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  5. 29 Perfect Dresses to Wear as a Wedding Guest This Summer
Martha Stewart Weddings

29 Perfect Dresses to Wear as a Wedding Guest This Summer

By Emily Goldman Updated August 17, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Free People "Beatrice" Maxi Dress in Calm Sand
Credit: Courtesy of Free People

We've rounded up styles to wear to every type of wedding.

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Guests during wedding ceremony
Credit: Lance Nicoll Photography

That invitation to a summer wedding is the perfect excuse to buy a new dress—especially one in a fun color or with an unexpected print. While the couple should always be the focus of the wedding, who says you can't look amazing as a guest? Of course, dress finding isn't as easy as it sounds. You may be stuck on what to wear, and with the wedding fast approaching, it's time to get shopping! Lucky for you we've carefully curated some summertime selects that will leave you more time scouring the couple's registry than retail racks for what to wear.

Whether your close friend is getting married barefoot on the beach or has planned a black-tie event at a luxury hotel, we have a summery dress that's perfect for you to wear. One of these summer wedding guest dresses—or three or four, because summer is always jam-packed with wedding dates—is sure to make you the talk of the dance floor.

And don't forget that different venues call for different guest attire. For something breathable and loose to wear to a beach wedding, opt for a light and airy choice, like the Halston ruffled shift dress we're sharing. Featuring a detailed halter neckline and a bright pink hue, it's sure to wow. Or if you're headed to a black-tie affair, we have so many choices for you to peruse. From the little black dress we chose from Mestiza New York to an enchanting floor-length gown we're sharing from Dôen that's perfect for an end of summer soirée, the wedding guest dresses we're sharing are stylish and run the gamut. Click through to see the dresses we're currently loving.

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Spaghetti Strap

Jenny Yoo "Aniston" Thin Strap Fit and Flare Long Crepe Gown
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Simple and elegant, this spaghetti strap dress is perfect to wear to a summertime wedding.

Shop Now: Jenny Yoo "Aniston" Thin Strap Fit and Flare Long Crepe Gown, from $173, amazon.com.

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Bow Details

Reformation "Nikita" Midi Dress in Carmelina
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Whether dressed up with a pair of heels for a cocktail attire wedding, or dressed down with flats and minimal jewelry for a daytime affair, this dress is perfect for a guest to wear to a wedding.

Shop Now: Reformation "Nikita" Midi Dress in Carmelina, from $218, nordstrom.com.

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Form-Fitting

Anthropologie "Adena" Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Anthropologie

A simple navy dress with a sleek square neckline is always a good choice for a wedding guest.

Shop Now: Anthropologie "Adena" Dress, $198, anthropologie.com.

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Interesting Design

Ted Baker London "Fabulas Cabana" Pleated Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

A floral dress with a high-low hem and cascading pleats looks lovely in yellow.

Shop Now: Ted Baker London "Fabulas Cabana" Pleated Dress, $197, nordstrom.com.

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Batik Print

Sika Designs Asymmetric Batik Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Sika Designs

An asymmetrical bodice and batik style print set this wedding guest dress apart from the rest.

Shop Now: Sika Designs Asymmetric Batik Dress, $246, sikadesigns.co.uk.

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Color Blocked

Roksanda "Elva" Color-Block Silk-Twill Halterneck Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Attend a wedding in style, and comfort, in this color blocked dress. A loose fit and bright colors make it a winner.

Shop Now: Roksanda "Elva" Color-Block Silk-Twill Halterneck Dress, $570, net-a-porter.com.

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Carefully Cut-Out Top

Amur "Lara" Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Amur

Featuring a halter neck, open back, triangle cutout, and intricate trim detailing, a light blue dress like this is perfect for a guest to wear to a summertime wedding.

Shop Now: Amur "Lara" Dress, $195, amur.com.

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Polka-Dot

Eloquii Sheer Dot Maxi with Puff Sleeves
Credit: Courtesy of Eloquii

The inner slip is attached at the sleeves of this red hot dress. The sheer red polka dot overlay allows for a breezy style.

Shop Now: Eloquii Sheer Dot Maxi with Puff Sleeves, $149.95, eloquii.com.

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Romantic Ruffles

Needle and Thread Floral Diamond Ruffle Dress in Topaz Pink
Credit: Courtesy of Needle and Thread

Puffed sleeves, intricate ruffles, and sheer fabric make this gown one gorgeous look for a wedding guest. 

Shop Now: Needle and Thread Floral Diamond Ruffle Dress in Topaz Pink, $449, us.needleandthread.com.

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Retro Glam

Free People "Beatrice" Maxi Dress in Calm Sand
Credit: Courtesy of Free People

This elegant, silky maxi dress is a glamorous option for a wedding guest wanting to keep things elevated and vintage-inspired.

Shop Now: Free People "Beatrice" Maxi Dress in Calm Sand, $250, freepeople.com.

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Button-Down

Kate Spade "Poolside Dot" Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Kate Spade

Flutter sleeves, button down front details, and a peek-a-boo style cutout come together to make this look entirely wedding guest-approved.

Shop Now: Kate Spade "Poolside Dot" Dress, $448, katespade.com.

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Lovely in Lace

Jonathan Simkhai Grosgrain-Trimmed Corded Lace Midi Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Lilac corded lace exudes a delicate feminine air when paired with this gorgeous silhouette, and the look is perfect for an outdoor garden party-style wedding.

Shop Now: Jonathan Simkhai Grosgrain-Trimmed Corded Lace Midi Dress, $795, net-a-porter.com.

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Flower Power

Rebecca Minkoff "Randy" Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff

A boat-neckline and ruched sleeves pair perfectly with a light, colorful floral print for wedding guest attire.

Shop Now: Rebecca Minkoff "Randy" Dress, $109, rebeccaminkoff.com.

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All Wrapped Up

Diane Von Furstenberg "Paloma" Ruffled Mesh Wrap Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Diane Von Furstenberg

This ruffled mesh dress was made for moving. The comfortable fabric and flattering wrap style are just a few reasons why we love this as a wedding guest dress idea.

Shop Now: Diane Von Furstenberg "Paloma" Ruffled Mesh Wrap Dress, $398, dvf.com.

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Little Black Dress

Mestiza New York "Pericon" Strapless Pleated Ruffle Hem Midi Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Don this strapless dress for a more formal wedding. It's a timeless little black dress with an elevated twist thanks to its flouncy him.

Shop Now: Mestiza New York "Pericon" Strapless Pleated Ruffle Hem Midi Dress, $595, neimanmarcus.com.

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Bright-Hued

Halston Pleated Ruffle Shift Dress in Tulip
Credit: Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

A pleated ruffled shift dress in an electric color sets this wedding guest dress apart. This is perfect for a beach bash, or daytime soirée.

Shop Now: Halston Pleated Ruffle Shift Dress in Tulip, $218, bloomingdales.com.

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Statement Sleeves

ASOS DESIGN Curve wrap front midi dress with puff sleeves in khaki
Credit: Courtesy of ASOS

This midi dress in khaki green with a wrap front features puffed sleeves for some added flair.

Shop Now: ASOS DESIGN Curve wrap front midi dress with puff sleeves in khaki, $60, asos.com.

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Lady in Red

M.M. La Fleur "Jillian" Dress in Dahlia
Credit: Courtesy of M.M. LaFleur

A cinched waist and capped sleeves make this wedding guest dress a classic, gorgeous option for a summer wedding.

Shop Now: M.M. La Fleur "Jillian" Dress in Dahlia, $265, mmlafleur.com.

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Timeless Style

ML Monique Lhuillier Lace Puff-Sleeved Midi Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

This midi dress can go from a morning wedding to an evening reception with the swap of a few accessories.

Shop Now: ML Monique Lhuillier Lace Puff-Sleeved Midi Dress, $495, saksfifthavenue.com.

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Garden Party

Hope for Flowers Abstract Floral Tie-Back Tank Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Hope for Flowers

An oversized bow incorporates an extra feminine touch to this gorgeous, colorful floral dress.

Shop Now: Hope for Flowers Abstract Floral Tie-Back Tank Dress, $328, hopeforflowers.com.

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Off-the-Shoulder

Ryllace "Rio" Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Ryllace

An off-the-shoulder neckline and light, airy fabric make this wedding guest dress ideal for a summertime party.

Shop Now: Ryllace "Rio" Off-the-Shoulder Dress, $188, ryllace.com.

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Side-Tie

Clan "Mali" Wrap Dress in Teal
Credit: Courtesy of the Folklore

A wrap dress featuring color blocked teal and cream is sure to look lovely on any body type. Flutter sleeves add a touch of romance to the overall look.

Shop Now: Clan "Mali" Wrap Dress in Teal, $231, thefolklore.com.

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Seeing Yellow

Pookie & Sebastian "Luna Surplus" Dress in SFN
Credit: Courtesy of Pookie & Sebastian

Marigold is making a comeback in a big way. Delicate spaghetti straps and a draped neckline are just a few winning aspects of this wedding guest dress that we love.

Shop Now: Pookie & Sebastian "Luna Surplus" Dress in SFN, $98, pookieandsebastian.com.

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Bold and Bright

Cushnie Sleeveless Plunging Dress with Draped Bodice and Hem
Credit: Courtesy of ShopBop

A bright pink satin dress makes a statement for a summertime wedding. Detailed ruching along the waist adds intrigue.

Shop Now: Cushnie Sleeveless Plunging Dress with Draped Bodice and Hem, $339, shopbop.com.

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Light and Airy

Dôen "Jacques" Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Dôen

An ethereal, lightweight dress made of silk organza will have you floating through any summer wedding.

Shop Now: Dôen "Jacques" Dress, $558, shopdoen.com.

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Pretty in Pink

LoveShackFancy "Clemence" Dress in Pink Bonnet
Credit: Courtesy of LoveShackFancy

Small ruffle detailing on delicate short sleeves make this pretty in pink dress stand out. Plus, an asymmetrical hemline makes dancing the night away a breeze.

Shop Now: LoveShackFancy "Clemence" Dress in Pink Bonnet, $595, loveshackfancy.com.

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Short and Sweet

Shop A.AU "Mini Jyoti" Dress
Credit: Courtest of Shop A.AU

A dark green and black floral mini dress looks striking with a square neckline, balloon sleeves, and a detailed ripple skirt.

Shop Now: Shop A.AU "Mini Jyoti" Dress, $225, aaushop.com.

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Vintage-Inspired

Leigh New York "Rhianna" Dress in Cherry
Credit: Courtesy of Leigh New York

A bright red dress is the perfect way to stand out at a summer wedding. Almost four dozen buttons cascade along the side of the dress, from the neckline to the hem, for a timeless detail.

Shop Now: Leigh New York "Rhianna" Dress in Cherry, $450, leighnewyork.com.

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Fe Noel

Fe Noel "Nutmeg" One-Shoulder Dress
Credit: Courtesy of Fe Noel

A one-shoulder floral dress is just the thing to wear to a summer wedding. It's lightweight and has an adjustable tie at the waist for a more customizable fit.

Shop Now: Fe Noel "Nutmeg" One-Shoulder Dress, $428, fenoel.com.

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    1 of 30
    2 of 30 Spaghetti Strap
    3 of 30 Bow Details
    4 of 30 Form-Fitting
    5 of 30 Interesting Design
    6 of 30 Batik Print
    7 of 30 Color Blocked
    8 of 30 Carefully Cut-Out Top
    9 of 30 Polka-Dot
    10 of 30 Romantic Ruffles
    11 of 30 Retro Glam
    12 of 30 Button-Down
    13 of 30 Lovely in Lace
    14 of 30 Flower Power
    15 of 30 All Wrapped Up
    16 of 30 Little Black Dress
    17 of 30 Bright-Hued
    18 of 30 Statement Sleeves
    19 of 30 Lady in Red
    20 of 30 Timeless Style
    21 of 30 Garden Party
    22 of 30 Off-the-Shoulder
    23 of 30 Side-Tie
    24 of 30 Seeing Yellow
    25 of 30 Bold and Bright
    26 of 30 Light and Airy
    27 of 30 Pretty in Pink
    28 of 30 Short and Sweet
    29 of 30 Vintage-Inspired
    30 of 30 Fe Noel

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