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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.
Dancing Queen
Halston Tonya One-Shoulder Sequin Fringe Midi Dress
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Trailblazer
Alice + Olivia Latoya Feather Cuff Blazer Mini Dress
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Pleat It
Abercrombie & Fitch Giselle Pleated Trapeze Mini Dress
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Shop our list of the 40 best winter wedding guest dresses below, from cozy sweater styles to evening gowns and everything in between.
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
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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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
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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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
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
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
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
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 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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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
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
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
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
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
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
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.”
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