What to Wear to a Summer Wedding as a Guest: Dresses, Colors and Shoes

A summer wedding asks three things of an outfit: it has to handle heat, it has to survive grass or sand, and it has to still look elegant at ten in the evening. Get the fabric, the length and the shoes right and the rest is easy. This guide walks through each decision.

Start With the Dress Code and the Venue

Beach or garden, casual: a flowing midi or maxi dress in a light fabric. Cocktail or semi-formal: a midi dress in a refined fabric. Formal or black-tie evening: a maxi dress. When the invitation does not say, a floral or solid midi dress is the safe choice for a summer wedding.

Choose Light Fabrics

Chiffon, light cotton, linen blends and soft crepe breathe and move. Satin works for an evening reception indoors. Avoid heavy knits, velvet and anything lined in thick polyester; you will feel it by the second hour.

Summer Wedding Colors

Florals are the summer signature and photograph beautifully outdoors. Solid colors that work: dusty blue, sage green, coral, soft pink, lavender, yellow and navy for the evening. Avoid white, ivory and cream, and be careful with very pale colors that look white in photos.

Outfits by Type of Summer Wedding

Beach wedding

A floral maxi dress in a light fabric, flat or wedge sandals and a small crossbody bag. See maxi dresses and sandals.

Garden or vineyard wedding

A floral or solid midi dress with a defined waist, block-heel sandals or wedges that do not sink into the grass, and a light cardigan for the evening. See summer dresses.

Evening reception

A maxi dress in satin or crepe with a V-neck or one shoulder, heels and a clutch. See evening dresses.

Sleeves in Summer

Sleeves are not off the table in summer. Cap sleeves, flutter sleeves and short sleeves in a light fabric give coverage without heat and are the favorite of women over 50 who prefer not to go sleeveless. The wedding guest dresses collection has both.

Shoes That Survive Grass

Block heels, wedges and flat sandals. A thin stiletto sinks into lawn and sand. If the reception is indoors, bring the heels in your bag and change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a jumpsuit to a summer wedding?

Yes, for casual and cocktail dress codes. A wide-leg jumpsuit in a light fabric with sandals or block heels works well.

Can I wear black to a summer wedding?

For an evening wedding, yes. For a daytime outdoor wedding, a color or a print is cooler and more festive.

What do I wear over a dress at a summer wedding?

A light cardigan, a linen blazer or a fine wrap for the evening. See cardigans.

Every dress in the wedding guest dresses collection is 50 to 70% off with free US shipping and 30-day returns.