Best Dresses for a Summer Wedding
1
Best Maxi Dress
This floaty dress with a cape overlay begs to be twirled all night on the dance floor. Plus, with its flattering shape (a tie at the waist keeps it from swallowing you up) and cool olive tone, we suspect this piece will become a year-round closet staple long after it's pulled wedding-guest duties.
2
Best Midi Dress
A midi is a good way to go for summer gatherings; its mid-calf hem is more formal and polished-looking than a short sundress, but not as hot and cumbersome as a maxi. Slip into this perfectly flirty, vintage-inspired frock, embellished with delicate buttons and tiny textured polka dots, for any summer wedding. One look at it, and we can already taste the cucumber margarita—served in a mason jar, of course.
3
Best Floral Look
Fresh flowers are one of the lushest parts of a wedding celebration, and there’s no reason you can’t let your look get in on the fun. With a slightly cinched waist and wide legs that make it easy to bust a move (did you practice the Milly Rock?), this sweet jumpsuit is a winner for weddings.
4
Best Dress with Long Sleeves
If you’ve got a summer wedding in a not-so-summery location, don’t ruin a good dress by throwing a boring cardigan over it. Instead, rock a long-sleeve but eye-popping look like this one. Its fresh bursting-with-color print, swing above-the-knee shirt, and saucy braided belt make this dress by Australian brand Gorman a fabulous addition to your summer wardrobe.
5
Best Wrap Dress
When in doubt, reach for a wrap. Or, in this case, a breezy, sunny, happy version of the classic wrap dress. This super-flattering, softly ruffled gown with a fun high-low skirt gives off that elusive effortlessly chic vibe (even if you’re all giddy nerves inside). You'll look like a tall glass of water while you float up to the lemonade bar for a refill.
6
Best Bold-Print Dress
Turn heads in a sassy yet sophisticated dress splashed with big, bold flowers. The floaty layers will feel cool in the summer heat (though you may still find yourself using your wedding program as a fan) and the appealing design will look fresh and fashionable in photos.
7
Best Off-the-Shoulder Look
With an incredible off-the-shoulder outfit, you don’t need any frills. This super-chic minimalist jumpsuit has all you need to impress: a lovely color and a simple shape with a touch of drama. While you’re shopping, keep in mind that the reviews suggest you order one size up from your usual.
8
Best Halter Dress
This sweet sleeveless dress conjures up all of our visions of a laid-back afternoon soiree or a chic barn wedding. We can already picture posing next to the peonies or cooling off with a popsicle in one hand and a watermelon sangria in the other.
9
Best Chiffon Dress
Plan to spend hours on the dance floor? Optimize your twirling with a chiffon dress. This A-line by Rachel Parcell is Americana at its finest, with a vintage vibe that’s perfect for dancing under the twinkle lights.
10
Best Lace Dress
Lace is a great go-to for any summer wedding. This crochet-lace midi (sized especially for tall women) has an airy, graceful feel, thanks to a gorgeous powdery blue hue—it looks extra-stunning on darker skin tones—sexy off-the-shoulder neckline, and intricate overlay.
11
Best Sheath
You can’t go wrong with a (not-so-simple) sheath dress. Forget the chunky accessories with this one; its bright color and dramatic single shoulder are all the flair you need to make a statement.
12
Best Fit and Flare
Whether you're mingling with passed apps and a hibiscus punch at co*cktail hour or whooping your heart out for the sparkler sendoff, you'll feel comfy yet polished in this lace number by Eliza J.
13
Best Statement-Making Dress
We’ve all got that wedding where looking fabulous is a top priority. Channel your inner Gatsby party girl and strut into the place in swishy gold fringe—it’s the biggest statement you can make short of sporting a big white gown.
Foolproof Outfit Ideas for a Summer Wedding
Summer Wedding Look #1
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Slip dresses are back, baby, and they look just as great at a daytime ceremony as they do at a sultry evening reception (or an even-sultrier afterparty). Wear it with strappy sandals, oversized rose-tinted sunnies, and bring along a sheer kimono to drape over it all in case the temperature drops. Then grab a fun fringed bag and get the party started.
Summer Wedding Look #2
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A favorite on Amazon, this tiered off-the-shoulder dress is casual, romantic, and wildly affordable. Plus, its big ruffles and naturally crinkly chiffon make it easy to pack without fear of wrinkles if you’re heading off to a destination wedding. Jazz up the dress with gold shoes, shades, a bold-patterned clutch, and some matchy-matchy earrings.
Summer Wedding Look #3
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If you just haven’t found the dress or jumpsuit that excites you, go the two-piece route. It may feel cuckoo for a wedding, but in the case of these silky separates, you’ll look as cool and chic as that flute of frozen Prosecco you’re sipping on.
Plus-Size Summer Wedding Outfit
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With a satiny finish and a party-ready skirt, this off-the-shoulder number is a total stunner. Its striking solid shade makes the dress a fun canvas for with accessories bursting with all kinds of colors, patterns, and textures. The end result is an eye-catching look destined to drop jaws.
Foolproof Outfit for a Beach Wedding
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Ditch the heels and forget the form-fitting dresses if you’re heading to a beach wedding. We love this super-flowy, ocean-hued maxi whose decorative neckline means you don’t have to worry about jewelry. Add some raffia slide sandals you can kick off to feel the sand beneath your toes, and tuck your essentials into a wicker clutch (don’t forget to stash a bikini in there, too, in case of a celebratory post-wedding dip).
Fun Outfit for a Colorful, Casual Wedding
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Some couples forgo a traditionally subdued color scheme for a more casual, festive atmosphere. For such an event, be it a backyard barbecue or a quick jaunt over to City Hall followed by an afternoon at the couple’s favorite brewery, break out a fun neon romper. Really commit to the look and the day’s fun-loving vibe with bright wedges and heart-shaped jewelry.
Foolproof Outfit for a Formal Wedding
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Don’t cringe if you see the word “formal” when your wedding invitation arrives in the mail. Formal wedding guest attire has a reputation for being dull or stuffy, but it definitely doesn’t have to be. This striking embroidered lace gown is anything but boring. Pair it with simple, classic accessories, like pearl-drop earrings and gold strappy sandals.
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