40 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses That Are Chic, Classy and Totally Cooling
Lightweight, breathable frocks, right this way
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The invites for all those upcoming summer weddings have been pouring in and you've got to map out your outfit options. Some are black tie affairs, most are cocktail casual and your cousin has opted for “beach chic,” whatever that means. And of course, there’s also the hot and humid weather to contend with, which has to be taken into consideration when choosing your silhouettes and materials (halters or strapless necklines, along with cotton and linen, are your friends). That means you're going to need a breezy dress (or four) that's lightweight, stylish and falls in line with the wedding dress code.
But there’s no need to stress—I’ve got expert tips and picks on what to look out for, plus what not to wear if you want to stay on the happy couple’s good side. Most importantly, of course, I've tracked down 40 of the best summer wedding guest dresses from some PureWow-favorite brands and retailers—including Nordstrom, Reformation, Revolve, and Lulus—to get you through summer wedding season in style, no matter your budget, body type or dress code.
Meet the Experts
- Amberly Reese is an expert stylist and talent performance specialist at Stitch Fix, a personal styling service for men, women and kids.
- Maria Loizou is the former copy and content manager for Karen Millen and current creative campaign and partnerships manager for Mason Rose.
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What to Consider When Shopping for Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
- Steer clear of lengths and fits you tend to not like (no matter how hard you try). OK, this sounds self-explanatory, but if you hate halter dresses on yourself, don’t buy a halter dress. Your best friend might look great in it, but a strapless might be more your forte.
- Sometimes, the practical choice is the best choice. In a perfect world, you’ll wear this dress more than once, so purchase a gown that’s comfortable and versatile. And don’t forget to pair it with some comfortable heels that won’t leave you with blisters after the reception.
- Pay close attention to the material. As it begins to heat up, you’ll want to make sure you’re glancing at the fabric. Fabrics like cotton and linen will keep you cool and offer a bit of ventilation. Silk might not be the best option if you’re spending long bouts in the sun, but ideal for a wedding under the stars. The wedding’s location, time and dress code all play a part in what materials you’ll want to search for, but don’t forget to consider what works best for your body.
Stephanie Meraz
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
- Covers all things fashion and shopping
- Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
- Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York
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