Yahoo News 26 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses to Get You Through the Season in Style
2022 is officially the Year of the Wedding, so you know you’re going to need to stock up on more than a few summer wedding guest dresses to keep up with all the events on your calendar. Some are black tie, most are cocktail casual and your cousin has opted for “beach party chic,” whatever that means. And of course, there’s also the hot and humid weather to contend with. But there’s no need to stress—we’ve tracked down the absolute best frocks to get you through the summer wedding season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, no matter your budget, body type or style.
The Top Summer Wedding Guest Trends for 2022:
Cut-Outs. Showing some skin is in! Dresses with cut-outs at the waist, neckline and back are a top trend for this season. As an added bonus, they offer extra breathability to help prevent you from overheating on the dance floor. Just be sure not to show too much skin (á la Kendall Jenner). This is a wedding, not the bachelorette party.
Bold Colors. Leave your demure pastels and muted florals for another year and instead opt for brighter options like hot pink, sunshine yellow or Kelly green. If you’re worried about your preferred shade being a bit too attention grabbing, opt for a shorter silhouette and keep your accessories to a minimum. A warning however: Non-white wedding dresses are traditional in certain parts of the world (for example many Indian brides wear red on their big day), so be sure to do a little research ahead of time to avoid accidentally offending anyone.
Slip Dresses. The simple ‘90s silhouette is having another major moment in 2022. This time around, longer maxi lengths are preferred over shorter hemlines, which makes them even more versatile for multiple dress codes. In fact, a sleek slip dress might just be your absolute best pick if you’re on the hunt for a single dress you can wear to anything and everything. Just swap out your accessories to fit the theme and you’re good to go!
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1. Vince Pleated Satin Slipdress
We came for that stunning blue color but stayed for the incredibly flattering pleating and seaming in the bust. Plus, those thicker straps are bra-friendly, so there’s no need to struggle with a strapless.
Size range: 1X to 3X
2. Lulus Floral Lace-Up Maxi Dress
There’s a beautiful lace-up detail at the back of this dress that lends a sexy vibe without being too overt. It also comes in multiple other hues, but it’s the lavender and pink variation that really stole our hearts.
Size range: XXS to XL
3. ASOS Curve Floral Embellished Mini
This embellished floral mini was made to be spun on the dance floor. Keep your accessories on the simpler side to avoid overdoing it, but feel free to play around with pops of color with your shoes, earrings or even your eyeshadow.
Size range: 12 to 26
4. Eloquii Fitted Trumpet Dress
This simple but stunning midi can be dressed up or down to fit multiple dress codes, and also comes in black if you’re not keen on bright colors. Our favorite way to wear it, however, is with stand-out gold accessories like extra-large hoops or strappy platform heels.
Size range: 14 to 28
5. Banana Republic Pleated One-Shoulder Dress
Yes, that goldenrod yellow hue is a real showstopper, but the real reason we adore this dress (which also comes in blue and green) is the forgiving draped silhouette and super-flattering one-shoulder neckline.
Size range: XXS to XXL, also Petite
6. Show Me Your Mumu Verona Cowl Dress
This simple slip comes in a ton of beautiful colors, and we’re honestly tempted to pick up two (or maybe even three) to rotate throughout the season. Add a sparkly belt and statement earrings for a black-tie affair, or opt for more colorful, casual accessories for cocktail dress codes.
Size range: XXS to 3X
7. Anthropologie Ruffle-Sleeve Wrap Dress
This floaty wrap looks like satin but is actually made of viscose, which won’t show sweat nearly as much, meaning you don’t have to stress about your underarms when you should be enjoying your bestie’s big day.
Size range: XXS to 3X, also Petite
8. Abercrombie & Fitch Smocked Puff-Sleve Midi Dress
The stretchy smocked fabric of the bodice will hug your curves while simultaneously smoothing any lumps or bumps for a super-flattering overall silhouette. Wear the puff sleeves up on your shoulders for a more demure, Bridgerton vibe, or down for a sexier off-the-shoulder look.
Size range: XXS to XL, also Petite and Tall
9. ASOS Blouson Sleeve Midi in Organza Check
This dress offers coverage without risk of overheating thanks to the super-lightweight material and strategic cutout at the waistline. And, yes, it’s bra-friendly too.
Size range: 0 to 14
10. Mac Duggal Vertical Sequin Midi Sheath Dress
Sequins and embellishment can feel heavy for summer, but this sleeveless midi is surprisingly lightweight and will keep you looking and feeling cool all night long.
Size range: 0 to 24
11. Tanya Taylor Blaire Dress
No, this comfy wrap dress doesn’t come cheap, but the adjustable waist, fun ruffles, and muted floral print make it well worth the investment. In fact, we’d argue you could wear this stunner for summer, fall and spring weddings just by switching up your accessories, making it a must-have in our book.
Size range: 0 to 22
12. Lilly Pulitzer Valli Shift Dress
This lightweight mini works for all sorts of different venues—an outdoor cocktail hour, English garden ceremony, beachside reception—and that Robin’s egg blue looks beautiful on almost all skin tones.
Size range: 00 to 16
13. ModCloth x Hutch Tie-Shoulder Midi Dress
The adjustable shoulders allow you to have some fun switching up the neckline, and the material has enough stretch to hug your curves without looking strained. P.S. It also comes in a solid pistachio hue if patterns aren’t your favorite.
Size range: 0 to 26
14. City Chic Sweet Paradise Off-the-Shoulder Linen Dress
You can never go wrong with an LBD, but this one in particular is the perfect blend of sexy and casual making it a total no-brainer for cocktail receptions. Oh, and did we mention it has pockets? Score!
Size range: 12W to 26W
15. Shani Lace Sheath Dress
If an all-black dress feels too heavy for summer, try a black-and-white print instead, like this lace number by Shani. The botanical pattern is a fun take on floral without feeling too old-school.
Size range: 2 to 16
16. Adrianna Papell Floral Chiffon Gown
This cheery maxi has so many gorgeous details—the keyhole neckline, knotted waist, floaty sleeves—to separate you from the pack of other floral frocks at the party. The material is also super lightweight to prevent you from overheating even in mid-July.
Size range: 0 to 30
17. Anthropologie One-Shoulder Silk Midi Dress
The twisted shoulder strap and draped skirt give this breathable, silk beauty a Grecian goddess vibe we simply can’t get enough of. Lean into it even further with some lace-up sandals and a braided ‘do.
Size range: 0 to 26W, also Petite
18. Lavish Alice Gathered Sleeve Mini Dress
The ruching on this minidress helps to camouflage any bumps you may feel self-conscious about all without the need for special shaping underwear. And that throwback floral print is just too pretty to pass on.
Size range: 14 to 22
19. Silk Maison French Bow Halterneck Silk Dress
This gorgeous maxi has an adjustable halter neck and a stunning open back that hits just low enough to be flattering without scandalizing Grandma. And, yes, it comes in less vibrant shades, like black or copper, too.
Size range: XXS to XXL
20. 11 Honoré Carter Maxi
A black maxi dress will always work for a black-tie wedding, and this one can be worn with the shoulders either pulled up for more coverage or pulled down for an off-the-shoulder silhouette. You can even do a half-and-half situation for just a peek of skin, if you prefer.
Size range: 10 to 24
21. J.Crew Collection Scoopneck Chiffon Dress
If a black gown just doesn’t feel right in the middle of summer, try this shimmering gold number on instead. The empire waist has a trendy (and flattering) Bridgerton vibe, while the thin straps help make all that embellishment feel light and modern.
Size range: 00 to 14
22. Reformation Enya Dress
This eco-friendly frock is one of our favorites for any basically summer event. The tiny ruffle detail at the neckline and flounced hem feel feminine without being too girly, and it comes in three great floral prints, as well as navy.
Size range: 0 to 12
23. V. Chapman Lily Dress
The ruched material plus cascading mini ruffles conform to your figure while masking any lumps or bumps, for an overall smoother silhouette.
Size range: 0 to 14
24. Show Me Your Mumu Claire Midi Dress
The shoulder straps on this midi are entirely adjustable, and the matching belt can be swapped out for an embellished or contrasting style if you prefer. Plus, it comes in a whopping 19 different color options, including two patterns, to sweeten the deal.
Size range: XXS to 3X
25. Silk Maison Palace Silk Dress
This silk stunner has an adjustable tie on the side so you can ensure the top fits exactly right, and a hidden zipper (also at the side) to make slipping in and out of the dress all the easier. And, yes, you can absolutely accommodate a strapless or one-shoulder bra under there without fear of it peeping through on the side or at the back.
Size range: XXS to XXL
26. Anthropologie Elyse Bias Slip Dress
This Anthropologie slip dress has been a best-seller for the brand for years, both because of the flattering silhouette and the incredibly comfortable (slightly stretchy) material. Note: Some reviewers found it to run a little bit big, so if you really want to show off those curves you might want to consider sizing down.
Size range: XXS to 3X, also Petite
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