17 Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses of 2021

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Wedding season is upon us! Which means you'll need fresh and summer-ready dresses to wear to all of your upcoming nuptials. Luckily, the options for summer wedding guest outfits are endless and endlessly stylish—and run the gamut from lightweight linen gowns to tropical-inspired separates.

For this sun-filled season, short dresses in bright colors and patterns are always a fun and practical choice. Not sure if you want to wear a dress? You totally don't have to! Jumpsuits and separates are perfect for summer celebrations and can be worn to anything from a casual ceremony to a black-tie bash. For guests with pared-back tastes, simple slip or sheath dresses in solid hues are a minimalist's dream and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the dress code.

Whether the wedding is taking place at a stunning seaside venue or in a romantic garden setting, read on for the best summer wedding guest outfits for every dress code, style, and budget.

Most Retro: Lulus Multi Floral Print Halter Maxi Dress

Channel your inner flower child in this '70s-inspired swingy silhouette. Pops of bright orange, yellow, and green make this style feel especially retro and groovy.

Most Simple: Reformation Floral Dress

You can never go wrong with a simple floral print dress. Shoulder ties, a bustier-like bodice, a ruffle-edged neckline, and a flowing trumpet skirt set this Reformation style apart from the rest.

Best Separates: Agua by Agua Bendita Linen Cropped Top and Skirt

summer wedding dress — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

This standout set from Agua by Agua Bendita is a stunning alternative to a traditional wedding guest dress and is crafted from lightweight linen. Its beautiful floral pattern and exquisite fit will land you heaps of compliments.

Most Whimsical Print: Reformation Citrus Dress

Nothing screams summer more than a lovely citrus print. This fresh design from Reformation is perfect for every wedding this season, and will easily become one of your favorite pieces in your summer wardrobe.

Most Leg-Baring: MINKPINK Floral Mini Dress

Leg-baring mini dresses are a must for warm-weather nuptials. They're fun and flirty and will keep you cool on balmy nights. Plus, they make moving around the dancefloor a breeze!

Best Stapless: Needle & Thread Gingham Dress

blue dress — Courtesy of Needle & Thread

If soft and ethereal is more your style, opt for this gingham gown in soft light blue. We love this style for the wedding guest who is drawn to pieces with romantic and feminine details.

For a Daytime Wedding: Self-Portrait Guipure Lace Midi Dress

A soft mint dress is always a stylish look, and the soft green hue on this Self-Portrait dress is flattering on every skin tone. This sweet lace number would be right at home at a daytime wedding.

Most Versatile: ASTR Santorini One-Shoulder Dress

If you're on the hunt for a versatile floral dress that you can wear to all of your upcoming weddings, make it this dress. This sweet design is perfect for taking you from day to night and can easily be dressed up or down.

For a Garden Wedding: Needle & Thread Garden Dress

Aptly named 'Garden', this dress was born to be worn to a celebration surrounded by gorgeous greenery and fragrant flowers. Don't forget to wear your grass-friendly sandals!

Best Belted Style: Lovers + Friends Floral Maxi Dress

All eyes will be on you when you enter the room in this beautifully tiered floral dress. The belted and peplum bodice cinches you at the waist for a supremely flattering fit.

Most Comfortable: Banjanan Floral Smocked Sleeveless Midi Dress

Looking for a dress that's utterly stylish and comfortable? This Banjanan gown has you covered. The smocked bodice design coupled with a flowing skirt lends this style a relaxed and flattering fit.

Most Vibrant Color: Intermix Smocked Poplin Midi Dress

Sure, blush and blue are forever classic, but why not opt for a bright yellow dress this summer season? Wear yours with a bold red lip and colorful accessories for a cheery and vibrant look.

Best Jumpsuit: Jonathan Simkhai Printed Sleeveless Crepe Jumpsuit

Headed to a wedding and not sure if you want to wear a dress? Opt for a chic jumpsuit instead! This style from Jonathan Simkhai is chic and comfortable, and will look amazing in all of your photos.

Best Puff Sleeves: Sundress Puff Sleeves Linen Dress

We can't think of a more stunning frock for a summer wedding than this one from Sundress. It has dramatic puff sleeves, a décolletage-baring neckline, and is crafted from lightweight linen—what more could you ask for?

Best One-Shoulder: Johanna Ortiz One-Shoulder Cotton Dress

Summer weddings call for fun prints, bright colors, and flouncy hemlines and this dress boasts all three! Wear your hair secured in a low bun or pony to showcase the one-shoulder neckline.

Best Slip Dress: BHLDN Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress

When in doubt, an impossibly chic slip dress is always a fail-safe outfit choice. This pleasingly green number is perfect for pared-back and unfussy aesthetics.

Most Tropical: FARM Rio Rainbow Mixed Prints Maxi Dress

As soon as you slip into this tropical print dress you'll immediately feel like you're on vacation. Style with woven accessories like espadrilles and a raffia clutch.

What to look for in a summer wedding guest dress

If you're attending a summer wedding, it's wise to shop for dresses made from breathable and comfortable fabrics like linen and cotton. These lightweight fabrics will keep you cool–especially if the wedding is outdoors–and work for every type of dress code. When it comes to silhouettes, mini, midi, and tea-length dresses are ideal for warm-weather nuptials and work especially well for beach and garden venues.

Attending a summer wedding is also the perfect chance to experiment with fun prints and vibrant colors. For a more classic take on summer wedding guest attire, look for dresses in soft pastel hues and dainty floral patterns.

FAQ

What should guests wear to a summer wedding?

Dresses in floral prints and bright colors are always a stylish and fun choice for warm-weather weddings. For summer weddings with a formal dress code, guests should consider wearing mid-length to floor-length gowns in light and breathable fabrics.
Can I wear a short dress to a summer wedding?

Absolutely! Leg-baring mini and midi dresses are perfect for balmy weather. However, if the wedding venue calls for more traditional attire, it might best to opt for knee-length to ankle-length dresses.
How should I accessorize my summer wedding guest outfit?

If the ceremony is going to be on grass or sand, opt for espadrilles, sandals with block heels, or flats. Woven accessories like rattan clutches are always appropriate for the season, and colorful statement-making jewelry can easily dress up any wedding guest outfit.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridesmaids, and more. Sophie's favorite outfits to wear to a summer wedding are floral dresses paired with block heels or espadrilles.

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