What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: A Guest's Guide

A summer wedding asks a lot of one outfit. It has to look right at the ceremony, stay comfortable through a long afternoon in the sun, and still feel special when the lights come on. Here is how we approach it.

Read the invitation first

The dress code, venue and time of day tell you most of what you need. A garden or beach ceremony suits fluid midi and maxi dresses in lighter fabrics. An evening reception in a hotel or city venue calls for satin, deeper colours and a longer hem.

Choose fabric for the heat

Linen and cotton breathe in the afternoon sun. Satin catches the light beautifully in the evening but is warmer, so it works best for receptions that start later in the day.

Colours that never compete with the bride

• Avoid white, ivory and anything that reads as bridal.
• Soft neutrals such as stone, taupe and sand look elegant in daylight.
• Black and deep tones suit evening weddings.

Think about the whole day

Choose shoes you can walk on grass or stone in, and bring a light layer for the evening. A dress that moves easily will carry you from the ceremony to the dance floor.

Find your piece

Browse our dresses and The Evening Edit for occasion dresses, save your Fit Profile for a personal size recommendation, or try a dress on in The Atelier before you order.