‘Tis the season to look into your closet and wonder what on earth to wear to that upcoming wedding. As my close friends are having more babies than weddings these days, the chance to go to one is an exciting event for me. The weddings I’ve attended of late have become more personal and expressive, and we have all become more comfortable with our personal sense of style. 

As we approach the summer wedding season, I wanted to pull together a roundup of summer wedding looks that could span any kind of occasion. The fifteen options I included are divided into five categories, although there’s certainly some overlap between categories for some of the pieces!

Whether you’re a friend, family member, or colleague of the bride or groom, I hope you find something you love in the summer wedding looks below.

01

Cocktail Dresses

This is the most common look for weddings these days but the cuts and styles have come a long way since the year when I had six weddings in one summer. All of these can be worn for casual weddings and could even be dressed down with flats or sneakers after the event.

Reformation Jamen Knit Dress (Above) $148
Diarrablu via Nordstrom Kudi Long Sleeve Off the Shoulder Dress (Below) $255
Honorable Mention: Donna Morgan for Maggy Crochet Puff Sleeve Dress $148

02

Black-Tie Optional Dresses

These dresses could all pass at the rare but intimidating black-tie optional event. The best part is they could easily be worn again for a fundraiser, date night, or on vacation.

Mango Ruffled Floral-Print Dress (Above) $130
Míe via Shopbop Tarifa Dress (Below) $275
Honorable Mention: H&M Halterneck Chiffon Dress $70

03

Jumpsuits & Pantsuits

Personally, I think the idea of wearing a great pantsuit or jumpsuit to a wedding is CHIC!! And also underrated. Here are a couple of options to get the wheels turning if this is your type of vibe.

J. Crew Bristol Blazer $228 & Kate Straight-Leg Pant $110 (Above)
Mango Wrap Neckline Jumpsuit (Below) $100
Honorable Mention: Something Navy Silky Halter Jumpsuit $175

04

Dresses for an Outdoor Wedding

I’ve learned a lot from making poor choices at outdoor weddings! In my experience, these are the most important things to consider: the possibility of uneven surfaces and the chance of unpredictable weather that could lead you to be too hot (and potentially sweaty) or too cold. Know thyself and shop accordingly!

Boden Puff Sleeve Midi Dress (Above) $120
Reformation Winslow Dress (Below) Sizes XS – XL & Sizes 1X – 3X $278
Honorable Mention: Mango Bow Cut-Out Detail Dress $80

05

Wild Card Dresses

If you are going to a wedding where personal style and expressiveness is a value of the couple, GO FOR IT! Joe and I attended a wedding last year where an out-of-the-box dress was welcome and it set the tone for an absolutely unforgettable night (see the dress in the top image of this post). In my experience, you also tend to make new friends and cut through the small talk when you’re wearing something people might ask about or compliment!

Fanm Mon via Shopbop Demre Dress (Above) $310
Batsheva via Shopbop Welsh Dress (Below) $280
Honorable Mention: WAYF via Shopbop Tie Front Top Tiered Maxi Dress $198

Lastly, this is a friendly reminder to consider shopping your closet (or a friend’s!) before making your purchases. I rarely look back fondly at the dresses I purchased when anxious about what to wear to these big events. Give yourself some time and space to make your selection and ENJOY the opportunity to get all dressed up and celebrate love.

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Kate is currently learning to play the Ukulele, much to the despair of her husband, kids, and dogs. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.