Winter Wedding Guest Dresses That’ll Keep You Warm But Still Look Chic

Here's what to look out for

winter wedding guest dresse

by Julia Harvey |
Updated on

Though summer wedding ceremonies might be the norm, the charm of a winter wedding is not to be discounted and you can still find some of the most elegant winter wedding guest dresses for the occasion. There's also no fear of heatstroke, or (rather unflattering) sweat patches, and the overall cosiness is unmatched.

Though wedding guest outfits usually conjure up visions of ditzy florals flowing maxi dresses and silky slips in spring-time shades under low afternoon sunshine - this isn't always the case. A wedding when it’s chilly can be tricky and if covering up your perfect wedding guest dress with a giant puffer coat isn’t quite what you’d had in mind, then never fear, there’s no need to let cold weather ruin all the fun. Enter: the winter wedding guest dress...

kate middleton winter wedding guest dresses
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends Princess Eugenie of York and Jack Brooksbank's Wedding ©Getty

What to look for in a winter wedding guest dress

While summer wedding guest dresses are all about pastels and colour, winter wedding guest dresses are a time to lean into darker hues. For winter wedding guest dresses, think beautiful blues, maroon and even black wedding guest dresses, perfect for any upcoming winter celebration that you're planning on attending. Many people avoid wearing black to weddings but as someone who wears black often, a black wedding guest dress can look super chic and you're guaranteed to wear it again and again!

Next up look for styles with a little more coverage, long sleeves and long hems will help keep you warm in the winter months. If you’re into shorter hemlines, then balance it out with long sleeves and don’t be afraid to layer. Stealth thermals e.g. a thermal base-layer under your long sleeve dress or a pair of leggings under a maxi-dress are an easy way to stay snug but stylish.

winter wedding guest dresses
NYFW ©Getty

Where to buy a winter wedding guest dress

Depending on your budget, there are plenty of options across the high-street, midi range brands and beyond. Reformation's collection of occasion-ready dresses from linen mini dresses to silk floor-length gowns whilst &Other Stories have you covered whatever style you're after.

Elsewhere, Nobody's Child have recently restocked their best-selling Zora dress, a puffed-sleeve, scoop-back, full-skirted silhouette in a vibrant red floral print. 'We want to make sure you feel special, comfortable and totally yourself. For us that’s all about fit.' Explains Jody Plows, CEO of Nobody’s Child, 'An occasion dress is an investment piece and at Nobody’s Child we want you to wear it time and time again. The most sustainable clothes are those that are loved for longer. Our design team tap into timeless trends made from lower impact materials in the hope that our occasion dresses will be cherished for years to come. Look for classic shapes that can be dressed up or down and are unlikely to date. We also offer rental which gives you the opportunity for someone else to love them too.'

SHOP: The Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses

Bestseller

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A best-seller and we can see why. This dress has everything you'll need for the perfect winter wedding guest dress, plus it's available a beautiful emerald green, too.

Best Floral Winter Wedding Guest Dress

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A gorgeous floral print goes a long way at a wedding, and we are sure you will turn heads in this Gloriana dress by Reformation.

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Behold, the midaxi length. The perfect in-between length that's not too long if you're petite but not too short if you're tall - ideal .

Winter Florals

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Thought florals were for spring only? Think again, this dark flower print is the perfect example of how to wear florals for winter.

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Not a fan of florals but love a print? Why not try a check pattern instead, dress it up with metallic accessories, slick back hair and a dark lip.

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Available in three punchy shades of fuchsia, bright green and purple, this flared sleeve dress by Mango is already a hit and will see you through all the weddings you've got coming up, whatever the weather.

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Ghost know a thing or two about occasion wear, this soft yellow heavy satin dress may look summery but the weight of the fabric means you'll stay nice at warm at your next winter wedding.

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Yes, you can wear black to a wedding. Opt for something satin and simple for an elegant outfit, we guarantee you'll wear this dress again and again.

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A fuchsia pink shade will brighten up any days and it flattering on all skin tones. What's more, the drape feature of this dress could double as a wrap when the evening turns chilly.

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Add a pop of colour with a graphic-print, although it's short-sleeve a midi length will also work with long heeled boots to add warmth.

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Long sleeves, long length and even a scarf for added cosy-but-cool points. Perfect for a winter wedding with heels and an evening bag then rewear to the office with loafers and a tote bag, sorted.

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Perfect for a black tie wedding, this Staud satin gown comes in a chic shade of navy with an embellished halterneck strap, meaning you won't need to add extra jewellery! Stay warm at the winter wedding and wear leggings underneath or throw over a short faux fur coat for added glam.

Re-wear In The Summer

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Ideal for a cool city wedding, this zesty yellow crepe dress will look extra chic with long, heeled black boots and a black blazer - easily re-wearable by the time summer rolls around, too.

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Experts in long sleeve dresses, The Vampire's Wife's trademark style is now available in the perfect red and black winter floral.

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The super flattering shade of cobalt blue is perfect for the new season, plus, there's plenty of room to wear thick thermals underneath if you're looking to stay warm at a winter wedding!

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The perfect fashion take on a simple long-sleeve slip dress? Feathers of course! This feather-cuff maxi dress by Sleeper, is an ideal winter wedding guest outfit.

A Celebrity Favourite

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An autumn/winter friendly floral print, in the colour pallette of autumnal leaves makes an ideal winter wedding guest dress. Then, for day-to-day wear, pair this Dôen number with suede boots for a 70s spin.

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Look for long sleeves to keep the winter chill at bay, this Rixo mixi frock is available in sizes UK 6 - 26 and there's even a matching skinny silk scarf available, too.

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Look stylish but keep warm by looking for heavier fabrics, aka this jacquard material by Ganni that's much more sturdy than satin.

Perfect For A Festive Wedding

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Nothing says winter glamour than a few (okay alot!) of sequins, avoid looking too festive and opt for a this purple jewel tone rather than your usual metallics. Wear with contemporary jewellery for a modern take.

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Swap summery ditzy florals out for a bold rose motif for the winter months. We love the ruffle cuff details and long-length sleeves, ideal for chilly evenings - plus it's comes in under £100.

Modest

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Just because it's a winter wedding, it doesn't mean you can't bring the colour and wear sunshine shades of bright yellow. The added scarf feature, long sleeves and maxi length make this Next dress a great modest option. (It's also available if pastel blue if bright colours aren't your bag).

Under £30

H&M winter wedding guest dresses
Price: £27.99

www2.hm.com

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A great affordable option coming in under £30, this long-sleeve navy dress will look great with simple black heels and a bright red lip.

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Connoisseurs of evening wear dresses, Solace London are your one stop shop for a fabulous wedding guest outfit. The cape-effect sleeve not only looks super chic but also adds an extra layer of warmth.

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Bring some brightness to the dullest of grey skies with Farm Rio's tropical prints, plus, there's plenty of room in the voluminous skirt to wear your thermals underneath.

Fashion Editor's Pick

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Beautifully chic, Taller Marmo's collection of flowing, fringed gowns make for ideal winter wedding guest dresses (available in 5 different shades) swap your feels for simple sandals come summer.

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Look for jewel shades of merlot red and navy for winter weddings, this burgundy silk dress is simple but effective and available in four different colours.

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Balance out a plunging neckline and high leg slit with maxi lengths and long sleeves in a beautiful shade of inky navy. This dress is selling-out fast so be sure not to miss out.

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If you want a little sparkle but don't fancy full-on sequins, opt for RO&ZO's more subtle knit dress. The added stretch will make sure you're comfortable all day!

If you're not into florals

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Why not try a polka-dot print instead of florals for something a little less summery. Pop a blazer over the top for a chic take on wedding guest dressing.

How to wear a short dress to a winter wedding

If you prefer a shorter hemline but don't want to be absolutely freezing, then don't panic - there is a simple solution! Simply opt for long sleeves to balance out any bare leg. Wool tights don't scream dressed-up occasion wear, instead, switch out thick hosiery for 10 denier black tights to look chic and banish (some) of that winter chill.

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Whilst these M&S tights are ladder resistance, it's still good to have a couple of back-ups just incase of any sneaky snags!

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Add a splash of cherry red which will work really well with barely there black tights and simple accessories.

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Available in black, cream and red, this simple Reformation long-sleeve mini dress will become your trusty go-to. Plus, it's made from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% repurposed waste - chic and consciously crafted.

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If you're outfit is minimal coverage, look for thick fabrics that will offer a little more warmth, for example, Anthropologie's structured jacquard mini.

What jacket should I wear over my winter wedding guest dress?

Even if you've gone for a maxi-length, long-sleeve dress (and thermals underneath) it's still good to bring a jacket. But you don't need to ruin your final look by covering it all up with the infamous 'Big Coat'.

'To be honest, I tend to wear the same kind of dresses for summer weddings and winter weddings, with one caveat - in winter, a sleek coat is absolutely essential (I don’t subscribe to the beer jacket theory since leaving university).' Says Grazia's Senior Fashion News Editor, Natalie Hammond. 'Choose something single-breasted in black - controversial, perhaps, but fine in my book - and you can wear it all winter as well as to cold-weather nuptials.'

winter wedding guest dresses
NYFW ©Getty

On day's when the weather isn't too frosty, a simple yet chic oversized blazer should do just the trick - opt for black for a 'safe' option that won't detract from your chosen dress. Alternatively, if you're looking to bring some added glamour to the proceedings, throw a faux fur coat over your shoulders for true (warm) Hollywood glamour.

Can you wear a floral dress to a winter wedding?

Absolutely, there is no reason why you can't wear a floral dress to a winter wedding, even with cooler temperatures. It all depends on the colour, so you should opt for one that compliments the season. Think deep green or navy and swap ditzy florals to bolder motifs or even jacquard fabrics.

winter wedding guest dresses
NYFW ©Getty

Top tips to staying warm at a winter wedding

  • If you're wearing a long dress, pop on some thermal leggings underneath - nobody will know!

  • Look for long sleeves and longline dresses with no thigh-high slits.

  • Secret layers: where possible, sneak a long sleeve top or vest underneath your frock.

  • Swap strappy heels for high-heeled long leather boots worn with long dresses - and double up on the socks!

Julia Harvey is the Shopping Editor for Grazia UK for the past two and a half years, overseeing and editing all things shopping for the title from trend pages, gift guides and the best things to buy now in both print and online.

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