While you may be in the midst of celebrating fall weddings, it’s time to start accepting more invites — and planning your winter wedding guest outfits.
Whether you’re looking for a new party dress or are partial to pants, we’re here to help you get the ball rolling on your search for what to wear to a winter wedding. From black-tie dress codes to casual nuptials, you might consider wearing festive velvet dresses or even a long-sleeve jumpsuits. (Though, there’s always room for a good cocktail dress...) These end-of-year parties are a chance to play around with seasonal colors and dazzling fabrics, which can then be worn during the holidays.
We’ve rounded up 25 winter wedding guest outfit ideas for every dress code, budget, and personal style. Ahead, find the best cool-weather dresses, jumpsuits, and pantsuits from reader-favorite retailers like Reformation, Anthropologie, Zara, and more that’ll get you on the best-dressed list.
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Your upcoming formal winter weddings will likely require black-tie dress, which should probably be floor-length but certainly doesn’t have to be black. For the colder months, look out for long-sleeve gowns in luxe velvets or weightier sequins in rich jewel tones. Once you find your perfect dress, throw on a faux fur shawl, slip into comfortable heels, and swipe on burgundy lipstick to complete your ensemble.
Eloquii Paillette Sequin Maxi Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Cocktail attire is one of the most popular special-occasion dress codes, offering a balance between formal and casual and allowing you (and the party) to effortlessly move from day to night. This opens you up to more silhouettes, hemline lengths, and fabrics. For the winter, we recommend midi dresses with delicate lace and mesh trims or elevated pearl and crystal embellishments.
Lulus Mesh Pearl One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
For winter weddings with outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours or with more casual, cozy vibes, keep your comfort (and warmth) top of mind. Slip into long-sleeve mini and midi dresses with matching scarves or velvet maxis, and pair them with sheer black tights and a pair of booties or closed-toe pumps.
We love the idea of a jumpsuit for a winter wedding, because, let’s be honest: We don’t really want our legs exposed to the frigid winter air. To keep warm and comfortable while looking stylish, seek out long-sleeve and high-neck silhouettes in rich velvets and luxe jersey knits. Keep it sleek and chic with a versatile black jumpsuit ,or test out trendy burgundy, navy blue, or metallic silver styles.
Ramy Brook Gabriel Velvet Plunging Jumpsuit, $, available at Ramy Brook
Wedding Guest Pant Suits
These days, pantsuits for wedding guests are far more chic and sleek than ever before, so we want to put these matching separates on your radar. Be playful with metallic, floral, or velvet pantsuits that can be worn on their own with a statement necklace, with a blouse or vest underneath. When the party’s over, rewear the blazers and trousers for other winter festivities and office days.