The Best Summer Guest Dresses of 2025

I’ve been going regularly traveling to Italy Since I’ve lived in Italy for six years and been here for two decades, I’ve attended a number of weddings. American destination weddings in Italy. Italian weddings are my favorite, with their beautiful backdrops and long Catholic mass. The food is also delicious. As a travel journalist, I use them to explore cultural exchanges as well as an excuse to dress up. For a guest, a wedding’s “dress code” may be the scariest part. In Europe, guests are encouraged to dress in formal or semiformal attire.

The 46 Italian-inspired dresses will keep you looking stylish, no matter if the wedding is held on a Tuscany vineyard, in the Villa Borromeo outside Milan or at the Ginori Terrace, overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal. From beachwear to black tie, you can find gorgeous styles starting at $46. Amazon, Nordstrom, J.CrewMore.

Midi Wedding Guest Dresses

I am a petite woman and have embraced midi dress for a more elevated look on scasual days as well as formal events. A midi dress is extremely versatile, depending on the shoes and accessories you choose. I’ve been wearing the La Ligne Greer Dress I wore it with a clutch and strappy sandals to a wedding in the renowned Villa Borromeo. I’ve worn this dress on a Lake Como trip with a bag cross-body. This is also my favorite. sleeveless Madewell midi dress For a beach wedding, you could pair this with silver cuffs.

Wedding Guest Dresses Sleeves

I attended a late-spring wedding in the Italian Alps, last year. The dinner took place in a beautiful castello, but the cocktail party on the terrace outside required a dress that had sleeves. I wore it La DoubleJ Bellini DressSince then, it has become one of my favorites. I wore it to my daughters christening at the St. Regis Hotel in NYC, and also to a cocktail event there. This maxi dress has a relaxed feel thanks to the crochet pattern. It is durable enough to resist wrinkles and can be packed easily. Find seven other long-sleeved dress styles that I love right now.

Colorful wedding guest dresses

When you’re not sure how to dress for a destination ceremony and are unsure of the dress code, black may seem like an easy choice. Modern weddings are generally okay with black. However, in Italian culture black is usually associated with mourning, so it’s best to wear a colorful dress as a wedding guest. It’s better to choose a dress that is vibrant. Plus, bright dresses look beautiful in pictures and are a great way to celebrate.

Beach Wedding Guest Dresses

I prefer formal fabrics that are breathable, such as sheer organza or lightweight silks for beach weddings in Italy. The fabrics I choose for destination weddings are breathable and comfortable, but they do need to be pressed when you get there.

Garden Party Wedding Guest dresses

Our wedding was held at a farm that dates back to the 1600s. The beautiful neogothic architecture of the manor house was in a state that reminded me of shabby chic. Our dress code was “garden-party chic” because of the beautiful wildflowers, and all things outdoors. I was thrilled to see that my guests wore florals, colors, and patterns. These stunning dresses were created by Astr the Label, DoenYou can find inspiration in a variety of ways.

Cocktail Attire for Wedding Guest Dresses 

When I hear of cocktail attire in Italy I think aperitivo. What would I wear if I were to live out my dream? Dolce Vita What about spritzing a drink? It’s a fit-and-flare dress with cat-eyed glasses, inspired by Sofia Loren. Aperitivo chic These stunning dresses are just a few of the many options available. J.Crew, BardotMore.

Semi-formal wedding guests dresses

I’ve seen a lot of beautiful Italian courthouse weddings where friends and family gather and go out for lunch afterwards in stunning semi-formal attire that still looks elegant and occasion-appropriate. My favorite Italian designer for a semi-formal look is Stella Jean, whose pieces are worn by the most stylish women you know—including Rihanna and Beyonce. This Stella Jean Striped Floral Midi Dress is the perfect semi-formal wedding guest look—it’s festive enough to be celebratory while still being casual and comfortable.

Formal Wedding Guest Dresses

Milanese Maximalism is a fabulous alternative to the minimalism that’s on trend. La DoubleJ, the lifestyle brand from Milan, captures this perfectly. Recently, I wore a now-sold out La DoubleJ Roy Dress I attended a formal event at Milan and received many compliments. I found similar options still available such as the Petal & Pup Nadia One-shoulder Satin Maxi Dress. The one-shoulder design gives it a Grecian elegance that simultaneously reads regal yet effortless—the epitome of the Italian sprezzatura. You can wear a cocktail dress to a wedding that is formal, even though it’s not as formal as wearing black tie. Just make sure the dress has some pizzazz.

Lulus Satin Plisse Strapless Maxi Dress

My purple strapless dress (above) This is an old Zac Posen runway dress from over 15 years ago. I found the exact same lookalike for less than $100 at Lulus. This floor-length dress has a similar style, which is comfortable and breezy.

Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

If you’re planning a black-tie wedding, choose a floor length gown made of rich fabrics such as silk, wool or chiffon. Pair it with statement jewelry to add a touch of glamour. Dresses should be tailored to fit your height, and your shoes to achieve a stylish look. For cooler weather, structured styles and dark colors are ideal. Lighter fabrics in vibrant colors, such as chiffon or lace, are perfect for summer. However, they may need to be steamed. Choose a dress that makes you feel confident and sophisticated—it’s a special occasion, so lean into the formality and have fun with it.

Plus-size wedding guest dresses

Finding an Italian designer that was inclusive of all sizes was a challenge when I was planning my wedding. I knew that I wanted my bridesmaids’ dresses to be Italian-inspired, but I was disappointed by the lack of size options offered by many of my favorite Italian designers. I had to struggle finding options for my core group, which includes fashionistas in all sizes. In contrast, many of my favorites styles in the U.S. are available from Amazon to the catwalk in a variety of sizes.

The smallest wedding guest dresses 

As I am 5’1″, my clothes are usually tailored to fit me perfectly. While I do appreciate brands who offer petite sizes, I usually shop labels that have cuts that are naturally suited to my frame. I don’t get caught up in fashion “rules” like avoiding maxi dresses as a petite woman—in fact, I love wearing a maxi to a wedding. I love to experiment with different silhouettes and play with the proportions.

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