How many invitations to summer weddings do you have? Somehow, the weekends between June and September just fill up with nuptial events. Once you’ve arranged all your flights and hotels or, get lucky with a local celebration, it’s time to decide what to wear to a wedding—and our Stylists have you covered with a helpful guide.
When you consider what to wear to a summer wedding, the setting matters. Will it be something under the glittering city lights? Nestled in the rolling hills of a winery? Or maybe a simple backyard gathering? Do you need to think about what to wear to a beach wedding? (Are you even wearing shoes for the ceremony on the sand?)
In addition to the look for the main event, a weekend full of welcome parties, rehearsal dinners and day-after brunches calls for a suitcase full of fabulous looks.
Check out this helpful guide to dresses for a summer wedding guest, with outfit advice for every moment of the celebration.
On the way
If the wedding you’re attending is local, that alone is worth celebrating. However, it’s likely that the festivities will require some traveling. Wherever the destination, your travel clothes should be comfortable, easy and help you get in the spirit of the fun ahead. Treat it like a vacation!
Our Stylists suggest soft denim jeans with slip-on clogs and a floral-print top (that can make another appearance later in the weekend). Topped with a denim jacket, easy-but-polished trousers and sneakers are a classic travel combo. Or really lean into the OOO vibes with colorful stripes, versatile black sandals and a gimme-some-sun bag.
The welcome party
Everyone’s trickling in, and you’re coming together for the first time. The feeling is casual, but special. A simple white tank with a fun, bright skirt and strappy sandals hits the mark. For a one-and-done option, break out your first summer wedding guest dress of the season—it’s the perfect chance to try a bold pattern. Either way the idea is to say “I’m here. Let’s celebrate!”
The rehearsal dinner
Ok, this is your first chance to get a little more dressed up, even if the wedding isn’t super formal. Another dress in a print or soft blue with colorful accessories is a can’t-go-wrong combo—our Stylists recommend leaning into pastels and florals for a romantic vibe.
Vibrant separates like a patterned skirt and a complementary solid sleeveless top (or vice versa) with a lavender heel also says “summer” in an outfit. Let the toasts begin!
The main event
What to wear to a summer wedding will be slightly different depending on the location, especially when it comes to the main event, so we broke things down into a few scenarios you’d likely find on your big summer wedding tour.
What to wear to a beach wedding
Inherently casual, a beach wedding calls for the most vacation-ready attire. Bring out the floaty dresses and skirts. Or, take the long route with an ankle-grazing ruffled dress paired with raffia wedges or a striped halter dress and sandals.
For the really laid-back wedding, a matching mid-length patterned skirt and top with straw clutch channel the surf-side vibes.
What to wear to a summer wedding in the city
Think: warm nights and twinkling rooftop lights. Our Stylists say go for sleek and dressed up, but simple. A silky sheath with a linen blazer is the perfect on-trend balance of summer and sophistication.
You can never go wrong with a little black dress, especially paired with metallic jewelry and a chunky heel. Or, bring fresh color (and cutouts) to the party—add a shimmery shoe for even more festive feels.
What to wear to a summer wedding al fresco
Maybe in someone’s lush backyard? A hidden garden patio? Go above-the-knee in a swingy sleeveless or puff-sleeve dress. Or stick to a streamlined look in subtle dark gingham paired with a summery straw bag.
Our Stylists are always here for a pop of color in the accessories department—add a sun- or clementine-colored purse to finish the whole “I’m-sipping-a-spritz” look.
The day-after brunch
The toasts have been made. The dances have been danced. Everyone’s happily moving a little slowly from the fun of the night before. Put on some bright colors to keep the energy up and celebrate until the very last moment when folks have to head to the airport. Your mimosa uniforms: A sunny yellow dress or bright, summer-staple white jeans with a printed top (remember the floral one you wore for travel—grab it again here). Just add some easy sandals and classic jewelry, and you’re ready for one last glass-clink for the road.
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Get styled by Stitch Fix for summer weddings
Let our Stylists help you find what to wear to a wedding, however many I-dos are in your summer plans. Take your style quiz, schedule a Fix, and get ready to receive an array of celebratory styles that fit your unique taste. Try on your new outfits in the comfort of your own home. Pay for what you love and send back the rest. Shipping and returns are always free, and there’s no subscription required. You celebrate the happy couple, we’ll take care of the shopping.
