It’s officially July, which means our calendars have filled up with invitations, RSVP's are locked in and that age-old dilemma has set in: What on earth am I going to wear? Between humid afternoon ceremonies, breezy coastal vows, and twilight cocktails on the lawn, finding the perfect summer wedding guest dress requires a careful balance of elevated style and temperature-regulating comfort.

Luckily, here at Hill’s Dry Goods, we have curated a foolproof lineup of our absolute favorite summer event dresses to keep you looking effortlessly chic and cool all day, night and weekend long.

If you’re celebrating amidst the blooms, look for a romantic dress that plays up a soft, pictorial aesthetic.

The Tierney Dress from No. 6 is akin to wearing a painting - it's as if you're wearing a contemporary take on Claude Monet's Water Lilies. The delicate pleating throughout the dress is an additional feature that enhances the fluid beauty of this dress. If you want to achieve this look but are looking for a top, try the Nico Top in Bellport Blush.

STAUD does it again with the Wells Dress in Blue Toile. This timeless silhouette features a corset-style panel construction that creates a flattering, fitted shape through the waist before falling into a full midi skirt. Its romantic, French-inspired motif is a beautiful twist on a classic floral dress for a wedding, offering a vintage feel in breathable cotton poplin.

If the setting is romantic, you can't go wrong with The Great. The Great is inspired by American nostalgia, Victorian delicacies and bohemian lifestyles - AKA perfectly romantic. A floral dress is the way to go when it comes building on a soft, romantic aesthetic.

Soft cotton voiles and delicate Victorian-inspired details such at The Victorian Pleated Tank with subtle eyelet trim and matching Canary Skirt in Black and Cream Token Floral are a simple go-to. 

The Verse Dress in Indigo Bandana is another take on a floral dress that's making heads turn. Fitted through the bodice with smocking at the back for comfort and falling below the knees, this is a perfect look for a garden party, beach wedding or brunch. We love the versatility that this dress inherently has. It's 100% cotton but can be worn with heels or flipflops. 

How to Style:

• The Daytime Look: Since both skirts have slight volume, avoid shoes that are chunky and opt for delicate and/or strappy shoes such as the Colette Sandals from Tkees or Lilly Glitters in Gleam or Pink Pearl. 

• Looking for height? The Anca Heel or Staud Brigitte Wedge are your best bets if the soirée happens to be on grass.  

For those looking to bring a bit of contemporary edge to a formal guest look, turn your attention to the GANNI Dress in Pink Shibori Organza in Raspberry Rose. It’s as if mother nature blended up a vibrant raspberry smoothie and transformed it into a striking sheer organza dream. Featuring a straight neckline, delicate spaghetti straps, and a dynamic, sculptural asymmetric hemline, this piece brings beautiful fluid movement and visual depth to the room.

If your invitation calls for a coastal setting and you're wondering what to wear to a beach wedding, weightless luxury is key. The STAUD Laura Linen Dress in Blue Haze is a dressier take on a linen maxi that is practically made for an ocean breeze. The straight-cut neckline and thin straps offer an elegant structure, while the linen weave acts as your own personal temperature controller against the heat.

The Apiece Apart Siempre Tank Maxi Dress. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, the smocked bodice creates a gorgeous texture and ultra-comfortable fit. Whether you choose the Navy Floral Stamp or the classic Midnight colorway, this lightweight, fluid maxi transitions effortlessly from a hot afternoon out to a twilight patio celebration.

The Ivy Maxi Dress from Eliza Faulkner is gorgeously relaxed and flowy- another great choice for beachside nuptials.

How to Style It:

• The Coastal Glamour Look: Pair your linen maxi with the Intentionally Blank Anca Heel in Cream or Tan and delicate gold jewelry.

• The Barefoot-Chic Vibe: Keep it effortlessly grounded on the sand with the elevated Tkees Lily Glitters in Gleam or Pink Pearl.

Let's not forget that what we wear and do below the surface is just as important as the outfit. The prep that goes into getting ready doesn't have to be time consuming but it does lay the foundation for the look and can make that much more of an impact.

Some things can't be helped but wearing the right undergarments can be. Our go to for seamless, barely there underwear is the Huha Seamless Thong, available high-rise and low-mid in Black, Brown and Beige. They lay flat against the skin, without digging in. 

B-Six also has you covered (sort of) with their collection of adhesive nipple covers, so you can wear as little as you want while showing as much as you want, while feeling secured. Available in three shades and types (lifting or regular). 

Ensure you are taken care of on the inside by staying hydrated. Water consumption is key and if your skin needs a pick-me-up, set aside some time for the Torriden DIVE IN hydrating mask - it will revive you! The DIVE IN mask is a hydrating mask that delivers moisture and soothing care using a 5D complex of low-molecular hyaluronic acid. It aids in replenishing hydration deep within the skin. 

Follow-up with a moisturizer, such as the Facile Barely There Moisturizer. It's a lightweight moisturizer, perfect for daytime use but loaded up with benefits. Powered by a blend of super-hydrators and the Hydra-Air Complex (aka a fruit-fueled proprietary complex of watermelon, coconut, lentil, and apple), Barely There floods skin with antioxidants. Facile has really done their homework as Barely There is clinically proven to keep redness in check, lock in moisture, and strengthen your barrier without ever weighing you down.

Don't forget to pop some lip colour in your bag - The Facile Lip Jelly visibly plump your lips, without the burn. This lipid-rich, hydrating jelly conditions, protects, and nourishes immediately for ultra-soft, fuller-looking lips. Powered by skin-supporting peptides, protective vitamin E, and essential fatty acids, this formula supports elasticity and diminishes the look of fine lines. We don't go anywhere without this. 

For more on summer dresses, read our Summer Dress Style Guide.