After receiving a luxurious invitation for a vineyard wedding in September, I've been on the hunt for the best summer wedding guest dress for 2026. And as someone who favours vintage-inspired designs and prints, I'm always captivated by Rixo's collections.
When I'm shopping for occasion-ready dresses, I mainly consider three criteria, and the Rixo Raven Midi Dress hits them all. First, how flattering the silhouette is, then of course the style, and lastly, the fabric itself, particularly how suitable and comfortable it is, depending on what season we are in. This dress ticks every box, combining an elegant floral print with a flattering shape and an airy fabric that's perfect for summer.
Based on Rixo's popular Novara dress, both these styles feature a flattering line of buttons down the middle, which draws the eye inwards, delivering a waist-narrowing effect. The Raven, however, has long sleeves that gently puff out and lace trims that make it feel very sophisticated. And its lightweight fabric makes it a breezy choice if you are heading to an occasion on a hot summer's day.
The crimson floral paisley print on this beautiful dress immediately drew me to it. However, what really sold me on it was the flattering silhouette. The long, gently puffed sleeves add structure to my shoulders, whilst the fitted upper-half is contrasted with the relaxed, floaty skirt. I'm usually a 12, but I actually found the 14 to be the perfect fit, so it's worth sizing up.
As someone who is extremely fussy when it comes to dresses, I tend to stick to loose smock styles for relaxed styling or column dresses that elongate my figure; however, I was pleasantly surprised at how flattering this design is, immediately crowning it as one of the best wedding guest dresses for warm weather.
The empire line cut cinches at the narrowest part of the body, creating a flattering silhouette. While I usually gravitate towards relaxed or loose-fitting dresses, I was impressed by how this design skims over the body without clinging. The line of buttons also helps to elongate your figure, and the long puff sleeves add volume to your shoulders, which helps to balance out proportions, too.
Something else to note is how lightweight this dress is, making it perfect for warm-weather nuptials. Even though it has long sleeves, the fabric is extremely airy. It's made solely from viscose, which is breathable and moisture-absorbing thanks to its natural composition.
What really drew me to this dress was the beautiful, feminine print – something that the British clothing brand is renowned for. The dress is brought to life with delicate florals that give it a distinctly vintage-inspired feel, which is exactly what I look for when on the hunt for the best summer dresses.
More of My Rixo Favourites
This dress has a similar silhouette to the Raven dress without the longer sleeves. It is nipped in at the waist and features a flattering button front that draws the eye inward.
If you love vintage florals, this chiffon midi dress is for you. It is covered in colourful blooms, making it a joyful addition to your summer capsule wardrobe, and the longer sleeve design offers just the right amount of coverage.
This is the sweetest floral tea dress, and the watercolour blue colour is so eye-catching. It features an empire waist with a relaxed skirt that should skim your figure without any clinging.
For styling, I'd pair the dress with chunky wedge sandals or classic wedge espadrilles like these Cassie heels from Boden to complement its vintage-inspired feel, whilst adding a bit of extra height. Jewellery-wise, a colourful beaded necklace would lean into the vintage-bohemian feel of this dress, and to finish, a neutral raffia shoulder bag or clutch like this one would look excellent.
When it comes to what to wear to a wedding, or any other special occasion this summer, Rixo's timeless designs will serve you well, making excellent investment pieces. My top tip would be to keep an eye out for its designs at high-street favourite and discount retailer TK Maxx, which has stocked the brand for several seasons, and while you won't find the full range, you never know what gems you will uncover.
