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? 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 dress for a seaside beach wedding, a summer gown for a formal black-tie ballroom ceremony, or a slip dress that’s versatile enough for any dress code in between, we’ve got you covered.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the 28 best summer dresses on the market for everything from casual to cocktail weddings, spanning a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points from Refinery29 reader-favorite brands like Free People, Abercrombie & Fitch, Zara, and Farm Rio. All that’s 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.
For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
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, opt for lighter, pastel-hued shades, or invest in a timeless black gown. 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
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
Staud Cadence Dress
An ombre print is another easy way to implement color without going for a statement pattern.
Shop Staud
Staud Ombre Cadence Dress, $, available at Staud
Mango Strapless Dress with Sweetheart Neckline
Simple and chic, this classic black gown will become your go-to party dress for weddings all summer (and all year) long.
Shop Mango
Mango Strapless Dress with Sweetheart Neckline, $, available at Mango
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
J.Crew Collection Tiered Ruffle Dress
J.Crew has its fair share of special occasion dresses, like this chiffon maxi dress that’s calling for you to dance the night away.
Shop J.Crew
J.Crew Collection Tiered Ruffle Dress in Chiffon, $, available at J.Crew
Skims Deep Plunge Halter Long Dress
Yes, Skims has wedding guest dress options, like this black maxi dress with a plunging halter neckline perfect for summer nights.
Shop Skims
Skims Deep Plunge Halter Long Dress, $, available at Skims
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Get ready to dance all night long, cool drink in hand, while wearing a sleek cocktail dress. Pick a traditional midi-length style with eye-catching details, like a one-shoulder neckline, textured overlay, or side cutouts. Or opt for a mini or maxi dress with unexpected bustier-style tops or statement slits.
Shop Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor Halter Sleeveless Midi Flare Dress, $, available at Ann Taylor
Hutch Off-The-Shoulder Bow Mini Dress
We’ve fallen in love with the feminine bow embellishments (a big summer trend) and playful puff sleeves on this Anthropologie new arrival.
Shop Anthropologie
Hutch Off-The-Shoulder Bow Mini Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Petal & Pup Vienna Strapless Midi Dress
Look soft and classic in this simple but statement-making sage green strapless dress.
Shop Petal & Pup
Petal & Pup Vienna Strapless Midi Dress, $, available at Petal & Pup
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
Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress
An Abercrombie & Fitch “Giselle” pleated style is a top-tier choice for a wedding guest dress that you can wear time and time again.
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
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
Pari Passu Floral Long Sleeve Poplin Shirtdress
If your upcoming cocktail-attire wedding is being held during the day, 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 Free People
Free People Primmy Midi Dress, $, available at Free People
L’Agence Jodie Silk Slip Dress
A slip dress can easily be dressed up or down, making it 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
Cider Curve Square Neck Twist Slit Midi Dress
This modern milkmaid dress can be dressed up with heels or down with summer sandals.
Shop Cider
cider Curve Square Neck Twist Slit Midi Dress, $, available at Cider
Madewell x Agua Bendita Daphne Maxi Dress
Attend a casual garden party wedding in a floral maxi dress that can also double as a vacation dress.
Shop Madewell
Madewell x Agua Bendita Daphne Maxi Dress, $, available at Madewell
Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress
We can’t recommend this Quince bestseller enough because of its effortlessly elegant silhouette and (thankfully) washable material.
Shop Quince
Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress, $, available at Quince
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
Zara Linen Blend Printed Shirtdress
Easy breezy linen dresses are perfect for casual weddings, especially when it’s a printed shirt dress that can be styled multiple ways.
Shop Zara
Zara Linen Blend Printed Shirtdress, $, available at Zara
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 that is especially fitting for a destination wedding. 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
Asos Edition Embellished Stone Halterneck Mini Dress
Look as if you just emerged from the sea with this net-like beaded mini dress that’s as intricate as it is effortless.
Shop Asos
ASOS EDITION Embellished Stone Halterneck Mini Dress, $, available at ASOS
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 like this on-trend yellow.
Shop Show Me Your Mumu
Show Me Your Mumu Stella Smocked Dress, $, available at Show Me Your Mumu
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 a seaside nuptial.
Shop Farm Rio
Farm Rio Fresh Macaws Midi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio
H&M Drawstring-detail Maxi Dress
Pops of white are acceptable when combined with a bright, summery print.
Shop H&M
H&M Drawstring-detail Maxi Dress, $, available at H&M
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Free People Ciella Printed Maxi Dress
Yes, cocktail dresses can be floor-length, and our eyes are on this rich-toned floral, smocked Free People dress.
Shop Free People
FP One Ciella Printed Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People
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
For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
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
