard celebration. Then, repurpose the same dress for a black tie soirée with on-trend opera gloves and some glittery jewelry. It’s affordable and sustainable, and no one will know the difference!
When it comes to our favorite accessories (shoes, of course!), it’s best to think about the terrain of the event when choosing the perfect pair. Luckily, stylish wedges are back in a big way, just in time for grassy ceremonies and backyard receptions.
For a beach event, a cute and comfy pair of slides are a no-brainer, and some playful strappy heels would shine for an elegant indoor party. Have a barn wedding on the horizon? Consider this your sign to finally buy those western boots you’ve been eyeing for months!
Where to buy summer wedding guest dresses
With wedding szn kicked into high gear, more and more retailers are creating collections specifically for summer wedding guests. These include fan-favorite sustainable brand Reformation, chic and affordable retailer Lulus, and wedding wardrobe mainstay BHLDN. For a range of designer and everyday pieces, we also love Revolve and Anthropologie.
To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up the chicest dresses from all our favorite shops. Keep scrolling to find the look that will earn you a spot on the best-dressed guest list.
Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
After years of having to postpone tying the knot, many couples are now pulling out all the stops for their celebrations. This means formal dress codes are on the rise — and we are HERE FOR IT.
But, it can be tricky to find formal summer wedding guest dresses that allow you to keep your cool in the heat while also staying appropriate for more classy affairs. Our favorite picks make the most out of opulent (yet still breathable) fabrics, breezy silhouettes, and elegant pops of skin.
1: Shimmery Pink Formal Wedding Guest Dress
This pink formal summer wedding guest dress has us SHOOK. With a playful hemline and shimmery fabric, you’re guaranteed to shine — whether you’re toasting the happy couple under the sun or doing the Cupid Shuffle beneath the disco ball.
2: Metallic Brocade Formal Wedding Guest Dress
While metallics may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of floral gowns, this formal summer wedding guest dress is here to prove just how cool and classy this new trend can be.
With glistening golden flowers and that dreamy “something blue” color, it simply oozes opulence. Plus, the strapless bodice and airy skirt mean you can dazzle the room without breaking a sweat.
3: Flowy Silk Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dress
How mesmerizing is this flowy formal gown? Gorgeous pearly draping makes this silk summer wedding guest dress look both effortless and luxurious at the same time. A true minimalist dream, this is as timeless as it gets.
4: Sultry Green Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dress
You already know our affinity for green, and this formal dress gives the summery hue a sexy twist. The trendy keyhole neckline is THE MOMENT, and the sultry leg slit works overtime to keep you from overheating.
Style it with some equally trendy accessories, like these funky pumps, and you’ve got a seriously stand-out look.
5: Regencycore Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dress
This beaded formal gown is giving regencycore. It’s giving fairytail. It’s giving main character energy. Do yourself a favor and add this dress to your summer wedding guest wardrobe ASAP.
6: Romantic Rose Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Channeling the vibes of a dreamy rose garden, this floral gown is summer wedding guest dress GOALS. The sheer organza and plunging neckline up the romance factor — perfect for a formal garden wedding or elegant evening affair.
7: Sweet Mini Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dress
An oh-so sweet bow steals the show with this formal summer wedding guest dress. Although shorter hemlines aren’t as popular for formal dress codes, you can dress this look up with some sparkly accessories and an elevated up-do.
GWS Tip! This mini dress can also be toned down for a semi formal wedding or cocktail party. Just swap out your glitzier accessories for something simple, like a minimalist birthstone necklace or a chic pair of flats.
Looking for semi formal wedding guest dresses instead? We’ve got you covered.
Classy Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
In our opinion, summer is made for rocking dresses 24/7. But, the frock you wear to bottomless brunch may not have the same level of refinement that you’re hoping to bring to your friend’s elegant city wedding.
For those moments when you want to show just how well you clean up, classy summer wedding guest dresses are the answer. From chic satin slip dresses to feminine floral gowns, these picks will have you looking like a class act all summer long.
8: Cool and Classy Summer Wedding Guest Dress
This list wouldn’t be complete without everyone’s favorite classy summer wedding guest dress: a cowl-neck slip dress. This one from BHLDN adds an extra touch of elegance, with a front slit and alluring open back.
Plus, it comes in multiple colors, including our summer faves: blush, dusty blue, and, of course, cucumber green.
9: Whimsical Floral Classy Summer Wedding Guest Dress
This classy summer wedding guest dress is the definition of whimsical. With 3D yellow floral appliques and a sheer skirt, you will quite literally be a Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shakespeare could never!
10: Dazzling Sequin Classy Summer Wedding Guest Dress
This year, we’re all about upping our floral game. After all, why have a plain flower print when you could have this rosy sequin gown instead?
This classy summer wedding guest dress is truly next level, and we can’t get enough of the dazzling details. That peekaboo cut-out? To die for!
11: Sophisticated One-Shoulder Classy Dress
We can’t stop gushing over one-shoulder necklines, especially for classy summer wedding guest dresses. This pick is simple and sophisticated without being boring. Pair it with some statement pumps and you’re pretty much golden.
12: Flirtatious Classy Summer Wedding Guest Dress
A statement ruffle? Um, yes please! This classy summer wedding guest dress doesn’t hold back with its bold silhouette and flirtatious details. If you’re dressing to impress someone else on the guest list, this is the look for you.
13: Off-the-Shoulder Classy Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Manifest blue skies for your upcoming outdoor weddings with this turquoise off-the-shoulder dress from Abercrombie & Fitch.
The retailer has shed its reputation as your aspirational middle school mall stop and is quickly making a name for itself as a go-to destination for classy summer wedding guest dresses. It even has its own Best Dressed Guest Collection.
Rock this A&F look with your hair pulled back or add a statement necklace to draw extra attention to that elegant off-the-shoulder neckline.
14: Balletcore Classy Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Move over cottagecore, there’s a new aesthetic making waves in the fashion world: balletcore. With soft lines, delicate details, and ultra feminine vibes, this aesthetic was practically made for the summer wedding circuit.
If you want to channel that ballet-inspired look this summer, this is the classy summer wedding guest dress for you. With a cozy merino wool cardigan layered over a pretty pink slip dress, it’s two looks in one impossibly chic outfit.
15: Lovely Lace Classy Summer Wedding Guest Dress
The perfect balance between sweet and sexy, this lacy pink dress has everything. A plunging neckline? Check. Dusty pink satin? Check. A stunning open back? Check.
We dare you to find a prettier classy summer wedding guest dress. We’ll wait.
16: Bold Floral Classy Wrap Dress
Wrap dresses are notoriously flattering, and this classy summer wedding guest dress is no exception. Vibrant florals make it the ultimate look for a tropical destination wedding — and the flowy fabric will save the day when humidity strikes.
Pair it with shoes that are made for traversing sand and prepare to match the colors of the sunset as they dip over the horizon.
17: Garden-Inspired Classy Summer Wedding Guest Dress
A blossoming hydrangea floral print means you’ll fit right in with a botanical summer wedding. As an added bonus, this classy dress has a removable belt and elastic waist — a necessity after a few pieces of wedding cake.
Outdoor Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
A wedding that doubles as an opportunity to get your tan on? Sign us up! While nothing beats the free-spirited, boho vibes of an outdoor wedding, dressing for a day spent in the summer sun can have its challenges.
Outdoor summer wedding guest dresses should be ultra breathable (but not so airy that they float up with the breeze) and look great with a natural backdrop (for all those sunset photoshoots!). Think colorful florals, cottagecore mini dresses, and relaxed silhouettes.
18: Destination Wedding-Approved Outdoor Dress
Blessed are the wedding guests that get invited to a destination event somewhere truly magical. If you’re one of the lucky few this summer, make the most out of the gorgeous views with this vibrant outdoor summer wedding guest dress.
A sweet ruffled mini skirt will keep you photo-ready, whether you’re clinking wine glasses in Tuscany or swaying by sea views in Greece.
19: Shimmery Green Outdoor Summer Wedding Guest Dress
If you’re not ready to fully commit to the metallics trend, this dress is a more subtle (but still very shimmery) option. With delicate metallic threading woven throughout, we don’t know who will shine more at your next outdoor wedding: you or the sun.
Style it with some radiant block heels to capitalize on the glimmer (and still gracefully walk on outdoor terrain).
20: Daring Cut-Out Outdoor Summer Wedding Guest Dress
The hot girl summer version of cottagecore, this outdoor summer wedding guest dress has some serious attitude. With an enticing cut-out, an asymmetrical neckline, and a stand-out ruffle skirt, we don’t know what details to look at first — but we do know that all eyes will be on you.
21: Cottagecore Outdoor Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Puffed and billowy sleeves have proven that they are here to stay — and we’re not mad about it. With this fitted midi dress, the billowy sleeves and mixed linen fabric will keep you feeling as fresh as you look.
And, thanks to its versatile and on-trend silhouette, you can easily give this outdoor summer wedding guest dress a second life for Sundays at the farmers market or nights out with your crew.
22: Lemon-Infused Outdoor Summer Wedding Guest Dress
When life gives you a lemon-infused lace dress, wear it to a summer outdoor wedding! This gorgeous gown was practically made for sunny days spent celebrating your loved ones, limoncello in hand.
Remove the belt for a paired back look perfect for a sweet garden party, or keep it on for a vibrant statement at a Southern soirée.
23: Elegant Ruched Outdoor Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Tired of wearing the same old slip dress to every event on your calendar this summer? Switch it up with this rouched, one-shoulder outdoor dress. With an unexpected color palette, this gown gives an age-old look an edgy update.
Pair it with black accessories for an evening spent under the stars or white accessories for a classy daytime affair.
24: Statement Floral Outdoor Summer Wedding Guest Dress
A vintage-inspired look that makes a serious statement, this outdoor summer wedding guest dress is just TOO GOOD. That one-shoulder neckline and handkerchief skirt will have everyone asking: “who is she?” Trust us, this is definitely not your grandmother’s floral dress.
25: Romantic Ruffle Outdoor Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Embrace your divine feminine energy with this romantic ruffle outdoor dress. It’s dreamy and charming and would look so sweet for an outdoor backyard wedding. We’d wear it with a glowy, natural makeup look for ultimate summertime vibes.
26: Playful and Bright Outdoor Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Weddings are all about celebrating love, and there’s nothing that screams celebration like a bright, cheerful print. Remember: every couple wants their party to feel joyful and full of life. This playful outdoor summer wedding guest dress does just that.
27: Sunny Outdoor Wedding Guest Dress
Speaking of radiating joy, can we get a round of applause for this charming sun print dress? There will be no clouds in sight when you rock this look — making it perfect for an outdoor bash.
But no need to reserve this gown just for wedding season! With a totally wearable silhouette, this summery shirtdress is also perfect for Saturday picnics, warm-weather coffee dates, and even those middle-of-the-week workdays when you really need a pick-me-up.
Casual Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
While formal dress codes may be on the rise, summer weddings still tend to lean more on the casual side compared to fall and winter nuptials.
With more hours of daylight, playful outdoor events, and the carefree vibes that come with warm weather, casual summer wedding guest dresses will go a long way this season. Don’t be afraid to gravitate toward fabrics like cotton and linen and invest in silhouettes you plan to wear well past the last dance.
GWS Tip! Even if your wedding invite calls for a casual dress code, it’s always best to add a touch of elegance to your wedding guest look. It’s called a big day for a reason, and most couples would rather you dress slightly up versus down. If you’re going casual, still make it chic and (importantly) photogenic.
28: Ocean Blue Casual Summer Wedding Guest Dress
It’s no secret that we love a beach ceremony, and we’re OBSESSED with this ocean-inspired casual summer wedding guest dress. You’ll stay on-theme at a sandy ceremony in Tulum or a boathouse reception in New England. For styling? Beachy waves, of course!
29: Sleek One-Shoulder Casual Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Calling all one-shoulder fanatics! Made with super soft, stretchy knit, this sleek casual dress is cool and comfortable. Plus, it looks way more expensive than its $40 price tag (and comes in multiple colors), so there’s nothing stopping you from buying one or even two. You definitely don’t want to sleep on this one!
30: Breezy Blue Summer Wedding Guest Dress
If you’re looking for a breathable fabric, you can’t get much much breezier than a gauze cotton blend. Throw this casual summer wedding guest dress on over your head and you’ve got a classic, airy look in mere seconds.
As an added bonus, when you buy a cotton piece from J.Crew you’re supporting the Better Cotton Initiative, which promotes more responsibly grown cotton. It’s a win-win!
31: Watercolor Casual Milkmaid Dress
It’s the silhouette we’re going to be wearing all summer long: a smocked bodice, a square neckline, and a short flirty hemline. In other words, the milkmaid dress still has a hold on us — and that applies during wedding season as well.
This casual summer wedding guest dress nails the nap dress look, and gives it a wedding-ready twist with a nature-inspired watercolor print. We can’t wait to wear this for outdoor cocktail hours and casual summer afternoons alike.
From cut-out slip dresses to flowy milkmaid dresses, we’ve rounded up the summer gowns that will have you looking your best.
32: Sunny Yellow Casual Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Yellow is having its moment! This casual, sunny number is so much more than your average t-shirt dress, with a tie detail around the waist that is endlessly flattering. Inject this look with some personality by styling it with statement tassel earrings or a pair of trendy wedges.
33: Airy Linen Casual Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Add dimension to your look (without adding weight) with this tiered linen casual summer wedding guest dress. It’s a timeless ‘fit that will never steer you wrong, and the highlighter yellow hue makes it modern for a fashion-forward guest.
34: Flouncy Casual Summer Wedding Guest Dress
For summer weddings, black can feel too heavy, and white is a no-go (for obvious reasons!). That’s why we love this tan hue for a neutral look that shines during warmer months. Combined with flouncy sleeves and a flirtatious open back, this casual dress holds a spot in the wedding attire elite.
35: Sophisticated Long Sleeved Casual Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you have to retire your long sleeves! For those who want a bit more coverage, this long sleeved casual summer wedding guest dress maintains that bright summer energy with an earthy floral print and fluttery skirt.
36: Chic Casual Summer Wrap Gown
Classic and elegant, this casual summer wrap dress will never go out of style. With fluttery sleeves and a bubbly shade of magenta, it will effortlessly take you from day to night.
Plus, that flowy skirt was made for twirling around the dance floor to Harry Styles’ new album (let’s hope the DJ is taking requests!).
37: Sweet Babydoll Casual Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Sweet and casual babydoll dresses like this one are always a good choice, whether you’re rubbing elbows with family members at the dinner table or trying to impress old high school friends at the bar. Style it with some sky-high platforms and you’ll appear as if you have legs for days.
Summer Evening Wedding Guest Dresses
Similar to formal attire, summer evening wedding guest dresses tend to be on the classier end of the fashion spectrum. Instead of the short, playful gowns you would rock at a morning or daytime wedding, these dresses are typically longer and more sophisticated — similar to your classic cocktail dress.
But don’t let this stop you from showing off your personal style! Summer evening gowns can still be as bright, bold, or trendy as you want them to be. For these picks, we decided on all of the above.
38: Romantic Ruffle Summer Evening Wedding Guest Dress
Despite its throwback details, like a high-low skirt and cold shoulder ruffles, this summer evening wedding guest dress feels as fresh as spring blooms.
With pink and purple flowers blossoming across the dress, it’s making a name for itself as a romantic classic. Careful — you might just outdo the bouquets.
39: Sunset-Inspired Billowy Sleeve Evening Dress
Stealing its orangey red hue from a summer sunset, this puffed sleeve dress would set the mood for an intimate evening wedding. While we adore the square neckline and cinched waist, the real show-stopper is in the back.
You’ll definitely add a touch of drama with the cut-out design along the hips and sweet bow-tie detail.
40: Regal Summer Evening Gown
This evening summer wedding guest dress isn’t named the “Gatsby” dress for nothing. Juxtaposing a romantic vintage print with a sultry plunging neckline, this dress exudes Flapper era party vibes.
And, with so many events and celebrations lined up for the coming months, it’s finally starting to feel like the Roaring ’20s. You might as well dress like it!
41: Floral Cut-Out Summer Evening Wedding Guest Dress
Picture this: It’s golden hour. You’re at a beachside wedding. You’re raising a toast to the newlyweds with a sparkling glass of champagne. And you’re wearing this glowing orange evening dress.
Excuse us as we add this tropical cut-out gown to our carts IMMEDIATELY.
42: Airy Yellow Evening Dress
It’s about the little things, and for this evening dress those are all the gorgeous details that make it shine. From the delicate buttons on the bodice to the faint flowers on the fabric to the bow designs on the shoulders, the details of this gown make a big statement. We wouldn’t blame you if you never wanted to take it off.
43: Oh-So Sweet Summer Evening Wedding Guest Dress
How many ruffles are too many ruffles? The answer: you can NEVER have too many ruffles. This summer evening dress embodies this philosophy with layers of ribbon-like ruffles that give it a cheeky flair.
Commit to the oh-so sweet vintage vibes by adding some pearlcore accessories, like a luminescent headband or a dainty pearl necklace.
44: Bright and Bold Summer Evening Gown
For those that are always the life of the party, this evening dress is a bright, bold, and ultra fun statement that fits your personality.
If your next wedding trips takes you to Hawaii or another tropical island, you won’t find a better ‘fit for the occasion.
Long Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
Mini dresses may be trendy, but long dresses are forever. With long summer wedding guest dresses, you can look instantly elegant without any effort required. Plus, you don’t have to worry about an afternoon breeze giving you an unwanted Marilyn Monroe moment.
Just remember: think about the venue when choosing the perfect long gown — after all, you don’t want your hemline dragging along grass or dirt as you make your way around the festivities. Our favorites stop just before the ground (and feature flowier silhouettes to help you beat the heat).
45: Boho Long Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Summer is the season when boho dresses finally get their moment in the spotlight. This bohemian dream, in particular, is the crème de la crème of long summer wedding guest dresses.
With an open back, a smocked bodice, and an airy skirt, this dress is so comfortable you’ll feel like you aren’t wearing anything at all.
And did we mention it comes in 17 different colors?
46: Vacation-Ready Long Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Why not extend your destination wedding weekend for a few extra days soaking up the sun? This long dress will take you from party central to lounging by the beach in the seconds it takes you to type up your “out of the office” memo. With that palm tree print, we can almost feel the sand in our toes already.
47: Rosy Cottagecore Long Evening Dress
The artsy rose print on this long dress is seriously swoon-worthy. We can’t get enough of the plunging V-neck and delicate ruffle trim. And, the dainty tie at the neckline is simply the bow on top of a stunning stand-out gown.
Wow your fellow wedding-goers by pairing this dress with pink or blue accessories to match the vibrant shades of the flowers.
48: Feminine and Fluttery Long Summer Gown
When it comes to cut-outs for long summer wedding guest dresses, this gown is doing everything right. Two pops of skin in the front open up to a show-stopping open back with an alluring lace-up detail. You’ll definitely want to wear your hair up with this one!
49: Delicate Something Blue Long Dress
The gorgeous blue and purple flowers on this long dress are simply too chic to resist. With both casual and formal potential, you’re guaranteed to be wearing this gown all summer long.
50: Garden-Inspired Long Summer Guest Gown
Garden party, here we come! We love long summer wedding guest dresses that still show off our shoes, and this gown has understood the assignment.
Style this feminine floral dress with cute but practical clutch and you’re ready a day of dancing, catching up, and cheers-ing true love.
51: Long Daisy Milkmaid Dress
For those casual weddings where you still want the coverage of a long dress, this cotton frock is your new best friend. We can’t get enough of the itty bitty daisy print, the whimsical fluttery sleeves, and the flattering tiered skirt — but the shining moment has to be the pockets!
Completing The Best-Dressed Guest Look
Like we mentioned earlier, accessories are a summer wedding guest’s secret fashion weapon. With the right frosting and some strategic styling, you can earn the moniker “best-dressed guest” for every wedding you attend this season — without having the drop a small fortune on dresses.
But first, you’ll need the right accessories in your arsenal. Some show-stopping tassel earrings or an eye-catching statement necklace can breathe new life into a simple dress you’ve already worn to a few times. Similarly, different shoes can completely transform a summer wedding guest dress from casual to cocktail to black tie (here are a few of our faves for doing just that).
Another fool-proof tactic? Just switch up your beauty look by adding a wedding-ready headband, rocking a bold lip, or making your nails the star of the show.
What is your best-dressed guest strategy for the summer wedding season? Fill us in on all the details in the comments below!