What to Wear to a Summer Wedding, According to Style Editors and Experts

Attending a wedding this summer? As a wedding editor who's attended her fair share of summer soirées, my closet is jam-packed with chiffon maxis, floral midis and too many block heels to count. In other words, I feel confident that I've cracked the code to the everlasting debate on what to wear to a summer wedding. Whether you're dressing for a formal, cocktail or casual event, there are some clear style dos and don'ts when it comes to picking an outfit that's weather appropriate (especially if you're assigned an ultra-niche dress code, like "elevated garden party" or "vibrant tropical formal"). When you know what they are, it's much easier to decide what to wear to a wedding in the summer.

I also tapped style experts at brands like Rent the Runway, Indochino and Suitsupply for their insight too. Below, read up on all the summer wedding guest attire hacks that'll make outfit planning a breeze. Keep scrolling for expert advice; then, consult our list of the best places to buy summer wedding guest attire for all types of events.

In this article:

• Summer Wedding Attire by Dress Code
• The Best Fabrics and Colors to Wear to a Summer Wedding
• Where to Shop For Summer Wedding Attire

Summer Wedding Attire by Dress Code

Photo: Sposto Photography

While rising temps may have you in a more laid-back state of mind, it's still important to consider the dress code before picking out your outfit for a summer wedding. The couple's invitation or wedding website should give an idea of their summer wedding attire expectations. For even more guidance, read up on the most common summer wedding dress codes below, and follow our style tips to find a great outfit for any occasion.

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Black-Tie or Summer Formal Wedding Attire

For a summer formal wedding, you can't go wrong with a well-tailored tuxedo or glamorous floor-length gown. There are plenty of ways to make your black-tie or summer formal attire more seasonally appropriate, like opting for a suit made from lightweight fabric or a formal wedding guest dress in a seasonal color or pattern. Accessories can help further elevate your formal attire for a summer wedding.

• Floor-length gown in a light fabric like chiffon or silk organza
• Tailored tuxedo or full suit
• Vibrant colors or soft pastels
• Floral patterns
• Pocket square with floral print
• Seasonal tie
• Embellished clutch

Cocktail & Semi-Formal Wedding Attire

If you think of wedding dress codes as a spectrum, both semi-formal and cocktail attire for summer weddings would fall somewhere in the middle. While neither dress code requires a complete tuxedo or floor-length evening gown, you'll still want to put some effort into your outfit.

• Maxi or midi dress
• Vibrant colors or soft pastels
• Floral patterns
• Suit without a tie
• Button-up top with sportcoat and slacks
• Heels or sandals

Casual Summer Wedding Attire

An invitation to a backyard wedding or a ceremony on the sand might seem like a chance to throw on your most casual summer wedding apparel, but there are some things you'll want to avoid. For the purposes of wedding wear, assume this dress code means business casual to be on the safe side. In other words, you should steer clear of jeans, flip-flops, athleisure and any other pieces of clothing that don't match the celebratory vibe of the day. Casual wedding attire should still appear somewhat dressy.

• Midi or mini dress
• Laid-back sundress in linen or structured cotton
• Chinos and polo shirt
• Sandals or low heels

The Best Fabrics and Colors to Wear to a Summer Wedding

Photo: Brandon Kidd Photography

When it comes to deciding what to wear to a summer wedding, your first instinct might be to reach for that classic black suit or floor-length gown, but dark colors and heavy fabrics are the last thing you'll want to be wearing on a scorching July afternoon. To avoid a potentially sweaty situation, here are a few key things to look for when picking out an outfit for an outdoor wedding, or any event this season.

• Airy dresses and skirts: "Wear dresses or skirts that allow for a bit of a breeze and are made from lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, charmeuse, jersey, crepe and viscose," says Blaire Walshe, a fashion expert with experience at brands like Rent the Runway, Louis Vuitton and Thom Browne.
• Loose silhouettes: Steer clear of anything overly form-fitting to prioritize comfort. For outdoor summer wedding attire, you can't go wrong with an A-line style or a loose-fit maxi dress.
• Blended suit fabrics: The right fabric composition for your suit is the key to keeping cool at a summer wedding. "Wool-linen suits are a popular choice for summer because they have the strength and durability of wool, paired with the lightweight feel of linen," says Dean Handspiker, vice president of retail at Indochino. "They also don't create as many wrinkles and creases as 100% linen suits do."
• Bold colors and prints: When thinking about what to wear to an outdoor summer wedding, consider sporting colors and patterns that will stand out against the setting, like floral and tropical prints, vibrant neons or dreamy pastels.
• Earth tones: Suitsupply style expert Marc Harmeling recommends wearing lighter shades that don't absorb as much heat from the sun. "Earth tones like beige, light gray and greens are go-to seasonal colors," he explains. "A natural color palette with beige and brown tones paired with a crisp white shirt freshens up any look."
• Functional footwear: Getting a stiletto caught in sand or grass can be a recipe for disaster. If you're attending an outdoor summer wedding, wear a functional pair of wedding guest shoes. Dressy sandals, ballet flats, woven loafers and espadrilles are great styles for summer. To add more height to your look, opt for a wedge or platform with a flat sole.
• Seasonal accessories: Pearl necklaces, seashell-shaped earrings and lifelike brooch boutonnieres make for great summer wedding guest accessories. You may also want a place to store your warm weather must-haves (like travel perfume or a portable fan), and that's where your wedding guest purse comes in. Consider styles with materials found in nature, like rattan or bamboo.

Where to Shop For Summer Wedding Attire

Photo: Megan Noll Photography

When you know exactly where to look, finding wedding attire for summer can actually be quite simple. Keep scrolling to check out a few of our favorite online retailers.

Editor's Picks: The Best Places to Buy Summer Wedding Guest Attire

Petal & Pup: Whether you're looking for summer wedding clothing to wear to a tropical destination wedding or an upscale garden party, you'll love the options at Petal & Pup. The beloved online boutique specializes in dresses for every occasion. Not to mention, they have plenty of styles under $100.

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Lulus: If you're a frequent wedding guest and looking to stock up on summer wedding clothes, check out Lulus. Not only are they one of the most affordable places to find dresses, jumpsuits and separates, the brand also has frequent sales. With so many options, you might even have room in the budget to grab a pair of shoes and some accessories as well.

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Nordstrom: When you aren't sure what to wear to a summer wedding, you can't go wrong with a trip to Nordstrom. The big-box retailer has over 350 locations across the country, which means you're never too far from a physical location. If shopping online is more your style, you can find tons of wedding-worthy outfits for summer weddings on their site.

Anthropologie: Willing to splurge on your formal summer wedding attire? At Anthropologie, you'll find plenty of fresh, of-the-moment styles from high-end labels. Shop online or in-store at one of their many retailers.

SuitShop: Investment suits at rental prices? No, it's not an enigma. If you're in the market for a new suit, the styles at SuitShop are high quality (and come in a range of colors and styles) starting at $199—a price that simply can't be beat.

Where to Buy Formal and Semi-Formal Summer Wedding Guest Attire

Rent the Runway: Amid a busy event season, it might not be feasible to buy all new sumer wedding guest outfits, but that's where Rent the Runway comes in. With options from nearly 800 designers on their site, renters gain access to the ultimate shared designer closet with endless options to choose from, starting at $65 a month for five items. You can also rent individual pieces for four to eight days.

Marie Oliver: The vibrant colors and abstract patterns found at Marie Oliver will easily earn you the title of "best-dressed guest." While prices skew on the higher end, they're top quality, investment pieces that are fit for summer destination weddings and tropical parties.

FARM Rio: Guests with a bold fashion sense will love the trendy and eye-catching options at FARM Rio. Whether you're attending a wedding in Cabo or California, the brand's seasonal styles will have everyone asking where you shop.

Bonobos: In addition to suits and tuxedos, Bonobos also offers a variety of outfit selections for less-formal weddings too, like blazers, chinos, button-ups and colorful printed shirts. You'll even find accessories like ties, pocket squares and more.

Meshki: Trendy, cool girl styles abound at Meshki, an Australian fashion brand that our editors love. You'll find sexy slip dresses with matching neck scarves, maxi gowns with asymmetrical drop waists and shimmering floor-length formal frocks.

Where to Buy Cocktail and Casual Summer Wedding Guest Attire

Abercrombie & Fitch: In case you didn't know, this buzzy retailer has evolved a lot since your middle school days. Abercrombie's glow-up includes the addition of The A&F Wedding Shop, where you can find high-quality summer wedding looks in standard, petite and tall sizing.

Hello Molly: Trend-setting gals, look no further than Hello Molly for your summer wedding guest outfit. This online retailer is always one step ahead of the curve, meaning your look will stand out for all the right reasons.

Hill House Home: The maker of the iconic Nap dress, Hill House also has dress styles that are appropriate for cocktail and casual summer weddings in tons of summery patterns and colors.

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Banana Republic: Banana Republic suits are some of the best budget-friendly options on the market. The brand's linen shop is especially ideal for finding styles in comfortable fabric that'll keep you cool on warm summer days.

Hunter Bell: The contemporary catalog of women's fashion styles at Hunter Bell are whimsical, feminine and oh-so-memorable. When you want a look that you won't see anyone else in, turn to this brand's array of statement midis and minis.

Where to Buy Plus-Size Summer Wedding Guest Attire

Bloomchic: There are so many beautiful floral patterns, pastel colors and elegant silhouettes at Bloomchic, at unbelievable prices too. Most of the brand's formal attire falls under $60.

ELOQUII: The range of size-inclusive trendy summer wedding guest styles makes it easy to find the perfect look for any event, no matter how niche the dress code. Standout styles for black-tie, formal and cocktail themes ensure you'll look (and feel) like a true style icon.

Torrid: Shop styles in sizes 10-30 at Torrid, where you'll find everything from garden party-worthy lace frocks to showstopping slip dresses. Complete your look with a summery pair of sandals or shimmery jewelry.

Want us to shop for you? The best summer wedding guest outfits are just a click away: