Have you been invited to celebrate a friend or family member’s wedding this winter? If this is your first time attending a winter wedding, you’re probably curious about a few things- namely what to wear!
People plan winter celebrations because there’s so much to love about cuddling up with your partner when the world is stuck in snow globe mode.
Also, during the winter, people tend to only gather around the holidays, so having a winter wedding gives folks a reason to get dressed up, leave the house, and gather for some drinks and dancing- what’s not to like?
We’ve put together a handy list of winter wedding guest dresses in a variety of fabrics, styles, and colors, along with some things to consider when you’re thinking about what to wear!
Read on to learn more, and stay warm out there!
Things to Consider When Dressing for a Winter Wedding
The cold weather and low temperatures should be the first consideration when dressing for a winter wedding.
Many couples tend to have their wedding indoors due to the timing of the ceremony, and then subsequently spend a few quick moments outside to socialize around a fire pit or to sneak away with the photographer for some pictures.
Once you receive the save-the-date, do a little recon to gather info on the venue. If the entire wedding seems to be taking place indoors in the colder months, then you’ll only have to think about what kind of coat or warm outer layer to bring.
If the majority of the night will be spent in a half indoor/outdoor space (with ample fire lamps and pits, I hope) then you might want to consider a warmer outfit choice. Some winter dress fabrics include wool and velvet and tend to be either floor-length or mid-calf with long sleeves.
That being said, every wedding is different, and every wedding guest will have a different level of comfort. If you’re wanting to rock something unique at your friend’s wedding, we say go for it!
Popular Winter Dress Colors and Styles
As general fashion rules go, you’ll be hard-pressed to find “off-season” colors during the wintertime. There are a plethora of long dresses in various styles that come in darker berry shades, jewel tones like emerald green and ruby red, and black or silver.
In our list, you’ll find a mix of fabrics and colors for dresses that are all appropriate for a winter wedding. There’s a nod to vintage dresses and some darling cocktail dresses that can be worn multiple times to various events throughout the fall and winter season!
And just as a reminder: the wintertime is also an awesome time to whip out the bling. Dress up your gown with sparkly gems, statement pieces, glittery shoes, or choose a fabric that has some sheen and brightness to it- like satin!
Dark, cold, and gloomy days that are short on sunshine will give you an excuse to wear something that sparkles and shines in the warm glow of candlelight and the fire pit!
Red Floral Printed Fishtail Midi Dress
Features: Round Neck, Back Hidden Zipper Closure, Three Quarter Sleeve, Midi Knee Length, Floral Patchwork Dress.
With just a touch of velvet on the waistband and wrist cuffs, this fishtail dress hugs your figure in all the right places. The V-neckline is perfect for displaying off that statement necklace you’ve been waiting to show off!
This is a great example of how a delicate floral print can still be deemed winter-worthy. We can imagine this option paired with a cute leather jacket for a little bit of edge!
Red Velvet Bodycon Dress with Leg Split
Hello, lady in red! This long-sleeved bodycon dress comes with a chic split to show off a little leg.
There is an open back as well, which gives a hint of drama. Wintertime doesn’t always mean you have to be completely bundled up to the neck!
Wine Colored High Collar Sparkly Satin Midi Dress
This high collar satin midi dress with shoulder pads from Goddiva dress is a must-have for your closet.
Wine: not only the nectar of the gods but also a gorgeous color deserving of its own category.
This beautiful sparkly satin midi-length dress will keep you warm as you twirl the night away!
We specifically chose this beauty because of the shoulder pads. It gives just enough structure to create a beautiful, strong silhouette.
Copper Silk Dress with Open Back
Elegant enough for a wedding but still comfortable enough for a holiday trip somewhere nice.
Orange tones are not just for fall and autumn weddings! You can rock this sunkissed rust-colored silk dress in the dead middle of winter, and we bet you’ll get so many compliments for bringing some warmth and color to the room.
This dress could work for a casual wedding ceremony as well. The flowing silk fabric is ethereal, lightweight, and effortless- and best of all, it has pockets!
Strappy Open Back Terra Cotta Dress
“Wait, a strappy little number? For a winter wedding? Are you insane?”
No, we’re not nuts! You can still rock a bodycon dress like this with an open back for a winter wedding, but for the sake of the weather, pair this with something warm and luxurious like a gorgeous faux fur coat!
Gold Velvet Side Gathered Dress with Long Sleeves
Here comes the sun! This charming long-sleeved dress comes in gold velvet and a beautiful side gathering ruche, which is arguably velvet’s best friend.
Velvet is such an iconic winter material, and the ruching on this gown makes the velvet so visually flattering. Work those lines, baby; all that glitters is indeed gold!
Honey Yellow Fit and Flare Wool Cocktail Dress
This spunky woolen number comes in the classic fit and flare style. Pair it with black tights for extra warmth!
The charming bow on the neck comes with a little button detail- this is perfect for a casual wedding, or maybe for those who have more indie tastes!
Military Green Wool Maxi Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
This Long Dress is created for your most elegant cold days from fine wool blend.
Another deliciously warm number, this military green wool maxi dress can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the wedding.
We love the casual collar, buttoned torso, and khaki green shade which gives it a more casual feel.
Dark Green Wraparound Cocktail Dress with Leg Slit
This wrap dress is made of charming delicate fabric which offers a second-skin feeling texture.
This wrap-style cocktail dress is a dark green color and comes with a tied adjustable waist; always a great way to create a waistline for a variety of bodies!
We love the long sleeves on this one, they’re not too poofy or skintight.
Modest Dusty Blue Evening Gown
Handcrafted 100% tencel dress (made from ecologically produced eucalyptus and feels like silk or velvet to the touch).
Are you in the market for something more modest? This dusty blue gown features a high neckline, long sleeves, and a small slit around the knee.
If this blue color isn’t your favorite, they also have it in a variety of muted shades that would all be perfect for a winter wedding celebration.
Navy Wrap Ruffle Maxi Dress
This ruffle wrap dress is made of charming delicate fabric which offers an eye-catching sheen and a second-skin feeling texture.
This floor-length navy dream has a long cuff on the wrist. Sleeves, at least when it comes to winter wedding attire, can run the gamut from extremely poofy to skintight.
These feature three well-spaced buttons that give a romantic feel and structure to the sleeves. Contrasted against the overall flowing movement of this dress, the look is just… *chef’s kiss*.
Dark Blue Sequin and Lace Angel Wing Midi Dress
So we mentioned earlier that textures are key, and especially on those dark winter days, you’ll want something sparkly to lift off some of the chilly blues. That’s why we chose this beautiful lace and sequin angel wing dress, which gives you a bit of sparkle in the bodice!
The angel wing shoulders will also add a bit of flow and movement while you make your way around the venue… to receive compliments on your dress, of course. 😉
Lilac Sweater Dress
Mid-length Over-the-Knee Sweater Winter Dress, Lantern Sleeves Knitted Autumn Dress.
Yes, there is a lilac sweater dress on this list!
Lilacs are synonymous with spring… which comes after winter! So why not throw this cozy little number on and remind people that there is light after the darkness?
Purple and Black Floral Mesh Tulle Dress
A vision in tulle, this floral mesh gives us romantic, gothy Victorian vibes.
Even though it’s listed as a spring or fall dress, the dusty rose and black dramatic print make it a perfect winter wedding guest dress.
Burgundy Belted Casual Winter Dress
Attending a casual winter ceremony? Take a look at this little burgundy dress with a tie waist.
Solid dark colors are always a safe bet for a wedding, and you can easily stay warm with a dress like this if you wear some tights underneath and have a fabulous winter coat to rock to the venue!
Keep it casual with boots or dress it up with a pair of heels.
One Shoulder Plum Maxi Dress with Long Slit
Handmade maxi dress with high side slit and one shoulder made exclusively in Ukraine.
One-shoulder dresses should be more popular and we have no idea why they’re not!
This bodycon dress is powerful and old-school sexy with the leg slit, and how gorgeous is this deep plum color?
Show up to this winter wedding with just the right amount of glam!
Country Chic Coffee Brown Long-Sleeved Button Dress
This charming coffee brown button dress would be perfect for an outdoor country wedding in the winter.
You’ll reap the rewards of a comfortable and warm dress while partying the barn down- and don’t forget to take advantage of all the photogenic backdrops for the IG feed!
Metallic Silver Wrap Maxi Dress with Long Sleeves
We’re getting into the classic winter dress wear: silver and sparkly! Bring the glimmery icy aesthetic of the outside into the party with this disco ball wrap dress.
Think you might not wear this again after the wedding? We can foresee this dress being worn again at a New Year’s Eve party, hint hint.
Silver and Black Sequinned Fishtail Maxi Dress
Sparkling sequins and an ultra-feminine silhouette will help you stun the crowd at your next event.
It’s an understatement to say we’re obsessed with this glamorous dress. The neckline is so flattering, and the sequin brocade print is mesmerizing!
If the requested wedding attire is formal, you can’t go wrong with this beautiful, decorative, silver, and black gown. All it needs is a bold red lip, simple accessories, and some killer heels.
1980’s Black Beaded Silk Cocktail Dress
The 80s are calling- this throwback retro dress features a funky sequinned design and a keyhole open back. All it’s missing are those iconic shoulder pads, which… honestly aren’t even necessary for this!
A dress like this is perfect for a variety of weddings: it’s glam, retro, and of course, black goes with everything!
Black Convertible Maxi Dress
The long dress I offer is a full Aline skirt with long attached sweeping sashes you can convert the top portion into innumerable styles!
Convertible dresses are an ingenious addition to any closet, and when it comes to wedding wear, it solves the biggest problem: dresses that can’t be worn again.
This black maxi can be customized in a variety of ways, making it a perfect choice for a winter wedding where you’re quite sure what the theme is.
Give yourself an off-the-shoulder look, or a strappy back; the options are endless!
This dress is made of 4-way stretch fabric and can be worn comfortably in a variety of ways. Feel free to add on the tube top option if you feel like you need extra coverage!
