What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: Cocktail Dress Code
As part of my summer wedding blog series, I’ve chosen the best dresses, shoes, and accessories to wear to a cocktail dress code wedding.
A cocktail dress code usually includes shorter dresses (knee-length, tea-length, or midi length dresses). If you wear a gown or long dress, you may look overdressed, whereas a dress that’s too short or too casual will make you look underdressed. One of the most popular cocktail dress code choices is the “little black dress“, and you really can’t go wrong with that. Usually a cocktail dress code allows for brighter colors and pattern options, whereas for formal or black tie events, you should opt for darker and simpler colors.
Here are a few of my picks for a cocktail dress code for a wedding.
What to Wear to a Cocktail Dress Code Wedding
Top Row: LuLu’s Green Strapless Dress | ModCloth Blue Lace Dress | Romwe Red Dress | Topshop Mini Dress | ASOS One-Shoulder Dress
Bottom Bow: Snakeskin Clutch | Nude Patent Leather Pumps | Lola Rose Drop Earrings | Pearl Cluster Necklace | Jessica Simpson Nude Pump | Kate Spade Metallic Clutch | Chandelier Earrings
Best Stores to Find Cocktail Dresses for a Wedding
Nordstrom – Nordstrom has probably the largest selection of cocktail dresses ranging from $50 to $500 (so basically any budget). The advanced filtering options let you choose dresses by sleeve length, neckline, color, and more. Popular brands they carry include Bardot, French Connection, Eliza J, and more.
Lulus – Lulus has 500+ cocktail dress styles to choose from at any given time, so there are plenty of options for your upcoming wedding. They have both sexy and modest options for all seasons, too!
ASOS – ASOS carries their own brand of dresses, as well as popular brands like Topshop, River Island, and Little Mistress. If you’re looking for something trendy or fun, ASOS is a great place to start your dress search.
Dillards – Dillards carries cocktail dresses in every style, ranging from A-line to fit and flare and peplum to drop waist. Brands they carry include Vince Camuto, Adelyn Rae, Adrianna Papell, and more.
Bloomingdale’s – Bloomingdale’s offers a wide range of cocktail style dresses in all lengths, colors, and patterns. Popular brands they carry include Aqua, BCBG by Max Azria, and Eliza J.
Macy’s – Macy’s carries hundreds of cocktail dresses for wedding guests ranging from Junior’s sizing to Petites to Plus Size.
I love the blue lace one and the light blue/tealish one! And I think you could wear both of them for other occasions as well which is always a plus in my book 🙂 Great finds!
Thanks Morgan! I agree with the versatility- it’s the worst when you buy a dress for a wedding and can’t ever wear it again.
I love the red and the dark blue one. But the others are also great.
Love that blue lace one!