The Best Wedding-Guest Dresses to Wear This Spring and Summer

A white-tie dress code is the most formal of them all, dictating floor-sweeping evening gowns. Essentially ask yourself, would this dress work next to a tuxedo? To be safe, opt for a long gown with lots of volume or movement in the skirt so you don't risk flashing a little leg or ankle. This Cult Gaia Iris Gown ($1,398) is elegant and sultry (hello, hip cut-outs) with a unique ombré effect.

Closely following white-tie, a black-tie dress code calls for floor-length evening gowns in dressy fabrics like silk or satin, velvet, or lace. This Betsy & Adam Corset-Style Tie-Back Long Sheath Dress ($289) fits the bill, with a couple notable twists: namely a striking emerald hue that will stand out in a sea of black and a corset-inspired bodice that feels current.

A formal dress code calls for something that's not quite as formal as black-tie attire, but not as casual as cocktail attire. This XSCAPE Cutout-Detail Scuba Crepe Gown ($229) bridges the gap nicely — the longer length lends itself to more formal occasions, while the bright pink hue brings an element of playfulness that won't feel out of place.

Semiformal, or dressy-casual as it's sometimes called, can run the gamut from a nice slip dress you'd wear to a fancy dinner date to a fun feathered or fringed number you'd wear dancing with your friends. This Zimmermann Ruffled Asymmetric Silk-Satin Midi Dress ($660) strikes the right balance with a demure wrap silhouette and flirty ruffled hem.

From shorter lengths to on-trend details, a cocktail attire dress code is your chance to have some fun with occasion wear. The subtle jacquard pattern and stylish chain halter neckline on this GUESS Floral Jacquard Halter Neck Midi Dress ($138) bring some unexpected flair to a classic slip dress.

Perhaps you're attending a backyard wedding or an impromptu reception celebrating a surprise elopement — you'll need something casual. This Lauren Ralph Lauren Jersey Halter Gown ($225) is the ideal contender. The column silhouette reads elegant, but don't be fooled: the stretch jersey fabric is deceptively comfortable.

A tropical wedding is the perfect opportunity for splashy colors and splashier patterns. The floral print on this Veronica Beard Quiana Floral-Print Dress ($498) is fun, bold, and vibrant — all the things you want to feel for a night partying under the palms.

If there's an ideal time and place to whip out your LBD, it's a city wedding. This Jacquemus Open-Back Stretch-Knit Maxi Dress ($720) is sleek and modern, but still with unique details, like the twisted straps and strappy back to keep things interesting.

Got a garden wedding on the books? Keep things soft and romantic in pretty pastels or feminine florals. This Bardot Enya Waist-Cutout Tiered-Hem Puffed-Sleeve Dress ($149) is a sweet little number with its tiered, ruffled hem and puff sleeves.

Between the sand and the heat and humidity, dressing for a beach wedding can be tricky. Sticking to breathable fabrics like cotton or linen and simple, fuss-free silhouettes will help you stay comfortable. This 100 percent linen Rumer Bridget Ring Maxi ($329) skims the body and features fun waist cut-outs for some air flow (the last thing you want is your dress sticking to you!). The bright chili color is the (spicy) cherry on top.

This Third Form Heat Map Slip Dress ($260) was practically made for an event at a modern art museum with its striking colors and eye-catching abstract print that mimic contemporary art.

There's really only one thing you should consider when dressing for a country affair: does it work with a western hat and boots? Jokes aside, this daisy-printed Acne Studios Floral Wrap Midi Dress ($800) feels breezy and carefree with just a hint of boho flair. (And yes, it works with a Stetson and boots.)