20 Exquisite Cocktail Dresses for Summer Weddings

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You’ve said yes to the wedding invite, but now that the day of "I do" is rapidly approaching, you find yourself in need of a wedding guest cocktail dress. Depending on the location and the couple, a "cocktail attire" dress code can mean any number of options. For a beach wedding, cocktail attire might signify tropical prints, lightweight materials, and going barefoot. If the wedding is at a museum or rooftop in the city, you might want something sleek that you can wear with comfortable heels.

“Always take cues from the couple and their personal style," advises Anny Choi, a bridal stylist and creative brand consultant. “If you are amongst an adventurous fashion crowd, I'd say anything goes. If the couple leans more traditional, I would probably stick to mini and midi dresses.” If the couple specifies the dress code more directly, like "garden cocktail" or "evening cocktail," it may give a bit more insight into which direction to steer your shopping toward. As long as you’re keeping the venue and couple in mind, don’t fret too much about the style specifics.

Since buying a new dress for every wedding on the horizon can become an expensive endeavor, you want to make sure your summer wedding guest dresses are styles you can imagine wearing for other occasions. Use accessories to tilt your look in one direction or another—think a straw bag for the beach, or pearl jewelry for a city setting. Ahead, we’ve selected the 20 best wedding guest dresses that span the spectrum of cocktail attire, to make sure you find the perfect option for your next RSVP.

Justine Dress

For a getaway wedding in a tropical destination, this playful printed dress in red and pink is just the festive touch you need. Pair with raffia accessories for a beachy touch.

Sizes: 0-12

Colors: Red and pink

Frankie Silk Dress

Elegant florals and a form-fitting silhouette are what set this slinky ankle-length dress apart. Tuck your hair back to show off your shoulders with the slim straps and square neckline.

Sizes: 0-24

Colors: Tea Garden, Bueno, Verdigris

Cutout Minidress

Garden party meets happy hour with this sunny cutout dress from Valentino. The short hemline is perfect for afternoon weddings in warm locales.

Sizes: 0-14

Color: Yellow

Multicolor Sexy Fish Midi Dress

Go for something unexpected with this one-of-a-kind Conner Ives dress designed from vintage scarves. You won’t run the risk of showing up in the same look as any other guest.

Sizes: XS-L

Color: Multi

Embroidered Yoke Dress

Not your average LBD. This embroidered style is simple, with a shimmery twist.

Sizes: XS-XL

Color: Black

Josselin Dress

“Bernadette has been doing some really fun and festive cocktail dresses in bold prints and colors for spring,” says Choi. This bow-adorned dress makes a statement without taking attention away from the bride or groom.

Sizes: FR 34-46

Color: Green

One Shoulder Fringe Dress

A fringe-lined skirt is just the thing if you’re planning to twirl the night away on the dance floor.

Sizes: 14-28

Color: Pink Peacock

What reviewers are saying: "I absolutely loved this dress! It was beautiful on me!"

Sleeveless Midi Dress

Versatility is an underrated quality in a party dress. Removable sleeves mean that this ruched polka dot dress can be styled several ways.

Sizes: XS-L

Color: Brown

Embroidered Satin Mini Dress

Channel your inner Mad Men character with this ‘60s-inspired minidress featuring a touch of shimmer and sparkle.

Sizes: 2-12

Color: Multi

Blaire Dress

Floaty and flirty, this faux-wrap style from Tanya Taylor is made to move. Design details like flutter sleeves and a flouncy hem add feminine touches.

Sizes: 00-22

Color: Orchid Splash

Lara Strapless Pebbled Midi-Dress

Go strapless in this rich goldenrod dress from minimalist-adjacent label Tove. The simple silhouette and bold color are a killer combination.

Sizes: 2-8

Color: Golden Yellow

Kimiko Dress

Choose a dress that will be comfortable all night long. The popcorn texture will hug your body, while still providing stretch.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Color: Multi

The Villanelle Dress

If the occasion calls for a cocktail dress that can handle an evening in heavy A.C., try a long-sleeve option like this floral dress from The Vampire's Wife.

Sizes: 2-12

Color: Pink

Sequin Gathered Mini Dress

Casual yet bold, this shimmery reimagining of the shirtdress is perfect for celebrating with a Cosmo in hand.

Size: 2-10

Color: Pink

Striped Dress

Unsure of how bold you want to go? How about a touch of color with a black backdrop? This Christopher John Rogers dress is comfortable with a polished touch.

Size: XS-XXL

Color: Black

Tillie Floral-Printed Mini Dress

Embrace the return of the early aughts with this pink minidress from British label Emilia Wickstead.

Sizes: 2-10

Color: Pink

Sophia Dress

"I love La DoubleJ for the easy silhouettes and bold prints for those European nuptials," suggests Choi. Pack a pair of colorful heels to finish the look.

Sizes: XS-XL

Color: Multi

Bubble A-Line Dress

For an outdoor wedding, you’ll want a cocktail dress that is equal parts light and breezy. This bubble-hem mini style is both, and can be worn with flat sandals or a block heel.

Sizes: XS-4X

Colors: Orange, Pink, Green Floral, Black

What reviewers are saying: "So silky and comfortable. I’m plus size and felt comfortable showing off my sides because the cut of the dress is perfect."

Saudade Dress

Dress to impress the fashion-forward bride with this asymmetric Jacquemus dress. The open back and adjustable hem are particularly unique elements.

Sizes: FR 32-44

Colors: Green, Pink, Black

Tropical Dress

Whether you're attending a ceremony in a tropical destination or a seaside rooftop, this floral dress from Brazilian label Farm Rio is cocktail attire with colorful flare.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Color: Blue

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