So, you’re invited to a winter wedding! And…now you have to find something to wear. If your current closet is leaving you uninspired, you’ve come to the right place. We collected the best winter wedding guest dresses all in one place to help you pull together an effortlessly chic (and cozy) look that’s perfect for the cold weather season!
But first, a little style advice from your favorite winter wedding fashion obsessive…
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What should a guest wear for a winter wedding?
What you wear to a winter wedding will mostly depend on the dress code, venue, and weather of the “I do’s.”
While snuggly sweater dresses may be the name of the game for an outdoor mountaintop ceremony, they wouldn’t work as well for a ballroom event that calls for semi-formal attire.
That’s why it’s always best to double-check the dress code on the invite and look up the venue (and the forecast, if it’s a destination wedding) before saying yes to a cold weather dress.
When in doubt, we suggest sticking to classic winter silhouettes, cozy textures, and colors, with a few modern trends thrown in. For our fave cold weather fashion, keep scrolling!
What makes for a great winter wedding guest dress?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all winter wedding guest dress, there are a few qualities that we love to see in cold weather gowns!
Winter is notorious for velvet, as it’s luxe and warm — and pairs beautifully with opaque tights! We’re also suckers for a bit of shimmer during the holiday season, from shiny satin to sparkly sequins (a HUGE trend this year!).
And just because the days are shorter and the nights are colder, that doesn’t mean it’s time to give up on florals. Dark and moody blossoms are absolutely stunning when paired with the jewel tones that always pop up this time of year.
Finally, long sleeves are a no-brainer for winter guest dresses, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only option! There are tons of great ways to style shorter sleeves (and hemlines) so you can stay cozy and chic all night long. Which brings us to our next FAQ…
How to Style Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
When we think about winter fashion, we picture glitz, glamour, and a whole lot of layering. Which makes styling winter wedding guest dresses SO fun!
First and foremost, outerwear is a MUST for the season — so you might as well make it cute! This year, the leather look is trending big time, and we can’t get enough of these vegan leather blazers.
But for something more glam to pair with winter wedding guest dresses, faux fur jackets bring the style and the warmth (and they won’t ruin a formal ‘fit!).
If the wedding is in a colder climate, we also love styling shorter winter dresses with tights — these TikTok famous ones look sheer but are actually fleece-lined! — and boots. Knee-highs are having their moment right now, and it’s safe to say we’re obsessed!
Finally: accessories. Whether you’re going to a NYE wedding or just want to add a little sparkle to your look, glittery necklaces, statement earrings, and beaded purses are always a good idea!
Where to Buy Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
With so many different winter fashion options to choose from, we thought we’d help you out. Here are our top 3 fave places to buy winter wedding guest dresses perfect for cold weather!
- Reformation: For sustainability and style, Reformation reigns supreme (hey, if their dresses are good enough for Taylor Swift, they’re good enough for us!). These are the winter dresses that you re-wear and love forever — from the ultimate LBD to the statement piece you wear every chance you get. As a bonus, all of their dresses are made with sustainable practices and materials!
Now, what you’ve all been waiting for…the cold weather ‘fits!!
Formal Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
Formal nuptials are, without a doubt, peak winter wedding vibes. This is where the glitz and the glam, the shimmer and the sparkle, can really shine. And the same goes for formal winter wedding guest dresses!
When picking formal gowns for a winter wedding, we’re all about luxe textures. Think: yummy velvet, shimmering satin, and glittering metallics. Formal dress codes also typically call for floor-sweeping hemlines — and stand-out accessories.
To help you get your glam on, we’ve rounded up all of the above, and more!
Long Sleeve Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
Just like sequins and velvet, long sleeves are a staple for winter wedding guest dresses. While they’re essential for adding some warmth to your ‘fit, long sleeve gowns also scream cute cold weather vibes!
Plus, with sleeves having a real moment lately (from balloon sleeves to embellished sleeves), these dresses are anything but boring. They’re guaranteed to turn the drama factor up a notch, whether you’re attending a casual reception or black tie event!
Keep scrolling for a few of our fave eye-catching long sleeve winter wedding guest dresses.
Casual Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
It’s time to get cozy! With laid back weddings, you have a little more room to dress for the weather and play with your winter fashion. Think: toasty sweater dresses, fun prints, and your everyday winter accessories.
Our go-to casual winter wedding guest dresses are also super easy to dress up or down in cold weather, which comes in handy for different venues, weather forecasts, and specific dress codes. This is also when we love to break out the winter florals!
As an added bonus, we have a feeling you’ll wear all of these casual winter dresses again!
Up the fashion (and warmth) factor with a stylish pair of wedding-approved boots! Here are a few of our faves — perfect for brides and guests alike!
Outdoor Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
While an outdoor ceremony may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of winter weddings, there’s something seriously magical about staying out in the cold. But, that means you have to dress the part!
Whether you’re attending an outdoor winter wedding in the hot desert or the snowy mountains, it’s always a good idea to find outerwear that matches your ‘fit, as well as comfortable shoes for walking on grass, pebbles, etc.
To help you stay comfy in the cold weather, we’ve rounded up some super cute outdoor winter wedding guest dresses, plus the accessories that’ll help you withstand the elements!
Classy Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
Look like a class act with the help of these classy winter wedding guest dresses! Whether you’re hoping to impress someone in the wedding party or are just excited to dress up again, these dresses are IT.
From sophisticated silhouettes to elegant details, these classy winter wedding guest dresses could teach the class on sophisticated style in cold weather. You could say we saved the best for last!
Attending a Winter Wedding? Our Guides Have Your Back.
‘Tis the season to celebrate, and we’re here to help you do it in style!
In addition to these gorgeous winter wedding guest dresses, we’ve also rounded up some stunning cocktail gowns for when the invite calls for cocktail attire.
And speaking of dress codes, you’ll also want to check out our complete guide to semi-formal wedding attire. It’s a super popular, but also super confusing, dress code, and we want to make sure you look your best!
And the finishing touch: choosing a gift that celebrates the newlywed’s unique love story. We’ve got you covered with this list of the best wedding gifts for every style!
What’s next on your winter wedding to-do list? Let us know in the comments below!