<p>Don’t be afraid to lean into bold, bright designs. In fact, Smallshaw suggests looking to mood-boosting <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/a41247745/spring-2023-fashion-trends/” target=”_blank”>spring 2023 trends</a> for inspiration. “Opt for vibrant colors, seasonal prints, and interesting details or cutouts to show off a little skin,” she says. “Playful pleats, sunset-inspired hues, and mermaid-esque silhouettes are top themes this summer that would also play wonderfully in a beach wedding setting.”</p><p>Attending a black-tie seaside ceremony? Try a floor-length <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g43267124/best-slip-dresses/” target=”_blank”>slipdress</a> in a bright graphic print. If the invite specifies semiformal or <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g40009647/best-summer-cocktail-dresses/” target=”_blank”>cocktail attire</a>, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit. To enhance the vibe of your beach-chic look, Smallshaw suggests adding timeless, beachy touches like <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g39690924/best-straw-bags/” target=”_blank”>straw bags</a>, gold jewelry, and pearls.</p><p>Whether you’re staying local or traveling to faraway shores, I did the research and tapped Smallshaw’s expertise to find the 25 best beach wedding guest dresses for every kind of seaside ceremony. Now, all that’s left to do is enjoy the salty breeze on your skin and bask in the sunshine. </p>” />
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An Intricate Tiered Dress
Table of Contents
Rhode Alber Dress
An Intricate Tiered Dress
Rhode Alber Dress
Credit: Rhode
Rhode’s vivid, intricate prints are personal favorites of mine. Starring a rich jewel-toned motif, this stunning number from the brand is sure to pop against a range of skin tones. Its strappy halter neckline, keyhole detail, and tiered skirt offer extra intrigue, too.
Sizes: 0-14
Colors: Ivy Flora
Materials: 100% viscose
A Watercolor Print Dress
SIMKHAI Alfie Dress
A Watercolor Print Dress
SIMKHAI Alfie Dress
“The sunset hues of this SIMKHAI maxi are perfect for golden hour pictures,” says Rent the Runway Senior Director of Fashion and Styling Suzanne Smallshaw. “Also, the light fabric and cutouts make this dress ideal for warm, beachy temperatures.”
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: Multicolored
Materials: 100% recycled nylon
A Dainty Floral Dress
Christy Lynn Christian Dress
A Dainty Floral Dress
Christy Lynn Christian Dress
Credit: Christy Lynn
If you’re going to sport florals, wear them the avant-garde way with this maxi from emerging designer Christy Lynn. Drawing inspiration from Lynn’s Korean heritage and love for Parisian fashion, this exquisite chiffon dress boasts custom, hand-painted blooms and, per our editors, fits beautifully. Proof: It includes an adjustable attached slip and waist tie for an ultra-flattering fit.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Blue Garden
Materials: Silk crinkle chiffon
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An Asymmetrical Jersey Dress
Stella McCartney Asymmetric Draped Jersey Dress
An Asymmetrical Jersey Dress
Stella McCartney Asymmetric Draped Jersey Dress
Going monochrome doesn’t mean your look has to be basic. This punchy yellow midi from Stella McCartney’s spring ’23 collection expertly blends elements of fluidity and structure, featuring a fitted bodice, flowy asymmetrical skirt, and draping at the shoulders. Because it’s made of a jersey material, the style should also be both stretchy and breathable.
Sizes: IT36-IT50
Colors: Yellow
Materials: 100% viscose
A Pleated Maxi Dress
A.L.C. Angelina Dress
A Pleated Maxi Dress
A.L.C. Angelina Dress
Smallshaw also suggests A.L.C’s Angeline dress as it plays into two popular summer dressing trends and can work for a variety of semi-formal events. “This Barbiecore-pink gown from A.L.C has beautiful pleating for breezy summer nights on the beach yet looks super elevated,” she notes.
Sizes: 00-14
Colors: Chateau Rose, Off White
Materials: 100% polyester
A Trippy Second-Skin Maxi Dress
Solid & Striped Carnation Pink and Clementine Leaf Print Dress
A Trippy Second-Skin Maxi Dress
Solid & Striped Carnation Pink and Clementine Leaf Print Dress
While Solid & Striped is best known for its cult-loved swimwear, don’t sleep on the brand’s newer ready-to-wear offerings. This groovy-print bodycon offers just the right amount of ’70s-nostalgia with a lightweight fit and two side slits that make it ideal for traversing sandy shores.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Carnation Pink and Clementine Leaf Print
Materials: 75% rayon, 25% nylon
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A Silky Dress With Pockets
Banana Republic Isa Cotton-Silk Dress
A Silky Dress With Pockets
Banana Republic Isa Cotton-Silk Dress
Accesorized with some block-heeled sandals and delicate jewelry, this soft cotton-silk midi can go from weekend brunch to wedding-ready in a flash. In addition to coming in a wide range of sizes, it has adjustable straps and handy pockets.
Sizes: 0-20, including regular, tall, and petite options
Colors: Gather Floral Periwinkle
Materials: 70% cotton, 30% silk
A Vibrant Caftan Dress
Eloquii One Shoulder Kaftan
A Vibrant Caftan Dress
Eloquii One Shoulder Kaftan
For those ultra-toasty destinations, caftans are an airy, effortless choice that will still help keep you covered when you don’t want to reveal too much skin. This kaleidoscopic version will certainly earn a spot on the best-dressed list. It’s made with lightweight rayon and has a side zipper for easy on and off as well.
Sizes: 14/16-30/32
Colors: Color Wave
Materials: 100% rayon
An Ocean-Inspired Dress
Rixo Moniq Maxi Dress
An Ocean-Inspired Dress
Rixo Moniq Maxi Dress
Perhaps no dress seems more fitting for a semi-formal beach wedding than this playful Rixo piece, done in a lightweight gauze material with an embellished, aquatic-inspired print. Add on a bright handbag and pair of mules to inject some color into the cheeky look.
Sizes: UK6-UK20
Colors: Black
Materials: 100% viscose
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A Fringed Midi Dress
PatBo Cutout Fringed Metallic knitted midi dress
A Fringed Midi Dress
PatBo Cutout Fringed Metallic knitted midi dress
This fabulous fringed number says you’re ready to party. The swishy cabana-like accents will sway with your every move, while the slit in the back ensures you can easily dance from sunset to sunrise. Plus, the subtly metallic fabric adds another flirty touch.
A wedding in paradise calls for a joyous, statement-making dress. Rio de Janeiro-based label Farm Rio is an expert at them, including this vibrant tropical-print midi complete with billowing puff sleeves and front-to-back cutouts.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: Red/multi
Materials: 60% cotton, 40% viscose
A Classic Striped Halter Dress
Veronica Beard Radley Dress
A Classic Striped Halter Dress
Veronica Beard Radley Dress
With its elegant striped print, crisscross halter neck, and drop waist silhouette, this classic Veronica Beard dress feels just right for a dreamy coastal European wedding. Tie the look together with some low braided wedges for stability on the sand to the cliffside villa where you’ll enjoy post-ceremony drinks.
Sizes: 00-16
Colors: Off White Multi
Materials: 65% viscose, 35% elastomultiester
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A Festive One-Shoulder Mini Dress
LA DOUBLEJ One-shoulder bouclé mini dress
A Festive One-Shoulder Mini Dress
LA DOUBLEJ One-shoulder bouclé mini dress
Here, an adorable pineapple-print mini to match the piña colada that will inevitably make its way into your hands. Although the dress’s boucle-style fabric is a bit heartier than lighter weight alternatives, its high cotton content still makes it breathable.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: Yellow
Materials: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
A Flirty Open Back Dress
ASTR the label Neira Dress
A Flirty Open Back Dress
ASTR the label Neira Dress
Credit: Amazon
ASTR the label is a great source for contemporary, affordable occasionwear, and I’m currently eyeing this charming maxi from the brand for sun-soaked nuptials. My favorite part? The subtly plunging neckline and feminine open back detail. For added coverage, make sure to pair this dress with some of the best nipple covers.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Green Multi
Materials: 100% polyester
A Mermaidcore Dress
Baoab Mambo Maxi Dress
A Mermaidcore Dress
Baoab Mambo Maxi Dress
The mermaid aesthetic is set to be everywhere this summer. Channel your inner Ariel with this strapless number from sustainable resortwear and swimwear brand Baboab. “This sleek maxi is practically made for a beach wedding, showcasing a beautiful sheen and ombré color palette that’s perfect for the season,” says Smallshaw. “Additionally, the silhouette has breathable cutouts and a beautiful hourglass shape that’s comfortable enough to wear all night long.”
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Cosmo
Materials: 100% polyester
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A Cotton Dress that Doubles as a Coverup
Lemlem Inku Cascade Dress
A Cotton Dress that Doubles as a Coverup
Lemlem Inku Cascade Dress
Packing for a destination wedding with only one carry-on? Save space in your suitcase with this breezy cotton midi that can double as a beach coverup. Like the rest of the brand’s ethical offerings, this piece is also sustainably-made and responsibly crafted by artisans in Ethiopia.
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: Blue
Materials: 100% cotton
A Monochrome Linen Dress
Reformation Selia Linen Dress
A Monochrome Linen Dress
Reformation Selia Linen Dress
Simple yet elegant, this linen, plunge-back maxi will keep you cool at the hottest beachfront weddings. The simple cut and color can be styled in different ways for multiple weddings on your calendar.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Avocado, Black, Giverny
Materials: 100% linen
A Puff-Sleeve Eyelet Dress
By Anthropologie Puff-Sleeve Eyelet Dress
A Puff-Sleeve Eyelet Dress
By Anthropologie Puff-Sleeve Eyelet Dress
It can be difficult for petite women to find long wedding guest dresses that don’t need to be altered, but Anthropologie has some gorgeous boho-leaning options. Offered in six petite sizes (as well as plus sizes!), this eyelet style is the perfect companion to your favorite espadrille flatforms and a woven handbag.
Sizes: XXS-3X, including plus sizes
Colors: Ivory
Materials: Cotton, polyester
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A Wispy, Ruffled Dress
Mango Ruffled Dress
A Wispy, Ruffled Dress
Mango Ruffled Dress
Credit: Mango
Ruffles have been experiencing a renaissance lately, and this polished Mango maxi gives them a decidedly modern spin. With an array of sheer, spindly accents, this gauzy purple gown is giving ethereal jellyfish vibes in the absolute best way possible.
Sizes: 2-10
Colors: Light/Pastel Purple
Materials: 100% polyester
A Silk Wrap Dress
Never Fully Dressed Blue Jacquard Mini Dress
A Silk Wrap Dress
Never Fully Dressed Blue Jacquard Mini Dress
Silk wrap dresses are easy to dress up or down and complement basically every body type. I’m loving this ocean blue, jacquard print version, which will easily become a staple in a summer wardrobe even after the ceremony is over.
Sizes: UK6-UK26
Colors: Blue
Materials: 58% viscose, 42% polyester
Senior Commerce Editor
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.