Winter wedding guest outfits are formal or cocktail looks worn to a cold-season wedding, usually long-sleeve velvet, satin or knit midi dresses in rich jewel tones. We found 6 styled winter wedding guest outfits and 10 more dresses with a link to shop each one and the price.
Top 10 Stores to Shop for Winter Wedding Guest Outfits
The best stores for winter wedding guest outfits are the ones that carry long-sleeve dresses in velvet, satin and knit. These are the top 10 stores we shop first.
- Mac Duggal for velvet and beaded dresses made for formal winter weddings.
- Neiman Marcus for polished designer dresses with long sleeves.
- Saks Fifth Avenue for statement lace and evening styles.
- Bloomingdale’s for printed midis from trusted designers.
- Anthropologie for knits and romantic styles in rich colors.
- Mytheresa for luxe pleated dresses worth saving up for.
- Nordstrom Rack for designer-label velvet and wrap dresses at lower prices.
- Lulus for satin midis in jewel tones.
- Ann Taylor for classic pleated dresses that work again and again.
- Revolve for the shoes and finishing touches.
Quick Summary: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding
A winter wedding guest outfit works best as a long-sleeve midi dress in velvet, satin or knit, in a deep color like burgundy, emerald, navy or black, finished with heels, pearl earrings and a warm wrap. Pick the fabric first, because velvet and satin look dressy and keep you warmer than thin chiffon.
What Should You Wear to a Winter Wedding as a Guest?
A guest at a winter wedding should wear a midi or maxi dress with sleeves, in a heavier fabric, with a coat or wrap for the ceremony and the walk to the car. Check the invitation for the dress code. Cocktail attire calls for a knee-length or midi dress, and black tie calls for a floor-length gown.
Winter Wedding Guest Outfits to Shop
1. Black Velvet Burnout Midi Dress
Shop This Outfit: Mac Duggal Burnout Velvet Long Sleeve Midi Dress, $348
A black velvet burnout midi dress is a safe, classy choice for an evening winter wedding. The long sleeves keep it modest and the texture does the dressing up, so you only need pearl earrings and a pair of heels.
2. Navy Velvet Wrap Gown
Shop This Outfit: Eliza J Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Velvet Gown, $79.97
A navy velvet wrap gown looks formal without being black tie. The wrap front flatters most figures and the full length keeps you warm at an outdoor venue.
3. Emerald Satin Pleated Midi Dress
Shop This Outfit: Lulus Fabulous Perfection Satin Pleated Midi Dress, $71
An emerald satin pleated midi dress moves beautifully on the dance floor and photographs well in winter light. Add a soft wrap and nude heels to keep the look quiet and polished.
4. Cherry Red Lace Balloon-Sleeve Dress
Shop This Outfit: Tadashi Shoji Lace Balloon-Sleeve Midi Dress, $438
A cherry red lace balloon-sleeve dress is a festive pick for a December wedding. The sleeves cover your arms and the red adds color against a winter backdrop.
5. Green Knit Midi Dress
Shop This Outfit: Reformation Lucca Knit Dress, $198
A fitted green knit midi dress is the warmest option here and still looks refined. Pair it with a pointed pump and a clutch for a daytime or church ceremony.
6. Navy Pleated Midi Dress
Shop This Outfit: Ann Taylor Pleated Polo Midi Dress, $209
A navy pleated midi dress with long sleeves suits a daytime winter wedding. It is simple enough to wear again to the office or a holiday dinner.
Shop More Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
Winter Wedding Guest Accessories
The best accessories for winter wedding guest outfits are pointed heels, pearl earrings and a warm wrap or coat. They finish a dress without competing with it.
What Colors Work for Winter Wedding Guest Outfits?
The best colors for winter wedding guest outfits are burgundy, emerald, navy, forest green, plum, chocolate brown and black. These deep shades suit the season and look rich in photos. Soft champagne and dusty blue also work if the wedding is during the day.
What Should You Not Wear to a Winter Wedding?
Guests should not wear white, ivory or cream to a winter wedding, since those colors belong to the bride. Skip anything very short, strapless without a wrap, or made of thin fabric with no layer over it. Avoid heavy glitter or sequins from head to toe, which can pull attention from the couple.
How Do You Stay Warm in a Winter Wedding Outfit?
Staying warm in a winter wedding outfit starts with a dress that has sleeves and a heavier fabric such as velvet or knit. Add sheer or fleece-lined tights, a tailored wool coat or faux fur wrap, and keep it in the car or coat check during the reception.
Shop More Outfit Ideas on Best Outfits Today
For more ideas, see our guides to semi-formal outfits, Christmas party outfits, New Year’s Eve outfits, bridal shower outfits, engagement photo outfits and date night outfits.
Winter Wedding Guest Outfits FAQs
What Are Winter Wedding Guest Outfits?
Winter wedding guest outfits are dressy looks worn to weddings between late fall and early spring, built around long sleeves, heavier fabrics like velvet and satin, and deep colors.
What Should I Wear to a Winter Wedding as a Guest?
What to wear to a winter wedding as a guest is a midi or maxi dress with sleeves in velvet, satin or knit, plus heels, simple jewelry and a warm coat or wrap.
What Colors Are Best for Winter Wedding Guest Outfits?
The best colors for winter wedding guest outfits are burgundy, emerald, navy, forest green, plum and black, because they feel seasonal and never compete with the bride.
Can You Wear Black to a Winter Wedding?
Wearing black to a winter wedding is fine, and it is a popular guest choice. Black works best in a rich fabric like velvet or satin, with pearls or a colored wrap to keep it from looking somber.
What Shoes Go With Winter Wedding Guest Outfits?
The shoes that go with winter wedding guest outfits are closed-toe pumps, pointed flats and heeled booties in black, nude or a metallic. Choose a block or low heel if the venue has grass or gravel.
How Do You Stay Warm at a Winter Wedding Without Covering Your Outfit?
Staying warm at a winter wedding without hiding your outfit means wearing a long-sleeve dress, warm tights and a fitted coat or wrap you can remove inside, rather than a bulky jacket.
What Is the Dress Code for a Winter Wedding?
The dress code for a winter wedding follows the invitation: cocktail attire means a knee-length or midi dress, semi-formal means a dressy midi, and black tie means a floor-length gown.
Are Velvet Dresses Appropriate for Winter Weddings?
Velvet dresses are appropriate for winter weddings because the fabric looks formal, feels warm and suits the season. A velvet midi or gown works for evening ceremonies and receptions.
Key Takeaways
- Winter wedding guest outfits work best as long-sleeve midi dresses in velvet, satin or knit, because those fabrics look dressy and keep you warm.
- The best colors for a winter wedding guest are burgundy, emerald, navy, forest green, plum and black, and white, ivory and cream are best left to the bride.
- A winter wedding guest outfit is finished with pointed heels, pearl earrings and a wool coat or wrap that can come off indoors.
- The best stores for winter wedding guest outfits include Mac Duggal, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Anthropologie, Lulus and Nordstrom Rack.
- The dress code on the invitation decides the length: cocktail and semi-formal call for a midi, and black tie calls for a floor-length gown.
