8 Summer Dresses Perfect for Weddings, Garden Parties and Everything in Between

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Summer is the season of celebrations, from sun-drenched weddings to charming garden parties. Finding that perfect dress that blends style, comfort, and occasion-appropriateness can elevate your experience. This guide unveils 8 stunning summer dresses to ensure you’re beautifully attired for every event on your social calendar.

1. Boho maxi dresses.

Embrace your inner free spirit with a flowing boho maxi dress, often adorned with delicate lace or intricate embroidery, in soft, earthy tones or dreamy pastels. According to Megan Watkins of Silkfred, “Saint Laurent and Chloé-inspired boho dresses will play a huge part in wedding guest trends,” ideal for rustic or beach weddings, especially when paired with statement jewelry. Watkins also notes that “mesh and sheer fabrics will continue to dominate,” adding a touch of allure to these guest dresses.

2. One-shoulder dresses.

For a look that’s both elegant and modern, consider the one-shoulder dress. This silhouette, often seen in bold colors, features an eye-catching asymmetric design. It has quickly become a dominant trend for 2025, appearing across various price points and designer collections, making it a sophisticated choice for many wedding guest dresses.

3. Drop-waist dresses.

Channel vintage charm with a drop-waist dress, a silhouette that offers a unique and flattering look. Jenn Hyman of Rent The Runway explains that “Basque and drop waist styles elongate the bodice and sit just below the natural waistline to create a flattering silhouette.” This style is seeing a resurgence, with its distinctive ‘V’ shape adding a touch of drama, making it a timeless yet trendy option for wedding outfits.

4. Polka dot wrap dresses.

A polka dot wrap dress is versatile enough for both daytime events and evening receptions. Henrietta Rix, co-founder of Rixo, says that the best wedding guest outfit is “an investment day-to-night dress” that transitions effortlessly from ceremony to dance floor.

5. Metallic dresses.

Turn heads at glamorous evening events with a metallic dress, featuring high-shine fabrics or dazzling sequins. Eshita Kabra-Davies of By Rotation notes a rising demand for “elegant, statement pieces,” with many wedding guests gravitating towards “maximalist glamour, with sequins and metallics taking center stage.” These dresses are perfect for formal summer events that make a memorable impact.

6. Romantic ruffled dresses.

Add a playful and decidedly feminine touch to your summer wardrobe with a romantic ruffled dress. The flouncy ruffles create beautiful movement and texture, making these dresses ideal for garden party outfits and other outdoor celebrations. Whether subtle or statement, ruffles bring an element of fun and elegance to your summer fashion.

7. Little white dresses.

Consider a little white dress (LWD) as a fresh and chic alternative to the classic little black dress for your summer events. LWDs come in various styles, from crisp linen dresses to flowing chiffon numbers, offering versatility for summer parties and even casual summer wedding outfits. Their light and airy feel makes them perfect for warm-weather celebrations.

8. Halterneck dresses.

Showcase your shoulders with an elegant halterneck dress, a style that’s trending for its sophisticated appeal. Eshita Kabra-Davies from By Rotation mentioned that alongside popular colors like black, pink, and blue, “feminine, flowing silhouettes and halter necklines” are in strong demand. This style is a fantastic choice for cocktail dresses or any event where you want to combine grace with modern summer fashion.

Outdated dress trends.

While embracing new summer fashion, it’s also wise to steer clear of certain outdated styles to ensure your outfits are contemporary and appropriate. Fitted bandage dresses, once popular, now feel less current for formal events. Similarly, overly revealing styles can be a misstep, as a chic and respectful wedding dress code often leans towards elegance and subtlety.