Finding a wedding guest dress you feel comfortable and look great in is no small feat. Add in the complexities of dressing for summer — hello, wrinkly fabrics and visible sweat marks — and you’ve got a major project on your hands. The good news? Even if your calendar is already chock-full of save-the-dates through September, you don’t have to waste your weekend braving the fluorescent-lit dressing rooms at your local mall to find the perfect summer wedding guest dress.
The best summer wedding guest dresses for every kind of body, budget, and occasion do exist — and they can all be delivered to your doorstep faster than you can say, “Miss me with that bouquet toss.”
Whether you’re shopping for a stylish plus-size cocktail dress for your cousin’s formal wedding, a trendy dress that won’t break the bank for your BFF’s casual backyard affair, or a slip dress you can toss a jean jacket over come fall, we’ve got you covered.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the 26 best summer wedding guest dresses on the market, spanning a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points. All you have left to do is pick out that perfect mani color, strap on your trusty pair of dancing shoes, and raise your glass to the happy couple.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
Dress to impress for black-tie weddings. The formal affair calls for cascading gowns in satin, tulle, and silk fabrics. Feel free to dive into your red carpet dreams of rich gem tones, or opt for lighter, pastel-hued shades. No matter your vibe, there’s a range of summer wedding guest dresses perfect for your upcoming formal affairs.
Shop Lulus
Lulus Spellbinding Beauty Navy Glitter Sleeveless Tulle Maxi, $, available at Lulus
BCBG Max Azaria Kiana One Shoulder Gown
This elegant blue gown not only boasts a showstopping color, but also its side cutout gives some unexpected ooh la la vibes.
Shop BCBG MAX AZARIA
BCBG MAX AZARIA Kiana One Shoulder Gown, $, available at BCBG MAX AZRIA
Asos Edition Satin Off-the-Shoulder Drape Wrap Maxi Dress
This pinkish taupe hue is the perfect modern neutral. It’ll look great with both demure and over-the-top accessories.
Shop Asos
ASOS EDITION Satin Off-the-Shoulder Drape Wrap Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Birdy Grey Mia Convertible Satin Dress
Two dresses for the price of one, this terracotta number from Birdy Grey can be worn on the shoulder or off.
Shop Birdy Grey
Birdy Grey Mia Convertible Dress Curve, $, available at Birdy Grey
L’Idée Renaissance Sleeveless Pleated Gown
Elegant with a hint of ’70s style, this emerald-hued number gives serious Studio 54 vibes.
Shop Saks Fifth Avenue
L’IDEE Renaissance Sleeveless Pleated Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress Es
Available in two patterns and this stunning solid blue hue — in sizes 14 to 24 — this Reformation dress is bound to turn heads at any occasion.
Shop Reformation
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress Es, $, available at Reformation
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Get ready to dance all night long, cool drink in hand, while wearing a sleek cocktail dress. Pick a midi-length style with eye-catching details, like a one-shoulder neckline, puffy sleeves, or a frilly skirt for a bit more summer pizzazz. Cocktail dresses are tried-and-true and will have you looking perfectly on theme no matter what.
Shop Nordstrom
ELLIATT Cassini One-Shoulder Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
& Other Stories Babydoll Tied Sleeve Detail Dress
Hot weather doesn’t stand a chance against this flowy number with its seriously on-trend puff sleeves.
Shop & Other Stories
& Other Stories Babydoll Tied Sleeve Detail Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown
With stylish ruching and a dramatic one-shoulder design, this Norma Kamali x Revolve gown will have all eyes on you.
Shop Revolve
Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown, $, available at Revolve
Embellished Bandeau Column Midi Dress
Just a hint of sparkle at the top of this Karen Millen gown means you can leave those oversized accessories at home.
Shop Karen Millen
Karen Millen Embellished Bandeau Column Midi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Eloquii Tiered Puff Sleeve Dress
Light, flowy, and perfectly sunny, this Eloquii dress just screams “summer.”
Shop Eloquii
Eloquii Tiered Puff Sleeve Dress, $, available at Eloquii
River Island Lime Green Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress
Dramatic fringe and a bright color are sure to make this River Island number a summer staple.
Shop River Island
River Island Lime Green Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress, $, available at River Island
Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
The styling opportunities are endless when it comes to a casual wedding. You can opt for a mini, midi, or maxi dress in a simple one-tone shade with subtle touches, or you can choose a cheerful pattern. The perk with these wedding guest dress designs is that you can actually wear them to plenty of other events, too.
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Lace-Up Back Slip Midi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie
UO Theodora Poplin Mini Dress
Comfy and bright, this popular Urban Outfitters dress looks just as good with a denim jacket as it does on its own.
Shop Urban Outfitters
Urban Outffiters Theodora Poplin Mini Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
BTFBM Ruffle Cap Sleeve Belted Maxi Dress
At only $45.99, this BTFBM number is as elegant as it is budget-friendly.
Shop Amazon
BTFBM Ruffle Cap Sleeve Belted Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Saloni Neelam Dress
This colorful dress has some unexpected and stylish details, like cutouts on the waist and puff sleeves.
Shop Shopbop
Saloni Neelam Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Love by Design Athen Plunging V-Neck Maxi Dress
Live your Angelina Jolie moment with this v-neck dress that has a dramatic slit.
Shop Nordstrom Rack
Love by Design Athen Plunging V-Neck Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress
This midi dress has stylish and unexpected details, like a belted waist and a ruffle on one shoulder.
Shop Madewell
Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Madewell
HBEYYTO V Neck Swiss Dot Sundress
A Swiss-dot sundress can go from a park picnic to a casual wedding with little more than a change of accessories.
Shop Amazon
HBEYYTO V Neck Swiss Dot Sundress, $, available at Amazon
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
Embrace your whimsical side for summer beach weddings. Slide into sandals, wedges, or espadrilles and feel airy and cool in a tropical-colored frock. Lightweight maxis or midis with a flowing skirt not only look dramatic in the summer breeze, but they can also protect you from — ahem — wardrobe malfunctions.
Shop Farm Rio
Farm Rio Yellow Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio
Ghost London Grace Dark Green Satin Midi Dress
Silky, light, and fluttery, this Ghost London dress has “summer” written all over it.
Shop Ghost London
Ghost London Grace Dark Green Satin Midi Dress, $, available at Ghost
Anthropologie The Lorelei Ruched-Bodice Midi Dress
Floral details and spaghetti straps make this Anthropologie midi dress the perfect beach wedding look.
Shop Anthropologie
Anthropologie The Lorelei Ruched-Bodice Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Free People On My Level Maxi Dress
The hottest days don’t stand a chance against this flowy number from Free People.
Shop Free People
Free People On My Level Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People
Pinup Fashion Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress with Pockets
The only thing better than a comfy maxi dress? One with pockets, of course.
Shop Amazon
Pinup Fashion Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress with Pockets, $, available at Amazon
SheBird The Emma Satin Dress With Built-In Bra
No patience for a bra in hot weather? No problem! This one from SheBird has one built right in.
Shop SheBird
Shebird The Emma Satin Dress with Built-in Bra, $, available at Shebird
Staud Ombré Floral Tie-Strap Gown
Embrace your inner fairy princess with this stunning ombré number with comfy adjustable tie straps.
Shop Saks Fifth Avenue
Staud Ombré Floral Tie-Strap Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
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