What should you wear to a cocktail wedding in the summer?

Cocktail attire is about finding the balance between formal and casual, which is much easier to do than it sounds. In general, look for dresses that are lightweight and flowy, in fabrics like chiffon, linen, cotton, or organza.

Can you wear a long dress to a summer wedding?

You can almost definitely wear a long dress to a summer wedding unless the dress code specifically advises against it.

How much do summer cocktail dresses cost?

Cocktail dresses can range in price depending on the material and the brand or designer. Thus, you can pay anywhere from under-$100 to a few hundred dollars for a summer cocktail dress.

15 Best Summer Cocktail Attire Wedding Guest Dresses

two female wedding guests posing with one male wedding guest — Photo by McKenzie Smith for Tanya Menoni

If you've got a few weddings lined up for the summer season, it's never a bad idea to add one or two go-to cocktail dresses to your closet. Cocktail attire is often referred to as the most popular dress code for events, so it's a safe bet that you'll be able to wear one of the below looks to any wedding you plan to attend, whether it's taking place at the beach or in a barn-style venue.

In general, you can think of summer cocktail attire as something in between formal and dressed down. Your look should definitely be special enough for a big night out, but it also doesn't have to feel stiff or too fancy. More specifically, you can skip the full-length gown and instead opt for a knee-length, midi, or mini dress. For outdoor weddings, in particular, a more casual and breezy maxi dress could even work. As far as fabrics go, you'll want to wear something that's going to keep you comfortable in the blazing sun or the heat. Think lighter fabrics like linen, cotton, or silk, and skip things like velvet, satin, or too many sequins, all of which may feel too heavy.

Ready to start shopping? Ahead, we've rounded up a selection of summer cocktail attire wedding guest dresses that are a perfect mix of formal and laid-back.

Our Top Picks

Best for a Tropical Wedding:

Amanda Uprichard Belladonna Dress at Revolve

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Best Floral:

Lulus My Favorite Day Navy Blue Midi Dress at Lulus

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Most Fun:

Show Me Your Mumu Garden Midi Dress at Amazon

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Best Mini Dress:

Showpo Brailey Mini Dress at Showpo.com

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Best Maxi:

Never Fully Dressed Ombre Leo Maxi Slip Dress at Co.uk

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Best Midi Dress:

Hutch Twist Sleeveless Midi Dress at Anthropologie

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Best One Shoulder:

Hutch One-Shoulder Pleated Mini Dress at Anthropologie

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Best for a Beach Wedding:

Saylor Jynx Macramé-Fringe Midi-Dress at Saks Fifth Avenue

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Best Colors:

Eloquii Twist Bodice Mini Dress at Eloquii.com

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Best Slip Dress:

By Anthropologie Ruffled V-Neck Slip Dress at Anthropologie

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Courtesy of Revolve.

View On Revolve

Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Chiffon | Length: Mini | Return policy: Full refund

If you're heading to a tropical spot for a destination wedding, this is a beautiful on-theme option. With an all-over hibiscus flower print, made of a flowing chiffon blend, this dress is light and airy and feels like it was made to be worn to a beachside event.

Price at time of publish: $229

Courtesy of Lulu's.

View On Lulus

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Between the tulip skirt and the allover floral print, this midi is ideal for a spring or summer event. And while the navy blue hue is a pretty choice, it also comes in two other floral shades to suit your preferences.

Price at time of publish: $69

View On Amazon View On Showmeyourmumu.com View On Zappos

Size Range: XS-3X | Materials: Satin | Length: Midi | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Tie straps, a flouncy hem, and a side slit all make this dress feel feminine and sweet. If the bold floral print and bright colors are too much for you, however, it's available in a few other shades as well.

Price at time of publish: $188

Courtesy of Showpo.

View On Showpo.com

Size Range: 2-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Above-the-knee | Return policy: U.S customers can return orders for 110% store credit within 21 days from delivery or for a refund (to your original payment method) within 7 days of delivery

This flirty party dress is perfect for a summer wedding with a cocktail attire dress code. It's short and cute, and the pink and orange hue will allow you to stand out in the best way possible.

Price at time of publish: $89.95

never fully dressed ombre leo slip dress

Courtesy of Never Fully Dressed.

View On Co.uk

Size Range: UK 6-28, regular or petite | Materials: Polyester | Length: Ankle-length | Return policy: Returns available within 28 days of purchase

Maxi dresses generally aren't considered cocktail attire, but the right one can work for a summer wedding. This bright ombré slip dress, in particular, is an example of that. The color and pattern keep it casual enough for outdoor nuptials, and the slip style is still fancy enough for an event.

Price at time of purchase: $120

Courtesy of Anthropologie.

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 1X-3X | Materials: Cotton, polyester | Length: Midi | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

This flowy midi dress feels summery and light, from the lightly ruffled hemline to the mix of soft colors. This is a unique option, and we especially love the more defined bodice mixed with the loose skirt.

Price at time of publish: $198

Courtesy of Anthropologie.

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Above-the-knee | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Between the bright yellow color, the overall pleated look, and the dramatic one-shoulder and sleeve, this dress is a unique pick that will definitely stand out in a crowd. It has a bit of Grecian flair to it, although the bold hue keeps it modern.

Price at time of publish: $210

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue.

View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Polyester, rayon | Length: Midi | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

A wedding at or literally on the beach calls for a look that is equal parts dressed up and casual. Enter: Saylor Jynx's midi dress, which features fun macramé fringe at the hem and a little cut-out at the neckline.

Price at time of publish: $275

Courtesy of Eloquii.

View On Eloquii.com

Size Range: 14-20 | Materials: Woven organza | Length: Above-the-knee | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

The mix of pinks and oranges in this dress is reminiscent of a summer sunset, which makes it a lovely option for an outdoor evening wedding. The sleeves can be worn on or off the shoulder, and we love its overall flowy and relaxed fit with a more structured bodice.

Price at time of publish: $130

Courtesy of Anthropologie.

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: XXS-XL, standard, petite, or plus | Materials: Viscose | Length: Midi | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

A slip dress is a classic and versatile option you can never go wrong with. This Anthropologie number, specifically, is ideal for anyone who doesn't love bright and loud colors but still wants a summery feel.

Price at time of publish: $160

Courtesy of Revolve.

View On Revolve

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Knee-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Keep things simple with a silky red dress like this one from L'Academie. Between the bold color and the pin-thin straps, this look really doesn't need much to make it a show-stopper.

Price at time of publish: $198

Courtesy of Showpo.

View On Showpo.com

Size Range: 4-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Calf-length | Return policy: U.S customers can return orders for 110% store credit within 21 days from delivery or for a refund (to your original payment method) within 7 days of delivery

It's not easy to find summery wedding guest dresses with sleeves, but we did! Featuring a bias cut hem, slip dress silhouette, and low V-neck, this ensemble is a classic and versatile choice for all styles and aesthetics.

Price at time of purchase: $70

Courtesy of Banana Republic.

View On Gap.com

Size Range: 0-20 | Materials: Linen | Length: Above-the-knee | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days of ship date

If you know it's going to be really hot for the wedding you're attending, opt for a linen dress like this berry-hued number. Lightweight and airy, it's a perfect pick for summer nuptials.

Price at time of publish: $160

Courtesy of Astr The Label.

View On Astrthelabel.com

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Lyocel, rayon, linen | Length: Below-the-knee | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days of ship date

Sure, the colorful pattern of this dress makes it stand out, but the strappy back is really the showstopper here. Made for a summer tan after some time at the beach, this dress has a tropical feel and it would look amazing when worn to a destination wedding.

Price at time of publish: $128

Courtesy of Revolve

View On Revolve

Size Range: XS-XXL | Materials: Viscose blend | Length: Tea-length | Return policy: Full refund within 90 days

If you want to buy a dress you'll wear over and over again, this ankle-length option is an excellent choice. With side cut-outs and an ocean blue hue, this look can be worn to weddings or other events long after your loved one's big day.

Price at time of purchase: $130

What to Look for in a Summer Cocktail Attire Dress

As mentioned above, cocktail attire is one of the most popular dress code options for events because it is so easy to follow. So when shopping for this look, you want to find a dress that feels special and dressed up, but not too formal or fancy. Opt for knee-length, mini, or midi options, and avoid any gowns or overly ornate maxis. You can also have fun with bright colors and bold floral patterns for the summer, especially if the wedding takes place outside or in a tropical destination. As far as fabrics go, options like linen and cotton are breezy and lightweight, and silk and some lighter satins are also good choices.

FAQ

What should you wear to a cocktail wedding in the summer?

Cocktail attire is about finding the balance between formal and casual, which is much easier to do than it sounds. In general, look for dresses that are lightweight and flowy, in fabrics like chiffon, linen, cotton, or organza.
Can you wear a long dress to a summer wedding?

You can almost definitely wear a long dress to a summer wedding unless the dress code specifically advises against it.
How much do summer cocktail dresses cost?

Cocktail dresses can range in price depending on the material and the brand or designer. Thus, you can pay anywhere from under-$100 to a few hundred dollars for a summer cocktail dress.

The 20 Best Wedding Guest Dresses from Lulus for $100 or Less

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Romper, Insider, Forbes, Redbook, and Refinery29.