Summer wedding guest dresses: fabrics, colors and shoes
How to choose a summer wedding guest dress: breathable fabrics, colors and prints, styles, ways to beat the heat and shoes that work on grass and sand.
The short answer
Choose a light, breathable midi or maxi in a color that is not white, ivory or cream. Wear block heels, wedges or flats for grass and sand, and bring a wrap for air-conditioning.
- Avoid sheer fabrics without lining and heavy velvet or thick satin in the heat.
The best summer wedding guest dress is light, breathable and in a color that is not white: a midi or maxi in chiffon, crepe, linen-blend, cotton or a flowy satin, in florals, jewel tones or soft pastels. Pair it with block-heel or flat shoes, because summer weddings often mean grass, sand or long afternoons on your feet.
Fabrics that work in the heat
- Chiffon and georgette: light, flowy and dressy
- Cotton and cotton blends: breathable for daytime
- Linen blends: relaxed and cool, but they crease, so choose a blend or a lined one
- Crepe: fluid and wrinkle-resistant
- Satin: dressy for evening, but it can cling when warm, so choose a slip cut with some room
Colors and prints for summer
- Florals and garden prints for daytime
- Jewel tones such as emerald, cobalt and fuchsia for evening
- Soft pastels such as lavender, sage, sky blue and blush, avoiding anything that reads as white or ivory
- Brights such as coral and tangerine for a beach or resort wedding
Styles to consider
- Wrap midi that suits many body types and adjusts to fit
- Slip dress in satin for evening, with a wrap for the ceremony
- Halter or square-neck maxi for a warm outdoor wedding
- Off-the-shoulder or puff-sleeve midi for a romantic feel
- A dressy jumpsuit in a light, fluid fabric
Beat the heat
- Choose a lining that is smooth and breathable, not polyester that traps heat
- Bring blotting papers and a small fan, plus a wrap for air-conditioning
- Use a body glide or anti-chafe balm if the dress is short
- Wear sunscreen, and a hat only if the invitation suggests it
Shoes and extras
- Block heels, wedges or dressy flat sandals for grass and sand
- A small clutch
- Light jewelry that will not feel heavy in the heat
What to avoid
- White, ivory and cream
- Very sheer fabrics without a lining
- Stiletto heels on grass or sand
- Heavy velvet or thick satin in the heat
For the overview by dress code, see wedding guest dresses and what to wear to a wedding. If you are going to a beach, see beach wedding guest dresses. The Wedding Guest Edit has outfit formulas for each dress code and a planner for the whole weekend.
Read next: Fall Wedding Guest Dress: What to Wear · Business Professional Attire for Women: Guide
Questions people ask about this
What should I wear to a summer wedding as a guest?
A light midi or maxi dress in chiffon, crepe, cotton or a flowy satin, in a floral, jewel tone or soft pastel, with block heels or flat sandals and a wrap for the ceremony.
What colors should I wear to a summer wedding?
Florals, jewel tones, soft pastels, coral and bright shades are good choices. Avoid white, ivory and cream.
Is it OK to wear black to a summer wedding?
Often yes, especially in the evening, but a light color may feel more festive in daytime heat. Check the invitation and the couple's preferences.
What shoes should I wear to an outdoor summer wedding?
Block heels, wedges or dressy flats. Stiletto heels sink into grass and sand.
