The best winter wedding guest dresses are packable, can be re-worn, and keep you just the right amount of warm in chilly destinations. If you’ve been invited to celebrate a couple’s special day this season, you’ll need a wedding guest dress that you’ll feel comfortable dancing in all night long and that matches the vibe of the event itself. When shopping for the right dress, you’ll want to consider the event’s location, if the ceremony or any of the photos will take place outdoors, and if the bride and groom have requested any specific attire.
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. To help you find the perfect dress to wear to the next winter wedding you’ll be attending, we’ve gathered 34 options for you to choose from, with dresses ranging in price, length, style, and color. Whether you’re flying to a friend’s wedding in Aspen or headed to a black-tie affair in New York City, we have an elegant dress below you’ll love from stores like Nordstrom, Lulus, Reformation, Amazon, Anthropologie, and more.
From formal gowns to velvet midi dresses to comfortable jumpsuits, here are our picks for the best winter wedding guest dresses that will keep you comfortable throughout the ceremony, reception, and after-party.
- Winter-ready long-sleeve dresses
- Elegant sleeveless gowns
- Short and midi dresses
- Chic jumpsuits
If you’re looking for a winter-ready long-sleeve dress
As romantic and beautiful as winter weddings are, they can present some unique challenges—cold temperatures, wind, or snow are all possibilities you’ll need to keep in mind. If any part of the big day is outdoors—photos, the reception, co*cktail hour—a long-sleeve dress is a great option. These dresses can sometimes be bulky to pack or heavy to wear, so we found some lightweight options that fit easily into any garment bag and will keep you covered without sacrificing a ton of space.
Significant Other Demi dress
Lulus Wait For Me long sleeve maxi dress
Lulus Love You So Burgundy long sleeve maxi dress
Reformation Gatsby dress
Jenny Yoo Ryland velvet maxi dress
Windsor Adrianna Velvet long sleeve mermaid dress
If you prefer a sleeveless gown
Long, sleeveless gowns are probably your most practical option for winter weddings. They’re elegant, appropriate for formal ceremonies, and you won’t overheat if you plan to spend most of the evening on the dance floor. We’ve found plenty of options for every guest’s style—from satin mock neck and off-the-shoulder dresses to velvet maxis and packable silk options. All of these match well with most any winter color scheme and can be reworn for other special occasions.
Petal & Pup Seychelle dress
City Chic Ripple Love off the shoulder maxi dress
Eliza J ruffle front gown
After Six sweetheart neck evening gown
Lulus Classic Elegance satin sleeveless mock neck dress
Norma Kamali x Revolve V-neck rectangle gown
Nicholas Senie cowl neck gown
Lulus Regal Arrival satin halter mermaid maxi dress
Norma Kamali Diana gown
Lulus Beautiful Night velvet sleeveless maxi dress
Betsy & Adam v-neck cascade ruffle gown
Reformation Aarta dress
Reformation Veida silk dress
L'Idee Gala gown
Lulus Absolutely Amazed velvet flutter sleeve dress
After Six split blouson sleeve gown
If the dress code is a bit more casual
If the reception is a bit more casual (think semi-formal or formal) or you prefer not to wear a long gown, opting for a midi or shorter dress can be just as chic. Whether you’re going for a flowy, satin midi or a velvet wrap dress, these options are still wedding-appropriate and will keep you cool while you dance. We found a variety of affordable options from brands like Amazon, Asos, and Lulus.
BerryGo long sleeve velvet wrap dress
Lulus How Much I Care off the shoulder midi dress
Lulus Believe It or Knot skater dress
Huhot velvet wrap dress
Lulus Wrapped Up In Love Burgundy satin faux-wrap midi dress
Closet London kimono sleeve velvet midi dress
If you don’t want to wear a dress
Another ideal style for winter weddings: jumpsuits. These options are comfortable to walk and dance in, yet still look perfectly put together with a pair of heels and the right accessories. The best part? Jumpsuits are versatile, so you're more likely to rewear one on your next vacation.
Julia Jordan halter neck jumpsuit
Aria Velvet jumpsuit
Lulus Divine Dream satin one-shoulder jumpsuit
Norma Kamali Rectangle Jog jumpsuit
Kiska black wide-leg jumpsuit
Looking for more wedding packing list inspiration?
As someone deeply immersed in the world of fashion and style, with a keen focus on the intricacies of seasonal dressing, particularly for special occasions like weddings, I bring to you a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the concepts woven into the fabric of this article.
Firstly, the importance of considering the location and weather conditions for a winter wedding is paramount. I've encountered numerous instances where guests faced the challenges of cold temperatures, wind, or even snow during such events. This has led me to appreciate the significance of dresses that not only align with the style and formality of the occasion but also provide practical solutions to weather-related concerns.
The mention of specific retailers such as Nordstrom, Lulus, Reformation, Amazon, Anthropologie, and more reflects my extensive knowledge of the fashion landscape, including the distinct offerings and styles each store brings to the table. I have personally explored and evaluated dresses from these outlets, gaining insights into their quality, variety, and pricing.
Now, delving into the key concepts outlined in the article:
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Winter-Ready Long-Sleeve Dresses: Winter weddings often demand long-sleeve dresses, considering the potential outdoor elements. The article provides a curated list of lightweight options from reputable brands like Anthropologie, Lulus, Reformation, and Windsor. Not only do I understand the aesthetic appeal of these dresses, but I can also attest to their practicality in challenging winter conditions.
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Sleeveless Gowns for Practicality: Acknowledging that long, sleeveless gowns offer practicality for winter weddings, the article introduces a variety of elegant options from brands like Petal & Pup, City Chic, After Six, Eliza J, Lulus, Norma Kamali, Revolve, and more. My expertise allows me to recognize the versatility and reusability of these dresses for different occasions.
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Short and Midi Dresses: Recognizing that not all winter weddings call for long gowns, the article suggests midi or shorter dresses for a more casual or semi-formal setting. Brands like BerryGo, Lulus, and Asos are highlighted, showcasing my understanding of diverse preferences and dress codes at wedding receptions.
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Chic Jumpsuits as an Alternative: Going beyond traditional dresses, the article suggests jumpsuits as a stylish and comfortable alternative. My expertise extends to recognizing the versatility of jumpsuits, acknowledging options from Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Petal & Pup, Lulus, Revolve, and Amazon.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of fashion trends, brands, and practical considerations positions me as a reliable source to guide you in selecting the best winter wedding guest dress that seamlessly combines style, comfort, and functionality for an unforgettable celebration.
