Photo: Courtesy of Reformation
It’s August and that can only mean two things: one, you probably have a wedding a week to attend for the next month, and two, it’s the perfect time to shop summer sales for the perfect wedding guest dress! Dressing for a summer wedding is like walking a tight rope of being stylish, just the right amount of sexy, and avoiding melting away in the summer heat. Here, we round up 10 of our favorite wedding guest dresses you can buy now for a late summer wedding that won’t break the bank but keep you cool.
The Dress to Dance In:
This Reformation dress (above) was made for hitting the dance floor! With a sexy, yet understated, plunging neckline, and layers of ruffled silk, this dress will have you praying for a salsa band at this weekend’s wedding. Either way you get to use the salsa dancer emoji on all of your wedding Instagrams, and that’s good enough for us! (Cassia wrap dress, $268, The Reformation)
Photo: Courtesy of H&M
For the Day Time Wedding:
Guipure lace is having a major moment (thanks to trend-setting brand Self-Portrait’s to-die-for creations). This sweet version of the trend will crown you best-dressed (aside from the bride of course) at that hard-to-shop-for wedding you have coming up, and you won’t be desperately reaching for a fan. (Lace dress, $129, H&M)
Photo: Courtesy of Nordstrom
The Shadily Sexy Dress
You don’t want to upstage the bride on her big day, but there’s nothing wrong with show a little bit of skin in all the right places. Strategically placed cutouts — on the sides and back — are flattering, can keep ventilated, and are just sexy enough. (Clover maxi dress with cutouts, $255, For Love & Lemons X Nordstrom available at Nordstrom)
Photo: Courtesy of Anthropologie
The Floral Mini
A high neckline is a major trend for fall, why not get things started early with a summer version? Florals always make a statement and a short dress makes hitting the dance floor easier, and keeps your legs cooler! (Grandiflora swing dress, $158, Eliza J available at Anthropologie)
Photo: Courtesy of Asos
The Jumpsuit:
A chic tailored jumpsuit is just the ticket for a summer affair that calls for cocktail attire. Show off your fashionista side with a jumpsuit that is dressy enough for a wedding, and even better for the after party. Plus you’ll be the most comfortable guest at the wedding, guaranteed. (Wrap Jumpsuit with Collar Detail, $43.50, ASOS)
Photo: Courtesy of Revolve
Lady in Red
You can’t go wrong with a little red dress. Just add some metallic heels and you’ve got the ideal look to dance the night away. (Woven sleeveles fit and flare dress, $90, Endless Rose available at Revolve)
Photo: Courtesy of Shopbop
For the Black Tie Affair
Seeing the words “Black Tie” printed on a summer wedding invitation can cause even the most collected shopper to hyperventilate. Black tie doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your wedding attire choice. Pick something on the simple side and let the accessories (like statement earrings or necklace) do the talking. And of course, we cant’ say no to a dress that has summer time built in to its name. (Maggie long dress in Summertime, $285, Joanna August available at Shopbop.com)
Photo: Courtesy of Forever 21
For the Beach Wedding:
A late summer beachside wedding calls for the utmost in sophisticated beach chic. Keep things sleek in a column maxi dress, but make it fashionable with an on-trend off-the-shoulder neckline. (Off-the-shoulder maxi dress, $24.90, Forever 21)
Photo: Courtesy of Nasty Gal
Starry Night:
Who says a wedding guest needs to keep it simple? This modern mini dress has us seeing stars! You’ll lose count of how many times you get asked “where did you get your dress?” (To Be Adored New Killer Star embroidered mini dress, $258, Nasty Gal)
See more: The Top Wedding Trends for Summer 2016
Photo: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters
The Multi Tasker:
With the right accessories, a breezy chiffon floral dress in deep yellow works for a rustic barn wedding, a vineyard, a city affair, and even a seaside fiesta. Definitely add this one to your repertoire. (Ecote Hooka Floral Chiffon Midi Slip$Dress, $139, Urban Outfitters)