So, you have a winter wedding coming up. If it's a destination affair, you've ticked off the travel and lodging logistics, and all that's left on your list of to-dos is, arguably, the trickiest one: the quest for the best winter wedding guest dress.
As couples veer from old-school nuptial traditions and adopt more specific, aesthetic-themed dress codes—like "vintage glamour white or black-tie gala" or "modern minimalist"—getting dressed as a guest becomes increasingly complicated. Gone are the days when you could invest in one reliable, formal-ish winter dress to carry you through the season; now, each event requires a fully fleshed-out sartorial concept for your winter wedding style.
Caroline Vazzana, a fashion stylist and expert on all things occasionwear, explains that there are, however, a few blanket parameters that apply to a cold-weather occasion. Dark colors and jewel tones, thicker fabrics like velvet, and full-coverage silhouettes, for example, are all acceptable fallbacks. A few choice options will work beyond your childhood friend's February nuptials: "Bonus: a cocktail attire dress in darker florals, for one, works for so many occasions other than just a wedding," Vazzana says.
Ahead, we unpack the best party pieces on today's market from brands like Reformation and A.L.C., discuss which winter 2025 trends to consider when shopping, and how to simplify occasion dressing (no matter how niche and novel the theme).
Metallic Dresses
Festive flair in the form of high-shine metallics is a foolproof option to consider for a cold-weather wedding. "I love a little sparkle, so a deep metallic or black sequin can always be fun for a winter wedding," Vazzana shares. "I’d stick to a darker sparkle though as not to distract from the bride,"—oxblood red or a black-gray shimmer, for instance.
Velvet Dresses
For a timeless winter look, try a dress made of buttery, touch-me velvet. In particular, Vazzana encourages you to consider "a long, deep red velvet gown, as it's a gorgeous option that taps into an opulent, rich-looking feel." The same goes for any velvet jewel-tone gown, as you can see from Reiss's ruched gown in dark teal.
Satin and Silk Dresses
Vazzana adds that, for a winter wedding, luscious satins and silks are always great since they're more substantial and textural than summery fabrics like linen or lightweight cotton. Reach for a sweet and romantic tie-strap silk gown from Reformation, or opt for a flirty strapless style with a matching scarf from Anthropologie's wedding line, Bhldn.
High-Neck Dresses
If your style skews classic, consider a sophisticated high-neck silhouette. The style offers more coverage than a skin-baring plunge, which makes it more suitable for a winter event where temperatures are already plunging. Whether you opt for a high cowl like A.L.C.'s, asymmetric detail like Ramy Brook's, or gathered turtle collar like NBD's, the effect is the same: regal and refined.
Long-Sleeve Dresses
You can't avoid it: winter's chilly temps necessitate more fabric. But, as Vazzana points out, a covered-up silhouette doesn't always equate to a conservative or snoozy style. "Don’t be afraid to opt for a long sleeve; though it may feel very covered, it still can be very chic," especially if the style boasts a few choice cutouts, open back, or dramatic plunge—like Norma Kamali's.
Floral Dresses
Flower motifs and prints are inherently romantic, which makes them a natural choice for a wedding. Even though real flowers may be scarce in nature during the winter, Vazzana encourages you to keep florals in your guest dress rotation during the cold season, especially "in dark and moody color palettes."
