Key Takeaways
- Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics and airy silhouettes to stay cool at summer weddings, especially for outdoor or humid settings.
- Adjust your look to the dress code and venue. Opt for shorter hemlines and open-back designs for relaxed events and elegant maxi dresses for formal ones.
- Stick to summer-appropriate solid hues or subtle prints. Finish your outfit with natural, textured accessories for an organic vibe.
As the peak wedding season, many people are realizing they have to plan summer wedding guest outfit ideas for more than one occasion this year. If you’re planning to attend a wedding in the warmer months, you might be wondering what to wear to a summer wedding.
Is there a dress code? What fabrics are going to keep you from sweating? What is the best color to wear to a summer wedding? Are there certain prints or hues you must consider to ensure you’re on the best-dressed list? Crescent has all the answers you need, including silhouette, fabric, and color options for every type of event.
Explore our list of wedding attire recommendations to find the right choice for the next wedding on your list!
1. Keep it Airy
When considering what to wear to a hot wedding in summer, the fabric is key. Look for lightweight and breathable fabrics that can withstand the sun during the ceremony and tons of dancing as the evening progresses. This is especially important if you need to wear a full-length gown in a hot and humid climate.
- Some fabrics that can help keep you cool and elevate your look include charmeuse, crepe, and viscose with a satin-style look.
- Explore linen and lightweight cotton fabrics with elegant details for a breathable material in a sophisticated design.
2. Short & Sweet
Another solution for warm-weather weddings is a rising hemline. If the wedding doesn’t have a formal or black-tie dress code, you can wear a shorter dress to prevent overheating.
For this summer wedding guest outfit idea, you can keep your outfit from looking too informal by choosing styles with lacy applique, sheer neckline accents, midi-length hemlines, and pleated details.
3. Open Backs
Another of our favorite ways to keep cool is with a look that shows off more of your skin. If you’re wondering what to wear to a summer wedding without exposing your legs, how about a dress that shows off your back?
When short skirts or cut-out styles are not part of the dress code, a backless design solves your dilemma. Whether it’s a jumpsuit or a dress, look for cuts that deliver crisscrossed straps, a full backless look, or unique cut-outs.
4. Bright Prints
Wondering what kind of prints to wear to a summer wedding?
- Florals with bright colors are a classic choice and an ideal go-to for your outfit formula.
- A chiffon maxi dress with mini bright blue, white, and pink flowers on a navy background is also lovely.
- Alternatively, consider something oversized and abstract to stand out among the other florals in the crowd.
You can also ensure your date is dressed to match with a button-up shirt or pocket square in the same vibrant design as your summer wedding guest outfit idea.
5. Accessorize with Natural Details
What to wear for a summer wedding isn’t the only question to consider as you plan. You’ll also need to think about accessories that balance your look while keeping it summery. Natural fabrics and botanical details make everything a little more seasonally appropriate for shoes, bags, and jewelry.
- Summer footwear may include sandals, wedges, or kitten heels.
- Add a structured handbag made from materials that are similar to your dress for a more cohesive, minimalist style.
- Consider summer-y jewelry pieces like pearl earrings and pendants for a romantic touch.
Location Determines Style
If your invitation doesn’t specify a dress code, the location will help you determine what to wear to a summer wedding. A big, glamorous venue likely means a black-tie event, while a low-key beach wedding invites a more laid-back style.
You might even be invited to a chic restaurant or club for the event, which allows you to experiment with cocktail dresses and other semi-formal ensembles like two-piece sets.
Shop Summer Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
Even if it’s not summertime quite yet, you’ll want to start shopping now for your warm-weather weddings. Planning ahead will take the anxiety out of deciding what to wear to a summer wedding. Explore the collection at Crescent for seasonal styles that keep you elegant while ensuring you're comfortable in the hottest environments.
Looking for something specific? We’re happy to help! Reach out to our team for more personalized guidance.
