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Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Cleveland | Dev Lynch
Of all the wedding seasons, winter wedding attire is arguably the best.
From dreamy full-length velvet dresses to a modern ensemble topped with a faux fur jacket and red lipstick, winter weddings are ideal for nailing an uber-fashionable classic look.
We’ve compiled these tips to help you choose what to wear to a winter wedding. You’ll also see outfit ideas for our favorite winter wedding guest dresses, perfect for cold-weather nuptials!
How To Choose the Perfect Winter Wedding Guest Outfit
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Indianapolis | Those McKissics
Most weddings have a clearly defined dress code, typically spelled out on the invitation.
Don’t see one listed?
Check with the bride!
Once you know the level of formality, the next step to securing the ideal dress is to factor in the weather. Pay heed to the climate. A winter wedding in Wyoming is quite different from a winter wedding in Southern California.
If you get cold easily, long-sleeved dresses and dresses with a cowl neckline can help provide additional warmth. Pair your gown with the appropriate outerwear, such as a blazer or faux fur coat. Tights, stockings, and ankle or knee-high boots are also great for keeping you toasty — without sacrificing style.
Finally, if you know you’ll be grooving in the center of the dance floor during the reception, choosing layers is your best bet.
Related: 15 Winter Bridesmaid Dresses for Every Aesthetic
Levels of Formality & Winter Wedding Guest Outfits
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Cleveland | Lauren Joy
Here’s a breakdown of the different wedding dress codes, plus tips on how to nail each look:
Black Tie Wedding
Black tie is the crème de la crème of dress codes. The couple expects guests to go all out and dress like they’re attending a famous gala.
Think full-length maxi dresses. Aspire toward black gowns that sweep the floor or emerald green dresses with sophisticated necklines.
The full silhouette of the gowns worn for black tie events provides warmth, and the dress’s material can help, too. Thicker fabric like velvet will keep you snug yet stylish. You can also don a mink stole (faux, of course!) to top it off effortlessly.
Formal Wedding
A formal wedding event is glam, and so are the dresses. Yet there’s a little more flexibility with formal weddings — they’re not quite as rigid as black tie.
A full-length gown is perfectly acceptable, or you can wear midi or mini dresses. The dresses can have pleats and ruffles or alluring cutouts in the back.
Formal wedding attendees get to apply their style through a fabulous filter, and voila. The result is a slinky satin gown paired with knee-high boots and a velvet stole.
Ooh la la!
With formal weddings, you can embrace modern styles and fabrics, playing up both through your choice of accessories. Those can be boots, faux fur jackets, knits, or even two-piece sets for a winter wedding.
Let your style be your guide. Just don’t skimp on the glitz!
Semi-Formal Wedding
Dress pants with a cashmere sweater, accessorized with heels and pearls, is one option for a semi-formal wedding. So are dresses and gowns.
Feel free to be your fabulous, gorgeous self if you can’t help but dazzle. For everyone else, dresses with a simple design or pattern paired with heels and a fitted blazer are spot on.
The accessory layering options for a semi-formal winter wedding are endless. Ensure whatever you choose is crisp, freshly pressed, and polished.
Cocktail Wedding
Cocktail wedding attire is fun, even in the winter. Since cocktail dresses are shorter, you can pair them with tights or opt for something long and snazzy, such as a sequined or beaded gown.
Another perfectly acceptable option is to wear an elegant jumpsuit. Opt for rich jewel tones and pair with a shawl, faux fur, or cropped Chanel-inspired jacket.
Casual Wedding
Sadly, jeans are a no-no. However, slacks are perfectly acceptable to wear to a casual winter wedding. Wear them with a blouse or sweater.
Dresses worn to casual weddings tend to be simple, non-fussy cotton pieces. Pair with a leather moto jacket — even a jean jacket passes the test.
You can wear boots or heels. A casual winter wedding lets guests really sink into their comfort zone while still looking polished.
Our Favorite Winter Wedding Guest Looks
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta | Zach Hawkins
Seeing is believing, as they say, and these dresses are visual representations of what we’ve mentioned.
Just know, there’s much more where each piece came from. If you don’t see “the one,” check out the whole collection!
Amsale Bridesmaid Dress Sophia
We’re smitten with this full-length chiffon gown with a high collar and halter neckline. It’s elegant and sophisticated without even trying. This dress is ideal for a classic black tie or formal wedding.
Jenny Yoo Bridesmaid Dress Malia
Made from stretch velvet, this open-back dress with a show-stopping V-neck and sultry center skirt slit is a real show-stopper. It’s perfect for a formal winter wedding!
Jenny Yoo Bridesmaid Dress Ellis
This floor-length gown made from stretch velvet has delicate flutter sleeves, an open back, and a gorgeous V-neck bodice. It’s an obvious choice for a formal or even semi-formal winter wedding celebration.
Jenny Yoo Bridesmaid Dress Eloise
You can pair this sleeveless, slinky, satin floor-length dress (with spaghetti straps) with a moto jacket for a semi-formal event. Or swap it with a faux fur mink for a more formal affair.
Kayla Gown
Versatile as it is flirty and fun, you could literally wear this beauty to almost any wedding (except for black tie). The key to making it work lies in your chosen accessories.
Jenny Yoo LWD Calla
This dress is perfect for cocktail, formal, and even semi-formal events. This sexy, sultry slip dress is made of buttery, soft, luxe satin.
With an asymmetric hemline and neckline, you can wear this dress any time of year. In winter, pair with that killer combo of stiletto heels and faux fur.
Sachin & Babi Varenna Dress
This linen viscose blend is the perfect choice for semi-formal to casual weddings. A sharp trench coat and boots will make whoever’s wearing it look stylish while keeping them warm.
Mac Duggal Dress 10037
Cocktail cocktail cocktail! This party dress positively begs to be worn to a cocktail attire wedding. Yes, it is on the shorter side. However, a full-length trench coat – even tights — can be worn initially and then peeled off as the reception begins heating up.
Adrianna Papell Bridesmaid Dress Style 92868950
Another stunner of a dress with vintage vibes, this is another perfect cocktail wedding option.
This gorgeous sequined gown is full-length, yet the silver sequins that end just above the knee give the dress the illusion of being shorter.
Women’s Teal Suit Jacket
This suit jacket, paired with the slacks, is slick and versatile. Wear it with a white T-shirt and sneakers for a casual wedding. Or dress it up for a semi-formal winter wedding by wearing a blouse and heels.
Elizabeth Dress in Forbidden Fruit
Here’s another timeless dress that you can play up so it’s appropriate for a formal winter wedding. Or dress it down for a casual winter wedding.
No matter what, this full-length floral print dress with a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice, and petite puff sleeves is the perfect compliment for a fall or winter wedding.
Find the perfect look for the big day in our collection of wedding guest dresses featuring dresses from top designers!
From midi dresses to long-sleeve gowns, your winter wedding guest dress options are endless.
The best winter wedding guest dresses are a comb of something that aligns with the dress code, the weather, and your personal style.
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