Um, These Summer Wedding Guest Dresses Are A Total Closet Upgrade
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Is it just me, or is your refrigerator also covered in "Save The Date" invites right now? Whether you're the sister of the bride or a plus one for your girlfriend's colleague's beach nuptials, you probably have a few summer wedding plans this year. So, if you're suddenly stressed about what to wear, you’re not alone: Nothing can bring on anxiety like multiple destination weddings with differing dress codes. But not to worry, as a seasoned wedding attendee, I'm here to give you a few pointers.
Given that summer events are often outdoors, it's a must to consider your dress’ hemline, fabric, and sleeve length—although you can never go wrong with a midi dress. As for colors, playful shades are best for a summer wedding. Think: pastels or other bright hues. (Of course, make sure to avoid white.) And for Indian weddings, you'll want to avoid red—that's the color brides traditionally wear. Chinese weddings also don't allow for red and black.
Peek a few of the best summer wedding guest dresses here:
Going to a casual backyard wedding? You can opt for a satin slip dress for a chic (yet carefree) vibe. Heading a solemn church ceremony with a black tie reception afterwards? Amazon's got many floor-length options to choose from—all for under $150. And if you've got friends getting hitched at the beach, a floral bohemian maxi dress that flows with the wind is exactly the vibe you're going for.
Then, there's the matter of money. Let's face it: going to weddings is expensive—being a guest often involves a hotel stay, gift, and outfit. Fortunately, this list features affordable dresses, as well as some pricier classic (and versatile) pieces that can be worn for years to come.
See below for 25 of the best wedding guest dresses for every style, budget, wedding type, and dress code in 2023.
Kourtney Dress
Nothing says elegance more than a sophisticated floral dress you can dress up or down. Pair it with some diamonds studs or gold hoops and wear it to a nighttime beach wedding. Or wear it to a low-key garden affair with a pair of fun block-heeled shoes.
Kourtney Dress
$248.00
Reformation
CourtesyHalter Neck Floral Maxi Dress
This dress is perfect for a casual backyard wedding. (It's also available in 28 other patterns and shades, if flora's not your thing). With its halter neck and open back, it's hot weather-ready—no matter how much you plan on hitting the dance floor under the sun.
Halter Neck Floral Maxi Dress
$39.99
amazon.com
CourtesyV-Neck Satin Dress
Everyone should own at least one floor-length gown, and this one is not only elegant, but totes rewearable. It doesn't look too much like a bridesmaid dress, so it can definitely be worn to a daytime or nighttime wedding, regardless of the wedding theme or dress code.
V-Neck Satin Dress
$65.99
amazon.com
CourtesyAsymmetric Satin Cocktail Dress
Chest and neck coverage doesn't always have to come in the form of a thick turtleneck. With a sleeveless asymmetric design, this high-neck gown is just as chic as it is trendy.
Asymmetric Satin Cocktail Dress
$88.80
nordstrom.com
CourtesyBoho Floral Print Off-Shoulder Dress
Never been a boho-style girl? Well, maybe now's your chance to become one...at least as a plus one for your college roommate's sister's wedding. This gorgeous dress comes in 45 different colors and styles and at that price, you could own multiples for different occasions.
Boho Floral Print Off-Shoulder Dress
$41.99
amazon.com
CourtesyFloral Maxi Wrap Dress
No one will know you got this chiffon dress on Amazon for less than $50. The slit makes it breathable when it's hot, and the floral print is perfect for a casual backyard wedding.
Floral Maxi Wrap Dress
$44.99
amazon.com
CourtesyOff-Shoulder Lace Maxi Dress
Made with lightweight lace overlapping a mini dress, this makes a great option for your next hot weather wedding. The slits on both sides show off your gorgeous legs, too.
Off-Shoulder Lace Maxi Dress
$51.98
amazon.com
CourtesyPuff Sleeve Front Slit Midi Dress
IDK about you, but I love a good puffy-sleeved dress. This one, coming in two different colors, is adorable and can be made more formal if needed—just swap out flats for some heels and you'll be good to go.
Puff Sleeve Front Slit Midi Dress
$89.00
nordstrom.com
CourtesyTie-Back A-Line Dress
Classic, simple, and bound to be fit for many a celebratory occasion, this dress from Amazon is a must-have whether you're wearing it to weddings or not. Plus, its elastic waist makes it super comfy. The best part? The cute little tie back.
Tie-Back A-Line Dress
$34.99
amazon.com
CourtesyHeavenly Hues Sage Brush Maxi Dress
This plunge-neck maxi dress is serving major Greek goddess vibes, and so will you when you wear it. The snug-fitting waist will help make sure you won't have any nip slips, but if you're still a bit nervous, it never hurts to keep some boob tape on hand.
Heavenly Hues Sage Brush Maxi Dress
$89.00
lulus.com
CourtesyCape Sleeve Crepe Sheath Dress
I feel cool just looking at this dress. It's sophisticated and could definitely be worn for a cocktail or a more formal weddings—it's fierce and there's no doubt that you'll be one of the more ~stylish~ guests at any wedding where you rock this 'fit.
Cape Sleeve Crepe Sheath Dress
$199.00
nordstrom.com
CourtesyCatalina Fit & Flare Dress
Dresses with this cut will never go out of style—the A-line? The V-neck? It's not a want, but a need. Plus, if you don't like the bright orange, there are 11 other colors from which to choose.
Catalina Fit & Flare Dress
$182.00
nordstrom.com
CourtesyOff-Shoulder Asymmetrical A-Line Dress
The asymmetrical hemline and off-shoulder neckline on this dress make it truly shocking that it's less than $50. Pair with a cardigan or blazer if the wedding venue has an indoor space, then sweat it out on the dance floor later.
Off-Shoulder Asymmetrical A-Line Dress
$43.99
amazon.com
CourtesyTie-Back Cutout Chiffon Gown
Consider this the "business in the front, party in the back" of formalwear. The front presents a classic sweetheart neckline and slit, and the tie-back features a sexy little cutout.
Tie-Back Cutout Chiffon Gown
$200.00
nordstrom.com
CourtesySmocked Pleat Sleeveless Midi Dress
As yet another timeless design, you can't go wrong with a pleated midi dress. Coming in four different colors (orange, royal blue, and cobalt blue), you have options when it comes to picking your fave shade. You'll look bold in the best way.
Smocked Pleat Sleeveless Midi Dress
$98.00
nordstrom.com
CourtesyVivy Midi Dress
This gorgeous dress is the perfect pastel pink for a summer wedding, and I'd definitely hit "add to cart" if you have more informal weddings to attend this year. Garden or beach wedding? This is your pick.
Vivy Midi Dress
$122.00
shoprahi.com
CourtesySheer Lace Long Sleeve Dress
It's totally fair for comfort to be your priority, and this lacy dress proves you can be totally comfy without sacrificing style. It's basically like wearing a nightgown out in public. Plus: the low drop back is a great detail, too.
Sheer Lace Long Sleeve Dress
$48.97
nordstrom.com
CourtesyArianna Dress
Created by first generation Indian-American designer Megha Rao, there's no doubt that this dress is absolutely gorgeous. If you totally wanna rock the minidress vibe at your next wedding, this is a stunning option.
Arianna Dress
$145.00
holichicbymegha.com
CourtesyA-Line Sleeveless Maternity Dress
Got a baby on the way but still want to look stylish? You'll look gorgeous in this cute, fun dress. It also comes in burgundy, in case pink isn't your thing.
A-Line Sleeveless Maternity Dress
$44.99
amazon.com
CourtesyDarleen V-Neck Embroidered Mesh Dress
This dress is technically a midi, but it's also mini, showing a peek of skin in the trendiest way. While it's a bit pricier, it's an A-line cut, which means it'll always be in style.
Darleen V-Neck Embroidered Mesh Dress
$278.00
nordstrom.com
CourtesyPleated Tiered Chiffon Dress
The airy sleeves and chiffon fabric make this the most breathable dress on this list—perfect for weddings on humid days. What really elevates this dress to fancy status is those fabulously elegant tiered pleats.
Pleated Tiered Chiffon Dress
$37.60
amazon.com
CourtesyBanarsi Lehenga
So it's not exactly a dress, but if you have plans to go to a wedding hosted by your South Asian friend, you'll love the opportunity to wear this lehenga made with traditional banarsi silk fabric. Chances are, you may not wear this one more than once, which is why Preserve was founded—it's a rental site featuring well-priced options from designers all over the world.
Pro tip: Indian brides traditionally wear red, so it's best to avoid wearing that color.
Banarsi Lehenga
$150.00
Preserve
CourtesyBeaded Mesh Column Gown
I love a good Gatsby-themed wedding, but even if it doesn't have a vintage theme, this beaded column dress is totally timeless. It comes in five cool, neutral colors.
Beaded Mesh Column Gown
$201.00
nordstrom.com
CourtesyHalter Neck Chiffon Jumpsuit
At first glance, it's a dress. Look a bit closer, and you'll see this is actually a wide-leg jumpsuit. Pair it with some heels and rings for an upscale vibe. Or simply wear sandals and bangles for a casual wedding.
Halter Neck Chiffon Jumpsuit
$39.99
amazon.com
CourtesyRibbed Midi Sweater Dress
A little midi dress action? Yes, please. This dress looks comfy AF and is definitely the move if you have a less formal wedding to go to, like in someone's backyard. There's no doubt you'll stand out in this mustard color, though.
Ribbed Midi Sweater Dress
$32.99
amazon.com
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