Spring & Summer Dresses for Every Dress Code

Wedding season is here! Whether you’re a bridesmaid or a wedding guest, summer weddings can be tricky — you want to be comfortable in warm weather, while still dressing appropriately. For some expert intel, we turned to our friends at The Dessy Group to see what bridal parties are wearing now. Cindy Dessy says, “The ‘mix & match’ trend continues to evolve for bridesmaids. We at Dessy have always been huge proponents of this, as it really allows the bride to create a unique look and feel for her bridal party. We see prints and solids mixed. Girls are choosing different lengths; interspersing midi, hi-low, and maxi within a group. It’s amazing, in that it really allows each member of the bridal party to wear exactly what makes them feel most beautiful. What could be better?”

Grab an aperol spritz and scroll on for tons of different options in this season’s top colors, prints, and silhouettes, for every style and budget.

Black-Tie

The most formal dress code you’re likely to see on a wedding invitation is “Black-tie.” This generally means that the wedding will take place in the evening. Women are encouraged to wear floor-length gowns, and men should wear tuxedoes. A black-tie dress code is a fun reason to go all-out with your look! Think: sequins, blinged out accessories, and glam to the nines.

Elegant emerald green halter neck evening gown for formal occasions and weddings.

Dessy x Lovely Bride, Style Imogen

shown in hunter green

The halter neckline and emerald-colored satin scream sophistication.

A woman wearing an orange and yellow ombre halter maxi dress for summer or beach events.

BAOBAB, Ombre Maxi Dress

Maybe it’s our aperol obsession, but orange is our summer color crush.

A woman in a vibrant pink satin halter neck evening gown posing against a neutral background.

Saylor, Toula Dress

This criss-cross halter neck and vibrant color will make jaws drop.

Adrianna Papell Platinum, Style 40416

shown in sage

Asymmetrical necklines were a huge trend this year at New York Bridal Fashion Week.

Elegant black lace evening gown with cap sleeves and train for formal events.

Azazie, Style Ricci

What’s chicer than black lace?

Formal / Black-Tie Optional

Slightly less formal than black-tie, this dress code means a floor-length gown and a tuxedo aren’t required. Women can wear a slightly less formal dress, and men can wear a dark suit and tie. If you’d like to go with a fun color, a cut-out gown, or a chic jumpsuit, this is the more appropriate dress code to do so.

A woman in a pink strapless gown with a high slit, standing in a modern boutique setting.

Miss Circle, Perrin Gown

A high slit, ruching, and feathers, oh my!

A woman in a pink satin dress holding a bouquet of flowers, standing against a white background.

For Love & Lemons, James Maxi Dress

Love is in the air, and in this romantic dress.

A woman wearing a blue off-the-shoulder floral maxi dress with ruffle detail.

Amanda Uprichard, Karalyn Maxi Dress

We love this cottagecore-esque maxi dress for a barn or vineyard setting.

A colorful bohemian maxi dress with intricate patterns and spaghetti straps.

Camilla, Embellished Slip Dress

This gorgeous crystal-embellished silk slip dress will turn heads and keep you cool in the heat.

A woman wearing a colorful floral strapless wedding dress with a full skirt.

Mac Duggal, Amelie Floral Brocade Strapless Gown

With delicate brocade detailing, this voluminous gown makes a stunning statement.

Cocktail Attire

While formal attire isn’t required, a cocktail dress code means you should still dress up. Men typically wear a suit and tie and women can wear a cocktail — or, as we like to call it, party — dress. Scroll on for some of our favorite dresses with shorter hemlines.

Elegant blue floral dress with slit, perfect for wedding or special occasion.

Reformation, Style Gloriana

shown in cyanotype

The hidden bustier is flattering and subtly sexy.

Elegant green dress with fringe hem and slit for summer wedding style.

Aidan by Adrianna Papell, Green Fringe Midi Dress

Fun, flirty, fringe.

A woman wearing a stylish yellow one-shoulder dress with a belt and ruffle details.

Lovers and Friends, Ana Dress

This draped cocktail dress with a cool buckle accent is effortlessly chic.

Elegant green ruffled midi dress with spaghetti straps for bridesmaids.

V. Chapman, Lily Dress

shown in sage

We can never say no to a ruffle.

A woman modeling a black bridal or evening dress with spaghetti straps and a fitted silhouette.

Bardot, Vienna Midi Dress

The perfect LBD for summer weddings and date nights.

Casual, Tropical, or No Dress Code

A “casual” dress code or one that denotes “beach” or “tropical” attire means the wedding will likely be held outdoors and will be much more laid-back. A tee shirt and jeans probably isn’t appropriate, but women can wear sundresses, and khakis and a sports jacket are perfect for him.