30 Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses Picked By Our Editors
There’s no need to sweat over dress codes with our edit of gorgeous summer wedding guest looks for all budgets and styles
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Wedding season is officially upon us – but is your summer wardrobe occasion ready? After all, everyone needs the perfect summer wedding guest dress.
From chic city celebrations to destination weddings and classic countryside affairs, we’ve scoured the high-street rails and delved into the new season drops of our favourite designers and online retailers to bring you the very best summer wedding guest dresses for every type of occasion.
What Should I Wear to a Summer Wedding as a Guest?
Firstly, consider the dress code. Has the couple specified black tie or cocktail dress on the invitation? Perhaps they’ve even outlined a colour scheme to adhere to. Or maybe you’re attending a wedding that’s outside of your culture and need to brush up on what’s considered acceptable attire? Make sure you’re informed on the style and theme of the day and how that might affect your dress choice.
Summer is a great opportunity to go as colourful and playful as you like with your wedding guest dress choice – lean into sugary pastel shades and ultra-feminine details such as frills, floral embroidery and matte sequins, or inject a summery shock of colour with tomato-red, Granny Smith-green and limoncello hues.
Finally, play about with accessories to give your wedding-guest look a bit more of an edge. Forget the whole matchy-matchy bag and shoes – clashing prints, statement sunglasses, show-stopping bags and standout jewellery pieces will ensure a lesser chance of you twinning with another guest. And don’t forget a cover-up to beat the end-of-night chill.
30 Wedding-Editor Approved Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
1. Curve Blur Printed Maxi Slip Dress – ASOS
Choose well and the best summer wedding guest dresses can be reeled out year after year. One such design is this ‘does it all’ printed maxi from ASOS’s Curve range. This floaty number looks great paired with chunky gold sandals and an oversized clutch.
- Sizing: 18-30
- Expert take: The tie straps on this summer wedding guest dress will ensure a perfect and comfortable fit.
2. Benedict Cornflower Blue Midi Dress – Rixo
So simple, yet so alluring, the never-ending appeal of the slinky slip dress continues. This silky cornflower blue wedding guest dress from Rixo features a pretty jacquard print for an even more luxurious feel.
- Sizing: 6-26
- Expert take: We love that this design accommodates a wide size range; the flattering neckline works well for busts of all sizes, too, with smocking at the back for an ultra-comfortable fit.
3. Red Floral Glitter Maxi Dress – River Island
Glitter and flowers? Of course! We’re pretty sure from the moment you throw on this floaty wedding guest dress from River Island, you’ll be feeling fancy and ready to sip on something chilled and sparkling. The halter neckline and tassel detailing are giving serious wedding festival vibes.
- Sizing: 6-18
- Expert take: Pair this floaty summer dress with gold heels and jewellery – and don’t forget the shades.
4. Leilani Cotton Poplin Midi Dress – Christy Lynn
Florals for summer may not be ground-breaking, but the bright and contemporary colour combination on this dress from Christy Lynn gives romantic blooms a modern twist. We adore the white piping detail and flowing printed skirt, too.
- Sizing: XS-XL
- Expert take: Alongside the dreamy detailing, the cut of this dress is equally divine. The triangle-shaped bodice features a smocked back and hidden zip for maximum comfort.
5. Puri Maxi Dress – Fat Face
If there’s one print that loves to make a comeback season after season, it’s paisley, and its relaxed bohemian vibe makes it perfect for summer wedding guest dresses. Capture the spirit of the season in this ornamental number from Fat Face, featuring a simple tie waist, frilled neckline and spaghetti straps.
- Sizing: 6-24
- Expert take: If you’re on the petite side and find it hard to make maxi dresses work for you, this is also available in a short fit.
6. Asymmetrical Tea-Length Chiffon Dress – JJ’s House
Every occasion wardrobe needs a classic floral dress, and this stylish offering from JJ’s House will see you through wedding season and beyond. We love the high-low hemline and ultra-feminine sweetheart neckline.
- Sizing: S-XXL
- Expert take: JJ’s House is known for its stunning collection of bridesmaids’ dresses – and this design falls under that category. Maybe find out what the maids might be wearing before you pick this dress!
7. Bamboo Palm Cotton Dress – John Lewis
When the sun’s playing hide and seek, consider a statement sleeve. This gorgeous tropical-print dress from John Lewis is made from breathable cotton – just pair with heels and a pair of stylish sunnies for ultimate summer chic.
- Sizing: 8-20
- Expert take: It's often the more relaxed weddings with a ‘smart-casual’ dress code that can send us into a sartorial spin – but this dress, with its A-line midi-length skirt and balloon sleeves, is perfect.
8. Penelope Stripe Bandeau Midaxi Dress – Ro&Zo
More formal than polka dots and more contemporary than florals, monochrome stripes hit the sweet spot between smart and relaxed. This gorgeous bandeau dress with wraparound skirt from Ro&Zo is simply mesmerising.
- Sizing: 6-16
- Expert take: If you love the style but feel like you dare not go strapless, this dress has detachable (and adjustable) spaghetti straps for extra support.
9. Gathered Bodice Midi Dress – Mint Velvet
Lilac was the breakout colour on this season’s runways. We adore this gathered bodice dress from Mint Velvet which features a flattering full skirt, v-neckline and cap sleeves.
- Sizing: 6-18
- Expert take: Have you ever thought about how much time we spend sat down at the table at weddings? It means the lower half of your wedding guest outfit is often hidden in photos. Seek out dresses with interesting necklines that frame your face, as well as statement shoulder details and sleeves.
10. Zillah Floral Maxi Dress – Aspiga
Vibrant floral pattern? Check. Power-puff sleeve? Check. This dreamy cotton poplin dress from Aspiga is wedding ready in every sense and comes in three bold prints.
- Sizing: XS-XL
- Expert take: Voluminous sleeves instantly create a modern, sculptural silhouette and are an elegant way to provide extra coverage to upper arms.
11. Myla Geometric Print Midi Dress – Monsoon
With its statement ruffles, ricrac embroidery and sun-drenched print, this striking cotton dress from Monsoon is enough to give your wedding-guest wardrobe an instant pick-me-up.
- Sizing: S-XXL
- Expert take: This will look as great with heels and standout earrings as it will with flip flops and your favourite beach bag.
12. Friends Like These Flutter Cape Sleeve Maxi Dress – Next
Soft pastel shades are perfect for summer celebrations and destination weddings – and this flutter-sleeve maxi from Lipsy’s new label, Friends Like These, ticks all the boxes. The wispy sleeves and silky satin flourishes are everything.
- Sizing: 8-22
- Expert take: This design is also available in petite – hurrah!
13. Metallic Floral Midi Dress – Oliver Bonas
You know you’ve mastered wedding guest dressing when the outfit you choose looks as great with sandals and white trainers as it does with heels. Floral motifs get a metallic upgrade on this lime green tiered midi dress from Oliver Bonas.
- Sizing: 6-18
- Expert take: Sleeveless styles will keep you brilliantly cool in the summer sun – just have a blazer handy for the after party.
14. A-line Midi Dress with Detachable Bow – BAÉ
Sustainable fabrics, feminine silhouettes and oversized accessories form the basis of slow fashion brand BAÉ’s covetable collections – and this chic midi dress might just be the unexpected wedding guest outfit you didn’t know you needed.
- Sizing: 6-16
- Expert take: Unapologetically feminine, bows aren’t going anywhere fast. We love how the detachable bow on this beautifully cut dress adds an extra layer of sophistication.
15. Hope & Ivy Plus Floral Wrap Maxi Dress – ASOS
If ditsy florals aren’t your thing, this distinctly moodier take on botanicals may well be – and it’s still perfect for summer weddings. This body-skimming wrap dress from Hope & Ivy will pair beautifully with white or metallic heels and accessories.
- Sizing: 18-28
- Expert take: This is a beautiful occasion wear piece, but you could also pair with biker boots and aviators for a more edgy weekend look.
16. Zafia Shift Dress – Phase Eight
There’s no need to shy away from a shorter hemline for a summer wedding – particularly when it’s as elegant as this number from Phase Eight. Designed with a fun, textured pattern, this cute shift dress has a relaxed and floaty fit that’s perfect for dancing.
- Sizing: 6-20
- Expert take: Pair a micro hemline with a high neckline to keep the look chic and wedding appropriate, and throw on a suit jacket or blazer when the sun goes in.
17. Coast Organza High-Low Midi Dress – Debenhams
Siren red is still the standout star of the catwalk this summer. Dial up the saturation – and the drama – in this high-low printed midi dress from Coast, complete with statement ruffle sleeves and a nipped-in waist.
- Sizing: 8-18
- Expert take: Keep accessories neutral – ivory would look great – so the dress does all the talking.
18. Neon Yellow & Ivory Stripe Cotton Maxi Dress – Scamp & Dude
Made from 100% cotton, this easy-breezy shirred dress from Scamp & Dude will keep you cool, whatever the weather. An occasion essential that you can also throw on with white trainers and a straw tote for Sunday brunch.
- Sizing: 6-22
- Expert take: It's all about the finer details with this brand; check out the hidden side-seam pockets and signature neon-pink lightning bolt on the hip. Cute!
19. Broderie Angel Sleeve Midaxi Dress – V by Very Curve
Broderie fabrics are a classic choice for summer and you’ll find different iterations everywhere at this time of year. Swap sugary pastel hues for something more vibrant like this clashing pink and red angel-sleeve midaxi from Very.co.uk.
- Sizing: 14-26
- Expert take: We love the flattering, body-skimming fit of this design – but consider sizing up if you’re looking for floaty wedding guest dress style.
20. Kara Print Maxi Dress – Phase Eight
With its bold print, belted waist and gorgeous green hue, this maxi dress from Phase Eight is so easy to wear, yet head-turningly striking.
- Sizing: 6-26
- Expert take: Like many of Phase Eight’s styles, you can also shop a petite version to make the length work for shorter frames. See more petite wedding guest dresses here.
21. Yumi Floral Print Midi Dress – Debenhams
When in doubt, slip into a floral number. This kimono-style wrap dress from Yumi at Debenhams is elegant, flattering and features an on-trend dipped hem. Just pair with strappy heels.
- Sizing: 8-22
- Expert take: The light, floaty sleeves give this dress the prettiest of twists – and will help to keep you cool.
22. Immy Pistachio Broderie Midi Dress – Kitri
Kitri smashes it with this floaty summer dress that incorporates two of the season’s biggest trends: pistachio and broderie. Stylish, interesting, and easy to wear – we couldn’t ask for more when it comes to summer wedding guest outfits.
- Sizing: 6-16
- Expert take: This also features a shirred back and adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit on the bust.
23. Rio Ruffled Silk Maxi Dress – Rixo
Been invited to a formal affair? Nothing says ‘black tie’ quite like an ankle-skimming maxi and this elegant dress from Rixo is a modern take that you’ll be able to wear time and time again.
Crafted from lightweight silk crepe de chine, it features the prettiest open back detail and chiffon ruffles. The floral print is inspired by a 1970s French fabric, perfect for channelling your inner Parisienne…
- Sizing: 6-16
- Expert take: The length, cut and luxurious fabrics make this great for a black-tie wedding, but the print ensures it works for less formal occasions, too. Perfect fashion maths, in our opinion.
24. Friends Like These Ruffle Trim Maxi Dress – Next
Green and gold is a match made in fashion heaven. Pair this gorgeous ruffle-trim maxi dress with heels or sandals, and your favourite clutch, for easy summer wedding style.
- Sizing: 6-20
- Expert take: Note that the straps on this dress aren’t adjustable.
25. Edith Bardot Midi Dress – Nobody’s Child
Few necklines ooze femininity more so than a Bardot – which is why this off-the-shoulder cornflower blue dress from Nobody’s Child is a classic piece that will see you through occasion after occasion.
- Sizing: 4-24
- Expert take: We also think this would make a divine bridesmaid dress!
26. High-Neck Seam Detail Satin Maxi Dress – ASOS
Proving that sherbet hues don’t have to be jaw-achingly sweet, this high-neck maxi in ‘buttermilk’ from ASOS Design oozes elegance and femininity, thanks to the satin fabric and slinky cut.
- Sizing: 4-18
- Expert take: This simple summer dress is a blank canvas for playfulness – think statement earrings, pearls, and metallic elements.
27. Rosemary Blue Sunflower Print Midi Dress – Kitri
How better to do dopamine dressing than by pairing a soothing shade of sky blue with a vintage-inspired sunflower print? The crossover frill detailing and bias-cut skirt on this dress from Kitri make this perfect for special occasions.
- Sizing: 6-16
- Expert take: This dress also comes in two other prints – Berry and Buttercup.
28. Ro&Zo Lace Mini Shift Dress – John Lewis
Shaking off its often chintzy reputation, lace is back and packing more of a punch than ever. We can’t get enough of Ro&Zo’s take on the edgy lace trend with this vibrant, thigh-grazing summer dress made from a (cool) cotton-mix fabric.
- Sizing: 6-18
- Expert take: The classic shift cut makes this super chic – pair with gold sandals and jewellery for wedding-ready style.
29. Coast Printed Organza Midi Dress – Debenhams
With its elasticated blouson sleeves, beautiful botanical print and flattering pleated waist, this A-line midi dress from Coast is perfect for weddings of all seasons. It’s cut from a delicately sheer fabric that will keep you cool in summer – just team with a cropped blazer for every other weather situ.
- Sizing: 8-18
- Expert take: Reviews state that this dress offers a generous fit, so consider sizing down if you’re between sizes.
30. Tie-Print Linen-Blend Midi Dress – Nobody’s Child
Say ciao to Italian summer chic! This Mediterranean-inspired tile-print dress from Nobody’s Child is giving serious ‘tomato girl’ aesthetic – and we’re here for it. Oh, and did we mention it has pockets?
- Sizing: 4-18
- Expert take: Level up your look with wedges or metallic heeled sandals and a red lip.
Now you've got your summer wedding guest dress sorted, make sure you check out the essential rules all wedding guests must follow – you don't want to get caught out!
