THE WEDDING GUEST EDIT: SUMMER DRESSES

Do you have a wedding to attend this summer? Maybe you’re planning to sew something and need to make your final decision before time disappears. I’ve got you. I will save you loads of time with a round-up of some of the best dress sewing patterns you could make to wear to a summer wedding. I have shortlisted options across the maxi, midi and mini categories, so there is something for every style of wedding and personal taste!

I browsed quite a lot of online shops to see what they were featuring under this category for summer weddings, so tried to find some options that matched the trends I saw. In terms of fabrication, jewel and bright block colours seemed popular and large-scale florals were trending.

A classic option for a wedding guest dress is the maxi. Suitable for more formal occasions and a length you might not wear often, the maxi gives you coverage and comfort without compromising on the drama.

1. Sewing Patterns by Masin Daphne Maxi Dress – best for epic landscapes
2. Chalk and Notch Shay Dress – best for relaxed vibes
3. Cashmerette Grafton Dress – best for comfort and knit lovers
4. Sew Love Patterns Joelle Dress – best for trendsetters
5. Papercut Patterns Aalto Dress – best classic option
6. Silversaga Patterns Ella Dress – best for romantics

Midi dresses have been on trend for some time now, so are a great option if you want to sew something that you can dress down and wear post-wedding. Style your midi with a clutch and heels for the big day and then a pair of trainers and a crossbody bag for weekend brunches. The midi length is flattering and allows you to show off your shoes.

1. Tessuti Fabrics Mattea Dress – best for simple elegance
2. Fibre Mood Cloud Dress – best for evening do’s
3. True Bias Lora Dress – best for sleeve lovers
4. Veronica Tucker Odette Dress – best for modern vintage vibes
5. Fabric Godmother Peony Dress – best for every special occasion
6. Tilly and the Buttons Mabel Dress – best for comfort

And if you fancy opting for a mini or knee-length dress, I have plenty of picks for you too. Shorter-length dresses are perfect for destinations weddings (lucky you!), city affairs or less formal registry office celebrations. You might find that going for a shorter hemline gives your make more versatility and likeliness that you will wear it again – an important factor if you want to make the most of each make.

1. Maison Fauve Transat Dress – best for destination weddings
2. Liesl + Co Kyoto Dress – best for mother-of-the-bride/groom
3. Fibre Mood Trix Dress – best for this season’s trends
4. Sew Over It Margot Dress – best for classic styling
5. Liberty Alexa Frill Dress – best for Victoriana vibes
6. Sewing Patterns by Masin Atlas Wrap Dress – best for a city wedding

And if you want to delve even deeper into wedding-wear options, check out our popular blog post, Aisle Attire: The Wedding Edit.

We shortlisted some key categories across dresses, which tend to be favoured for wedding wear but have also included some jumpsuits, suits and ideas for mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom outfits. Do give this big-old-blog a read!