Warm weather is here, and summer weddings are just around the corner! Summer weddings are always an exciting occasion to dress up and experiment with different looks. There is always a lot to consider, such as the weather, outdoor venues, longer event timelines, dress code expectations, and being comfortable through it all. So, today’s post is a round up of summer wedding outfits that are both stylish and realistic.
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Outfits For Summer Weddings
Summer wedding guest outfits require a different approach compared to other seasons given the weather! A well-planned outfit considers fabric choice, breathability, and how the look transitions from ceremony to reception.
What is Summer Wedding Attire
Summer weddings come with all different dress codes – from semi formal to beach weddings to black tie. In general, lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, silk blends, and even chiffon are good options to help you stay cool while looking chic!
What Colors To Wear To A Summer Wedding
- Soft pastels and light neutrals like beige and blush. Just make sure your dress won’t be mistaken for white.
- Bright seasonal tones like green, coral, and blue
- Floral prints and soft patterns are commonly accepted and help make a dress feel like it’s for summer
How To Style A Dress For A Summer Wedding
Choose breathable fabrics to prevent overheating
I’ve been to many outdoor weddings where it is just so hot. Breathable fabrics are key to staying cool and not sweating through what you’re wearing! I always envy women who somehow are never hot, but I have to be cognizant of what fabrics I’m wearing at a hot outdoor wedding. So, synthetic materials like polyester are typically a non-starter. Choose linen, linen-blends, and cotton for these weddings!
Select comfortable footwear suitable for grass, sand, or outdoor venues
There are so many chic pairs of practical summer shoes that you can easily find a pair of sandals that work for an outdoor wedding. You always want to be prepared for a wedding where you’re on grass as well as inside. Block heel sandals are perfect! You don’t need to wear stiletto heels to dress up your outfit.
Add layers like a light shawl or wrap for evening transitions
Silk scarves are everywhere right now. You can add a silk scarf or another lightweight option as a wrap to make sure you don’t get chilled at night, especially since sleeveless dresses are so common to wear to a summer wedding.
Keep makeup and hair aligned with heat and humidity conditions
Sometimes it’s just easier to wear your hair up if you’re going to an outdoor wedding, especially a beach wedding where there’s likely to be a breeze. A sleek bun is always in style and tends to look really elegant with a wedding guest dress. i recently bought this smoothing hair stick from Oribe, and it’s amazing for keeping your hair back without making it look greasy. I use for everything, such as keeping my hair back at the gym to a quick sleek ponytail for dinner.
What To Wear To A Summer Wedding
Cocktail wedding guest dresses
Cocktail wedding guest dresses are meant to feel fun and glamorous without the seriousness of a black tie dress code, which requires gowns. For cocktail attire, you can wear something at your knee or even a midi dress. You can wear dressier fabrics like silk, but linen blends are also okay. I feel like cocktail wedding attire is a popular wedding dress code, and you probably have something in your closet that already works. If not, here are a few fun options I love.
Semi-formal wedding guest dresses
Semi-formal wedding guest dresses are typically not as formal as cocktail attire. Think linen-blends, cotton, and, in general, dresses that still feel more elevated than your typical sundress. I still tend to opt for a midi or maxi dress to make up for the more casual material.
Bright dresses for destination wedding or beach wedding
Destination weddings are so fun to dress for, as in the summer it typically means you can go for a fun print and bright colors.
Black tie wedding guest dresses for summer
Black tie weddings are usually held into the evening. You’ll need a gown, and they’re often floor length. They’re different than a standard summer maxi dresses because a black tie wedding dress code is super formal. You can definitely get away with a longer version of a midi dress as long as it still feels the appropriate level of formal, but I suggest these dresses below or something similar.
Summer Wedding Outfits
Classic Linen Maxi Dress With Summer Print
This linen dress is so comfortable, and the details are just gorgeous. It’s one of those dresses you can wear as a guest to weddings with a different dress code. If you’re a wedding guest at a black tie wedding, you might be able to pack this for the rehearsal dinner! It also comes in a really pretty summer print. I’d wear both prints with these sandals or something similar.
Fitted but comfortable for beach weddings
Beach wedding guest outfits are fun to choose as they typically feel more relaxed. My top tip is to make sure you aren’t wearing something that can get flipped up with the ocean breeze! There’s nothing worse than having to hold your dress down while trying to enjoy a special day.
I’m obsessed with this dress, so I had to include it. You can style this with espadrilles or sandals. I love the idea of carrying a raffia bag since they’re pretty durable in sand, whether you’re actually on the beach or just overlooking it. CLICK HERE to shop this outfit.
Semi-formal wedding guest dress
This navy linen dress is stunning! It’s perfect for a semi-formal wedding , garden wedding, or a beach wedding. Linen is one of the most breathable fabrics, so it’s perfect for those weddings that happen to take place on hot afternoons. CLICK HERE to shop or click the individual items below.
Cocktail attire wedding guest outfit
This shade of blue is totally on-trend, but more importantly, this dress is a classic look. The silhouette is the perfect choice for summer, and you’ll easily be able to wear it for date night too. CLICK HERE to shop this outfit or click on each item below. You can definitely pair this dress with a pair of nude or tan sandals you already own too.
Black tie wedding guest outfit
A black tie wedding guest outfit really centers on a long gown. These gowns are typically floor length, but you can definitely get away with something that isn’t technically a gown. Either way, your dress should look very formal! You can wear a fun summer color, but black and navy are also always a good option.
This is the exact dress I would buy if I had a black tie summer wedding to attend. It’s elegant, effortless, and it honestly looks comfortable. I love how it has a detachable cape, so you can wear it with or without the cape! I love how it comes in the perfect colors – black, navy, and some pastel options.
Garden party wedding guest dress
Floral prints are an obvious choice for a wedding in a garden or one held outside on grass. This dress is gorgeous for anyone who doesn’t get attention from bugs. Unfortunately, mosquitoes love me. I attended a summer wedding in a garden last summer, and I was so happy I wore long sleeves and a long dress. Here’s a long sleeve option I’d consider if I didn’t already have a go-to dress for this type of wedding.
Okay, I hope you found an outfit or some wedding guest inspiration for your dress code so you can enjoy a perfect summer wedding!
