Are you wondering what to wear to a black-tie wedding this summer? Wonder no longer because we have the answer! In this blog post, we’ll tell you what is appropriate to wear to a formal wedding in the summer and show you the best summer black tie wedding guest dresses to wear. Subscribe for the latest to your inbox!
EDITOR’S NOTE: ALL wedding guest dresses are 20% off right now TODAY ONLY! Use code: GETDRESSED
You don’t have to wear the same black gown to the wedding, ok? Now is a great time to set a goal to switch it up and stand out this summer! In this blog feature, we’re sharing the most stunning and unique summer black tie wedding guest dresses to make you stand out from the crowd. From bold, bright colors to floral prints and designs, these summer-ready dresses will turn heads and will fit in perfectly with the dress code. We’ll also tell you what to wear to a black-tie summer wedding, what NOT to wear, and how to accessorize your style.
What is black tie for a summer wedding?
When you read the words, “Black Tie” on a summer wedding invitation, you may feel nervous about what to wear. But it’s easy, really! Here’s the dress code etiquette for proper black tie attire in the summer months.
► Females: floor-length gowns, stylish heels, jewelry, evening bag
► Males: suits or tuxedos
See? Pretty easy.
Can I wear a cocktail dress to a black tie wedding?
You can, but only if the dress falls below the knee. For a summer black tie wedding, the length must be floor-length or just slightly above, like a midi-style. The dress should be formal in style, too, but it can be any silhouette you choose. You can go with a simple sheath silk dress, elegant floor-length ballgown, or a dazzling sequined maxi dress.
Here are the top picks for summer guest dresses with black tie dress code. We’ve separated them into different sections to determine what style suits you best.
1. Turquoise Backless Column Maxi, $99
I love this dress! To me, it’s the most elegant summer black tie wedding guest dress of this list. I love the colors, the style, and fit: the neckline is amazing! Get it here.
2. Sunama Brown Ruched Bodycon Midi, $69
This brown wedding guest dress is all the rage – it’s selling quickly, so if you want it, get it before it is gone!
3. Hot Pink Backless Maxi, $99
Wear this dress to the wedding reception and turn heads! It features a bold fuchsia color and elegant maxi length. Get it here.
4. Strapless Orange Seamed Strapless Maxi, $89
Go big on bright colors this summer with this decadent floor-length gown featuring a strapless neckline and beautiful shade of orange. Available here.
5. Teal Tiered Dress with Pleats, $99
Mix up the back of your dress with this fun strappy feature! Love the tiers on this teal gown! Available here.
6. Black Ruffled One-Shoulder Maxi, $99
This glamorous gown is perfect to wear to the wedding and exudes all the elegance you need. Shown in black. See it here.
7. One-Shoulder Pleated Plisse Dress, $89
Go bold with this brightly colored maxi pleated plisse dress! It’s the perfect shade of pink for weddings and will look amazing this summer. See multiple colors here.
8. Tie-Shoulder Blue Pleated Maxi, $99
This elegant long-length gown features a pretty summertime shade of royal blue and delicate bows on the shoulders. See more photos here.
Also lovin’ it in slate blue!
9. Green Satin Halter, $60
Cute, figure-hugging, and perfect in green for summer! Buy here.
10. Navy Floral Maxi with One-Shoulder, $99
Perfect for summer, this medium-weight stretch knit fabric will shape and flatter your figure with a one-shoulder bodice. Love the floral pattern.
11. Bow-Shoulder Mermaid Maxi Gown, $99
Ahhh, I love this one! Adding to cart, brb. :) Shop here.
12. Dramatic Strapless Bow Dress, $99
Rock this gorgeous strapless style black tie gown at the wedding and turn heads! Get it here. Highly-rated!
13. Red Ruffled Shoulder Dress, $99
Bold, bright, and ready for summer! This dress has it all including an interesting neckline that has chic ruffles on the side. Shop here.
14. Black Off-the-Shoulder Gown, $99
Rock the dance floor in this fun-to-wear gown that is perfectly elegant for a formal black-tie summer wedding. Get it here.
15. Asymmetrical Black Maxi, $99
Love this unique asymmetrical neckline! Shop here.
16. Plum Purple Velvet Maxi with V-Neckline, $69
I’m crazy for this plum velvet dress! It is gorgeous! Get it here. Highly-rated!
17. Floral Tiered Maxi Dress, $118
Go floral in this fabulous black tiered gown. So elegant. Shop here.
18. Olive Velvet Gown, $99
This elegant gown, shown in olive green, is an elegant choice for formal wedding attire. Get it here.
19. Strappy Back Orange Maxi, $99
Get it here.
20. Emerald High-Neck Maxi, $99
This elegant dress is perfect for the summer in a perfect shade of emerald green. Get it here.
21. Coral V-Neck Pleated Dress, $99
This perfect dress is going to be your new fave summertime dress! Get it here.
22. Blue Halter Maxi, $92
You can’t go wrong as a wedding guest in this blue halter style dress! It’s perfect for summer black-tie wedding season. Get it here.
23. Cowl Neck Strappy Dress, $89
According to reviewers, this dress fits beautifully! It looks elegant and ties in well with a formal summertime dress code. Get it here.
24. Black Maxi Floral Dress, $99
For a dramatic entrance, wear this deep v-neckline black gown with floral pattern. It’s elegant and glamorous! See it here.
25. Navy Blue Tie-Strap Shoulder Dress, $99
You’ll get tons of compliments in this navy maxi dress: it’s the most perfect neutral for the summer wedding season! Get it here.
26. Black Long Sleeve Open Back Dress, $99
A gorgeous long-sleeve dress with just the right wow-factor! Shop here.
27. Blush Tiered Strapless Dress, $99
Pretty! Get it here.
28. Blue Floral Organza Strapless Gown, $99
Get this beautiful dress here.
29. 3D Floral Strapless Blue Midi, $118
A pretty shade of blue for a summertime soiree! Get it here.
30. Pleated Knot-Front Blue Dress, $99
This is such a pretty color! Get the dress here.
31. Golden Yellow Strapless Pleated Gown, $99
Perfect for summer wedding season. Get it here.
32. Colorful Ruched Maxi Dress, $99
Such a gorgeous dress! Get it here.
33. Strapless Black Maxi with Scarf, $99
Love this style and the scarf makes it perfect! Shop here.
34. Voluminous Black Dress, $118
Go for a little extra drama! Shop this look here.
What colors can I wear to a black-tie wedding?
As with all dress codes for a wedding, steer clear of white, ivory, champagne, or variations thereof so you don’t upstage the bride. You can wear black — it’s actually very elegant and is acceptable per modern-day etiquette.
Summer weddings with black-tie dress codes call for bright colors, jewel tones, floral patterns, or pastels. You be the judge! Wear a dress that you look great in, feel your best, and that flatters your figure.
What NOT to wear to a summer black tie wedding?
Don’t wear anything too skimpy or revealing; don’t wear a dress that is knee-length or higher. Formal weddings like these demand elegance, so you’ll want to wear a long dress that falls to the floor or just slightly above your ankle.
In addition, don’t upstage the bride by wearing a very loud or overpowering dress. It’s her day to steal the spotlight!
Now that you know what to wear, it’s time to shop! Click here to see more and shop the collection of black tie attire.
