For 15 of my current summer wedding outfit picks, head to this 2022 Summer Wedding Looks blog post!

Wedding season is upon us people! The weather is beautiful, everything is lush, and a good tan never hurt anyone. While there are few things I love more than getting dressed up to celebrate love,  navigating the dress code for weddings can be tough, especially because weddings have expanded beyond the black tie or cocktail attire. There’s the barn wedding, the beach wedding, the backyard wedding, the wedding in the middle of the forest. It’s hard to know exactly what to wear, and as couples get more creative with the nuptials, it’s safe to say the dress code rules have gone out the window. After consulting our resident wedding expert, Studio 125’s Director of Events Bridget Borden, I’ve narrowed down some tough sartorial situations and come up with a guide to dressing for summer nuptials. Any weddings you’ll be attending this summer? Better yet, any ideas what you’ll wear to them?! We’ve got some inspiration pulled together to help.

When it’s Fancy

Women’s Topshop Bride Cascade Gown • Topshop • $240
H&M Straw Clutch Bag • H&M • $9.99
Women’s J.crew Botanical Embroidered Drop Earrings • J.Crew • $78
STEVEN by Steve Madden Voomme Ankle-Strap Block Heel Dress Sandals • $49.43

A wedding with a black tie dress code can be stressful. How fancy do you go? Will you be underdressed? A floor length dress is an obvious option, but don’t feel tied to it. I love the idea of a metallic tuxedo pant and perfectly tailored top. If you want to go the more traditional route, a gown in a neutral color like navy works well. Add a straw clutch for a summertime touch, a pair of fun sparkly earrings, and block heel sandals and you’re good to go. Don’t forget fun hair and makeup!

When You Don’t Want to Wear Heels

Ulla Johnson Ariane Maxi Dress • Ulla Johnson • $345
Jennifer Fisher Flat Plate Choker Necklace • Jennifer Fisher • $76
INC International Concepts Lyvia Imitation Pearl Clutch, Only at Macy’s • INC International Concepts • $65.70
Women’s Soludos Tassel Lace-Up Espadrille • Soludos • $89.95 

If wedding season means one thing, it’s heels. If you’ve got more than a few weddings, it might mean weekends with sore feet after dancing the night away in sky-high stilettos… and if you’re not used to wearing heels, any kind of high heel feels somewhat ridiculous. If you can survive a wedding without taking your pumps off, you are a stronger woman than I! But if you need a break from the heels, don’t fret. Go for a summery dress in a light fabric and fun accessories like a choker and embellished clutch. As far as shoes go, platform espadrilles work well and are still comfortable. Flat metallic sandals would also be just as charming.

When You’re on a Budget

Topshop Embroidered tie sleeve midi dress • Topshop • $30
H&M Knee-length Dress • H&M • $39.99–69.99
WAYF Sandalwood Cami Wrap Dress • WAYF • $89
Premium bardot pencil • Dorothy Perkins • $99
Women’s A By Amanda ‘Zoe’ Ruffle One-Shoulder Shift Dress • $99
boohoo Marcie Off Shoulder Gingham Midi Dress • Boohoo • $40
H&M Maxi Dress with Lace • H&M • $29.99
Sunset & Spring High/Low Maxi Dress – 100% Exclusive • $78

The downside of the onslaught of summer weddings is how quickly the costs add up. Sometimes the guests are all friends of yours so you don’t want to show up to three or four weddings in the same dress. I totally get it. The key is to buy a couple of dresses that are good quality, but still in your price range. You also want to look for dresses that you could wear to other occasions, like graduations, work parties, or family festivities. Wear shoes you already have and accessorize with confidence. All eight of our picks above are under $100!

When You Just Can’t Stand to Wear Another Dress

Alice + Olivia Alice Olivia – Trinity Cutout Stretch-crepe Jumpsuit – Red • Alice + Olivia • $176
Office Finley suede heeled sandals • Office • $62
Rebecca Minkoff ‘Leo’ Envelope Clutch – Blue • Rebecca Minkoff • $95
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Tiered tassel-drop clip-on earrings • Oscar de la Renta • $450
Exclusive for Intermix Dora Lace Detail One Shoulder Top • Exclusive for Intermix • $245
RACIL Texas wide-leg tuxedo trousers • $147
ISABEL MARANT Circle earrings • Isabel Marant • $183
Women’s Bp. Lula Block Heel Slingback Sandal • BP • $59.95

Change is good! Switch up your normal wedding attire by exchanging your dress for a jumpsuit, pants, or a skirt. Chances are you’ll be more comfortable and have more fun. Give yourself a sartorial challenge this wedding season. Go big with color and accessories and think outside the box. I like a red jumpsuit with monochrome accessories. A fabulous pair of wide leg pants with an off-the-shoulder top and bright sling backs makes for a menswear-inspired look that really pops.

When It’s 90 degrees and the Wedding is Outside

REDValentino Sleeveless dress • RED Valentino • $556
Women’s Baublebar Romany Drop Earrings • BaubleBar • $22.80
Women’s Daya By Zendaya Sheridan Fringe Denim Clog • $89.95
INC International Concepts Lyvia Imitation Pearl Clutch, Only at Macy’s • INC International Concepts • $65.70

Outdoor summer weddings are often totally stunning, but you do run the risk of being a bit uncomfortable in near-100 degree heat. Use that as an excuse to show some skin and experiment with prints and color. Sleeveless dresses, sheer details, and bold patterns are sure to please (and keep you cool!). I love a striped dress in pretty shades paired with playful tassel earrings. A neutral pair of heeled mules and a pearl clutch are all you need to top this look off.

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Image sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16

Kate Arends

Kate is currently learning to play the Ukulele, much to the despair of her husband, kids, and dogs. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.