There are items in your shopping bag.

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding


What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

Summer wedding season is here! Picking out summer weddings outfits is likely on your mind, since May to August are some of the most popular months of the year to get married. We’re here to help before you RSVP to that save-the-date.

2024_04_01_APP_BlogCTA.jpg

From formal to casual, check out our simple style guide for what to wear to a summer wedding. Plus, we’ve partnered with our sister brand, Soma®, to share the perfect bra pairings for various styles of wedding guest dresses.  

Your Style Guide for Summer Wedding Guest Attire

Summer wedding outfits can be some of the easiest to style. That’s because the fits and fabrics are easygoing. Plus, you can let prints and subtle details do all the work. Dresses are always a popular choice for wedding attire. In the summer months, they’re the favorite because of the potential for heat and humidity. To help you get inspired, the styling experts at Chico’s have put together a complete guide for what to wear to a summer wedding this season. 

Midi Dresses for a Wedding

Midi dresses are particularly popular in the height of summer when you need something extra cool and breathable.  Plus, midi length is great for casual wedding attire, which is more typical in the summer. Add in a fashionable detail like an off-shoulder neckline for a more refined approach.

what to wear to a summer wedding
The off-shoulder neckline elevates the overall look of this midi dress, making it ideal for summer wedding attire.

what to wear to a summer wedding
How to wear it: pair this midi dress with tan and red accessories for bold yet sophisticated style.

If you love a neckline that shows off your shoulders, but worry about how to wear it, pair it with Soma®’smulti-way strapless bra. It’s fully lined, ultra-soft and supportive—and it stays put. Themulti-way stylemakes it a top-drawer favorite since the straps convert to work with a variety of necklines including halter, one-shoulder, racerback, and more. 

what to wear to a summer wedding
This multi-way strapless bra with removable straps works well with so many necklines, like off-shoulder, halter, and more.

Summery Details

Consider details that show a little skin when you’re deciding on what to wear to a summer wedding. Sleeveless dresses are a top pick, especially since they’re easy to elevate with a light top layer and the right accessories. This summer, back details are offering a unique option for adding a hint of fashion to an easy-to-wear sleeveless design.

what to wear to a summer wedding
Back details mixed with summery prints are a favorite for what to wear to a summer wedding.

what to wear to a summer wedding
How to wear it: bring along a lightweight cardigan and accent it with festive accessories.

If you’re worried about your bra peeking through a large keyhole, cutout, or semi-sheer fabric in back, opt for a Soma®’s backless strapless bra for a hidden and secure fit. 

what to wear to a summer wedding
This backless, strapless bra makes it easy to wear all the summery styles you love.

Seasonal Prints & Fabrics

Wearing a lightweight material patterned with a striking seasonal print works for the weather and the occasion. Summer prints have a lot of characteristics of the season. Think florals and foliage. Of course, weddings are a very special occasion, so be sure to pick a print that has a bit of elegance, even if it’s a casual affair. A well-placed leaf print or floral print can enhance summer fabrics like cotton.

what to wear to a summer wedding
This cotton dress features a seasonal foliage print that's just right for outdoor summer wedding attire.

what to wear to a summer wedding
How to wear it: pair this simple stunner with classic silver tone jewelry and fashion sandals.

Lightweight fabrics often need undergarments that smooth lines and bumps, like Soma®’s perfect coverage bra.  

what to wear to a summer wedding
This perfect coverage bra smooths problem areas like the back and sides for sleek style.

Summer Wedding Attire Dress Codes

Weddings always have a dress code. Like any special event, it’s important to stay within the event dress code. If you’re not sure what the wedding dress code is, check the save-the-date or invitation since it’s usually listed there. Whether formal or casual, wedding guest attire can be comfortable and appropriate. 

Formal Summer Wedding Attire

What does formal wedding attire mean in the summer? Often, formal means black tie optional, but there are still some ways to ensure you’re sticking to the dress code. Fabric is a good place to start. Lace, chiffon, and crepe are usual go-to fabrics for what to wear to a summer wedding. When it comes to color, black is always a top choice for formal wedding outfits, regardless of the season. Plus, solid styles with intricate details are a better option than bold, flowery prints.  

what to wear to a summer wedding
Black is always a good option for formal wedding guest attire--and adding lace takes this style up a notch.

what to wear to a summer wedding
How to wear it: add a stylish black purse and simple accessories with just a hint of summer color.

Semi-Formal Summer Wedding Attire

Wedding dress codes are often semi-formal. It can be tricky to figure out what to wear to a semi-formal summer wedding, so just remember that less is more. Color options can vary based on the time of day that the wedding takes place. Dark colors are more appropriate for evening affairs, and lighter colors can be worn for daytime events. Day-to-night pieces can be the perfect option for a sunset celebration. "Formal” is still part of the dress code, so smart, modest styles are still the trend. 

what to wear to a summer wedding
A long black dress made from lightweight material hits all the marks for what to wear to a summer wedding with a semi-formal dress code.

what to wear to a summer wedding
How to wear it: mixed metal accessories and a lightweight topper are all you need to make this maxi dress stand out.

Summer Beach Wedding Attire

Beach weddings are most popular during the summer months. If you’ve never been to one, what to wear to a summer wedding on the beach can seem complicated. Some beach weddings are semi-formal, so you can apply those dress code rules to your look. Even if the attire is more on the casual side, think about the locale. If the wedding takes place at a resort, you’ll want to choose something semi-casual to match. 

what to wear to a summer wedding
This flowy maxi dress combines the right fabric, print, and design for what to wear to a summer wedding.

what to wear to a summer wedding
How to wear it: add neutral tones and a pop of color to give this wedding guest dress a stunning final touch.

Shop Chico’s for the latest dresses and accessories that are perfect for summer wedding guest attire.