Summer is always busy. Not only is it a favorite time to travel, but it's peak wedding season. If your calendar is as booked and busy as mine, then you'll be needing one (or two, or three) summer wedding guest dresses. Thankfully, you can score something chic (and on major sale) at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's right now.
A designer gown will typically cost a pretty penny. Still, I found plenty of special occasion-ready dresses for under $50—and lots under $200!—during the designer sales at both luxe retailers. My favorites include a draped halter number in summer's trendiest color, rich-looking slip dresses from brands like Alice + Olivia and Nili Lotan, as well as a few sparkling white dresses that're perfect for a summer bride. Rest assured, I've rounded up the best on-sale frocks for everything you have coming up on your social calendar.
To see my top picks for the season, keep scrolling. These special summer dresses are sure to turn heads the moment you enter the room.
This slip is even more elegant thanks to its rhinestone straps.
Alice + Olivia
Tayla Structured Lantern Minidress (Was $350)
If a garden party is on your calendar, consider this fun and flirty mini.
Alice + Olivia
Kiro V-Neck Slip Dress (Was $465)
Butter yellow is everywhere, so why not test it out for your next special event?
rag & bone
Kimmie Embellished Denim Shift Dress (Was $448)
Here’s yet another white dress I would wear if I were getting married soon.
SIMKHAI
Acacia Sleeveless Maxi Dress (Was $495)
Fashion commerce editor Julia Marzovilla just wore this dress in green to a wedding recently. "It didn't need to be steamed, is stretchy enough to put on over my head even after I had my hair and makeup done, and didn't budge the entire night," she says. "I'm actually using the sale to buy it in another color so I can wear it to every event for the rest of my life."
Hervé Léger
The Gabrielle Dress (Was $490)
This black number would let everyone know you’re a cool girl.
SIMKHAI
Aldina Sleeveless Midi Dress (Was $645)
I’m simply obsessed with the blue gradient color on this pick.
SIMKHAI
Arta Bustier Mini Dress (Was $445)
This bright mini is sure to turn heads.
Ronny Kobo
Hartley Dress (Was $468)
I may have audibly gasped when I came across this find during my scrolling.
FARM Rio
Delicate Tapestry Midi Dress (Was $265)
How perfect would this dress be for a beach wedding?
Hervé Léger
The Metallic Sophie Dress (Was $1,090)
Haven’t you heard? Bandage dresses are back, baby!
Ronny Kobo
Yessenia Dress (Was $448)
Lace dresses are also so in right now.
LoveShackFancy
Stasia Dress (Was $595)
“Obsessed” is an understatement.
Proenza Schouler White Label
Charlotte Satin Maxi Dress (Was $675)
This pretty black slip would work for so many occasions.
Hervé Léger
The Celine Dress (Was $650)
I’m convinced jewel tones look fabulous on everyone.
STAUD
Beaton Velvet Mixed Media Dress (Was $595)
The sheer skirt on this pick feels especially elegant.
STAUD
Delfina Dress (Was $595)
This champagne sheath is fashion-girl coded.
Helmut Lang
Wind Asymmetrical Dress (Was $375)
This dress was practically made for showing off your coolest pair of heels.
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Brooke Knappenberger is the former Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specialized in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversaw holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.