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!
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.
P.S. There’s a giveaway at the bottom of this blog post! Click here to enter!
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.
Floral and Feminine
1. Floral Organza Gown, $115
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 trumpet hem is amazing! Get it here.
2. Lovely Navy Blue Tiered Dress, $99
Go lacy and elegant with this long floor-length dress featuring tiers that are amazing without overpowering your look.
3. Strapless Purple Floral Print Maxi, $110
Wear this dress to the wedding reception and turn heads! It features a bold yet elegant floral pattern and a strapless neckline. Get it here.
4. Floral 3D Formal Dress, $118
Go big on florals in this decadent floor-length gown featuring 3-dimensional floral appliques and shoulder tie-straps. Available here.
One-Shoulder Sophistication
5. Hunter Green One-Shoulder Maxi, $73
Mix up the neckline with this deep green dress: it’s floor-length to fit in perfectly with a summer black-tie dress code, yet has a fun one-shoulder neckline that still exudes elegance.
6. Black Ruffled One-Shoulder Maxi, $91
This glamorous gown is perfect to wear to the wedding and exudes all the elegance you need. Shown in black. See it here.
Bold and Bright
7. Magenta Black-Tie Maxi, $95
Go bold with this brightly colored maxi dress! It’s the perfect shade of pink for weddings and will look amazing this summer. See it here.
8. Sage Flutter Sleeve V-Neck Maxi, $95
This elegant long-length gown features a pretty summertime shade of green and delicate flutter sleeves. See more photos here.
Classy and Chic
9. Mermaid Formal Dress, $79
An elegant, stretchy crepe knit dress like this one is figure-flattering and formal. It’s the perfect attire for a summer black tie dress code. Get it here.
10. Navy Surplice Maxi, $59
Perfect for summer, this medium-weight stretch knit fabric will shape and flatter your figure with a surplice neckline and ruched bodice. The pleated gather at the side for a stylish look.
Grecian Goddess
11. Sage Green Maxi Dress, $95
Unleash your inner Grecian Goddess with this elegant maxi dress that floats and moves with your body. It’s made of lightweight chiffon and has a long-length skirt, making it one of the best summer black tie wedding guest dress options on this list. See it here.
Halter Necklines
12. Pleated Cut-Out Navy Blue Satin Gown, $108
Rock this gorgeous halter-top style black tie gown at the wedding and turn heads! Get it here. Highly-rated!
13. Hot Pink Asymmetrical Halter, $78
Bold, bright, and ready for summer! This dress has it all including an interesting neckline that is asymmetrical in shape with a cut-out on the side. Shop here.
14. Black Halter Maxi, $89
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. Elegant Blue Halter with Back Bow, $88
This soft blue dress is all wrapped up with a bow on the back and a unique cut-out style on the halter neckline. See it here.
16. Light Rose Satin Maxi, $68
Go with this sumptuous satin maxi dress: it’s figure-flattering and features a beautiful shade of rose pink. See it here.
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17. Formal Tiered Blue Dress, $108
This tiered maxi dress has a pretty shade of blue, making it one of the best best summer guest dresses for black-tie weddings. I love the way the tiers and pleats look! Get it now.
18. Blue Sequin Gown, $109
This elegant gown, shown in navy blue, is an elegant choice for formal wedding attire. It sparkles and shines! Get it here. You can read many happy reviews here.
19. Cowl Neck and Back Gown in Emerald Green, $112
Wear this elegant gown to the wedding! it features emerald green in a cowl neck and back. Floor-length skirt is made for dancing the night away at the wedding reception. Get it here.
Off-the-Shoulder Perfection
20. Off-the-Shoulder Sage Maxi, $79
This elegant dress is perfect for the summer in a soft, subtle shade of sage green. Get it here with a stylish off-the-shoulder neckline.
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21. Black Maxi with Off-the-Shoulder Neckline, $89
This perfect dress is going to be your new fave little black dress! Get it here.
22. Blue Maxi with Off the Shoulder Style, $109
You can’t go wrong as a wedding guest in this blue off-the-shoulder 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. Deep V-Neck Sleeveless Gown, $89
For a dramatic entrance, wear this deep v-neckline black gown. It’s elegant and glamorous! See it here.
25. Yellow Pleated Maxi, $89
You’ll get tons of compliments in this yellow maxi dress: it’s the sunny, perfect shade for summer wedding season! Get it here.
26. Pink Satin Jacquard Cowl Neck Gown, $88
And last but not least, this satin and jacquard print gown is one of the top summer guest dresses to wear to a black-tie reception. It’s gorgeous! Get it 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.
Prefer to watch? Here’s a quick video explaining what to wear as a guest to a summer wedding with a black tie dress code.
One lucky reader will win a $50 gift card to Lulu’s! Enter using the giveaway form below.
• Giveaway Dates: 5/12/23-5/31/23 (11:59pm EST)
• Prize: $50 e-gift card, delivered via email to Lulu’s
• No cash value
• Enter using giveaway form below
• One (1) winner will be randomly selected and emailed directly. Winner will be announced on this blog post on 6/1/23.
• Winner has 72 business hours to respond to email to confirm; if no response, new winner will be randomly selected.
12 comments
I love the yellow maxi dress for a wedding guest outfit! So pretty.
Es excelente
My favorite dress is the yellow maxi dress! Such a stunning color and design!
Win
Very unique
I love maxi dresses, so I’d say the yellow maxi is my favorite.
I like 11 – so pretty and feminine
Although all those dresses are gorgeous, to me a lot of them look like more of a bridesmaid dress than a guest. But it might be I just gravitate to prints over solids. So, my fav is the Strapless Purple Floral Print Maxi.
OMG, the Thriving Poise Black 3D Floral Embroidered Tie-Strap Maxi Dress is gorgeous! I love the 3D flowers! They make the dress POP!
Beautiful dresses and great customer service
Yellow maxi dress is so pretty!
Hi Kristie! I agree, it’s such a pretty shade for summer. Thanks for entering! Good luck!
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