Decoded by Dress Code: The Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Shape and Style

From effortless silhouettes under $100 to versatile floral looks under $500, there's something for every kind of occasion.

By Marie Lodi, Alisa Rendor

June 16, 2025 10:53am

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Wedding Guest Dresses ASTR The Label, Marie Oliver, Petal & Pup

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It’s wedding season, which means you probably have a slew of invites from friends and family members who are getting hitched over the next several months. Wedding registries and honeyfunds take care of the stress associated with gift-giving, so if you’re all set with accommodations and travel plans, all that’s left to figure out is your outfit.

With so many styles and silhouettes out there, finding the right look can feel overwhelming. However, the thing to keep in mind is that the best wedding guest dresses are a mix of elegance, convenience and comfort. After all, it’s something you’re most likely going to be wearing for hours, so you’ll want to be able to move in it (not to mention dance). And depending on where the nuptials take place, you’ll also want to be dressed appropriately for the weather.

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Ahead, we’ve rounded up over 15 of the best wedding guest dresses for every type of celebration, from garden weddings and fancy evening affairs, to tropical beach destinations and beyond. Aside from a variety of price points, buzzy designers and trendy to classic silhouettes, so many of these styles are versatile enough to wear for other types of events, so don’t think twice if you feel compelled to reprise your look again and again.

Keep reading for our top wedding guest dress picks — all in hues other than white to avoid classic nuptials etiquette — go-to retailers and brands including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Revolve, Reformation, Azazie and more, all organized by dress code and ready to pair with your most comfortable dancing shoes.

Black Tie

Black tie usually calls for floor-length gowns in silk, brocade, velvet, chiffon and other luxe fabrics for women and tuxedos for men.

Norma Kamali Sleeveless Low Back Drape Gown

$450 at Revolve

You can’t go wrong with Norma Kamali’s low-back draped LBD for your next gala.

Reformation Anaiis Silk Dress

$398 at REFORMATION

Jewel tones exude sophistication and easily go with your favorite jewelry pieces.

Sachin & Babi Bonnie Satin One-Shoulder Gown

$716 $895 20% off

Buy at Saks Fifth Avenue

Use code GETJUNESF for 20 percent off at Saks Fifth Avenue through June 18.

Meshki Malakhai Chiffon Halter Maxi Dress

$215 at MESHKI

The unique design and cut at the front creates an understated and effortless look.

Azazie Vintage Blue Maxi Dress

$211.65 $249 15% off

Buy at Azazie

Channel your Bridgerton belle in Azazi’s vintage-inspired blue floral gown.

Formal

While formal is close to a black-tie dress code, dress hemlines can be (slightly) higher. Ankle-baring silhouettes are acceptable for formal dress codes, but avoid anything above too far above knee. Men can go for a suit and tie — no tuxedo needed.

Petal & Pup Naira Pleated Maxi Dress

$129 at PETAL & PUP

$129 at Nordstrom

Go for a less common hue that complements your skin tone for a more understated look.

Zimmermann Floral Print Long Sleeve Linen & Silk Maxi Dress

$1,550 at Nordstrom

For those seeking more modest silhouettes, look lovely in lavender in Zimmermann’s long-sleeved linen and silk maxi dress.

One Shoulder Shirred Midi Dress

$95.40 $159 40% off

Buy at ANN TAYLOR

You can never go wrong with a black dress, and a one-shoulder cut with a side slit will give you a chic and elevated style.

Birdy Grey Hannah Dress

$99 at Birdy Grey

Bridal label Birdy Grey’s bridesmaid dresses also make great options for wedding guests (just make sure to avoid the bridal party’s color scheme). The velvet Hannah dress comes in a range of shades and features ruffled sleeves and a V neck and back.

Cocktail

Just a small step above semi-formal, cocktail attire usually involves knee-length or midi cuts and in materials such as silk, chiffon, linen and lace.

Silk High Neck Midi Dress

$149 at QUINCE

Florals are always a wedding season go-to. This midi dress offers a soft hue that radiates sophistication.

Subtle florals, bright colors, ruffles and ruching —what else can you ask for in this sunny silhouette?

Stella McCartney Iconic Poppy Print Minidress

$915.00 $1,525.00 40% off

Buy at Amazon

Stella McCartney’s pink poppy dress even has pockets.

Semi-Formal

Semi-formal allows for a knee-length or midi dress and jumpsuits in prints and more casual fabrics, such as linen and cotton.

Marie Oliver Neeley Dress

$395 at MARIE OLIVER

Embody easy, breezy and beautiful with this printed dress inspired by the Greek Isles. The flattering cut fits right in at beach weddings.

Everlane Gauze Open-Back Dress

$118 $168 30% off

Buy at Everlane

Premium Linen High-Neck Maxi Dress

$90 $120 25% off

Buy at ABERCROMBIE

Wear the season’s favorite shade of yellow, pair some fun accessories or throw in your classic hoops, this is a simple and fashionable choice made with 100 percent linen.

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Decoded by Dress Code: The Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Shape and Style

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