None of these variations has needed an upgrade for many, many years. (Why mess with a classic?) Despite being tried and true, though, it doesn’t mean these styles will fit every bride-to-be. Increasingly, shoppers are wanting to break out of the engagement norms with unique rings that feel more attuned to their personalities, styles, and relationships. That’s resulted in a rise in less conventional stone colors, interesting settings, and statement-making band sizes, as well as an increased appetite for lab-grown diamonds.
VRAI ticks all the right boxes when it comes to sustainability, creating its own diamonds in a US-based, zero-emission foundry. It uses river energy to crystallize greenhouse gases into rough diamonds that are then polished up by its team of master cutters.
Style-wise, VRAI’s designs are timeless while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a classic engagement ring. It’s big on personalization and customization, from shape to color. You could opt for a fiery orange kite-shaped VRAI-created diamond or a pink heart stone. Perhaps a spiral halo? The brand also has an array of unusual ready-made rings for the tradition-breaking bride.
Discover our top picks.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
VRAI The Toi et Moi Emerald and Pear Engagement Ring
We’ve become so used to solitaire settings in the engagement ring market, so this two-stone design feels fresh and exciting. You can customize it based on you and your partner’s favorite shapes, choosing between a combination of round, brilliant, oval, emerald, and pear-shaped VRAI-created diamonds to make it feel even more “you".
Vrai VRAI The Toi et Moi Emerald and Pear Engagement Ring, $, available at Vrai
VRAI The Hover Cushion Engagement Ring
VRAI has taken the typical solitaire design and offset it — literally. This unexpected twist makes your VRAI-created diamond even more of a statement piece.
Vrai VRAI The Hover Cushion Engagement Ring, $, available at Vrai
VRAI The Baguette Bar Round Brilliant Engagement Ring
So, you love vintage, Art Deco-style rings, but your budget doesn’t quite stretch to a true 1920s sparkler? You’re in luck with this chic baguette-bar set design. Pair with an emerald-cut VRAI-created diamond centerpiece for a true flapper-inspired piece.
Vrai VRAI The Baguette Bar Round Brilliant Engagement Ring, $, available at Vrai
Vrai VRAI The Veiled Halo Oval Engagement Ring, $, available at Vrai
VRAI The Curator Round Brilliant Engagement Ring
Recently, we’ve noticed brides hankering after thick, chunky bands in their engagement rings. They certainly feel edgy and modern — plus they attract plenty of attention to your new bling.
Vrai VRAI The Curator Round Brilliant Engagement Ring, $, available at Vrai
VRAI The Double Band Radiant Engagement Ring
Along with thicker bands, we’ve also spotted double-band designs gaining traction as more and more brides forgo the traditional engagement ring and wedding band combo.
Vrai VRAI The Double Band Radiant Engagement Ring, $, available at Vrai
If you haven’t already, it’s time to start planning your winter wedding guest outfits.
Whether you’re looking for a new party dress or are partial to formal pants, we’re here to help you get the ball rolling on your search for what to wear to this season's nuptials. These festivities are a chance to play around with seasonal colors and dazzling fabrics — think velvet dresses and special-occasion jumpsuits for more formal affairs, or sequin numbers that embody that New Year vibe.
We’ve rounded up 25 winter wedding guest outfit ideas for every dress code, budget, and personal style. Ahead, find the best winter dresses, jumpsuits, and pantsuits from reader-favorite retailers like Free People, Reformation, Zara, and more that’ll get you on the best-dressed list for every party.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Formal winter weddings likely require black-tie dresses, which should probably be floor-length but certainly don’t have to be black. Look out for rich jewel tones in satin or iridescent fabrics. We’re eyeing holiday-appropriate ruffles for extra dimension and drama. Then, throw on a faux-fur shawl, slip into comfortable heels, and swipe on burgundy lipstick to complete your ensemble.
House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve Astra Gown, $, available at Revolve
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Cocktail attire is one of the most popular special-occasion dress codes. Somewhere in between formal and casual, it allows you (and the party) to move from day to night, and it 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 bows and pearl embellishments.
Lisa Says Gah Meg Dress, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
For winter weddings with outdoor ceremonies or restaurant receptions with casual, cozy vibes, keep your comfort (and warmth) top of mind. Slip into long-sleeve mini or midi dresses, and pair them with sheer black tights and a pair of booties or closed-toe pumps. (You also can’t go wrong with a velvet maxi.) And don’t be afraid of prints — play with festive plaids and winter florals.
Madewell V-Neck Cuff-Sleeve Maxi Dress, $, available at Madewell
Wedding Guest Jumpsuits
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 stay warm and comfortable while looking stylish, seek out long-sleeved, high-neck silhouettes in rich velvets and luxe jersey knits. Keep it sleek in black, or test out trendy burgundy, navy blue, or metallic silver styles.
Old Navy Fit & Flare Velvet Jumpsuit, $, available at Old Navy
Wedding Guest Pant Suits & Sets
These days, pantsuits for wedding guests are chicer than ever before, so we want to put these matching separates on your radar. Be playful with metallic, floral, or striped sets that can be worn on their own with a statement necklace, or with a blouse or vest underneath. When the party’s over, rewear the blazers, tops, and trousers together or separately for winter festivities and office days alike.
Veronica Beard Long and Lean Dickey Jacket, $, available at Veronica Beard
Veronica Beard Lebone Pant, $, available at Veronica Beard
Black-tie Wedding Guest Dresses
Formal winter weddings likely require black-tie dresses, which should probably be floor-length but certainly don’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. Then throw on a faux fur shawl, slip into comfortable heels, and swipe on burgundy lipstick to complete your ensemble.
For winter weddings with outdoor ceremonies or restaurant receptions with casual, cozy vibes, keep your comfort (and warmth) top of mind. Slip into long-sleeve mini or midi dresses, and pair them with sheer black tights and a pair of booties or closed-toe pumps. (You also can’t go wrong with a velvet maxi.) And don’t be afraid of prints — play with festive plaids and winter florals.
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.
Atsu Crystal-Embellished Bow Mini Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
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.
