32 Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses of 2021

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summer wedding dress — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

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, we've curated an edit of the best summer wedding guest outfits for every dress code, style, and budget.

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

floral dress — Courtesy of Matchesfashion

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.

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

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.

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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?

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Best Slip Dress: Zara Green 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.

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Best Pastel: Ulla Johnson Lune Tiered Cotton Midi Dress

purple dress — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

A frock in a soft pastel hue like lilac is a gorgeous option for the summer season. Pair this tiered silhouette with espadrilles or slingbacks, and keep jewelry minimal for a pared-back look.

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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.

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Most Feminine: Self-Portrait Floral Pleated Mini Dress

For a spring or summer wedding, you can't go wrong with this feminine dress in a blissfully blue hue. Our favorite detail? The cascading tiers of pretty pleats.

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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!

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Best Stapless: Needle & Thread Gingham Dress

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.

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Best Ruffles: Zimmermann Pleated Ruffle Maxi Gown

Designed with an eye-catching floral print, portrait neckline, dramatic ruffle trim, and flouncy hem—you'll easily be the best-dressed guest in this summer-approved gown.

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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.

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Most Statement-Making: Rhode Draped Printed Cotton Mini Dress

If you're not one to shy away from bold and bright colors, then this vibrant mini should be right up your alley. We love it for everything from a tropical beach wedding to nuptials held on a vineyard.

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Best High-Neck: Tory Burch Printed Silk Maxi Dress

This gorgeous green dress is an utterly elegant choice for a semi-formal wedding. It's perfect for the wedding guest who loves a classic silhouette and a high neckline.

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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.

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Most Modest: New Look Square Neck Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress

Muted and moody floral prints are just as appropriate for a summer wedding, as bright patterns and pastel fabrics. Follow the styling lead and wear this maxi with a pair of espadrilles and loose waves.

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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.

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Best Back: Reformation Open Back Dress

We can't get enough of this enchanting dress in a 'sweet pea' hue, featuring a romantic ruffle neckline and cross-back bow straps. We're picturing it at a casual countryside wedding.

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Best Mini: LoveShackFancy Mini Corduroy Dress

This shirred mini dress has a square neckline with ruffles that frame the shoulders, and dramatic puff sleeves that command attention. Crafted from corduroy, this style has some texture but is lightweight enough to be worn during the balmy summer months.

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Most Tropical: Mara Hoffman Organic-Cotton Dress

tropical dress — Courtesy of Matchesfashion

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.

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Best Budget: ASOS DESIGN Midi Tea Dress with Rhinestone Buttons

Rhinestone embellished buttons give this dress an element of understated glamour. Wear yours with pin-thin strappy sandals and shoulder-grazing earrings for a semi-formal wedding.

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Must Unexpected Print: Rixo Shell-Print Off-Shoulder Dress

If you're looking for a print that's anything but floral, opt for this Rixo design featuring an abstract shell pattern. We love this bright number for a seaside wedding and paired with brightly colored accessories.

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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!

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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.

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Best Transition Piece: Vila Tiered Midi Dress

A high neckline and a midi hemline lend this dress a decidedly flattering silhouette. The gold-flecked fabric will catch the light on every angle, making this style the perfect transition piece to go from the ceremony to the dance floor.

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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.

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Most Comfortable: Banjanan Iris 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.

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For a Black-Tie Wedding: Michael Michael Kors Chain-Embellished Plissé-Georgette Halterneck Maxi Dress

Can you say Grecian goddess vibes? We love this flowing gown for its elegant silhouette and shoulder-framing neckline. Wear yours to a black-tie wedding or any formal affair.

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Most Boho: BHLDN Therese Floral Maxi Dress

This floral maxi feels at once bohemian and vintage-inspired, and features dreamy cascading ruffles and a flattering cold-shoulder neckline. We're picturing this look for a gorgeous garden wedding.

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Best Lace: Endless Rose All Over Lace Ruffled Dress

Love all things lace? Then you'll love this blissfully blue number crafted from unique and graphic lace. This dress also comes in bright green if that's more your speed.

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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.

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Best Little Black Dress: Zara Midi Dress

A little black dress will never go out of style and works for all seasons, including summer. This figure-hugging dress is supremely flattering and features a gorgeous open back.

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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.

Shopping FAQs

Attending a summer wedding? We've answered three common questions guests have when shopping for this wedding-worthy outfit.

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.

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