Looking at a calendar full of summer weddings? Whether it’s indoors or out, local or destination, we’ve got you covered with 25 dresses sure to win you Best Dressed Guest…
Check any “Top Wedding Month” lists and you’ll see we are just about to hit three of the top wedding months all in a row. That’s right – August, September and October account for nearly 80% of wedding dates. That’s a lot of rice and champagne happening. And with mask and stay-at-home mandates pretty much in the rear view mirror, happy couples everywhere are making up for lost time and postponed celebrations.
So if you’re like us and find yourself with more than a few guest invitations, the time to shop is, like, now.
Not sure where to start? Our editors have got you covered. We’ve got twenty-five fabulous pieces for all types of events, at a variety of price points, that will have you saying Yes to the Dress (guest dress, that is).
BEACHY VIBES
If your invite mentions sun and sand, you can bet you’re invited to a beach wedding. Apart from the obvious challenge of finding cute shoes that can handle the sand (trust us, even if the invite says barefoot is okay, hopping around on hot sand is not an attractive look) you want an outfit that reads chic, not fussy.
This gorgeous green dress is made from 100% silk, making it light and airy under the heat of the sun. The length is ideal for keeping the sand on your toes and off your hem. And of course the color is spot on for the season.
Joie, Marcy Silk Maxi Dress $398
Continuing with that glorious fabric, these flowy, cropped silk pants from Equipment are a great, lightweight option. Combined with Jonathan Simkhai’s drapey wrap top in sumptuous satin, this look breathes effortless chic.
From Left to Right:
This frothy fabulousness from Sugarlips features a ruffle layered flouncy sleeve with a flouncy asymmetrical ruffle hem. The soft spoken yellow floral bunches are the icing on this ivory cake. Comes in a generous range of sizes from XS to 3X.
Sugarlips, Melba Floral One-Shoulder Midi $80
The fitted crop top with adjustable straps plus a matching high-banded waist midi skirt make this dressy two-piece surprisingly comfortable. Plus we’re loving the sheer woven fabric and burnout mauve pink floral pattern.
Lulus, Certainly Stylish Floral 2-Piece $78
We’re suckers for a cool cutout dress and this fun, icy-blue floral doesn’t disappoint. The self-tie neckline gives you full control on how much, or little, skin you are comfortable showing. Comes in sizes from XS to 4X and the price is extra nice!
Rue21, Border Print Tie-Front Midi Dress $39
BOHO BABE
Dreamy and effortless. Wonder and whimsy. Fueled by our post-pandemic embrace of comfy clothing, the Boho Wedding has soared to the top of popularity. But it can create a fashion conundrum in terms of what to wear. Boho does imply a casual ease, however that shouldn’t mean just tossing on a bunch of prints and a headband and calling it a day. Here are some stylish options that understood the assignment completely for Boho chic…
Quality material, in the form of pure silk chiffon, helps elevate this Persian print maxi into something absolutely wedding wear worthy. With such a commanding print, all you need are a few neutral accessories and you are good to go.
Elie Tahari, Kilim Print Silk Maxi Dress $598
Talk about a swirly delight! This decadent full-length maxi will look off-the-charts fabulous with a bold gold cuff bracelet, heeled sandals and tassel earrings.
Cato Fashions, Plus Mod Marble Print Dress $75
For the minimalist gal who finds the thought of eclectic prints and colorful patterns too much, this sweet, silk slip dress from Equipment will ease your dread. The vintage brown and black stripes create plenty of visual interest and the cut is the perfect balance between fitted and easy.
Equipment, Forain Silk Dress $495
Layers of ruffles plus silver and gold shimmer butterflies, all on top of the dipped colors that melt into each other make this ombré dyed darling of a dress is pure feminine fun. The length hits just above the knee, making it perfect for twirling around the dance floor.
Boston Proper, Ombré Butterfly Boho Dress $109.99
Speaking of twirl…consider taking this full skirt chiffon and viscose jacquard dress out for a spin. Brand new from Diane von Furstenburg’s latest collection, you can be sure no one else will have this unique print.
Diane von Furstenberg, Ruby Knee-Length Skirt $358
COCKTAILS, ANYONE?
As the name implies, the cocktail dress came about as a way to bridge the gap between casual day and formal night. Stricter guidebooks will tell you that cocktail attire means tea length or above the knee only, but let’s be 21st century about this, shall we? As long as it’s classy and polished, a great cocktail dress can pretty much be anything mid-calf and above.
This one-shoulder, elegant dress from Sachin & Babi caught our attention. From the single puffy sleeve to the draped skirt, the silhouette is flattering on a variety of body types.
Sachin & Babi, Amelia Dress $350
If you’re ready to bring the bling, this next dress is for you. Champagne sequins bedazzle this long-sleeve lovely that combines a faux-wrap V-neck bodice with a sheath skirt. Get ready for a toast!
DB Studios, Sequin Wrap-Style Dress $89.99
Now this fab fuchsia dress is a serious color pop. The fitted silhouette is surprisingly forgiving, thanks to a combination of ruching and draping. Hourglass gals, this dress was made for you!
Black Halo, Haiku Mini in Fuchsia Pop $275
Who says cocktail attire is limited to a dress? Certainly not us, and certainly not with this stunner from the Galina Signature collection. With its plunging neckline, flowy legs and sequins all over, this jumper is ready to party.
Galina Signature, Wide Leg Sequin Jumpsuit $249.95
Finally, while we are on the subject, one thing we would not usually recommend would be a romper. However the moment we saw this cherry red, kimono style romper from Love Bonito, we were over the moon. Impeccably tailored and made with stiff lined fabric, the silhouette is sharp and chic.
Love, Bonito, Levina Pleated Kimono Romper $44.90
DOWN ON THE FARM
Whether it’s in a barn, at the cottage or on a farm, the rustic wedding style (much like the Boho) hasn’t just flourished, it’s become one of the top wedding venue styles out there. Some even say it is the most popular wedding theme right now. So don’t be surprised to find this on your next invite. A great way to approach what to wear to a rustic wedding? Consider easy, earthy tones that match the nature around you, or channel some romantic garden florals, pastoral toile or country patterns. Here are five of ours to get you going…
This crinkle-cotton, midi sundress from Joie is an editor favorite. The vintage-y floral pattern against the sweet peachy fabric make it perfect for a variety of rustic wedding styles.
Joie, Jailene Maxi Cotton Dress $169
Calling all frill-seekers. This open-shoulder short dress will have you dreaming of English gardens with its Victorian blue floral pattern. With blousy sleeves, breezy ruffles and a comfortable smocked waist, you won’t want to wait for a wedding to wear it.
Cato Fashions, Plus Size Floral Dress $39.99
Looking for a vintage floral pattern with a modern silhouette? With a chiffon floral print that would look right at home on the walls of a pretty pastoral cottage, we love how this at-the-knee dress from Windsor juxtaposes the vibe of this fabric with a sleek, contemporary cut. You could say it’s the best of both worlds.
Windsor, Fall For Floral Chiffon Dress $48.90
Like a lemon chiffon cake…in dress form. This airy, embroidered midi from Elie Tahari will have you rethinking that ‘when life gives you lemons’ speech in a whole new way.
Elie Tahari, Embroidered Hem Midi Dress $256.80
One look at this pansy printed maxi and it is no wonder it’s one of Rachel Pally’s best sellers. The very on-trend square neckline looks amazing with those puffy sleeves and generously ruffled bottom hem. Comes in sizing up to 3X.
Rachel Pally, Crepe Mae Plus Dress $224.25
FOREVER FASHIONABLY FORMAL
There is something exciting about dressing up to the nines. Whether the invite reads white tie or black tie, you can be sure this is the time to kick your wardrobe game up to next level. No wallflowers here, our Editors have skipped the expected and gone straight to Formal Fierce.
Bold radiance meets color vibrancy in this full length, burnt orange gown by Halston. With its plunging neckline, radiant sequins and open back, this is a fit for those who wish to be seen.
Halston, McKenna Gown in Sequins $595
With its sexy lace corset bodice that falls into a soft, flowing tulle skirt…if a head-turning ensemble is what you’re after, look no further.
David’s Bridal, Plus Size Strapless Corset Gown $289.95
Shimmering multicolor metallic of greens, blues and golds will have all eyes on you (in the very best way).
Boston Proper, Multicolor Metallic Maxi $159.50
Finally, give that black tie option a real twist with this terrifically tailored, one-shoulder jumpsuit from Black Halo. The oversized, satin puff sleeve provides an asymmetrical aspect to contrast the otherwise simple, yet elegantly sleek silhouette.
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