15 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses Guaranteed to Make You Best-Dressed
Whether you're preparing to attend one wedding or a string of celebrations over the next few months, finding the best summer wedding guest dress is always a challenge.
If the bride or groom-to-be doesn't have a specific dress code to abide by, this is a great time to invest in a dress that can be worn for both special occasions and more casual affairs, to extend its life well beyond the wedding. Opt for classic cuts—billowy maxis and sleek slips—in bold colorways or a fun print. As for material, stick with natural fibers like cotton and linen, or moisture-wicking tencel to ensure you get the most wear out of your piece even at peak summer temperatures.
Below, we've shopped out the best wedding guest dress styles from breezy maxi dresses and structured mini shifts that will easily transition from the reception to business meetings and weekend brunches long after the ceremony ends.With its breezy eyelet fabric cut to an elegant, collarbone-framing fit, this versatile style from Zara is a piece you'll cherish for years to come. After the beach wedding, wear it for a summertime date or a scenic stroll at the park.
Materials: cotton, viscose
Sizes: XS-XL
Color: black
$80.00 at zara.comThis colorful striped dress takes the guest work out of styling the trending pattern. Pair with understated jewelry and a sleek clutch.
Material: linen
Sizes: XS-2XL
Color: green
$390.00 at net-a-porter.comThis dreamy green gown balances out an elegant cowl neck with a slightly more daring open back for a effect that is both polished yet unstuffy.
Material: polyester
Sizes: 2XS-XL
Colors: silver sage green, poppy red, ashen and two more
$118.00 at aritzia.com'Reformation is a go-to when it comes to what to wear for the wedding season. This sunny and bright silk column dress will pair nicely against any summery backdrop— whether you're planning to head to a beachside wedding, a dreamy outdoor garden wedding, or a far-flung European destination.' —Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead
Material: silk
Sizes: 0-10
Colors: honeyglow, sage, trieste, and porcelain
$298.00 at saksfifthavenue.comA minimalist design doesn't have to be dull and By Malene Birger proves it. The Marc dress, available in a midnight blue, features a drop-waisted full skirt, perfect for layering under a light scarf or a linen blazer for when it gets extra chilly at night.
Material: cotton
Sizes: 2XS-XL
Color: bright ink
$300.00 at modaoperandi.comPosse's the Aussie brand you need to know if you love eye-catching linens. The new Rosalie dress is cut to a swingy shift with a high neck and a low-scoop back and features the perfect vintage-style rose motif for coastal weddings and upstate getaways.
Material: linen
Sizes: 2XS-2XL
Color: rose bud
$329.00 at possethelabel.comIf your destination wedding travel plans have you routed to a tropical locale, you'll need a gown that can look the part. Taller Marmo's bumble gum pink linen-blend dress comes fringe-adorned and ready for you to dance the night away.
Materials: 57% linen, 30% viscose, 13% polyamide
Sizes: 0-16
Color: pink
$1215.00 at net-a-porter.comFans of gingham rejoice as the pattern which immediately calls to mind idyllic pastures and restful past times isn't going anywhere. To transition this fall-favorite into the spring, opt for a cotton seersucker style complete with a classic square neckline and spaghetti straps.
Materials: 65% recycled poly, 35% cotton
Sizes: 2XS-2XL
Colors: noir, rouge
$328.00 at shopdoen.comThis black and white dress is on-trend and perfect for swanky black-tie ceremonies and breezy beach nuptials alike. Pair with a cherry red handbag and a low kitten heel.
Materials: 51% linen, 46% rayon, 3% elastane; fabric2: 83% recycled viscose, 17% polyester
Sizes: black, white
Colors: XS-XL
$645.00 at net-a-porter.comIf the wedding destination calls for some bohemian flair, you can't go wrong with Zimmermann's Ascension dress, which features a floral print cotton-voile that's been cut to a halter-neck style. Finish the look with chunky gold jewelry and a sleek gladiator sandal.
Material: cotton
Sizes: 2-12
Color: beige
$1150.00 at net-a-porter.comJ.Crew's transparent baby blue slip is giving major early aughts vibes. If you prefer going mini for your upcoming wedding, we suggest pairing it with a thong-heeled sandal and the charm necklace you picked out with your bestie (and bride-to-be). It can be her something blue too!
Materials: 69% viscose, 31% polyamide
Sizes: 00-24
Colors: calm blue, black
$248.00 at jcrew.comMadewell's shirred poplin maxi dress is simplicity at its finest and the style you'll get the most wear out of post-wedding season. Wear it now with a cord necklace and a raffia flat then layered under a trench coat and with Mary Jane flats come fall.
Material: cotton
Sizes: 2XS-3X
Colors: jet black, festive red, graphic sunflowers
$138.00 at madewell.comThis voluminous maxi from Cos balances out the vibrant color with delicate pleating along the bust and slip straps. Plus, it's made of linen, which means you'll stay cool no matter how hot it gets. Style it with wedge sandals and your favorite sunglasses.
Material: linen
Sizes: 2-14
Colors: orange, black
€135.00 at cos.com'Unless the bride and groom state otherwise re: dress code, summer weddings can serve as a prime time to embrace color. This baby blue off-the-shoulder gown from Paris Georgia is simple yet statement making and constructed of a forgiving fabric that's perfect for dancing all night long.' —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
Materials: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
Sizes: XS-XL
Color: chalk blue
$780.00 at revolve.comA black dress that brings the drama—respectfully, of course. Matteau's ruched midi dress cinches at the waist for a form-flatting fit while the breezy open skirt works just as well with a pointed-toe pump as it will with a heeled sandal.
Material: cotton
Sizes: 2-10
Colors: black, blue
$620.00 at net-a-porter.comFor more than 150 years, Harper's Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what's new and what's next in fashion by working with the world's leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
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