Fashion

15 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses (Under $75) You Can Wear To Any Type Of Nuptial Affair This Season

I'm at that point in my life where a lot of my friends are starting to get engaged. Lately, few text messages are more exciting than ones that include a photo of a newly ringed finger.

And while I'm thrilled to have so many weddings to look forward to, I also know that this means I'll have a lot of expenses to manage. Not only are there engagement, shower, and wedding gifts to consider, but there are also travel and accommodation fees, bachelorette parties to budget for, and, of course, a lot of dresses to buy.

If the bride-to-be has mandated your attire (aka you're a bridesmaid), then the pressure is pretty much off. But if you're going as a guest then there are some things to consider. Is it a casual beach wedding? A formal black tie affair? Whatever the theme, it's important to dress appropriately. At the same time, you definitely don't want to break the bank, especially if your friends have decided to get married all at once.

Here, 15 dresses under $75 that you should consider for your wedding season wardrobe.

by Julia Friedman

Purple Maxi Dress

The length of this dress allows for a lot of versatility. For a casual daytime wedding, wear wedges and let your hair down. To dress it up for an evening affair, pair it with patent heels and pile on the jewelry.

Sabine Knotted Grecian Knit Maxi, $40, piperlime.com

Sophisticated Mint Green Dress

This minty jacquard option is great for a beach wedding that’s dressy casual. I suggest pairing it with simple nude heels.

C. Luce Lime Jacquard Fit N Flare Dress, $60, piperlime.com

Blush Bustier Gown

Finding a dress for a black tie wedding can be tricky on a budget, but this dress does the trick. Its delicate ruching and soft color are light and lovely for any formal wedding you’ll be at this summer.

Fable Blush Strapless Bustier Gown, $56, bluefly.com

Embellished Chiffon Dress

If you’re invited to a formal wedding, then consider this chiffon dress. The embellished neckline and strappy back means you’ll have less accessorizing to worry about. Plus, doesn’t it look super comfortable to dance in? For an even more elegant look, pull your hair back in a sleek up do.

ASOS One Shoulder Embellished Strappy Maxi Dress, $72, asos.com

Neutral Maxi Dress

Dressy beach weddings can be tricky because you want something with no-fuss that’s still fancy enough. After all, there’s the sand and sea breeze to consider. This simple maxi strikes the perfect balance. To dress it up, carry a festive clutch and play around with jewelry.

Lulus Exclusive Slow Dance Strapless Light Grey Maxi Dress, $71, lulus.com

Crocheted Pink Maxi Dress

Aside from black tie affairs and super-formal evening events, this pink maxi dress is suitable for any type of summer wedding. It just looks like love, doesn’t it?

Blooming Prairie Crocheted Pink Maxi Dress, $54, lulus.com

Short Red Shift Dress

The length of this frock definitely dresses it down, but its clean lines and seams dress it right back up. Wear this to a semi-formal daytime wedding with a statement necklace and a pair of bright heels.

V-Neck Dress, $60, zara.com

Casual Purple Maxi Dress

With a shawl around your shoulders, this strapless dress is ideal for a casual evening soiree. Keep in mind that the fabric is jersey, so this definitely won’t work for anything even a little bit formal.

ASOS Maxi Dress With Bandeau Detail, $31, asos.com

Striped Sweetheart Dress

If you know you’re going to be sitting in the sun during the ceremony, a breathable dress is key. This dress is great for an intimate backyard wedding.

BDG Bow-Back Stripe Sweetheart Dress, $69, urbanoutfitters.com

Black Lace Dress

This dress is a safe—and still fashionable—bet for a formal evening wedding. Pair it with black or nude heels if you think a conservative approach is more appropriate. Or, be a bit more playful with a bold suede shade.

Blaque Label Long Sleeve Lace Dress, $75, shopbop.com

Sage And White Dress

You shouldn’t wear white to a wedding (or maybe you can now?), but a few colored panels turns this fit and flare dress into one that’s perfect for semi-formal occasions.Try it with a pair of bright, solid heels and an armful of wrist candy.

Happiest Hodgepodge Dress, $55, modcloth.com

Colorfully Embroidered Dress

This playful dress is great for a casual backyard wedding, where the main course is grilled by the father of the bride.

Olivaceous Dress Embroidered, $58, bloomingdales.com

Lilac Shift Dress

The possibilities of a solid shift dress are endless. I love this festive color for a daytime wedding. Play around with accessories to dress it up or down, depending on the dress code.

Leith Scoop Back Woven Tank Dress, $48, nordstrom.com

Printed Cocktail Dress

Black tie doesn’t mean you have to wear a heavy gown, especially when it’s summer. This pleated cocktail dress has a charming and sophisticated silhouette that’s fancy without weighing you down.

Taylor Black And Ivory Printed Cap Sleeve Party Dress, $64, bluefly.com

Pastel Open-Front Maxi Dress

This open-front maxi is acceptable for a formal affair. I’d love to see it with some chunky gold jewelry to contrast the delicate straps.

Lavender Into The Night Slip Dress, $66, pixiemarket.com

115