Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (2024)

Table of Contents
Dancing Queen Put A Bow On It Foiled Trailblazer Ice Princess Belle of the Ball Sweater Weather Lady In Red 3-Way Pleat It Halston Tonya One-Shoulder Sequin Fringe Midi Dress Halston Tonya One-Shoulder Sequin Fringe Midi Dress Sau Lee Emilie Bow Dress Sau Lee Emilie Bow Dress Collective The Label One Shoulder Metallic Mini Dress Collective The Label One Shoulder Metallic Mini Dress Alice + Olivia Latoya Feather Cuff Blazer Mini Dress Alice + Olivia Latoya Feather Cuff Blazer Mini Dress Sachin & Babi Pryce Satin-Finish Gown Sachin & Babi Pryce Satin-Finish Gown Alfred Sung Strapless Cuff Satin Gown Alfred Sung Strapless Cuff Satin Gown J. Crew Turtleneck Sweater-Dress J. Crew Turtleneck Sweater-Dress Dolce & Gabbana Satin Bustier Midi Dress Dolce & Gabbana Satin Bustier Midi Dress Rhode Tracy Dress Rhode Tracy Dress Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Trapeze Mini Dress Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Trapeze Mini Dress Jovani Sweetheart Off-Shoulder Ruffle Midi Dress Jovani Sweetheart Off-Shoulder Ruffle Midi Dress O.P.T Black Chase Mini Dress O.P.T Black Chase Mini Dress Miscreants Satin Dress & Gloves Miscreants Satin Dress & Gloves Bevza Cady Midi Dress Bevza Cady Midi Dress Eliza J Mock Neck Blouson Gown Eliza J Mock Neck Blouson Gown Francesca’s Claudia Sleeveless Layered Lurex Maxi Dress Francesca’s Claudia Sleeveless Layered Lurex Maxi Dress Orseund Iris Starlight Skater Dress Orseund Iris Starlight Skater Dress Rachel Gilbert Sequin-Embellished Maxi Dress Rachel Gilbert Sequin-Embellished Maxi Dress Bardot Sigma Velvet Flared Minidress Bardot Sigma Velvet Flared Minidress Reformation Tommie Knit Dress Reformation Tommie Knit Dress FAQs References
Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (1)

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Seasonality aside, proper wedding guest etiquette is de rigueur—don’t wear white, don’t wear jeans, don’t outdo the bride. So when it comes to deciding what to wear to a wedding, winter ceremonies can be exclusively difficult to plan for in terms of how to dress. The best winter wedding guest dresses should exist somewhere near the convergence of style and, unless you’re jetting off to a tropical destination, seasonal appropriateness.

Luckily, current and forecasted winter fashion trends fall effortlessly in line this way. Dark florals, icy blues, rich velvets, mirrored metallics, and bold reds help reinvent your favorite long-sleeved styles and maxi dresses that you can depend on when temperatures start to drop. What’s more, a lot of these styles can double as the perfect holiday party outfit, while simpler silhouettes can be dressed down with a pair of pointed-toe boots or a few pieces of affordable jewelry.

Shop our list of the 40 best winter wedding guest dresses below, from cozy sweater styles to evening gowns and everything in between.

Dancing Queen

Halston Tonya One-Shoulder Sequin Fringe Midi Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (12)

Dancing Queen

Halston Tonya One-Shoulder Sequin Fringe Midi Dress

Now 60% Off

If you’re looking for an excuse to wear the metallics trend, there’s no better opportunity than a winter wedding. Stand out in a sea of all-black ensembles with this silver fringe midi dress.

Sizes: 0-16

Colors: Silver

Customer review: “⁦Love this dress! It fits comfortably and true to size. It brings Hollywood glam!⁩”

Foiled

Collective The Label One Shoulder Metallic Mini Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (14)

Foiled

Collective The Label One Shoulder Metallic Mini Dress

This doll-like minidress is perfect for weddings, holiday parties, and New Year’s Eve festivities. Complement the purple metallic tone and accessorize with hints of silver.

Sizes: 2-12

Colors: Pewter

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Trailblazer

Alice + Olivia Latoya Feather Cuff Blazer Mini Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (15)

Trailblazer

Alice + Olivia Latoya Feather Cuff Blazer Mini Dress

Now 60% Off

This blazer dress looks as warm as it does fashionable, thanks to thick velvet finish and feathered cuffs. Add a pair of sheer tights underneath and an accented clutch.

Sizes: 0-14

Colors: Black

Ice Princess

Sachin & Babi Pryce Satin-Finish Gown

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (16)

Ice Princess

Sachin & Babi Pryce Satin-Finish Gown

Bold reds are the present, and serene blues are the future. Gearing up to become one of the top spring 2024 fashion trends, this hue has been seen on the biggest NYFW spring/summer runways—from Jason Wu to Proenza Schouler.

Sizes: 0-14

Colors: Baby Blue

Belle of the Ball

Alfred Sung Strapless Cuff Satin Gown

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (17)

Belle of the Ball

Alfred Sung Strapless Cuff Satin Gown

Now 13% Off

If you’re attending a more formal function this season and need a black-tie wedding guest dress, this satin evergreen gown all but guarantees that you’ll fall elegantly in line with the dress code.

Sizes: 0-20

Colors: Evergreen, Midnight

Customer review: “Beyond perfect and simply stunning!”

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Sweater Weather

J. Crew Turtleneck Sweater-Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (18)

Sweater Weather

J. Crew Turtleneck Sweater-Dress

This seasonal sweater dress will be the most versatile piece in your winter wardrobe. Dress it up for a formal event with a pair of sparkly heels (like these Belgravia Bow Slingbacks from Kurt Geiger), or wear it over your favorite boots for day-to-day occasions.

Sizes: XXS-2XL

Colors: Black, Autumn Pine

Customer review: “The mock neck and midi length are the perfect combo to balance the fitted shape, and it’ll be a go-to this winter with heeled boots or loafers. The fabric is super soft with a nice stretch.”

Lady In Red

Dolce & Gabbana Satin Bustier Midi Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (19)

Lady In Red

Dolce & Gabbana Satin Bustier Midi Dress

Emulate the fashion highlights of Margot Robbie and Emily Ratajkowski with this red carpet-worthy, D&G bustier dress. It’s sure to earn you the title of best-dressed guest, but be warned, it’s selling out fast (and for good reason).

Sizes: 0-14

Colors: Rosso scurissimo

3-Way

Rhode Tracy Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (20)

3-Way

Rhode Tracy Dress

Now 30% Off

The more the merrier. You can wear this three-piece set as a sequin top and matching midi skirt, or add the organza puff sleeve dress over top for a contrast of color and texture.

Sizes: 0-14

Colors: Seaglass

Customer review: “Omg...this dress is a dream.”

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Pleat It

Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Trapeze Mini Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (21)

Pleat It

Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Trapeze Mini Dress

An elevated shift dress, this rich emerald mini offers a simple solution for all seasonal affairs. Bonus: It’s available in petite and and tall sizes as well.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Green, Red, Black

Customer review: “I bought this for a semi-formal event and I LOVED it!”

Heart of Black

Jovani Sweetheart Off-Shoulder Ruffle Midi Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (22)

Heart of Black

Jovani Sweetheart Off-Shoulder Ruffle Midi Dress

Reigning supreme in the formal wear space, Jovani offers no shortage of wedding-worthy dresses and jumpsuits. This black midi dress features a sweetheart-shaped neckline and exaggerated ruffle details.

Sizes: 0-14

Colors: Black

The LBD

O.P.T Black Chase Mini Dress

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The LBD

O.P.T Black Chase Mini Dress

The classic little black dress has been re-fitted in thick black velvet for wintry months. You can easily dress this up with a pair of sparkly heels or a pearl necklace, and dress it down with an oversized blazer or bomber.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Black

Customer review: “Really cute, TTS, I ordered a M and am a 36C and usually an 8-10 in dress size. This fits well! I’m 3 months post-partum and this dress will be perfect for a formal holiday party.”

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Playing Cupid

Miscreants Satin Dress & Gloves

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (24)

Playing Cupid

Miscreants Satin Dress & Gloves

If you’re looking to add a little bit of warmth while racking up style points, try an opera-length set of gloves for extra coverage. This satin ensemble set offers just that, as well as a refreshing pop of pastel pink.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Baby Pink

Two-Tone

Bevza Cady Midi Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (25)

Two-Tone

Bevza Cady Midi Dress

Now 50% Off

Whatever the occasion, Bevza never disappoints. A runway show I rarely miss, this Ukranian-founded brand focuses on pieces that exude “less and luxe,” like this timeless Cady Midi.

Sizes: XS-M

Colors: Black

La Vida Velvet

Eliza J Mock Neck Blouson Gown

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (26)

La Vida Velvet

Eliza J Mock Neck Blouson Gown

Now 50% Off

Luxurious velvet elevates a bloused halter gown on this Eliza J fan-favorite style.

Sizes: 0-18

Colors: Navy

Customer review: “Looks even better in person! This dress is elegant and also comfortable to wear. Can’t wait to wear it to a December wedding. Fits true to size but I’m 5’4” so it’ll need a hem.”

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Tiers of Joy

Francesca’s Claudia Sleeveless Layered Lurex Maxi Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (27)

Tiers of Joy

Francesca’s Claudia Sleeveless Layered Lurex Maxi Dress

For one-of-a-kind pieces and special occasion styles, Francesca’s has you covered. Red and neutral tones diverge on this tiered maxi dress that’s polished off with a black velvet bow—which means you can easily match it to any of the black shoes or accessories you already own.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Red

Skater Style

Orseund Iris Starlight Skater Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (28)

Skater Style

Orseund Iris Starlight Skater Dress

Who among us hasn’t yearned for the twirly, feminine quality of a figure skater’s dress? This more demure version from Orseund Iris is made of 100 percent silk and pairs seamlessly with the brand’s matching long sleeve bolero jacket.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Midnight Blue

All That Glitters

Rachel Gilbert Sequin-Embellished Maxi Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (29)

All That Glitters

Rachel Gilbert Sequin-Embellished Maxi Dress

Give off vintage Hollywood glam with this fully sequined maxi dress, featuring a side slit and square neckline for a touch of refined detail. Since this is more of a statement style, you’ll want to keep your accessories muted and minimal.

Sizes: XS-2XL

Colors: Silver

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La Vie En Rose

Bardot Sigma Velvet Flared Minidress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (30)

La Vie En Rose

Bardot Sigma Velvet Flared Minidress

Romance is in the air with Bardot’s velvet rosette minidress. A corset bodice, A-line hem, and sweetheart neckline add charming details that make this style fit for a fairytale.

Sizes: 2-12

Colors: Fire Red

Customer review: “This dress is soooo cute, really well made and I highly recommend. The price is a bit steep for me, but it’s a special occasion dress.”

Dark Blooms

Reformation Tommie Knit Dress

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (31)

Dark Blooms

Reformation Tommie Knit Dress

Florals are no longer just for spring. Play up a winter 2023 trend—dark florals—with this knit dress from Reformation. The full length and long sleeves in combination with the pattern of blooms will help keep you warm without looking drab.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Admire, Black, Sanguine

Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses (2024)

FAQs

What should a guest wear to a winter wedding? ›

Wedding Guest Dresses: Formal/Black Tie

Darker colors and richer fabrics are nice for winter weddings, but there are lots of nice pastels and muted shades available this time of year as well. In the formal outfit above, I selected a beautiful shade of cocoa, but that dress also comes in navy, burgundy, and black.

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 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.

What jacket to wear with maxi dress for winter wedding? ›

Leather Jackets or Moto Jackets

Pairing your maxi dress with a leather or moto jack gives an edgy look. The rugged edge of the jacket creates a trendy ensemble. A classic black leather jacket gives a timeless appeal while a moto jacket in a bold colour like burgundy or navy for a modern twist.

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."

What is not appropriate to wear as a wedding guest? ›

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.

Can I wear bare legs to a wedding? ›

I have advised readers that while bare legs are fine even at the most formal events, hosiery also is perfectly acceptable as long as it's skin tone and sheer. I've just returned from a wedding where I wore my new bargain ($10!) black sequined mini and consignment store jeweled black shoes (also $10).

What do guests wear instead of heels at a wedding? ›

If you're not a heels person

To avoid having to pack an extra pair of comfy pumps, it's totally fair to wear flats or slip-on shoes.

What color to wear to a wedding in December? ›

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.

Can I wear a gold dress to a winter wedding? ›

Typically, the perfect colours for a wedding at this time of year are more toned down and darker compared to summer, using tones such as green, gold, black, blue, purple and berry.

How do you dress classy in the winter? ›

Mix neutrals for elegance – Neutral beige, gray, and black colors are vital in winter fashion. You can layer them in shades to create a refined and elegant look. For instance, a charcoal gray coat over a light gray sweater creates a subtle, stylish contrast.

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

Just because you've chosen to be a winter bride doesn't mean you have to wear a long-sleeved wedding dress. Some brides prefer a sleeveless look to showcase their best features as they walk down the aisle. Others might have indoor ceremonies with effective heating systems planned.

What should a mature woman wear to a wedding? ›

One of my go-to outfits is a classic midi-length dress made with a soft, flattering fabric in a color that complements my skin tone. Don't forget to pair your ensemble with tasteful accessories such as statement jewelry, a stylish clutch, and comfortable yet chic footwear.

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

Women wedding guests should wear a full-length dress, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line style. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.

Can I wear spaghetti straps to a winter wedding? ›

But that doesn't mean you should shy away from the design once temperatures fall below freezing. A single cold shoulder helps to add movement, while the spaghetti strap—while adding minimal coverage—can help the dress feel more secure on the dance floor.

Can I wear boots to a winter wedding? ›

Megan reveals: “Although they may feel less formal than a strappy heel or court shoe, boots are a great footwear alternative for a winter wedding. They'll elongate your legs the same way dressy heels do— just without the discomfort. Make sure you choose a style dressy enough for the wedding."

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