What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

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No reason to stress – just say “yes” to one of these dresses!

Summer fashion 
 

Summer wedding season is upon us. The gorgeous invites from family, friends, co-workers, and not-so-close acquaintances (we’ve all been there) are piling up, and the array of styles and wedding attire available these days are enough to make you crazy. Before you encourage the happy couple to elope, to spare yourself the dress-anxiety, wht has you covered.

Here are our top picks for what to wear to a summer wedding:

For a coastal celebration: Beachside and destination ceremonies are growing in popularity, and they provide a great opportunity to sport some brighter colors and breezier styles than those found at more traditional weddings.

Try this orange maxi dress (above left) from Wallis ($70). The mesh overlay in the skirt allows your leg to peak through for a sexy feel, while still being covered-up for the face time with the bride’s family. Another option is a dress with a hi-lo hem; it’s a perfect fit on the beach as it provides a nice cross between shoreline-casual and wedding-elegance. This Russian Plate Dress from Free People via Shopbop ($128) features beautiful blue painted flowers and an uneven hem – and check out the beautiful back detail! You’ll need to invest in a convertible bra, but it will be worth it.

summer fashion

For a backyard soiree: Outdoor weddings are always a great time. The sun is shining (hopefully!) and you get to party under the stars all night. You want to make sure you look classic, yet comfortable.

The Factory one-shoulder dress from J. Crew (on sale for $34.99) comes in bright colors for the outdoor setting and will do double duty for a dressier event later in the season. Another great option is Dorothy Perkin’s aqua jacquard dress ($44), which can be dressed up or down. Don’t forget a pashmina or dressy cardigan for an all-night outdoor affair!

summer fashion

For a casual cocktail event: Cocktail-style weddings are the best place to show of your favorite dresses.

A blousy dress is flirty and elegant, like this coral dress with a sweetheart neckline available on Etsy ($86.66), which can be dressed up with strappy nude heels, a chic chignon, and elegant pearls. If you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the Merona ruffle bodice dress from Target ($29.99). It’s available in a few colors and has a very feminine but relaxed feel.

Bonus Tip – For a black-tie affair: Formal-dress is the trickiest. It is tough to get away with anything short of a frock fit for the Duchess of Cambridge. Not everyone has a go-to gown in her closet, but thanks to flash-sale sites and Rent the Runway, you don’t have to miss out.

we heartsters – What are your go-to tips for wedding style?

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Author

  • marissa

    Marissa is a public relations professional by day and jewelry designer and entrepreneur by night. She has an affinity for creativity and inspiring style and loves writing, reading and being in the sun.

6 Comments

  1. Lovely post–that J. Crew dress is calling my name!

  2. I love weddings and love to dress up for them. I have one to go to soon, but have to first buy a dress! I think I have one in my closet, and even doubt that it fits! Losing weight has been great on many fronts but the dress wardrobe is pretty sparse!

  3. My tip for a wedding or any event is PLAN AHEAD. Try everything on in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute for a sunless tan. Give yourself plenty of time so you can tweak shoes, accessories and nail color.

  4. Love the red dress and the aqua one! Totally chic for a summer wedding!

  5. Ooh, I love the maxi dress (I LIVE in maxi dresses), and the ruffles on the cobalt blue Merona ruffle bodice dress is perfect to distract from the mummy-tummy I’m currently supporting. Thanks @Marissa !

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