The 10 Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses, According to a Fashion Stylist

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Once the weather starts to warm up, getting dressed feels a tad easier for me. Gone are the days of piling on layers and searching for cute yet functional boots. Easy outfit combos take their place, and a T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers or sundresses and sandals work for nearly every occasion.

However, selecting what to wear to a summer wedding is a different story. These joyful events usually come with specific dress codes, and on top of staying cool (which is key if the ceremony is taking place outside), I also want to look nice. As someone who writes about fashion and works as a stylist, I also enjoy getting dressed up, which is why once I receive those Save the Dates, I instantly start searching for cute summer wedding guest dresses.

Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses at a Glance

• Meshki Claire Satin Drape Back Maxi Dress with Split, $115
• Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown, $215
• PRETTYGARDEN Summer Satin Dress , $56
• Quince 100% Washable Silk Square Neck Midi Dress, $130
• The Drop Women’s April One-Shoulder Cutout Tiered Midi Dress , $56
• Abercrombie The A&F Giselle Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress, $150
• Hutch Bow Halter Slim Mini Dress, $149
• Reformation Aiko Dress, $298
• Showpo Marlette Halter Neck Midi Dress, $110
• Bardot Mimi Linen Mini Dress, $169

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding, According to a Stylist

When deciding what to wear to a summer wedding, you really can’t go wrong with keeping things classic and opting for a sleeveless mid-length or maxi dress. Most of the time, cocktail attire means you can get playful, so incorporating details such as elevated floral prints, subtle cutouts, and even shorter lengths should be perfectly fine. Personally, I love a wedding guest dress that includes ruffles, pleats, tiers, or bow embellishments, all of which can add an element of fun to your look. And if dresses aren’t your thing, you can always rock a sleek jumpsuit or suit instead.

Unless you’re headed to a beach destination or expect the wedding to be super low-key, I would steer clear of anything that feels too casual. If you’d slip it on over your bathing suit, skip it and select something a bit fancier instead. Statement details—metallic sequins, low-cut necklines, etc.—can also be tricky. While most couples want you to feel and look your best, I’d double-check before rolling up in something super elaborate, which could end up making you the center of attention instead of the people getting married.

What Wedding Guest Colors Are Best for Summer, According to a Stylist

When selecting your summer wedding guest dress, I’d embrace seasonal shades like yellows, oranges, blues, greens, and pinks. Alternatively, you can play it safe and choose the muted alternative to these vibrant colors. While black is often associated with fall and winter, it’s versatile, looks good on everyone, and in 2024, considered to be seasonless. If you go that route, feel free to amp up your look with bold accessories, which will end up taking simple designs to the next level.

While wearing red to a wedding is sometimes seen as a controversial and over-the-top, I think it’s fine for guests to wear the color, especially in the summer, when brighter hues are everywhere. However, I would still avoid arriving in white or cream unless it’s noted as part of the dress code.