Fashion
Can You Wear A Long Dress To A Wedding In The Summer? 13 Guest Gowns That Prove It's A Legit Style Move
Roses are red, violets are blue, your friends all got engaged last February and now you have many weddings to attend... to. But can you wear a long dress to a wedding this summer? Or are those events strictly for knee-length sundresses?
So far, I have seven — yes, seven — weddings to attend this summer. Many of those weddings include the same friend group, so I will have to wear something different to each magical event. And since my 5'3" self has realized there's no such thing as being "too short" for a maxi dress, I have become obsessed with those longer lengths.
I've always worried that long dresses are strictly reserved for the bride and/or her bridesmaids at the wedding. But they aren't. A bride is going to stand out on her wedding day regardless because she is happiest, most radiant woman in the room. And her bridesmaids are going to stand out by simply standing next to her. You're going to stand out (but not too much) by being the best dressed guest in these 13 maxi dresses that are perfect for a wedding.
Floral Print
Print Chiffon Maxi Dress, $158, Nordstrom
Floral print plus a jeweled neck is perfect for summer weddings. Plus, it’s flowy enough to dance in with your gorgeous, newly married friend!
Try: BCBGMaxAria Misty Dress in Shadow Blush Coral, $598, Amazon
Black & White
Floral Print Chiffon High/Low Dress, $138, Nordstrom
Yes, even a black and white maxi dress can be OK to wear to a wedding. Wearing white to a wedding might still be a faux pas in most circles, but black and white plus a pop of color is completely in the clear.
Try: Lark & Ro Printed Gathered Neck Maxi, $69.50, Amazon
Baby Blue
Adore County Dress Sky, $54.99, ModCloth
You won’t look like the bride in this light blue maxi, but you will look like Cinderella.
See similar: BCBGMazAzria Aureana Dress in Light Larkspur Blue, $95, Amazon
Sheer
Don’t Worry, Be Sassy Dress, $59.99, ModCloth
Sheer skirts might seem better suited for vacation, but they’re totally acceptable for an outdoor summer wedding, too. Obvious statement: It’s hot and humid in the summer. You’re going to want to wear something breathable to make it through the entire ceremony and the dance party afterwards.
See similar: BCBGMaxAzria Madalena Cross Bodice with Sheer Skirt Dress, $100, Amazon
Lace
Ethereal Lace Maxi, $300, Free People
As long as it’s not white, you have no chance of stealing the bride’s spotlight. Blue is a classic color to wear to any wedding, and lace is always pretty.
See similar: Rebecca Minkoff Falcon Lace Midi Dress, $113, Amazon
More Lace
Lace Overlay Maxi Dress, $34.90, Forever 21
Adding a lace overlay on top of a plain maxi dress is a great way to wear lace and dress up a maxi dress just in time for a summer wedding.
Strapless
TFNC Maxi Dress With Pleated Bust And Full Lining, $75.24, ASOS
Add a few strips of double-sided tape, and this dress will be perfect for dancing.
See similar: Parker Bayou Silk Strapless Maxi Gown, $308, Amazon
Full Skirt
Halter Super Full Maxi, $143.32, ASOS
The only maxi dress you own is a full dress? First of all, congratulations for finding the dress that every girl dreams about. To dress this gorgeous piece down for a summer wedding, pair it with sandals and beachy waves.
See similar: Halston Heritage Silk Faille V-Neck Structured Gown, $280, Amazon
Bold Prints
Marisol Maxi Dress, $228, Anthropologie
Bold prints generally make clothes feel more casual and summer-y, so this is the ultimate wedding guest ensemble.
Try: Mara Hoffman Fitted Dress in Aloe Green, $278, Amazon
Hi-Low
Deiva Midi Dress, $148, Anthropologie
If you’re still not sold on a true maxi, a high low option is a great alternative.
See similar: BCBGMaxAzria Fara High-Low Dress, $100, Amazon
One Shoulder
Chiffon One Shoulder Maxi Bridesmaid Dress Fashion Colors - TEVOLIO, $79.99, Target
ICYMI: Target now offers wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses that are really, really good — and work for guests as well. I would save this particular dress for a more high-end wedding, rather than just a small, backyard event.
Try: Jill Jill Stuart One-Shoulder Side-Tie Gown, $121, Amazon
Short Sleeves
Cage Black Maxi Dress, $27.99, Target
Sleeves can make an elegant dress more casual, but look incredibly cute.
See similar: Lark & Ro Smoky Floral Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress, $69.50, Amazon
Tea Length
‘Giselle’ Ballet Dress, $171, Nordstrom
Another slightly-less-scary alternative to full-on maxis are tea length skirts and dresses. The shorter length is ridiculously trendy.
See similar: Donna Morgan Eyelet Tea Length Dress, $97.99, Amazon
