I’ll be the first to admit that I have high standards when it comes to black-tie wedding guest dresses. The dress code calls for something elevated, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice personality—especially during the summer months, when I’m all about color.

After years of covering fashion and attending my fair share of events, I’ve learned that the best wedding guest dresses strike a very specific balance: They should be special enough for the occasion while still feeling like you. I’ve seen so many people choose a dress that falls flat just to feel like they’re fitting into the dress code. Good news is that ends today with this edit.