40 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses You Can Wear From Memorial Day to Labor Day
Since you're here, there's a good chance that your fridge is full of save-the-dates and wedding invites for summer 2024. (After all, our Real Weddings Study shows that it's one of the most popular times of year to get married.) Well, if that's the case, let us save you some stress and help you find a cute summer wedding guest dress you can re-wear all season long.
It can be tough to find a summer dress for weddings—especially when tricky dress codes like 'beach formal' and 'daytime attire' come into play. And we can't forget about factors like heat and humidity. The good news is that there are plenty of options to get you through the dog days of June, July and August in style, and we've rounded up 40 of the best examples of summer wedding guest attire. Keep reading to browse our shoppable picks, and get expert advice on seasonal styling.
(Psst. Once you've found a dress, you can head over to our wedding guest shoe roundup to find the perfect pair to finish your look.)
In this article:
- Short and Casual Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
- Long and Elegant Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
- The Best Summer Dress Trends for Wedding Guests
- Where to Buy Dresses to Wear to Summer Weddings
Short and Casual Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
Heading to a semi-formal beach wedding or laidback garden party? Lean into shorter lengths and casual fabrics that still feel festive. Bold colors and fun prints are fair game too. Then, accessorize with simple jewelry and a pair of wedges, block heels or flats. Ahead, shop 20 of the best casual summer dresses for weddings, ranging from tropical mini styles to flowy, high-low frocks.
1. Floral Poplin Midi Dress
Size Range: XXS - XXL | Petite, Regular, Tall
2. Jacquard Dress With Puff Sleeves
Size Range: XS - XL
3. Black Linen Mini Dress
Size Range: 0 - 12
4. Black Floral Mini Dress
Size Range: XXS - XL
5. Short Tropical Summer Dress
Size Range: XS - XL
6. Simple Pink Midi Dress
Size Range: 0 - 16
7. Floral Linen Mini Dress
Size Range: 0 - 14
8. Blue Lace Dress With Sleeves
Size Range: XXS - XXXXL
9. Ruffled High-Low Halter Dress
Size Range: XS - XL
10. Blue Floral Mini Dress
Size Range: XS - 3X
11. Orange Pleated Halter Dress
Size Range: XS - XL
12. Long-Sleeve Patterned Mini Dress
Size Range: XXS - XL
13. Plisse Lace-Up Mini Dress
Size Range: XS - XL
14. Rosette Sash Mini Dress
Size Range: 14 - 32
15. Blue Dress With Flared Sleeves
Size Range: 0 - 14
16. Black Sleeveless Event Dress
Size Range: XS - XL
17. Tile Print Short Sleeve Mini Dress
Size Range: XXS - XL
18. Tie-Neck Little Black Dress
Size Range: XXS - XL
19. Short Tiered Organza Dress
Size Range: XXS - XXL | Petite, Regular, Tall
20. Pearl Halter Occasion Dress
Size Range: 14 - 32
Long and Elegant Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
If the dress code leans more formal, now's your chance to wear a long, fancy frock. Look for elegant styles with silky fabrics, floor-grazing skirts and dramatic silhouettes, then elevate your look with statement jewelry or a bold headpiece. Ahead, you'll find 20 of the best options that can take you from the start of the season to late summer.
1. Flowy Pleated Cutout Dress
Size Range: XXS - XXL | Petite, Regular, Tall
2. Teal Twisted Floral Sundress
Size Range: XXS - XXL
3. Formal Tropical Silk Dress
Size Range: XS - 3X | Plus, Petite, Standard
4. Tropical Maxi Dress With Ruffled Shoulders
Size Range: S - XL
5. Blue Floral Maxi Dress
Size Range: XS - XL
6. Colorful Floral Halter Dress
Size Range: XS - XL
7. Chartreuse Satin Midi Dress
Size Range: XS - XL
8. One-Shoulder Trapeze Evening Gown
Size Range: 14 - 32
9. Long Tiered Floral Dress
Size Range: 0 - 16
10. Tiered Tropical Printed Maxi
Size Range: XS - XL
11. Colorful Maxi Dress With Sleeves
Size Range: XXS - XL
12. Long Strapless Floral Sundress
Size Range: XS - XL
13. Flowy Green Maxi Dress
Size Range: 2 - 16
14. Formal One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Size Range: 14 - 26
15. Green One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Size Range: XXS - XL
16. Bold Pink High-Low Dress
Size Range: XXS - XXL | Petite, Regular, Tall
17. Colorful Patterned Smock Dress
Size Range: 00 - 18
18. Pink Tiered Floral Gown
Size Range: XXS - XXL | Petite, Regular, Tall
19. Floral Pleated Midi Dress
Size Range: XS - XL
20. Printed Backless Maxi Dress
Size Range: XXS - XL
The Best Summer Dress Trends for Wedding Guests
Wondering what to look for in a cute summer wedding guest dress? These three trends are a great place to start. Tropical prints, cutouts and halter necklines are expected to be some of the *hottest* styles for 2024 (and chances are, they might already be in your closet). Let's break it down:
- Tropical Prints: Don't get us wrong, classic florals will never go out of style, but this year, we're seeing tropical prints take center stage. It makes sense, really. Palm trees and hibiscus flowers are synonymous with summer, so why not incorporate them into summer clothes? If you want to switch things up this season, swap your classic floral frock with a tropical-printed maxi for an island-inspired vibe.
- Cool Cutouts: It's no surprise that cutouts are making their way into the spotlight as we head into summer 2024. Warm weather offers the perfect excuse to show a little skin and a side or midriff cutout can be an excellent way to do so. The options are virtually endless when it comes to cutouts. They can be sweet and subtle, like a keyhole slit, or more daring, like waistline cutouts that extend into an open back.
- Halter Necklines: With nostalgia taking over the internet, throwback styles like the halter are quickly making their way back onto the scene. The '90s-inspired trend was practically made for summer, as it's often paired with an open back for a lightweight, breathable feel. Plus, halter necklines show off the shoulders, making them a great way to get your tan on under the sun at an outdoor wedding this summer.
Where to Buy Dresses to Wear to Summer Weddings
Need more ideas? Now that you know how to narrow your search, browse these editor-favorite websites that ship right to your door. There are pages upon pages of dresses you can wear to a summer wedding as a guest.
- Reformation: If you've got a jam-packed wedding season ahead of you and are looking for a timeless outfit that can be worn again and again, Reformation is the perfect place to begin your search. The classic, understated looks available in their Wedding and Party Dresses section will quickly make their way into your most-worn rotation—and because they're made from high-quality sustainable materials, they'll last for years to come.
- Abercrombie & Fitch: Whether you're shopping online or in-store at one of their many locations throughout the country, you're sure to find countless summer wedding guest dress options at Abercrombie & Fitch. Their virtual Wedding Shop makes it easy to browse options all in one place. Plus, we love that most of their dresses are available in standard, petite and tall sizing.
- REVOLVE: With a fashion-forward look from REVOLVE, you'll be well on your way to earning yourself the title of 'best-dressed guest' this summer. Their Occasion Ready Dresses section allows you to sort through a variety of designer options in all different colors and patterns, including mini dresses, gowns and everything in between. With all the season's trendiest looks in their lineup, it's easy to find a standout pick at REVOLVE.
- Sachin & Babi: Sachin & Babi is your one-stop shop for all things event attire. No matter the dress code of the wedding you're attending, you're bound to find a look you love on their website. Within their Wedding Guest section, you'll find plenty of modest options as well. Plus, if you decide to opt for a pantsuit, romper or jumpsuit instead, Sachin & Babi carries an exciting array of wedding-ready options you're sure to love.