Save the Date, These Are the Season’s Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses

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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.

Shop our list of the 40 best winter wedding guest dresses below, from cozy sweater styles to evening gowns and everything in between.

Tonya One-Shoulder Sequin Fringe Midi Dress

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!⁩”

Emilie Bow Dress

Your presence is the present in this flared-skirt minidress, complete with side pockets.

Sizes: 0-14

Colors: Black

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

Latoya Feather Cuff Blazer Mini Dress

This blazer dress looks as warm as it does fashionable, thanks to thick velvet finish and feathered cuffs. Add a pair of transparent tights underneath and an accented clutch.

Sizes: 0-14

Colors: Black

Pryce Satin-Finish Gown

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

Strapless Cuff Satin Gown

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!”

Turtleneck Sweater-Dress

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.”

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

Tracy Dress

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.”

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!”

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

Black Chase Mini Dress

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.”

Satin Dress & Gloves

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

Cady Midi Dress

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

Mock Neck Blouson Gown

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.”

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

Starlight Skater Dress

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

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

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.”

Tommie Knit 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

Off-Shoulder Mesh Dress

This off-the-shoulder LBD is straight from Tory Burch’s 2023 fall/winter collection. Simple and sensual, the versatility of this piece is well worth the investment. Throw on a pair of kitten heels or heeled boots and you’re nearly runway-ready.

Sizes: 00-18

Colors: Black

Customer review: “The fabric on this dress is silky smooth and so well made! The dress lays on the body wonderfully. Every detail is attended to—from the tailored trim touch to the mini slip that ends in just the right spot to make the lower legs transparent and the overall look hot from shoulder to foot.”

Strapless Satin Maxi Dress

Think twice before you count out Amazon wedding guest dresses. This classic, strapless, black satin dress is a closet chameleon, and has 4.1-star rating from reviewers.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: 17 options

Customer review: “I am so impressed with the quality and fit of this dress! I’m obsessed. I’ve ordered several dresses for a wedding and have returned all of them except this one. This one is a keeper for sure!!”

Square Neck Mesh Sleeve Dress

One of the most adaptable styles on this list, this LBD from Bebe is casual, easy elegance. Reviewers did mention it was a little short, so you might want to consider a pair of tights underneath if you’re particularly tall.

Sizes: XXS-2XL

Colors: Black

Customer review: “I loved the way this dress fit me. The material was of great quality and the sleeves were comfortable and breathable.”

Halterneck Dress

This is not your average A-line dress. A tulle liner adds volume to the fringed, jacquard-patterned skirt and contrasts a body-hugging bodice.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Black

Customer review: “This is the perfect dress...very girlie and soft.”

Print Tulle Dress

It’s no secret that transparent is here to stay. A high-neck, full-length silhouette compensates for thinner fabric—but rest assured, this monochromatic, watercolor-style dress comes with an interior lining.

Sizes: XS-XXL

Colors: Teal Print

Adrian Velvet Dress

Another Rhode favorite, social media was abuzz with love for this oceanic-blue draped velvet dress.

Sizes: 0-10

Colors: Blue

Customer review: “Just got this from Shopbop and I’m obsessed! Such a gorgeous dress!”

Ruched Velvet Jersey Minidress

Add a pair of metallic heels to bring out the sheen of this ruched V-neck dress from Ganni.

Sizes: 0-14

Colors: Avocado

Charmaine Corset Dress

Reviewers worshipped the shape and fit of this corset dress, calling it a “showstopper” amongst a wide variety of body types. However, some women did note they had to size up to get the perfect fit. Choose between candy-colored pastels or earthy neutrals.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: 8 options

Customer review: “Probably the most gorgeous dress I have ever worn. Fit like a glove and was the perfect length. Great material and comfortable to sit, stand, and dance in.”

Bow Peplum Mini Dress

Like it or not, the peplum is in again. Fortunately, the trend is being reimagined in more digestible (and fashionable) ways, like this Badgley Mischka mini that’s straight off the runway.

Sizes: 0-14

Colors: Black/Navy

Grand Beauty Ruffled One-Shoulder Mermaid Dress

With a nearly 5-star rating from 211 reviews, you won’t regret opting for this one-shoulder mermaid dress that you can keep as a classic staple for years to come.

Sizes: XXS-3X

Colors: Black, Emerald Green

Customer review: “I feel lucky I was able to find this affordable option to wear as a wedding guest. I felt elegant, hot, and very comfortable...I did have to cut the length for my stature, but definitely recommend!”

Swept Dress

Get swept away in the wispy, lightweight chiffon that makes up this 100 percent recycled dress. Reviewers warned that, while the material was dreamy, it was pretty transparent and required nude undergarments.

Sizes: 00-12

Colors: Coal Grey, Claremont, Rainwash Green, Light Birch, Black

Customer review: “I’m obsessed with how classic and flattering this dress is!”

Le Marais Velvet Dress

Reformation is like the favorite white tee of wedding guest dresses in that it will never disappoint. A combination of silk and velvet, this strapless dress only needs a red lip and the brand’s Polly Mary Jane Pump.

Sizes: 0-12

Colors: Black

Pleated Wrap Dress

If your winter wardrobe color palette is mostly black-on-black with a touch of black (guilty), liven things up with this fresh yet seasonally appropriate print dress from Mango.

Sizes: 0-20

Colors: Green

Kennedy Mini Dress

Denoted by a billowy puff sleeve and accented bowtie at the waist, the Kennedy Mini Dress offers a flattering cut in a seasonal shade of evergreen.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Emerald

Customer review: “Super cute. Looks like it does on the model...comes a bit creased so needs to be steamed. Was not too short. Fit true to size. I’m 5’ 7”, 130 lbs. and usually wear a 6 to 8 depending on the brand. A medium fit me perfectly. Looks high quality in fabric and cut.”

Ellerie Feather Knit Mini Dress

This enviable dress from Lovers and Friends puts a cheeky spin on the LBD. Ostrich feather trim complements the cozy knit fabric that reviewers described as comfy, snug, and figure flattering.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Black, White

Customer review: “Amazing and fun! I was skeptical but the material is so form fitting and flattering, I love it.”

Plus Metallic V-Neck Gown

Like a modern Cleopatra, this decadent gold gown commands attention thanks to a thigh-high slit and strategic ruching.

Sizes: 1X-3X

Colors: Bronze, Deep Red

Customer review: “The dress is beautiful and just like the picture. It needs to be hemmed, but otherwise, it’s stunning in person. I can’t wait to wear it to my cousin’s wedding in March. It’s perfect!!”

Casey Dress

A Staud bestseller, this strapless zip-up gown is adorned with top-to-bottom paillettes and a back slit for a more relaxed fit.

Sizes: 00-16

Colors: Bronze, Silver

Rue Cowl Neck Satin Dress

While you could easily wear this cross-back satin dress all year long, you can make it winter wedding ready with metallic heels and accessories, or a tuxedo-style topcoat.

Sizes: S-L

Colors: Silver

Saydee Long Sleeve Minidress

The playful angles on this festive mini are designed to flatter all body types. And although shimmery fabrics are infamously itchy, this dress is suited up with a soft polyester lining.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Junebug

Customer review: “Beautiful dress! The material is very stretchy and it fit perfectly. It is a little short...the seam in the back hits just under the bum, so the ruffle in the back makes it feel short, but i think i found my NYE (and anything else I can make an excuse to wear this to) dress!”

Lace Slim Midi Dress

Sweeten up this lace dress with a pair of satin flats and a bubble headband or juxtapose it with a vegan leather jacket and chunky boots.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Blue, Black

Customer review: “This dress is so effortless and chic, I think it looks better than the photo. I think the dress could be a regular staple or to wear for an event...feels like there’s so much range in how it can be styled.”

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