Spring has officially sprung, and so has wedding season, so now’s the time to shop for some stylish wedding guest dresses.
Luckily there are plenty of joyful dresses up to the job this season, from sophisticated floral dresses to bold coloured and minimalist styles.
Summer wedding guest dresses
While winter wedding dress codes can feel restrictive, for summer, you can throw the rule book out of the window.
The location will dictate your choice somewhat. For example, heat is a big factor for destination weddings, so you’ll want to prioritise styles that will keep you cool. I’m personally a big fan of silk slip dresses or oversized linen or crepe styles, which Australian fashion brands particularly excel at.
For church weddings, especially in the UK, you’ll want to cover up a little bit more, but you can keep things interesting by choosing a dress with voluminous shoulders or statement sleeves. I also love the cut-out trend for something subtly sexy and chic. Opt for a design that has a keyhole detail at the waist – Christopher Esber and Aje are great for this.
It’s safe to say prints will never go out of fashion, especially where weddings are concerned, whether you’re into stripes, tropical prints or polka dots. If you aren’t keen but still want to make a statement, then bright hues are also a massive lure this season, from hot pinks to acid greens.
Black tie wedding dictate a midi or maxi length dress for maximum elegance. If you’re on a budget, head to COS, & Other Stories and Zara, and if you’re looking to splurge, then Saint Laurent, Khaite and The Row all have some excellent styles right now.
I’ve done all the leg work for you and found the very best wedding guest dresses you can buy for summer. Keep scrolling to shop them.
Long Sleeve Midi Dress, £325 at Rixo
The Camellia dress features a flattering V neckline and two splits at the front, making it ultra feminine.
HUISHAN ZHANG Mystique feather-trimmed cutout silk-organza gown, £3,495 at Net-A-Porter
Huishan Zhang's statement 'Mystique' gown is covered in wispy pastel-pink ostrich feathers that are interspersed with contrasting grey goose feathers. It's made from silk-organza and features a gorgeous cutout back.
GANNI Floral-embroidered recycled-polyester-blend midi dress, £375 at Selfridges
Ganni is one of my go-to brands for stylish and sustainable summer dresses. This prim number is perfect for church weddings.
Printed Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress, £120 at & Other Stories
This printed puff sleeve maxi dress features an open back and flutter sleeves.
Navy Daisy Stripe dress, £149 at Ghost
With its voluminous sleeves, wide buttoned-cuffs and navy daisy print, this dress is the perfect mix of sophisticated and cool.
Della Animal Spot Dress, £155 at KITRI
Designed with balloon sleeves and a midi-length skirt, this animal-print dress also has a stunning off-the-shoulder neckline. Wear with a pearl bag and black kitten heels.
RIXO Iona cape-effect embroidered crepe midi dress, £150 at THE OUTNET
Although Rixo is known for its bold prints and 70s-inspired designs, I love this more subtle style for a country wedding.
Linen blend tunic dress, £45.99 at Zara
This is a great option for a beach wedding, as it's made of a linen blend which will keep you cool. The hot pink shade will look fab with gold sandals.
Marianne Midi Dress in Blue Colourblock, £59 at Omnes
The midi colourblock satin slip dress inspired by the 90s. Crafted with 100% Recycled Polyester that's certified by the Global Recycle Standard, it's entirely made from post-consumer polyester, so it's just as sustainable as it is stylish.
JACQUEMUS La Robe Bahia gathered minidress, £465 at MyTheresa
This Jacquemus style sells out every year and for good reason, it's simple yet sexy and goes with everything. I love this season's tangerine update.
ZIMMERMANN Prima balloon-sleeve floral-print voile mini dress, £1,050 at MatchesFashion
Voluminous balloon sleeves complement the multicoloured blooming florals that decorate Zimmerman's linen-blend voile Prima dress, lending a romantic note to the cropped hemline.
Satin dress, £49.99 at Zara
Another great style from Zara, this affordable gown looks much more expensive than its price tag suggests.
THIERRY COLSON Floral-print cotton-poplin maxi dress, £350 at MatchesFashion
This gown is crafted from cooling cotton poplin with a scooped neckline and sashed empire waist. Very Bridgerton-esque.
