The best winter wedding guest dresses are as comfortable as they are elegant, effortlessly moving with you from sunlit ceremonies to late-night dancing. When choosing the right dress to wear to a winter wedding, you should consider the event dress code, the destination’s climate, and of course, your personal style. To help you find a dress that makes you feel as good as you look, we’re rounding up the best winter wedding guest dresses to wear this season, whether you’re attending a glitzy black-tie wedding in Brooklyn or a cozy, romantic ceremony in Breckinridge. From satin gowns and velvet maxis for cold-weather cities to bright and bold, loose-fitting styles for destination weddings in tropical climates, we have you covered with polished looks for every setting. We made sure to include a mix of on-trend dresses and classic gowns you can rewear time and time again.
Keep scrolling for all of the winter wedding guest dresses we’re loving or jump straight to the dress code you’re shopping for.
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Top picks:
Anthropologie Eloise boat-neck velvet maxi dress
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Lulus Lavish Looks Gold Satin one-shoulder maxi dress
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Black-tie weddings
Black tie is the most formal wedding attire that a couple can request. The wedding will likely offer an elevated, white-glove experience, so pull out your fanciest floor-length gown. Men should be in tuxedos and women are expected to wear elegant, long dresses. This isn’t the time to take any risks with color or designs; stick with something sophisticated and timeless. This season’s best styles are fitting for any black-tie wedding, whether you’re headed to Savannah or Santa Barbara. Some of our top picks for black-tie weddings are from Reformation, Lulus, and Revolve.
Formal or black-tie optional
If the couple you’re celebrating requests formal attire or black-tie optional, you have a little bit more flexibility with your look. Dresses should still be floor-length and elegant, but you can have a little more fun with color and the details. Winter celebrations call for dark colors, festive jewel tones, and crushed velvet dresses—all of which are on-theme for New Year’s Eve weddings too. If the ceremony or photos will take place outside, you might even consider a long-sleeve gown, like these stunning options from Nordstrom or Anthropologie.
Betsy & Adam
Cascade ruffle high-low gown
Cocktail dresses
If the dress code is a little bit more casual, then you might be looking for a chic cocktail dress. These styles are more laid-back than a formal dress, but they are still appropriate to wear on the big day. Midi and mini dresses are fair game, as well as some polished jumpsuits. The best thing about cocktail dresses—besides how comfortable they are to walk and dance in all night—is that they are easy to rewear again to future rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, or engagement parties. Also worth mentioning, these dresses are easier to pack and keep wrinkle-free than a longer gown. Slip on a comfortable heel, a bold handbag, and some sparkly earrings and you’re ready for the festivities to begin.
Petal & Pup
Grasie midi dress
Warm-weather winter weddings
Many brides and grooms opt to escape the cold all together and head somewhere warm and sunny to tie the knot. If that’s the case (lucky you), then you’ll want something bold and vibrant that speaks to the destination itself. Colorful sunset-inspired midis and relaxed maxi dresses are ideal for beach weddings, while a fun floral look is just what you’ll want for dreamy outdoor garden parties. You can’t go wrong with any of Farm Rio’s bright prints or Meshki’s best-selling Amaya maxi dress.
Farm Rio
Bright Nature maxi dress
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
