Serena There’s something about summer weddings that feels like pure magic, isn’t there?
It wasn’t just the stunning decorations or the beautiful couple—it was the way I felt walking into that outdoor ceremony, surrounded by flowers, soft music, and the people I care about most.
But in that moment of excitement and beauty, there was one thing on my mind: What on earth am I going to wear?
We’ve all been there, right?
Standing in front of our closets, overwhelmed by endless options, but still unsure of what will make us feel both stunning and comfortable.
Over the years, I’ve attended my fair share of summer weddings, and I’ve learned that the right dress isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s about feeling confident, comfortable, and like you truly belong in the moment.
So, whether you’re heading to a garden wedding, a beach celebration, or a formal ballroom soirée, let’s go on this journey together.
I’m here to share 14 tips, each crafted with love, to help you choose the perfect dress for your body type, so you can step into that wedding feeling as beautiful as the celebration around you.
Embrace Soft, Light Colors:
I remember attending a wedding where the theme was soft pastels. I wore a light lavender dress, and as soon as I entered the venue, it felt like I was stepping into a dream.
Light, pastel tones like blush, mint, and coral are perfect for summer weddings because they complement the natural surroundings and add a soft elegance to your look.
Dress Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
A pastel-colored fit-and-flare dress will beautifully highlight your curves, creating an elegant, balanced silhouette.
Pear Shape:
A soft A-line dress in pastel will balance out your hips while accentuating your waist. It’s comfortable, breezy, and looks chic for an outdoor wedding.
Apple Shape:
Empire waist dresses in light colors help define your bust while providing ample comfort around the midsection. The light fabric flows nicely and allows you to move freely.
Rectangle Shape:
A soft shift dress in a pastel color will add structure and dimension to your frame, giving you the illusion of curves without feeling too tight.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
Choose a V-neck dress in soft tones that draws attention to your face and helps balance your broader shoulders.
Consider the Venue’s Vibe:
One of the most memorable weddings I attended was outdoors, with the sun setting over a field of flowers.
I wore a relaxed, flowy dress, and the outfit complemented the venue perfectly. Whether you’re at a beach, garden, or ballroom wedding, your dress should suit the vibe of the location.
Dress Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
A tailored wrap dress or midi dress that cinches at the waist will work beautifully at a beach wedding, combining comfort and elegance while flattering your curves.
Pear Shape:
Opt for a high-waisted, flowy dress with a soft A-line skirt. It’s a perfect choice for garden weddings, balancing your proportions without sacrificing comfort.
Apple Shape:
A draped shift dress that skims over the midsection works wonderfully for outdoor weddings. It’s easy to wear, flattering, and allows for free movement.
Rectangle Shape:
A structured midi dress creates a more defined waist, ideal for formal settings like ballroom weddings. You’ll feel polished and poised.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
An A-line dress will help create a softer silhouette for inverted triangle body shapes, ideal for outdoor weddings where movement and comfort are key.
Think About Comfort First:
There’s nothing worse than a stunning outfit that makes you want to rip it off by the end of the night.
I once wore a dress that was so tight I could barely breathe. After that experience, I’ve learned to prioritize comfort, especially for summer weddings.
The last thing you want is to be tugging at your dress all night, so look for fabrics that breathe and allow you to move freely.
Dress Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
A cotton wrap dress will keep you cool and comfortable, while still showcasing your curves. The wrap detail allows for easy movement and a flattering shape.
Pear Shape:
A-line dresses made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are perfect for pear shapes, offering both comfort and an elegant fit.
Apple Shape:
A loose V-neck dress in cotton or linen is perfect for staying cool and looking chic, without feeling restricted.
Rectangle Shape:
A shift dress made from a soft, breathable fabric will allow you to stay comfortable while still maintaining a polished look.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
Opt for a loose, flowy dress that offers volume at the bottom, making sure you’re comfortable and still stylish.
Choose the Right Fabric:
I’ll never forget the summer wedding I attended in a silk dress—it was the perfect fabric for the weather.
The right fabric is crucial for a summer wedding, so aim for lightweight, breathable materials that allow for comfort and elegance all day long.
Dress Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
Silk slip dresses are perfect for hourglass figures. The fabric moves beautifully with your body, allowing you to feel both comfortable and elegant.
Pear Shape:
Chiffon is the ideal fabric for pear shapes. It’s light, flowy, and allows for enough movement while providing structure in the right places.
Apple Shape:
A-line dresses in cotton or linen work best for apple shapes. The fabric allows the dress to fall naturally, providing comfort without clinging to the midsection.
Rectangle Shape:
Structured fabrics like jersey or silk help create more shape for those with a straighter body type. The fabric will allow you to create curves while maintaining a polished look.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
Soft, flowy fabrics like chiffon or cotton create balance by adding volume to the lower half of the body, which helps create a more balanced silhouette.
A Wide-Brimmed Hat is Your Best Friend:
Weddings by the beach or in gardens are the perfect opportunities to flaunt a wide-brimmed hat.
I wore one to a wedding by the ocean, and it was the perfect mix of style and sun protection. Plus, it made me feel like a glamorous movie star!
Dress Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
Pair your hat with a fitted midi dress that highlights your waist. The contrast between the loose hat and the form-fitting dress creates a chic, balanced look.
Pear Shape:
A flowy maxi dress with a fitted bodice is complemented by a wide-brimmed hat. This combo creates a balanced look and gives you that effortlessly elegant vibe.
Apple Shape:
A structured tea-length dress paired with a wide-brimmed hat will keep you feeling sophisticated yet relaxed. The hat draws attention to your face and adds a touch of elegance.
Rectangle Shape:
A loose, flowy dress with a simple wide-brimmed hat adds volume to your lower body and makes you feel more proportionate while still looking chic.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
Pair a hat with an A-line dress to balance your proportions. The hat adds elegance while the dress softens the shoulders and emphasizes your legs.
Don’t Overlook Footwear:
Let’s face it: the last thing you want is to be wobbling around in heels that hurt your feet.
I’ve learned the hard way!
For summer weddings, you want footwear that’s stylish but comfortable enough to dance and walk around in for hours. Wedges, block heels, or flats are perfect alternatives to stilettos.
Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
Wedges or block heels with a sleek, figure-hugging midi dress will keep you comfortable and add height without compromising on comfort.
Pear Shape:
Nude-colored wedges with a knee-length or midi dress elongate your legs and help create a more balanced look.
Apple Shape:
Flat sandals or low block heels with a midi dress keep you comfortable while still looking chic. Perfect for a warm, casual wedding setting.
Rectangle Shape:
Low-heeled sandals or wedges add a bit of height without overwhelming your frame, creating a polished look while keeping you comfortable.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
Block heels or wedges help balance out your upper body while giving you the height you need for a confident, elegant look.
Accessorize with a Personal Touch:
Accessories are the perfect way to make any outfit feel personal.
I’ll never forget wearing my grandmother’s bracelet to a wedding—it was simple, but it made the day even more special. Whether it’s a necklace, bracelet, or even a brooch, make sure to add something that holds personal meaning to you.
Dress Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
A bold belt with a fit-and-flare dress draws attention to your waist, accentuating your curves in a flattering way.
Pear Shape:
A statement necklace or delicate earrings will draw attention to your upper body, making your entire look more balanced.
Apple Shape:
Layered bracelets and long earrings work beautifully with a simple shift dress. This adds some personality while keeping the outfit polished.
Rectangle Shape:
Chunky jewelry or statement earrings will add dimension to your frame, creating an illusion of curves and breaking up the straight lines.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
Long necklaces and delicate accessories will help draw attention downward, balancing your broader shoulders with a soft, feminine touch.
Choose a Dress with Movement:
There’s something special about a dress that moves with you.
I wore a silk dress to a wedding once, and I felt like I was gliding across the dance floor. The right fabric and cut should allow you to feel elegant but still comfortable enough to enjoy yourself.
Dress Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
A flowy wrap dress or A-line skirt will highlight your curves while allowing freedom of movement for dancing and mingling.
Pear Shape:
A maxi dress with a flowing skirt adds movement while still giving you the structure and balance you need for your hips.
Apple Shape:
A shift dress with a gentle flare is perfect for creating a fluid, graceful movement without clinging to the midsection.
Rectangle Shape:
Soft fit-and-flare dresses are ideal for rectangle body types, giving you both shape and flow, while still looking polished and effortless.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
An A-line dress with a bit of flare will create volume on the bottom, helping balance out your shoulders while adding movement to your look.
Layer with a Chic Light Jacket or Shawl:
When the sun sets, a light jacket or shawl can be a lifesaver, adding style and warmth.
I wore a cashmere shawl to a summer wedding once, and it completed my look beautifully while keeping me comfortable as the evening coolness set in.
Dress Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
A tailored blazer that accentuates your figure adds structure to your outfit without overshadowing your natural curves.
Pear Shape:
A shawl or light cardigan with a dress helps draw attention to your upper body, balancing your proportions.
Apple Shape:
A lightweight jacket that adds structure to your outfit will create a more defined waistline.
Rectangle Shape:
A soft, drapey cardigan or shawl adds some volume, helping create the illusion of curves while providing comfort.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
A light cape or flowing jacket will soften your shoulders and create balance with your lower half.
Show Off Your Legs:
There’s no better way to show confidence than to flaunt your legs, especially at a summer wedding.
I’ve always felt empowered when wearing a knee-length dress that shows just enough skin. If you feel great in it, own it!
Dress Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
A knee-length dress with a tailored fit shows off your curves and legs in the best way possible.
Pear Shape:
A knee-length dress with a slightly flared skirt highlights your legs while balancing your hips.
Apple Shape:
A knee-length dress with an A-line skirt allows you to show off your legs while providing coverage for your midsection.
Rectangle Shape:
A simple, relaxed shift dress with a hem that falls just above the knee adds shape to your body while giving you the freedom to move.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
A dress with a slight flare at the hem adds volume to your lower body, drawing attention to your legs and creating a more balanced look.
Go for Bold Prints:
Sometimes, a bold print is all you need to make a statement.
I’ve worn floral dresses to weddings and felt like I was walking among the flowers themselves.
Bold prints can be fun and playful but should be balanced with the right cut and fit for your body type.
Dress Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
Bold prints that accentuate your waistline, such as a floral fit-and-flare dress, will look stunning.
Pear Shape:
A smaller, delicate print on top with a plain skirt balances the silhouette perfectly.
Apple Shape:
A simple floral print on a shift dress is great for adding interest to your outfit without drawing too much attention to the midsection.
Rectangle Shape:
A bold pattern in a dress with a cinched waist will add shape to your frame, creating a more feminine silhouette.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
Subtle prints on the lower half will add volume to your hips and help balance out your broader shoulders.
Maximize Your Comfort with Fabrics that Breathe:
When I wore a cotton dress to a summer wedding, I felt like I could breathe and move freely. It’s all about choosing fabrics that keep you cool and comfortable without sacrificing style.
Dress Suggestions Based on Body Type:
Hourglass Shape:
A cotton wrap dress will let you feel both comfortable and stylish, while the fabric hugs your natural curves.
Pear Shape:
A breathable A-line dress in cotton will provide comfort while accentuating your waist and balancing your hips.
Apple Shape:
Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are perfect for apple shapes. They help create a relaxed, comfortable fit while still looking polished.
Rectangle Shape:
Soft jersey fabrics in a shift dress create a more feminine shape while allowing you to move freely.
Inverted Triangle Shape:
Opt for light cotton or linen to add volume to the lower half of your body, helping create balance with your upper body.
I remember one particular wedding where I wore a light, flowy dress and felt like I was floating through the day.
The sun setting over the couple as they exchanged vows, the laughter of friends, and the soft breeze that brushed my face—all of it felt perfectly in sync with the dress I chose.
It wasn’t just about looking good—it was about feeling connected to the day, the love, and the joy of it all.
And that’s the magic of summer weddings, isn’t it?
It’s about being fully present in the moment, dancing under the stars, laughing with loved ones, and celebrating life.
The right dress, the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, is part of that experience.
So, as you head to your next summer wedding, remember: It’s not just about what you wear—it’s about how you wear it.
Whether you’re gliding through the garden in a pastel dress, dancing on the beach in a flowy maxi, or twirling in a formal ballroom gown, wear it with confidence, wear it with joy, and most importantly, wear it with love.
You deserve to feel every bit as magical as the wedding day itself.
And now, I’d love to hear from you.
What’s your go-to summer wedding outfit?
Do you have a story or favorite moment from a summer wedding you’ve attended?
Let’s chat about it—because at the end of the day, it’s these memories that truly make the experience unforgettable.
