20 Summer Wedding Guest Outfits You’ll Actually Wear Again
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Let us set the scene. You received the invitation in the mail months ago. Having just flipped the page to new month on your calendar, you realize that the wedding date is quickly approaching (even though you’ve had that same Save The Date pinned to your fridge since it arrived). After a hurried dash to your closet, you realize that you don’t have an outfit to fit the occasion. Sound familiar?
Well, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re likely in the majority. And, like many of us, while you love celebrating the happy couple and dancing the night away between bites of cake, you’re also not looking forward to the often hefty price tag that comes with finding the perfect thing to wear.
With so many different themes, dress codes, and types of weddings (thanks, Pinterest!), it can be easy to suddenly find yourself adding yet another dress to your cart to match with the upcoming nuptials. We’re big advocates of finding dresses that not only suit your personal style, but are also versatile and chic enough to make frequent reappearances for other events on your calendar…not just weddings. (Oh, and our bank accounts are fans of this selection process, too.)
Need a little inspiration of your own for the big day? These are a few of our favorite looks!
20 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses You’ll Wear On Repeat
Whether the wedding that you are attending is a black tie affair, or an upscale evening party, this halter neck dress works beautifully. With a maxi length, it’s appropriate for any elegant affairs, but the real star of the show is the long bow sash. Plus, the light blue is a great color choice for winter, too—just add a jacket or shawl for a little extra warmth.
Another great full length dress, the side slit and ruffles combine for a flirty, feminine touch, while the wrap waist draws attention to your midsection, giving it a definition that flatters a wide variety of different body types. As a closet staple, a little black dress can also be styled simply with matching black heels and subdued jewelry or it can become the perfect backdrop for bright pops of color or dramatic, statement earrings.
Summer weddings can be a great time to play with color, prints, and patterns. This balloon sleeve dress can be worn to a casual afternoon wedding and then saved for your very next date night! Just remember — if the wedding is outdoors, a thicker heel or wedge is ideal to avoid sinking into any soft grass.
A dress with tiered ruffles is another romantic option to consider if the wedding has a playful, party feel. Not only does it move along with you, but it feels just right for dancing!
This champagne dress is elevated, chic, and a perfect choice for an evening wedding in the cooler months of late summer. The longer sleeves also fit a variety of wedding themes and could even be a beautiful option for bridesmaids or Mothers of the Bride!
Love an off-the-shoulder look? This green dress is a bold color option that can be styled with jeweled accessories for a subtle sparkle or combined with even more color for an eclectic vibe.
If you’re attending a black tie wedding, classic silhouettes are key. This elegant black dress is perfect for any high-end events that you may have on your calendar, and it is a design that will never go out of style. Add a few pearls as your accessories for a luxurious finishing touch.
An evening cocktail wedding is one of the most common wedding invites that you will receive and this dress fits that style exquisitely. The longer length is accentuated by a higher cut to showcase a little leg and the strappy neckline gives you the space to wear any of your favorite jewelry. With a white faux fur jacket, this is another dress that could easily be worn again for a winter wedding.
For those wanting a little sparkle along with a classic shape, this dress is absolutely stunning. Since it is already floor-length, take advantage by wearing a slightly lower heel—your feet will thank you later!
When you think of summer, do you think of florals? We do! This high-low dress has a matching belt to accentuate your waist and a sleeveless bodice that feels right in line with the warmer weather. Paired with a blazer or cardigan on top, this could also be a dress that could be worn to a business casual office, too.
Another classic silhouette, the square neckline of this dress offers something a little more unique, while still keeping the overall look sophisticated and understated. The not-quite-full-length also works well for anyone who is shorter or wants to show off their sparkling heels.
Va-va-voom! We can’t begin to speak about how elegant this dress is, so we will let it speak for itself. The column length makes you look effortlessly tall and the asymmetrical shoulder bow is oh-so-chic.
This dress combines the best of both worlds—a figure-hugging sheath dress and a shawl-like “cape” that delicately covers your shoulders. If you want a look that can easily transition from wedding to evening, this is the one! (And it comes in so many colors, too!)
For those that don’t want an overly tight-fitting dress, this beautifully draped gunmetal look is to die for. Not only does it hang in just the right way, but it is a flattering and modest cut for anyone who struggles to style a larger chest.
Afternoon garden wedding? Don’t shy away from a more bold color. And, why not add a whimsical floral touch as a nod to the venue?
Another floral option that is perfect for summer, this square neck dress has tie straps and a side slit to show off just a bit of leg. And, don’t forget a matching pair of shoes!
If you don’t want to turn to a LBD for the event (or black just isn’t your color), a rich, dark shade like this teal tone can work just as well. Dress it up with brighter accessories, add a little shimmer with gold or silver, or keep it understated with a classic pair of black heels.
Can you tell that we are really feeling the floral vibes of summer? This tiered dress fits in with an afternoon or outdoor wedding, while the clutch’s design makes us think of a straw picnic basket—just the aesthetic we’re going for if it’s a casual summer affair.
Many of the classic silhouettes that we’ve shown have been in muted, dark shades, such as black or navy, but that doesn’t have to be your only option. If you love a pop of color (and the dress code allows), take that simple shape and give it a bold twist. And, with the dress as the canvas, you can accessorize with a fun clutch or statement earring.
This dress is feminine, floral elegance. The dusty rose color is overlaid with a thin mesh detailed in floral stitching that makes for a perfect Mother of the Bride dress.
