Summer wedding season is in full swing, but dressing for it can be tricky! Finding a dress that flatters your figure, but is still comfortable enough to dance (and sweat) the night away in is no easy feat. Last year, I discovered ASTR the Label. I loved the dress I bought so much that I decided to write a more thorough try-on review of this year’s latest styles. In the rest of this post, I share my favorite dresses for a summer wedding that fit every dress code, style, and budget.
ASTR the Label: Overall Brand Review
Last year, I was in a pinch to find a relatively affordable dress (budget under $200) that hopefully no one else would have. ASTR came up in my search, and I immediately fell in love with their romantic floral prints. (See my last year’s Wedding Guest Looks) A lot of their dresses come with unique details like an open or lace-up back, and puff sleeves. These features make the dresses look a lot more sophisticated compared to your average floral dress.
What I love most:
- Most styles are priced under $200, which is great considering the level of detail in most designs
- Styles are made with lightweight, breathable, flowy fabrics
- Dresses are lined, and not see-through
- So many great prints, colors, and silhouettes to choose from
Frolic Floral Maxi Dress (S) – similar options | Sunglasses | Nude Heels | Backless Sticky Bra
Favorite Dresses for a Summer Wedding
I recently visited the store located in West Village, NYC to try on this summer’s latest designs. So many beautiful options to choose from! Below is a review of select styles that were available in my size. Note: Because so many of their designs are open-back, I highly recommend purchasing a backless sticky bra.
Wildflower Ruffle Cut-Out Midi Dress
This feminine cut-out midi dress was my favorite style out of all the ones I tried. I love how the ruffles frame the bodice in both the front and back. This dress is fully lined, and the skirt comes with a zippered closure. Meanwhile, the bodice is lined with a button closure in the back.
It took some finessing to button this dress on my own, so do keep in mind that it may require a little more effort to put on.
- Fit / Sizing: I am wearing an XS, which fit me just right at both the bust and the waist.
- Straps: At their natural length, they sit just right on my chest and could accommodate those with a longer torso. These straps are elasticized, so they can stretch longer. But if you are petite or have a shorter torso, you may need alterations.
Noya Floral Maxi Dress with Cut-Out
I love the lace-up detail from the back, and the Noya dress is a great option if you want more pronounced ruffles and florals. Compared to the Wildflower Midi (prior style), this dress shows more skin at the waist due to its cross-front design. This dress is fully lined, and the skirt comes with a concealed zip-front closure.
- Fit / Sizing: This dress ran big for me. I wore S, and the skirt was over 1″ too big on me. I found the proportions of this style to be a little off, but I do think the skirt is meant to hang a little lower than the Wildflower Midi (above).
- Adjustability: This dress is accommodating of different torso widths, as the back is lace-up. One hassle I found is that the laces are quite long, and can get in the way. Again, you may need assistance with tying this dress from the back, but it is a lovely and unique style!
Clarita Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
Are mini dresses acceptable for weddings? I will leave that one up for you to decide 🙂 I tried this style more for fun. Although it wasn’t my style, I did love the fabric, print, and structure. This dress comes in a smooth, snag-free satin fabric with molded cups that really stick to your chest. I am always nervous about sweetheart necklines gaping whenever I bend down. But I did not have any issues with the Clarita dress.
- Fit / Sizing: XS – this size fit me just right at the waist and chest.
If you are looking for a mini dress that does not have cut-outs at the waist, I also found the Serilda Dress quite lovely and a little more conservative. This dress has darting above the waist for a lovely tailored, fit-and-flare look.
Off the Shoulder Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
ASTR the Label also carries plainer options like this puff-sleeve linen rayon dress. This fabric is breathable, and the dress feels and looks like Reformation at half the price! While I don’t find off-the-shoulder sleeves the most flattering on me, I could see this modest a-line style working well for others. I wore a size S here.
Modest Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
I understand that cut-outs and revealing backs/necklines may not be for everyone! Luckily, ASTR also has more modest dresses for a summer wedding. Below are some new designs that come in lovely prints that come in very simple, full-zip silhouettes. One benefit is that these dresses are bra-friendly, and much easier to wear.
I did not see these in-store, but based on the styles I have tried, their sizing usually feels true-to-size to me. XS is my go-to, especially if the dress comes with adjustable features (e.g. lace-up, or self-tying). However, I can also swing a size S depending on the silhouette.
Dresses for a Summer Wedding ft. ASTR the Label
If this is your first time hearing about ASTR, I hope you found this review helpful. When I first purchased from this brand, I was nervous about their fit, and sizing. However, I love that a lot of their straps are adjustable and there are so many lovely options to choose from. Hope you feel confident wearing one of these dresses to your next occasion. You will receive compliments on your outfit, I am sure!
Thank you for all these great recs and reviews! I really like the floral patterns of this label and will definitely be checking it out for upcoming summer events!
Yay – I am so glad to hear it 🙂