Summer wedding style here we come! It’s wedding season – a celebration of the joining of lives, families, and dreams for the future. And while weddings vary widely in style, setting, and scale, one thing is always true: how we show up matters. Dressing for a wedding is about honoring the couple, the moment, and the spirit of the day.
In summer, wedding receptions span from sunlit garden brunches, to vineyard jaunts, to candlelit ballrooms — and everything in between. Not to mention ceremony location (grand cathedrals, tiny chapels, and beyond).
Time of day, dress code, and venue all influence your wedding guest outfit game, and respect for that context is your main style objective. If you’re ever unsure, always err on the side of simple, but polished. Save the shorts, jeans, graphic tees, and sneakers for the after-party.
Here’s our ultimate guide to dressing well for summer weddings – whether it’s a relaxed and intimate morning ceremony or a black-tie evening affair.
Want more event style inspiration? Stay tuned for our ongoing “What do I wear” series.
For her
Casual (daytime or informal outdoor receptions):
Look 1: A knee-length wrap dress in soft floral or pastel, paired with block-heel sandals and a simple clutch.
Look 2: A midi-length sleeveless dress in a cotton or linen blend with a cinched waist and delicate earrings.
Look 3: A dressy jumpsuit in a seasonal hue like dusty rose or sage, with low heels and a structured handbag.
Style tip: Stick to fabrics like cotton, linen, tulle, or light chiffon. Avoid flip-flops, denim jackets, or anything that leans too casual. You can be comfy and classy!
Elevated Casual (semi-formal or afternoon wedding):
Look 1: flowy midi skirt with a silk camisole and lightweight blazer or shawl, worn with heeled mules.
Look 2: Fitted sleeveless midi dress in a jewel tone or classic print, with minimal gold jewelry and ankle-strap heels (pack a light wrap if it gets chilly or for a church-setting).
Look 3: A silky maxi dress with delicate straps, paired with a tailored clutch and heeled sandals.
Style tip: Aim for structure and elegance – think less beach-picnic, more garden-cocktail hour.
Formal (evening or black-tie wedding):
Look 1: Floor-length gown in a rich tone like navy, emerald, or deep blush, with statement earrings and formal heels.
Look 2: Sleek midi satin slip dress with an embellished wrap or capelet and dress heels/sandals.
Look 3: Modern two-piece formal set (like a full-length skirt and silk blouse) in a monochrome palette, paired with bold accessories.
Look 4: Chiffon or silk tiered maxi dress with delicate sleeves, subtle embroidery or beading, worn with dainty heels and soft, romantic accessories. Perfect for evening weddings with a touch of whimsy.
Style tip: Your summer wedding style calls for drama at an evening wedding. Embrace deeper colors, dressier shoes, a hint of sparkle, and elevated fabrics like silk, satin, and crepe.
Grace note: If you can, find out the wedding color palette from the couple or someone close to the planning. Steer clear of white, of course, but also avoid wearing colors identical to the bridesmaids. On the flip side, try not to clash either – a hot pink dress at a terracotta-and-olive wedding can feel visually jarring. As a guest, always aim to complement the wedding's tone and theme — subtly, stylishly, and respectfully.
For him
Casual (daytime or informal outdoor receptions):
Look 1: Lightweight cotton button-down with tan or grey chinos and loafers. Add a woven belt for detail.
Look 2: Soft blue dress shirt tucked into linen-blend trousers with a casual summer blazer (tie optional), and dress shoes.
Look 3: Short-sleeved button-up in classic cream or blue, or a subtle print (micro-dot or tonal floral) with well-fitted dress pants and leather loafers or suede derbies (only for truly informal weddings).
Style tip: Even at casual weddings, skip shorts, sneakers, and polo shirts. Light summer suits and open collars are your best bet.
Elevated casual (semi-formal or afternoon wedding):
Look 1: Navy or beige sport coat over a dress shirt with chinos and loafers.
Look 2: Linen or cotton summer suit in light grey, brown, or soft blue with a white shirt, (tie-optional) and suede loafers or brogues.
Look 3: Dress shirt and tie with tailored trousers, topped with a soft-structured blazer in a summer fabric.
Style Tip: This look calls for the best of both worlds – relaxed tailoring and well-fitted pieces are key. Usually best to include the tie and then remove as the reception goes on if it’s not really the vibe.
Formal (evening or black-tie wedding):
Look 1: Classic black or deep navy tuxedo with a white dress shirt, bowtie, and polished patent leather shoes.
Look 2: Dark charcoal suit with a crisp shirt, silk tie, and leather oxfords. Add a slim pocket square for detail.
Look 3: Double-breasted jacket in midnight blue or wine with white or black dress shirt, tuxedo trousers – sharp, statement-making, and dress-code appropriate.
Look 4: Dinner jacket in elegant seasonal tones like steel blue, deep emerald, rich burgundy, or a pattern like jacquard or paisley, paired with black tuxedo pants and patent formal shoes.
Style tip: Respect the dress code — formal events require attention to detail and traditional polish. Don’t be afraid to run your outfit ideas by the groom or a close friend of the couple if you’re unsure of how it will match the setting.
Grace note: Unless it’s a tux, try to avoid wearing a black business suit for any of these settings. A lighter summer suit, classic navy or charcoal, or a colored tie adds warmth and life to the celebration, especially when it’s summer. And just like for the ladies, your summer wedding style game will level up, if you know the wedding color scheme. This way, you can avoid dressing like a groomsman or clashing with the aesthetic.
Final thought
Summer weddings are radiant, joy-filled occasions, and dressing with care is one of the ways we show up with love and support. Whether you're sipping cocktails on a waterfront vista or swing dancing in a lawn tent by the church, the right outfit helps you step into the day with grace and celebration.
When in doubt, keep it classic, respectful, and cool for the summer heat. Weddings deserve our best — in spirit and in style.
