So you have to tear yourself away from a weekend of Netflix, eat, and repeat long enough to attend a wedding? And worse, it's happening in the winter? Truly shudder-inducing. But don't fret—winter-ready dressescan be the most gorgeous, and we've for you covered (literally). Unlike spring andsummer weddings, to which you can wear the bare minimum, winter weddings call for dresses made from thick fabrics likevelvetand with sleeves, if possible. You can also feel good about icing yourself out in a ton ofjewelryto match the icy temperatures outside.
We tapped a stylist for her insight on what to wear to a winter wedding and curated a list of the best wedding guest dresses for the 2023 season, all of which you'll find ahead. In fact, the styles below are so nice you'll want to wear them twice—i.e., the holy grail ofwedding attire.We've got everything from simple, ruched mini dresses to drop-dead-glamorous gowns that will make you look red-carpet-ready.
What to Look For
Formality
"For weddings in general, it’s always important to figure out how formal the wedding is," advises fashion editor, stylist, and influencerCaroline Vazzana. "Is it black tie, co*cktail attire? That willdetermine how you should dress. If you’re not sure, I’d always suggest either asking the bride or checking the couple's wedding website."
Rich Fabrics
"For a winter wedding, in particular, I think velvets and satins are always great," says Vazzana, adding that you'll want to steer clear of summery fabrics like linen or lightweight cotton.
Outerwear
Unlike a summer ceremony where easy-breezy dressing and limited layers are encouraged, you'll need to don outerwear for a winter wedding. However, you can't just throw on anywinter jacketin your arsenal, says Vazzana. A bulky puffer or parka won't cut it, but "a faux fur coat or shrug, for instance, is also always the perfect accent to wedding guest looks in the winter," she says. A sharply tailored blazer or wool peacoat are also options to consider topping off your outfit with.
The Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
Don't Shy Away From Shimmer
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
"I love a little sparkle, so a deep metallic or black sequin can always be fun for a winter wedding," Vazzana shares. "I’d stick to a darker sparkle though as not to distract from the bride, though."
For a timeless winter-ready look, try a dress made of luscious, dare-to-be-touched velvet. In particular, Vazzana encourages you to consider "a long, deep red velvet gown, as it's a gorgeous option" that delivers a glamorous effect without fail.
Boutique Moschino Velvet-Effect Midi Dress
Jenny Yoo Logan Velvet Dress
Boden Black Paisley Velvet Midi Party Dress
*Don't* Take the Plunge
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
"A high neck is always stunning in winter as well," says Vazzana.Julia Marzovilla, Marie Claire's E-Commerce Editor, seconds the stylist, shouting out this silk cowl-neck number from Reformation. "I have been dreaming about the Casette dress since I first saw it on Reformation's website. It comes in four colors—including this light green that I love so much- and has a high, halter-style neckline, making it a little more winter-ready. Plus a sleek low back if you want to show extra skin." As for styling the luxurious midi dress, the shopping expert "would wear it over patterned tights or lace tights and style it with close-toed pumps or even a tall boot for a more casual affair."
You can't avoid it: winter's chilly temps necessitate more fabric. But, as Vazzana points out, a more covered-up silhouette doesn't always mean your look will feel modest or tame. "Don’t be afraid to opt for a long sleeve," she advises. "Though it may feel very covered, it still can be very chic," especially if the style boasts a few choice cutouts or an open back.
Significant Other Demi Dress
Self-Portrait Tiered Lace-Trimmed Midi Dress
Mango Midi Printed Dress
Dark & Moody Florals
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images))
Flower motifs and prints are inherently romantic, making them a natural choice to wear to a wedding. And even though real flowers may be scarce in nature during the winter, Vazzana encourages you to keep floral prints in your guest dress rotation during the cold season. "Dary, moody florals are always perfect for winter," the stylist shares via email. "Oh, a bonus is that a darker floral co*cktail dress works for so many occasions, more than just a wedding!"
Let Me Be Floral Appliqué Dress
RIXO Juliette Dress
Tanya Taylor Raisa Dress
Meet the Expert
Caroline Vazzana
Caroline Vazzana is a fashion editor, stylist, influencer, and the author and founder of “Making it in Manhattan.” She began writing “Making it in Manhattan” back in 2015 while working at InStyle and subsequently launched her brand as one of New York City’s most colorful influencers. Aside from running MakingManhattan.com, Vazzana has also styled celebrities for various red-carpet events such as the MTV Video Music Awards, The Tony Awards, and Comicon and is also involved in a wide range of social media brand collaborations and campaigns.
My favorite dress types for women over 50 are fit and flare and A-line silhouettes. These two styles are flattering for so many body types. They have a defined waistline and are very forgiving as they take attention away from the midsection and camouflage wider hips and thighs.
Midi length is the preferred length for many women who want dresses to attend formal or semi-formal events. Maxi Length – Maxi dresses can be flattering if you are over 60 because it makes sure that everything is safely covered. It is elegant and suitable for fancier occasions.
Whether you choose a traditional salwar suit or a contemporary pant-style one in shades like deep red, navy blue can make you look effortlessly elegant. Banarasi sarees and lehengas are timeless pieces that always stay in fashion. Their intricate weaving and royal look make them ideal for winter wedding outfit ideas.
Winter weddings are likely to take place indoors, so you'll want to choose an outfit that's just warm enough once you take off your coat. A dress with sleeves, a maxi dress, or even a fancy jumpsuit are great ways to dress for the occasion. Take advantage of fabrics that look stylish while keeping you warm.
A cozy wrap or shawl can easily winterize a look while keeping you warm, so consider investing in a coverup for all of your winter events. Who can forget about fabric and color when picking their winter wedding guest outfit? Deep jewel tones and rich fabrics, like velvet and satin, are fab choices for winter weddings.
Pantsuits, jumpsuits, and dresses are appropriate choices for casual weddings. Women over 60 can choose knee-length, tea-length, or full-length dresses for most wedding themes. A full-length gown is the most suitable choice for formal or black-tie events.
We're talking shades of midnight blue, deep green or berry red—so get stuck in and embrace that warm festive feeling. Jewel tones are not only incredibly pretty, but as the traditional colours associated with winter, these tones make for a great winter wedding outfit.
At some weddings, even a skirt and blouse or dressy evening pants worn with a dressy top are acceptable options. A dressy jumpsuit can be appropriate too. However, for most weddings, a dress is a perfect choice.
In your 70s, it's a good rule of thumb to avoid looking too prim, too girly, or preppy. However, it's the perfect time to experiment with arty styles like tailored sweater coats, wide-leg pants, unusual clutches, and colorful patterns.
If you're looking for something other than a dress, you can also reach for a tailored suit. "In the right material, a sharp, tailored power suit can be a sophisticated look for wedding attire," Kosich says.
Mix neutrals for elegance – Neutral beige, gray, and black colors are vital in winter fashion. You can layer them in shades to create a refined and elegant look. For instance, a charcoal gray coat over a light gray sweater creates a subtle, stylish contrast.
Think cozy cashmere crewnecks that double as scarves on days when the weather tiptoes between warm one day and cold the next, oversize khaki blazers that add the perfect pop of color underneath any outstanding piece of outerwear, casual yet cool gray hoodies that have the model off-duty seal of approval, and a crisp ...
Long Coat + Turtleneck Sweater + Mini Skirt + Knee-High Boots. Layering up in the cold and looking fire? It's entirely doable. Pair a cozy sweater with a leather mini, then keep your bare legs protected from the elements with a long coat that meets tall boots!
Since a winter wedding is in the winter when it's, well, cold out, you may want to choose a long sleeve dress. You could go short (I love this one and it's on sale) or a full length gown too. A midi length is also great. But long sleeves will keep you warm and ensure your dress is seasonally appropriate.
"I have beautiful brides wearing black wedding dresses," said Anastasia Stevenson, a destination wedding planner with Coastal Creative Weddings in Tybee Island, GA. "It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings."
Can you wear open-toed shoes to a winter wedding? While most of our picks above are closed toe, you can absolutely rock an open-toe style for a winter wedding—but keep in mind a few parameters. The overall style should still say winter (think, a velvet platform rather than a strappy flat sandal).
Florals have always been a fail-safe option for weddings; there's something beautifully romantic about nature-inspired prints and, with the right styling, they needn't be the preserve of summer nuptials.
Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
