The 15 Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (2024)

So you have to tear yourself away from a weekend of Netflix, eat, and repeat long enough to attend a wedding? And worse, it's happening in the winter? Truly shudder-inducing. But don't fret—winter-ready dressescan be the most gorgeous, and we've for you covered (literally). Unlike spring andsummer weddings, to which you can wear the bare minimum, winter weddings call for dresses made from thick fabrics likevelvetand with sleeves, if possible. You can also feel good about icing yourself out in a ton ofjewelryto match the icy temperatures outside.

We tapped a stylist for her insight on what to wear to a winter wedding and curated a list of the best wedding guest dresses for the 2023 season, all of which you'll find ahead. In fact, the styles below are so nice you'll want to wear them twice—i.e., the holy grail ofwedding attire.We've got everything from simple, ruched mini dresses to drop-dead-glamorous gowns that will make you look red-carpet-ready.

What to Look For

  • Formality

"For weddings in general, it’s always important to figure out how formal the wedding is," advises fashion editor, stylist, and influencerCaroline Vazzana. "Is it black tie, co*cktail attire? That willdetermine how you should dress. If you’re not sure, I’d always suggest either asking the bride or checking the couple's wedding website."

  • Rich Fabrics

"For a winter wedding, in particular, I think velvets and satins are always great," says Vazzana, adding that you'll want to steer clear of summery fabrics like linen or lightweight cotton.

  • Outerwear

Unlike a summer ceremony where easy-breezy dressing and limited layers are encouraged, you'll need to don outerwear for a winter wedding. However, you can't just throw on anywinter jacketin your arsenal, says Vazzana. A bulky puffer or parka won't cut it, but "a faux fur coat or shrug, for instance, is also always the perfect accent to wedding guest looks in the winter," she says. A sharply tailored blazer or wool peacoat are also options to consider topping off your outfit with.

The Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses

Don't Shy Away From Shimmer

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(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

"I love a little sparkle, so a deep metallic or black sequin can always be fun for a winter wedding," Vazzana shares. "I’d stick to a darker sparkle though as not to distract from the bride, though."

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Zara Sequin Midi Dress

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Dodo Bar Or Lima Dress

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LIKELY Bradley Dress

Va-Va-Voom Velvet

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(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

For a timeless winter-ready look, try a dress made of luscious, dare-to-be-touched velvet. In particular, Vazzana encourages you to consider "a long, deep red velvet gown, as it's a gorgeous option" that delivers a glamorous effect without fail.

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Boutique Moschino Velvet-Effect Midi Dress

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Jenny Yoo Logan Velvet Dress

Boden Black Paisley Velvet Midi Party Dress

*Don't* Take the Plunge

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(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

"A high neck is always stunning in winter as well," says Vazzana.Julia Marzovilla, Marie Claire's E-Commerce Editor, seconds the stylist, shouting out this silk cowl-neck number from Reformation. "I have been dreaming about the Casette dress since I first saw it on Reformation's website. It comes in four colors—including this light green that I love so much- and has a high, halter-style neckline, making it a little more winter-ready. Plus a sleek low back if you want to show extra skin." As for styling the luxurious midi dress, the shopping expert "would wear it over patterned tights or lace tights and style it with close-toed pumps or even a tall boot for a more casual affair."

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J. Crew Stretch Crepe Sheath Dress

Jonathan Simkhai Vittoria High Neck Dress

Winter-Approved Long Sleeves

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(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

You can't avoid it: winter's chilly temps necessitate more fabric. But, as Vazzana points out, a more covered-up silhouette doesn't always mean your look will feel modest or tame. "Don’t be afraid to opt for a long sleeve," she advises. "Though it may feel very covered, it still can be very chic," especially if the style boasts a few choice cutouts or an open back.

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Significant Other Demi Dress

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Self-Portrait Tiered Lace-Trimmed Midi Dress

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Mango Midi Printed Dress

Dark & Moody Florals

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(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images))

Flower motifs and prints are inherently romantic, making them a natural choice to wear to a wedding. And even though real flowers may be scarce in nature during the winter, Vazzana encourages you to keep floral prints in your guest dress rotation during the cold season. "Dary, moody florals are always perfect for winter," the stylist shares via email. "Oh, a bonus is that a darker floral co*cktail dress works for so many occasions, more than just a wedding!"

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Let Me Be Floral Appliqué Dress

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RIXO Juliette Dress

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Tanya Taylor Raisa Dress

Meet the Expert

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Caroline Vazzana

Caroline Vazzana is a fashion editor, stylist, influencer, and the author and founder of “Making it in Manhattan.” She began writing “Making it in Manhattan” back in 2015 while working at InStyle and subsequently launched her brand as one of New York City’s most colorful influencers. Aside from running MakingManhattan.com, Vazzana has also styled celebrities for various red-carpet events such as the MTV Video Music Awards, The Tony Awards, and Comicon and is also involved in a wide range of social media brand collaborations and campaigns.

The 15 Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (2024)

FAQs

What to wear to a winter wedding as a guest? ›

When it comes to style for a winter wedding, you'll often see dark colors or jewel tones, crushed velvet dresses, and even some long-sleeve gowns.

What are the colors for winter wedding guests? ›

Follow a deep, rich color palette.

Black and navy appropriate for winter weddings, but so are jewel tones, such as sapphire, ruby, garnet, emerald, citrine, or amethyst. Metallic tones such as gold, silver, and bronze, also work well for winter weddings.

What color dress to wear to a December wedding? ›

Jewel tones (ruby red, yellow topaz, sapphire blue, or emerald green) or cool tones (pink, red, blue/blue undertones) are always great choice colors for the winter months. The colors make it great to wear to a winter wedding.

What should a 60 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›

Wrap Dresses For Wedding Guests Over 60

Wrap dresses are classic, flattering, and incredibly versatile. Best of all, they are perfect for older women. This silhouette does not show much skin but it does not hide the shape completely.

What shoes do you wear to a winter wedding? ›

Don't go open toe with your footwear

Pointed, rounded and closed-toe footwear or some stylish boots will be your best bet.

Should you wear black to a winter wedding? ›

Macon, meanwhile, simply advises to use your sartorial common senses: “We love black for a formal winter wedding, for example, but might opt for a lighter hue for a sunset beachside soiree,” she says. So go forth, and don your favorite dark dress to your next nuptials—it's no faux pas.

Can you wear a sleeveless dress to a winter wedding? ›

Since the event will (most-likely) take place inside, you have some leeway when it comes to style. Feel free to rock that sleeveless evening gown—just be sure that it feels timely through color, texture, or silhouette.

Can you wear black to a winter wedding as a guest? ›

"I have beautiful brides wearing black wedding dresses," said Anastasia Stevenson, a destination wedding planner with Coastal Creative Weddings in Tybee Island, GA. "It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings."

Can I have bare legs at a winter wedding? ›

It gives your outfit the smart factor, adds elegance AND keeps you warm. I really feel the cold and simply cannot endure cold legs and feet for hours, so when it comes to winter weddings I would always try and have my legs covered.

What do you wear to an afternoon wedding in December? ›

Unlike spring and summer weddings, to which you can wear the bare minimum, winter weddings call for dresses made from thick fabrics like velvet and with sleeves, if possible. You can also feel good about icing yourself out in a ton of jewelry to match the icy temperatures outside.

Is it OK to wear red to a December wedding? ›

Summary. To answer the main question of the article, yes you can wear red to a wedding in most circ*mstances. However, in some situations you may want to check with the marrying couple that red is acceptable to wear as a guest and it won't go against their culture or distract from their big day.

What to wear over a dress at a wedding if it's cold? ›

More specifically, it should come as no surprise that wool coats and faux fur jackets are fashionable choices to keep you warm in colder weather, while cardigans and kimonos are best suited to curb chilly breezes during the spring and summer months.

Should you wear a long dress to a winter wedding? ›

Since a winter wedding is in the winter when it's, well, cold out, you may want to choose a long sleeve dress. You could go short (I love this one and it's on sale) or a full length gown too. A midi length is also great. But long sleeves will keep you warm and ensure your dress is seasonally appropriate.

How do you wear a dress to a winter wedding? ›

Cooler temperatures will likely have you reaching for longer hemlines, but we're of the belief that the mini dress can work at any time of year if picked correctly. Thicker fabrics, billowing sleeves and higher necklines will all balance out bare legs, and there are always good old tights should you need more layering.

What to wear to a winter wedding not a dress? ›

Winter Jumpsuits

In addition to dresses, a chic jumpsuit makes an excellent winter wedding guest outfit when the dress code is co*cktail.

Do you have to wear a long dress to a winter wedding? ›

Since a winter wedding is in the winter when it's, well, cold out, you may want to choose a long sleeve dress. You could go short (I love this one and it's on sale) or a full length gown too. A midi length is also great. But long sleeves will keep you warm and ensure your dress is seasonally appropriate.

What to wear over a dress to a wedding in winter? ›

A faux fur one is fabulous for a winter wedding guest dress, or floor-length gown and really any formal attire. They just feel very fancy! Get a pretty cream or neutral one so it goes with everything. While I love black, I think a neutral will be more versatile over the years.

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