Preparing yourself for the wedding season these days? You aren’t alone. Summer is the perfect time for most weddings. Among the things you might be looking for is the dress code of each wedding as many brides now love to have themed wedding parties. One of these common codes is formal dresses for summer weddings. Whether it’s a formal beach or a night party, you need to get in shape and dress in proper attire.
In the list below, we listed down some of the best formal dresses you can wear for such occasions. After you have explored the list and gone through the 13 shoppable items, go down to the buying guide to know how we chose those dresses.
Table of contents
- GRACE KARIN V Neck Mermaid Ruffle Maxi Dress
- Dress the Population Embellished Plunging Gown
- BTFBM Mock Neck Sleeveless Cocktail Dress
- Dokotoo Wrap V-Neck Ruched Maxi Dress
- PRETTYGARDEN Satin Ruched Bodycon Twist Front Dress
- GEMEIQ Ruched One Shoulder Bodycon Midi Dress
- PRETTYGARDEN One Shoulder Formal Bodycon Slit Maxi Dress
- OWIN Vintage Floral Lace Flared A-Line Dress
- Ever-Pretty Off The Shoulder Ruffle Side Split Maxi Dress
- Zalalus One Shoulder Bodycon Cutout Slit Wrap Midi Dresses
- WOOSEA High Neck Split Bodycon Mermaid Long Dress
- CUPSHE Satin One Shoulder Flared Midi High Low Hem Dress
- GRACE KARIN Sleeveless Wrap V-Neck A-line Dress
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Formal Dresses for Summer Weddings?
- What colors to wear in a formal wedding?
- Can I wear a suit instead of a dress for a wedding?
- Are short dresses formal?
GRACE KARIN V Neck Mermaid Ruffle Maxi Dress
13
A simple dress that drapes smoothly on our bodies is a staple in our summer wardrobe. GRACE KARIN V Neck Mermaid Ruffle Maxi Dress is the dress that solves many problems whether you want to dress up for a formal wedding or down for a cocktail party. This ruffled dress, made of stretchy fabrics, checks off all the boxes for what we need right now.
The slit on one side and the ruffles are totally on-trend this summer. They also look good with any type of shoes you’re thinking of. And if you want to add more formality to the look, a small clutch will do the trick. Needless to say, formal shoes are also a must to complement the formal look.
Pros
- It’s stretchable to fit different bodies
- The mermaid style never goes off-trend
- It could be dressed up or down
Cons
- The fabrics are a bit thin
Buy on:
Dress the Population Embellished Plunging Gown
12
When you have an exquisite royal formal wedding and you can’t just put on the classical satin dress or the bodycon one, it’s time to look for something very unique and luxurious. Dress the Population Embellished Plunging Gown was our choice for these kinds of weddings as it can literally draw all the attention towards you.
In its 3d floral fabric, the dress combines a vintage look with a modern design. It’s comfortable and pretty chic, and we found two opposite color options for the dress. What’s not to love about it? Pair it with your most elegant heels to get yourself the perfect look at the most important weddings this summer. Want to see what other buyers said about the dress? Check the reviews on the official website of Dress the Population.
Pros
- The dress looks so chic and elegant
- It’s available in nude and black colors
- The floral pattern is 3d
Cons
- It’s too expensive
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BTFBM Mock Neck Sleeveless Cocktail Dress
11
You simply can’t go wrong with a satin dress for a formal style. BTFBM Mock Neck Sleeveless Cocktail Dress is a gorgeous satin gown that looked stunning and we tried two different sizes. The mock neck and loose top make it a trendy pick for a summer wedding this year. Whereas the elastic high waist makes it a suitable option for all body types.
What we liked the most, apart from the cut, was the smooth fabrics. Although it wasn’t stretchable, it offered a very soft flowy look. We didn’t find a problem wearing it because there was a zipper on the back that made it easy to put on and off. Overall, it’s a very easy piece to go for that never goes off-trend.
Pros
- The dress looks so soft and flowy
- It’s always on trend
- It suits different body types
Cons
- It’s too long for some women
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Dokotoo Wrap V-Neck Ruched Maxi Dress
10
Dokotoo Wrap V-Neck Ruched Maxi Dress is a dress that took us from day to night flawlessly. We could wear this dress on morning and evening occasions. With the wrap V-neck and ruched waist, this maxi garment is both elegant and trendy. If you aren’t into tight dresses, this option is the best for you.
This timeless style became a staple in our summer dress collection. With so many occasions to wear this dress, we believe we can utilize it more than one time. Further, it’s a dress that doesn’t make any woman look fatter in addition to hiding all imperfections. All we had to add to leverage the look is a simple necklace and off we go.
Pros
- The material is very light for summer occasions
- The dress hides all imperfections
- You can dress up or down with this dress
Cons
- Some colors aren’t the same as shown in the picture
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PRETTYGARDEN Satin Ruched Bodycon Twist Front Dress
9
We wanted to make a statement at the formal wedding we were heading to, so, our first choice was PRETTYGARDEN Satin Ruched Bodycon Twist Front Dress. This unique dress is equally comfortable and gorgeous. Its cut offers a flattering effect, whereas the soft satin material is so breathable and light for summer.
While it doesn’t show a lot, the v-neck and the front slit were just enough allowing us to look sexy, feminine, and on-trend. We paired it with closed-toe heels for a more formal look and another time with sandals for a bit of flair. The best thing about this dress is the material as not all satin dresses are of high quality, but this one is.
Pros
- The material is high-quality
- It’s a soft option for summer occasions
- The dress is so stylish and elegant
Cons
- The fit is a bit different than the size chart
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GEMEIQ Ruched One Shoulder Bodycon Midi Dress
8
Best price. Who said we have to pay a lot to look formal? GEMEIQ Ruched One Shoulder Bodycon Midi Dress proves the opposite as we paid the lowest price we could ever think of to get a wonderful look for a wedding. This dress rewrites the rules in a very simple unsophisticated way we loved to the moon and back.
Its pencil style that hugs the body adds a subtle touch of elegance to this otherwise simple dress. Even more, the lightweight material it’s made of is the perfect choice for these hot days. It’s absolutely the perfect pick for the season. And if you aren’t a very bold lady, go for the classic black dress. Check out the last dress in this video from Liz Thul to see how it looks in real.
Pros
- The price is too low for such a dress
- Its style is flattering
- You can wear pair it with other pieces for different looks
Cons
- The lighter colors look cheaper
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PRETTYGARDEN One Shoulder Formal Bodycon Slit Maxi Dress
7
With a sexy side slit and one shoulder cut, PRETTYGARDEN One Shoulder Formal Bodycon Slit Maxi Dress has all that it takes for the most elegant style in a formal wedding. Pait it with one of the trendiest heels and the right jewelry for a perfect look for a night classic wedding. You can get a wonderful pair of heels from our list of the best heels at DSW.
If you’re looking for a specific color, this dress is already available in a number of very nice summer colors. The grey-blue option was our favorite as it was a unique color we didn’t wear before. We could style it with silver heels and silver accessories for a more elegant look.
Pros
- The dress is suitable for different body shapes
- The colors are so attractive
- It’s comfortable to wear
Cons
- The material is thinner than expected
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OWIN Vintage Floral Lace Flared A-Line Dress
6
Apart from solid colors and bodycon dresses, we found another option that could be one of the best formal dresses for summer weddings as well. Now, meet OWIN Vintage Floral Lace Flared A-Line Dress, the dress with so many options that could serve different purposes according to which color or pattern you choose and how you style it.
For a formal wedding, we prefer solid colors or options with a solid top and floral bottom. On the other side, the full floral patterns are better for cocktail parties. After we got the dress we chose, we checked the material to make sure of our purchase. The best thing we discovered is that it doesn’t need ironing, so, we could immediately wear the dress to the wedding. This was a big plus to the dress.
Pros
- The material doesn’t wrinkle and it has some stretch
- There are many patterns and colors to choose from
- You can dress up or down with this dress
Cons
- You might need help with the zippers
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Ever-Pretty Off The Shoulder Ruffle Side Split Maxi Dress
5
Good news for those who love strapless dresses, we found a pretty wonderful option for a formal wedding. Ever-Pretty Off The Shoulder Ruffle Side Split Maxi Dress will make a statement this summer with its ruffled top part and elastic off-the-shoulder cut. It’s all in the details of the empire waist, layered ruffle, and side slit. We couldn’t get enough of the colors as well.
“One of the few times we could really combine elegance with comfort and feel over satisfied. This is the dress of our dreams.”
Dizzzi
What’s more, the length of the dress with high heels added a touch of elegance we wanted for the wedding. As we keep comfort on top of mind, we couldn’t find a comfier strapless formal dress to wear. If you were searching for strapless dresses, you might want to check those best strapless dresses for summer.
Pros
- The light colors are so summerish
- It’s a comfortable dress to wear all-day
- The ruched empire waist flatters the body
Cons
- The elastic feels tight for some women and it sometimes came off
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Zalalus One Shoulder Bodycon Cutout Slit Wrap Midi Dresses
4
Best colors. Here’s a dress that’s sure to make you look stunning. Zalalus One Shoulder Bodycon Cutout Slit Wrap Midi Dresses is an adorable tight dress featuring some of the latest trends as the cutout on one of the shoulders and the side slit. We love this dress for any formal occasion as it flatters the body perfectly no matter what size you wear.
We also love the number of colors we had to choose from. For summer occasions, hot pink, sky blue, purple, and all these bright colors look great. If you don’t like such light colors, you can’t go wrong with a wine-red dress or even a black one. This try-on video of different dresses from Milabu includes a try-on of this particular dress on the tenth minute.
Pros
- The price of the dress is affordable
- It’s available in different bright colors
- It hugs the body in a flattering way
Cons
- The side zipper is a bit tough
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WOOSEA High Neck Split Bodycon Mermaid Long Dress
3
Most comfortable. If you’re looking for a modest option that is still on-trend and can show off your feminine side, WOOSEA High Neck Split Bodycon Mermaid Long Dress might be the option for you. The high neck and maxi length offer more coverage, whereas the ruffles and the side slit add a touch of femininity we loved a lot.
For a formal wedding, a bodycon dark-colored dress is always a winning option. With the right shoes, we had the easiest formal look among all women there. We’re now thinking of wearing this dress over and over again in colder seasons with a short fur jacket or so for a richer look.
Pros
- The dress is so comfortable
- It’s suitable for modest wear
- The material is a bit stretchy
Cons
- The quality of the material isn’t the best
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CUPSHE Satin One Shoulder Flared Midi High Low Hem Dress
2
Best for slim ladies. CUPSHE Satin One Shoulder Flared Midi High Low Hem Dress blooms with charm! This flared one-shoulder style and ruched waist are exactly what we were looking for to win hearts and get the best look at the party. The cut is only one of the standout features that made this dress one of our favorites so far.
As slim women, we couldn’t find anything better to wear for a summer wedding with a formal dress code. There was no better way to embrace the curves and show a little skin on the top side and through the high-low hems. If you have similar occasions and you want your hip curves to be the master scene, this dress is for you. However, if you’re a plus-size woman, you may want to take a look at these cute plus-size outfits for summer instead!
Pros
- The satin material is so chic
- The cut shows off the curves in a nice way
- The available colors are equally chic
Cons
- It isn’t suitable for curvy women
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GRACE KARIN Sleeveless Wrap V-Neck A-line Dress
1
For this certain wedding, we didn’t want to look so formal but at the same time, not too casual. Thus, GRACE KARIN Sleeveless Wrap V-Neck A-line Dress made the best choice to offer an in-between look according to how we styled it. We loved the drama its wrap v-neck style and A-line flow brought.
For styling the dress, we didn’t exert too much effort, just a cute pair of sandals and some accessories did the job. Need some ideas? You can check out these cutest sandals for summer! We were so satisfied with the final look and what we paid although it isn’t the cheapest. Yet, we could wear this dress on many other occasions later on, so, it’s a good bargain. However, if you’re looking for something affordable, you should check out these cheap dresses for summer instead!
Pros
- The dress looks nice on most body shapes
- It shapes the bust area in a nice way
- The colors are so attractive
Cons
- It’s tighter than expected
Buy on:
Our Verdict!
We know that choosing a formal dress might be based only on personal taste. However, since we were reviewing different dresses to satisfy different tastes, we picked the four top dresses based on real criteria.
- Best price: GEMEIQ Ruched One Shoulder Bodycon Midi Dress
- Best for slim ladies: CUPSHE Satin One Shoulder Flared Midi High Low Hem Dress
- Most comfortable: WOOSEA High Neck Split Bodycon Mermaid Long Dress
- Best colors: Zalalus One Shoulder Bodycon Cutout Slit Wrap Midi Dresses
How To Choose The Best Formal Dresses for Summer Weddings?
Here, we’re sharing with you the features upon which we reviewed and chose different dresses. If you’re still confused and didn’t choose a suitable dress yet, check out these features as they might help you.
Latest trends
Trends come and go, this is something we can’t disagree on. However, we don’t call for wearing trends just because they’re trends. Choose whatever suits you and you feel like it’s something you really want to wear. Some of the latest trends we found for wedding dresses this year are cutouts, bodycon style, and ruched dresses to flatter the body. You’ll find dresses combining different styles together. As said, a rule of thumb is to wear what makes you look good and comfy.
Place
A daytime formal wedding beach is definitely different from another night formal wedding in a closed venue. Although both need formal attire, there is a difference between this and that. For beach weddings, flared and loose cuts look better and more suitable. Also, midi dresses are more comfortable on the beach. Alternatively, dressing formally for a night wedding requires a simple classy dress. Bodycon dresses with halter necks look great in this case.
Fabrics
Last but not least, the material of the dress is an important factor to consider when choosing a proper outfit. Since we’re talking about summer dresses, you need to go for the lightest materials. Further, if it’s an open-air wedding, make sure to get a breathable dress that doesn’t make you feel hot all day. There is no point in wearing the best dress but feeling uncomfortable because you chose the wrong material.
What colors to wear in a formal wedding?
For formal outdoor summer weddings, you can wear all the summer colors you love such as fuchsia, lime green, and yellow. Red is always a winning card at any wedding day or night. Also, it’s better to stay away from dark colors in the morning for outdoor weddings.
Can I wear a suit instead of a dress for a wedding?
Absolutely yes! Jumpsuits, in particular, look so nice at formal weddings and they’re very comfortable as well.
Are short dresses formal?
They can be formal depending on the cut and how short they’re. However, don’t go too short if it’s a formal occasion.