While we don’t embrace generally accepted fashion norms (they’re supposed to be broken, after all), weddings may be one of the final areas that we wholeheartedly maintain and obey (mostly!). But this doesn’t mean that we can’t find ways to put our personal touches on things. Case in point: the summer dress remix.

Forget about the LBD or anything remotely constricting–a summer wedding is a perfect opportunity to let your freak flag fly with a fun and festive frock. But what exactly makes for a good summer wedding guest dress? We took to the streets (and by streets, we mean our favorite style blogs) to get some answers.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when on the hunt for the perfect summer wedding guest dress:

-Go for something colorful–bold hues are always eye-catching and make for great conversation starters. Plus, they’ll help you stand out in all those wedding photos!

-Opt for a lightweight fabric–you don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy dress when it’s hot out. Linen, cotton, and chiffon are all great options.

-Choose a comfortable style–remember, you’ll be on your feet all day (and night!), so you’ll want a dress that you can move and dance in. A flowy maxi dress or a cute sundress are both perfect choices.

The truth is, that the choices may appear to be limitless, but the key is knowing where to seek them. When you find the right places, a whole new world of fashionable wedding guest options will open up to you. Here are some of our favorite places to find the most attractive summer dresses for weddings:

1. Department stores

We know, we know. It’s not exactly the most original advice. But when it comes to finding a great summer dress for a wedding, department stores should be your first stop. They always have a wide variety of styles and silhouettes to choose from, which means you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even be able to snag a dress on sale!

2. Thrift stores

If you want to stand out from the crowd, a thrift store dress is a way to go. You’ll be surprised at how many hidden treasures you can find if you’re willing to dig a little bit. And the best part is since thrift store dresses are usually one-of-a-kind, you can be sure that nobody else will show up to the wedding wearing the same thing as you.

3. Online stores

If you’re not a fan of shopping in person, don’t worry – there are plenty of great online stores that sell summer dresses for weddings. Our personal favorite is Bohme; they always have a wide selection of cute and vintage-inspired dresses that are perfect for any wedding guest.

4. Local boutiques

If you want to support local businesses, then your best bet is to check out the selection at your local boutiques. They might not have as large of a selection as some of the bigger stores, but you’ll be able to find some unique pieces that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

5. Vintage stores

For a true one-of-a-kind dress, vintage is always the way to go. Not only will you be supporting small businesses, but you’ll also be wearing a dress with tons of history and character. Just make sure to try on a few different styles before you buy anything; because of their age, vintage dresses can often run small.

No matter where you end up shopping, keep in mind that the most important thing is to have fun with it! Weddings are a time to celebrate, so make sure your outfit reflects that. And don’t forget – you can always accessorize to make your dress even more unique. Have fun!