The 14 Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses For Staying Warm and Stylish

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Wedding season is usually between May and October, but you can't put a schedule on love. Anyone can get married at any time of the year, and if you're lucky enough, you'll attend a ceremony in the colder months. While the bride and groom are vital to any successful marital celebration, showing up in your sartorial best is important, too. Finding the right pick out of all the winter wedding-guest dresses out there isn't easy. In fact, it always presents challenges, like avoiding white unless the bride gives permission, or finding that perfect dress that doesn't outshine the main couple. Believe it or not, there are plenty of options to be a stylish guest, especially for a winter ceremony.

Fashion continues to teach us that there are no rules when it comes to formal winter wedding-guest dresses, as more brands trade in cold-weather neutrals for bright colors, rich textures, and even bolder silhouettes. New York Fashion Week's fall 2023 runways showed us that 39 degrees doesn't stand a chance against a good outfit. Ulla Johnson and Brandon Maxwell's collections included elevated leather, and Carolina Herrera revived the color red. Metallics have resurfaced like never before, thanks to designers like Luar and Michael Kors (and Beyonce's "Renaissance" World Tour, of course). Whether you look for a quarter-sleeve or long-sleeve dress for a winter wedding guest, all these trends apply.

Fortunately, these unconventional trends have trickled down to fashion retailers, from your favorite high-end store to your go-to affordable brands. If you're in your quiet-luxury era like Sofia Richie Grainge and Kylie Jenner, brands like Nordstrom and Amazon offer a wide variety of wedding-guest dresses for winter to help you look elegant in the most effortless way. More of a maximalist? Black-owned brands like Hanifa provide wedding-guest dresses for winter that are not only elevated and classy but just as comfortable to wear for hours.

Ahead, we've gathered some of the best winter wedding-guest dresses that are fashion-forward and ideal for dancing and dining all night long. Whether you're searching for a sleek velvet number or a daring sequin gown, keep scrolling to shop our top picks.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Old Navy Tie-Back Maxi Slip Dress
oldnavy.gap.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Old Navy Tie-Back Maxi Slip Dress

Old Navy Tie-Back Maxi Slip Dress ($9–$18, originally $18)

Attending a casual courthouse ceremony? Dress up this vibrant slip dress with classy slingbacks and a cream clutch, and you're good to go.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Zalalus Women's Sexy One Shoulder Bodycon Formal Dress
amazon.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Zalalus Women's Sexy One Shoulder Bodycon Formal Dress

Zalalus Women's Sexy One Shoulder Bodycon Formal Dress ($33, originally $60)

In case the dress code is more on the semi-casual/cocktail side, this LBD — with its chic cutouts and a figure-flattering, gathered waist — is your best bet.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Marcella NYC Manhattan Velvet Slit Gown
marcellanyc.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Marcella NYC Manhattan Velvet Slit Gown

Marcella NYC Manhattan Velvet Slit Gown ($128)

If you're more of a minimalist, consider this simple yet powerful velvet number from Marcella NYC. Far from your average black dress, the Manhattan gown contains the brand's signature one-shoulder neckline and inviting leg slit that creates a sultry yet sophisticated look.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Norma Kamali Strapless Side Drape Gown
amazon.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Norma Kamali Strapless Side Drape Gown

Norma Kamali Strapless Side Drape Gown ($195)

If you're headed to an "all-white" wedding, consider this strapless side drape gown from Norma Kamali. Its subtle shiny finish and ruched waist are two details that'll always work well for something as memorable as celebrating vows.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Fumi the Label Janet Embellished Dress
fumithelabel.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Fumi the Label Janet Embellished Dress

Fumi the Label Janet Embellished Dress ($289)

Like with any occasion, you want to be dressed in something that you'll feel confident in, and Fumi the Label's Janet Dress does just that. Its heavyweight fabric mixture of rayon and nylon sits perfectly on the body and even comes with crystal buttons for a little glamour. You're bound to be best-dressed guest of the night.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Helsa Slinky Jersey Sarong Maxi Dress
revolve.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Helsa Slinky Jersey Sarong Maxi Dress

Helsa Slinky Jersey Sarong Maxi Dress ($328)

You can manage to be covered head to toe and sultry in this sarong maxi dress from Helsa. Coming in a gorgeous samba red or chocolate brown, pair it with your best gold heel and clutch, and you're ready to celebrate love.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Hanifa Taliah Maxi
hanifa.co

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Hanifa Taliah Maxi

Hanifa Taliah Maxi ($399)

Who said you can't rock bright colors in the winter? If you want to stay cozy while making a statement at your next winter wedding, the Taliah Maxi from Hanifa is the perfect option. It's made with 100 percent heavy cotton crafted in a gorgeous knit design and ombre hues that's ideal for all shapes and sizes.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Norma Kamali Long Sleeve Turtle Fishtail Gown
revolve.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Norma Kamali Long Sleeve Turtle Fishtail Gown

Norma Kamali Long Sleeve Turtle Fishtail Gown ($335)

Plaid is a classic cozy-season print, and it's even more of a wardrobe must have in this Norma Kamali fishtail gown. The dress is already a statement on its own, but feel free to wear with a classy heel in black or a pop of color for extra flair.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Annabelle Silk Dress
thereformation.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Annabelle Silk Dress

Reformation Annabelle Silk Dress ($448)

When in doubt, go for the cult-favorite slip dress. We love this Annabelle dress from Reformation not only because of its tried-and-true fit for all body types, but also its romantic floral pattern and cowl neckline.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Mango Satin Dress With Volume Sleeves
shop.mango.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Mango Satin Dress With Volume Sleeves

Mango Satin Dress With Volume Sleeves ($500)

In case you want to show a little skin, this satin purple dress from Mango features voluminous sleeves and a corset top will create the perfect silhouette.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Retrofête Danielle Dress
nordstrom.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Retrofête Danielle Dress

Retrofête Danielle Dress ($575)

We'd be remiss to not mention Retrofête, a classic brand for fancy-occasion wear. The Danielle dress is a fun and unique way to play into the metallic trend, and its flowy train creates a stunning silhouette for any celebration of love.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Self Portrait Navy Sequin Dress
amazon.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Self Portrait Navy Sequin Dress

Self Portrait Women's Navy Sequin Dress ($630)

When it comes to the colder months, you can never go wrong with sequin. This sleek Self Portrait dress is simply elegant for any wedding, especially a night ceremony. It also features a tasteful back cutout for a subtly sexy vibe.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Lurelly Melrose Tea Dress
lurelly.com

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Lurelly Melrose Tea Dress

Lurelly Melrose Tea Dress ($700)

Weddings are a "go big or go home" event, and this pink ballgown surely fits the bill. Made with 3D floral tulle and gorgeous embellishments throughout, the Melrose dress from Lurelly just screams romance and joy, which is fitting for the occasion.

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Taller Marmo Gina Spirito Feather-Trimmed Mini Dress
Getty

Best Winter Wedding-Guest Dresses: Taller Marmo Gina Spirito Feather-Trimmed Mini Dress

Taller Marmo Gina Spirito Feather-Trimmed Mini Dress ($1,500)

Celebrate the new couple in this fun, soft pink feathery dress that makes a glamorous statement, with a super-comfortable shape and fun, flirty design flourishes.