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Home » Wedding Guest Dresses » Summer Cocktail Attire

Summer Cocktail Attire

One idea for what to wear when the dress code asks for summer cocktail attire!

Summer Cocktail AttireShopping sources noted with links in italics use affiliate links from our sponsors and retail partners.

Dress: Domino Midi Dress in Marigold by MISA Los Angeles from Revolve | Shoes: Via Spiga 'Dorian' Sandals | Earrings: Beaded Drop Earrings by Ettika from Nordstrom | Bracelet: kate spade new york 'stack attack' bangles from Nordstrom | Nail Polish: Dior 'Vernis' Gel Shine Polish in Bonheur | Clutch: 'Becka' Clutch by Aspiga from Revolve | Shoes: Via Spiga 'Dorian' Sandals | Lipstick: Hot Lips Lipstick in 'Kidman's Kiss' by Charlotte Tilbury

 Summer Cocktail Dress

It has been one of those hot summers, and even though some kiddos are already headed back to school, there's still several more weeks of wedding season, and it looks like it's going to be a scorcher!

If you're holding a few invitations where a dress code of summer cocktail attire has been requested, I have a new favorite dress to fit that bill! It's the one featured here - the Domino Midi Dress, and it comes in all sorts of summer colors, and a few for fall too. It looks like such an easy dress to slip on and go to late summer and fall weddings and receptions after 5, but it also has the ability to stand up for daytime or late evening weddings. It's the silky stretchy fabric that makes it just the right mix of a bit dressy and sultry - it's definitely a compliment-getter -  but the midi length and pretty color makes it still very wedding appropriate!

Dress Code Decoded: Summer Cocktail Attire

So what is cocktail wedding attire? For women, I think it's any sort of chic dress or ensemble like this. A sleek dress of a shorter length, (although a dressy maxi or a sleek skirt and top combination can certainly work for cocktail attire.) For men, a dark colored suit with in most cases with dress shirt a tie for a semi-formal wedding, but for more casual events, a patterned shirt, is appropriate. And if it's just for a very casual wedding or an invite after work cocktails just a suit over a dress shirt worn with one button open at the neck is a nice look too!Men's Cocktail Attire for a Wedding | Skinny suit from ASOS

One idea for men's cocktail attire for wedding. Skinny Fit Suit in Navy from ASOS

Outfit Details & Accessories for Summer Cocktail Attire

So, back to this yellow dress! I particularly love the front draping - which gives it cinched in shape, but also looks loose enough to be forgiving and airy and cool to wear on hot late summer nights. The other great detail is the spaghetti straps, which are always lovely in the summer and such a popular neckline right now.

A bright color like this shade of yellow, called Marigold can stand up to some other bold colors like orange, vibrant blues, and pinks - making it the ideal color for late summer or a destination wedding guest style. If yellow isn't your color, check out the array of shades this array of shades this cocktail dress comes in - mint, navy, pink olive, and many more! It's also available in a longer-length if you need a more formal black tie look.

More cocktail dresses for cocktail wedding attire are in the shop section below.  You might also like so see dresses we've picked for semi-formal weddings, or fall wedding attire.

See these posts too!

Summer Wedding Guest Attire Ideas

Outdoor Summer Wedding Guest Outfit

Maxi Dresses for Weddings

Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas

Shopping sources in shop sections and links in italics denote sponsored affiliate links, which mean we may earn a small commission on qualified sales to support this blog.

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More style ideas you might enjoy :

Neutral Maxi Dress

Dressy Black Jumpsuits for Weddings and Special Events

Pretty Printed Formal Gown for Fall

Formal Maternity Dresses for a Wedding Guest

« Style for the Aisle at Your Wedding Experience Philly August 28th!
Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaid Dresses for Spring 2017 »

About Dress for the Wedding

The editor-in-chief of Dress for the Wedding brings over 27 years of experience in women's fashion and over 12 years in wedding attire experience to the creation of her wedding styling ideas and wedding dress collection coverage.

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Dress for the Wedding is a shoppable guide to help you find the perfect wedding attire. We create outfit inspiration collages, give attire tips, and offer shopping guides to some of our favorite wedding products. We do not directly stock, sell, or ship any of these items; we simply refer you to the designers, creators, and retail stores who do!

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