40 Top-Rated Winter Wedding Guest Dresses [2024]: Midi, Velvet, Etc. (2024)

Need the best winter wedding guest dresses 2024 has to offer? We are rounding up the winter wedding guest attire you’ll love to wear right here. Which dress is your favorite?

What do you wear as a guest to a winter wedding? A stylish dress, of course!

You can also wear a fashionable jumpsuit like this.

If you’re heading to a winter wedding, we’ll show you exactly what attire to wear from guest dresses to accessories — even faux fur wraps to keep warm.

From velvet minis to midis, maxis to ruffle hems, here’s what you need to know for planning the perfect winter wedding guest attire in 2024.

What to Wear to a Winter Wedding as as Guest

As a guest, what are you supposed to wear to a wedding? Does it matter if the wedding is in winter vs. fall?

During the winter months, wedding guests typically wear a co*cktail dress or semi-formal dress, depending on the tone and formality of the wedding. Many of the same dress styles apply, but you’ll notice a stark difference in the wintry fabrics and colors now gaining popularity as the seasons shift from autumn to winter.

Choose seasonal winter colors and fabrics.

During the late summer months, we notice a big shift in dress colors and fabrics, particularly for winter guests. However, many of the same fall colors you’ve seen throughout the remainder of this year still apply… just in richer wintry shades.

• Instead of soft color palettes, you’ll notice a change to deep rich hues: soft blushes become deep mauve or dusty rose; orange becomes more popular as rust, while reds transform into wintry shades of Merlot, burgundy, and wine.

• Rather than lightweight fabrics like chiffon or cotton, guests are wearing dresses made of thicker material: velvet, satin, and lace, just to name a few.

What is a top trend for winter wedding guest dresses in 2024?

This year, winter wedding guest dresses that are velvet, midi, and long sleeve are especially popular! You’ll see many of these options on our list.

How to Stay Warm as a Winter Wedding Guest

As a wedding guest in the wintertime, you’ll want to be mindful of the temperature. You want to be warm! But that doesn’t mean you have to cover up completely, either.

The biggest thing you can do is choose a winter wedding guest dress that offers slightly more coverage (midi length vs. mini) and warmth (velvet vs. chiffon).

As always, you can layer up for warmth during winter wedding portraits: add a little jacket, bolero, or faux fur wrap to your dress to keep cozy.

For a faux fur stole, opt for a color that isn’t white: brown, black, or emerald green are nice options. You can buy affordable faux fur stoles here.

Another choice is light grey: it will look great with any of the winter wedding guest dresses from this list. Get yours here.

OK — let’s get down to dress shopping business! Here are the top winter dresses to wear as a guest this winter season for 2023 + 2024. Note: these are all winter wedding guest dresses Lulus has to offer! We’re huge fans of their dresses. For more, visit their wedding guest section here.

Let’s kick off the list with a dress that includes gorgeous black gloves as a part of the entire ensemble. What a stylish find!

Va-va-voom! This co*cktail dress has it going on and yes, it comes with the gloves! Love this dress for winter wedding guests. So lovely! See it here.

2. Backless co*cktail Dress, $48

A long sleeve dress like this one will turn heads! It is backless with long sleeves and a bodycon dress style. Get it here.

3. + 4. One-Shoulder Ruched Dress, $48

A one-shoulder dress like this is very on-trend at the moment! Other colors are available. Browse this style here.

Also loving it in rust!

5. Off the Shoulder Midi Dress in Green, $62

This is one of the best wedding guest dresses for winter, as far as I’m concerned! I love the ruffle hem and the off-the-shoulder neckline. Shop here.

6. Navy Blue Midi Dress in Satin, $72

Wear a “goes-with-everything” winter wedding guest dress like this one and you’ll be able to wear it to other events, too! It’s the perfect midi length and I like the one-should strap detail for a fashionable twist. Shop here.

7. Lace Sheath Dress with Elbow-Length Sleeves, $59

Nothing rings in the holidays quite like this wintry sheath dress in elegant lace. The hem is perfect; the color is beautiful! Spotted here.

8. Red Velvet Dress, $68

This mini velvet dress is perfect for winter wedding attire for guests: it has a plush stretch velvet fabric and a one-shoulder neckline. The high waist is a fun dance-able style and I like the detail of the tulip mini skirt on the hem. Cute little dress! Shop here.

9. Festive Black Sequin Mini Dress, $88

Get into a festive mood with this mini dress featuring long sleeves and a whole lot of sparkle! Shop here.

10. Long Satin Midi Length in Bronze, $84

Put on this dress and dance the night away! I like this shade of bronze: an ideal attire choice for winter months.

11. Elegant Jacquard Halter Maxi Dress, $98

Attending a winter wedding with a formal feel? Wear this halter-style maxi dress made of luxe jacquard in a pretty shade of purple. See it here.

12. Rust Orange Velvet Off-the-Shoulder, $69

See it here.

13. Burgundy Floral Print Satin Dress with Long Sleeves, $85

What a fun wedding guest dress to wear! Get it from here.

14. Long Sleeve Sheath Dress in Black, $59

This dress goes with everything and is a wedding guest favorite, for sure. Shop here.

15. Dark Green Midi Dress, $69

The most perfect color of green with the strappy neckline and midi-length skirt you’re looking for! I love this dress. More colors are available here.

16. Ruffle Tiered Midi Dress, $92

Turn heads in this ruffled tier dress which hits at a midi length. Shown in navy blue. Buy here.

17. Dark Sage Velvet, $94

Dance the evening away in this elegant long-length velvet dress! It is one of my favorite winter wedding guest dresses on this list. Love this style! Buy here.

18. Little Black Ruffled Dress, $59

Little black dress? Check. Ruffles? Check. Love this adorable little dress! Shop now.

19. High Neckline Satin Gown, $84

Ooh, this burgundy satin dress is so stylish! See more colors of this sleeveless mock neck maxi here.

20. Burgundy Lace, $59

Two words: burgundy lace. Need I say more? This is a cute dress with a mini-length skirt for winter wedding guests to wear. I love the color! Get it here.

21. Burgundy Satin Maxi, $88

If you’re looking for winter wedding guest dresses that offer a pop of color and a shiny, luxe material, look no further than this burgundy satin maxi dress from here.

22. Dark Teal Lace Mini Dress, $69

Make a statement in this stylish lace dress featuring a bold shade of teal. See it now.

23. One-Shoulder Skinny Strap Maxi, $68

This elegant dress is perfect for the winter wedding guest to wear! Love it as shown here in classic black. Shop here.

24. Off The Shoulder Long Sleeve Gown, $89

This is one of the winter wedding dresses for guests that makes me feel like it’s out of a fairytale! I love how soft and flowy this skirt is and the long-sleeves that are off-the-shoulder add a stylish statement. Buy here.

25. Short Green Velvet Bodycon, $42

Slip into this short dress made with rich luxe velvet and skinny straps on the neckline. Shop now.

26. Shiny Slate Blue Satin, $46

Dance the night away in this short wedding guest dress in slate blue, perfect for the icy winter wedding season! Love the tulip hem. Get it here.

27. Strapless Floral Print Velvet Dress, $74

What a striking dress! It features a velvet texture and unique floral pattern. See it here.

28. Plum Purple Sleeveless Maxi, $99

Wow! I love the silhouette on this unique long-length maxi gown. The color plum is perfection. See it here.

29. Lace Sleeve Bodycon Dress, $69

I want this dress! It’s such a beautiful and fun wedding guest dress for winter. I like the black lace sleeves, short skirt, and high neckline. Buy now.

30. Long Sleeve Blackless Maxi, $69

Va-va-voom! This is one of the most elegant wedding guest dresses Lulus has to offer for 2024. I adore the long sleeves, long length, and open back! Get it now.

31. Navy Long Sleeve Smocked Dress, $79

How cute are these puff sleeves?! Love this little dress from here.

32. Asymmetrical Midi Dress with Straps, $69

This satin dress in green draws visual interest with its unique asymmetrical hem and wrap style. Available now.

33. Burgundy Long Sleeve Dress with Maxi Length, $89

This highly-rated wedding guest dress for winter is one of my top picks. It’s so lovely! See it here.

34. Long Sleeve Wrap Maxi Dress in Navy Blue, $79

This wrap dress is a perfect style to wear for winter weddings! Available here.

35. Dusty Purple Velvet Dress, $99

This is a winter wedding dress I’d love to wear as a guest. I like the deep v-neckline and the pretty color of purple. Plus, you can never go wrong with velvet during the winter months! Get it here.

36. Velvet Dress with Flutter Sleeves, $98

Get swept off of your feet in this stunning velvet dress featuring flutter sleeves and a wrap bodice. Get yours here.

37. Burgundy Off The Shoulder, $69

Warm up at your winter wedding as a guest in this stunning off-the-shoulder dress, available here.

38. Black Ruffle Hem Dress with Off The Shoulder Neckline, $62

You’ll feel like dancing all night when you put on this gorgeous off-the-shoulder dress. Wear it to your winter wedding and you’ll love how it makes you look and feel! See it here.

39. Plum Patterned Velvet Mini, $48

A cute dress for a winter wedding! Get it here.

40. Long-Sleeve Plum Maxi, $79

And last but not least, this long sleeve maxi dress features a pretty shade of purple — plum! Perfect for the winter wedding season. Get it here.

Now that you’ve seen the dresses, let’s talk about some frequently asked questions pertaining to guest dresses during the winter months.

Wedding Guest Dress Lengths

We’re noticing co*cktail dresses are the most popular choice for winter wedding guest dresses, but we’re also seeing plenty of midi length and high-low styles that continue to dominate the wedding fashion scene.

Cut-out dresses continue to be popular. This is one of my favorite winter dresses for wedding season (in fuchsia):

Can you wear a sequin dress to a winter wedding as a guest?

No other time of year is more suitable than winter for wedding guest dresses that sparkle! So, yes! Now is the time to wear your favorite sparkly dress. Here is one example from here featuring a black sequin long sleeve mini dress:

What color dresses should guests wear to a winter wedding?

You can wear any color you wish, as long as it fits in with the season.

For example, avoid anything too light (and obviously, no white, ivory, or champagne as that is the bride’s color), swap out your favorite lavender for a deep plum or rich purple, take red to a merlot or burgundy level, and avoid orange, swapping it out for rust or a bronze shade in the brown/gold color family.

Black, metallic gray, and gold are always in season!

How to Accessorize Your Guest Dress

Every wedding guest dress gets even lovelier with the touch of a few accessories. For winter, guests can wear long gloves (like these), metallic heels, an evening purse, co*cktail ring, dangling earrings, and elegant shawls and wraps.

These extra long satin gloves in black are a dramatic accessory choice and absolutely perfect for winter!

And last but not least, don’t forget to elevate your look with a pair of dressy heels. I love these in metallic silver from here.

Ok — are you going to a winter wedding? What kind of dress are you going to wear? Tell us all about it in the comment box below! And remember, these dresses are going to continue well into 2024, so bookmark this page as a resource!

xo
Emma