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 ombré 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.
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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
Staud Ombré Floral Tie-Strap Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Anthropologie The Lorelei Ruched-Bodice Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
& 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
River Island Lime Green Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress, $, available at River Island
ELLIATT Cassini One-Shoulder Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
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
Abercrombie & Fitch Lace-Up Back Slip Midi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie
Saloni Neelam Dress, $, available at Shopbop
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
Birdy Grey Mia Convertible Dress Curve, $, available at Birdy Grey
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress Es, $, available at Reformation
ASOS DESIGN Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress With Floral Embellishment, $, available at ASOS
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