14 Winter Wedding Guest Dresses to Wear to All of Your Cold-Weather Celebrations

Several of these options will work for your holiday parties, too.

Dresses for Winter Wedding guests
Photo: Courtesy of Anthropologie, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom

Most guests take one of two approaches to winter wedding attire. The first involves donning that summer dress that could pass as cold-weather appropriate, especially if you add a cardigan and tights. The second means panicking (what even passes as winter-ready guest attire anyway?) as you sort through your closest or frantically shop online (will your pick get there in time?).

While neither approach is really wrong, there are much better ways to go about choosing a dress to wear to a winter wedding. In fact, we're of the firm belief that dressing for an end-of-year fête doesn't have to be the slightest bit stressful. The season is packed with so many rich textures and patterns—like velvet and winter floral—so you have plenty of choices as you decide what to wear.

To kick off the closet search or shopping spree, we've rounded up a few of our favorite of-the-moment looks that you can shop right now.

01 of 14

Ulla Johnson Minuit Jacqueline Dress in Black

Ulla Johnson Minuit Jacqueline Dress in Black
Courtesy of Shopbop

Dark botanical florals are all the rage this year, and this moody frock is a stunning take on the look. Lace-trimmed flutter sleeves add a flirtatious touch.

02 of 14

Misa Tie-Back Maxi Dress in Black Motif

Misa Tie-Back Maxi Dress in Black Motif
Courtesy of Anthropologie

Billowing florals on a black background are a romantic choice for a winter wedding. Add black heels, bold earrings, and a cashmere wrap to complete the look.

03 of 14

Mango Knitted Perkins Neck Dress in Sand

Mango Knitted Perkins Neck Dress in Sand
Courtesy of Mango

Have a more casual wedding to attend? Pair heels or booties with this sleek knit dress, throw on a pair of statement earrings, and you're good to go.

04 of 14

Reformation Gloriana Silk Dress in Emerald

Reformation Gloriana Silk Dress in Emerald
Courtesy of Reformation

Emerald green is one of our favorite colors for winter, and it's absolutely unforgettable when done in a sweetheart neckline and bustier bodice.

05 of 14

Badgley Mischka Draped-Sleeve Velvet Gown in Red

Badgley Mischka Draped-Sleeve Velvet Gown in Red
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Regal red velvet and dramatic puffed sleeves create an unforgettable winter wedding look. Imagine this with a retro Hollywood wave and a deep ruby lip.

06 of 14

ML Monique Lhuillier Tulle Midi Dress in Black

ML Monique Lhuillier Tulle Midi Dress in Black
Courtesy of Bloomindale's

We dare you to try to stay off the dance floor in this flirty fit-and-flare look in black-and-silver metallic. (Spoiler: you won't be able to!)

07 of 14

Lulus Awaken My Love Burgundy Long Sleeve Lace Maxi Dress

Lulus Awaken My Love Burgundy Long Sleeve Lace Maxi Dress
Courtesy of Lulus

Crochet lace in a pretty burgundy red meets a beautifully draped full length skirt in this affordable winter wedding guest dress.

08 of 14

Tanya Taylor Eleanora Dress in Black

Tanya Taylor Eleanora Dress in Black
Courtesy of Tanya Taylor

We love the versatility of this dress: You can dress it up with heels for a cocktail soirée thanks to its bold puff sleeves and tiered taffeta skirt, but it's also just at home with a pair of tights and boots for a daytime event.

09 of 14

LoveShackFancy Spin Mini Dress in Black

LoveShackFancy Spin Mini Dress in Black
Courtesy of LoveShackFancy

This playful dress is ready to hit the dance floor. A daring mini skirt is balanced out by an eye-catching back bow—which will twirl behind you all night long.

10 of 14

Reformation Cassis Silk Dress in Magnifica Floral or Forest

Reformation Cassis Silk Dress in Magnifica Floral or Forest
Courtesy of Reformation

Whether you opt for a dark floral or a sumptuous solid, this gown's boat neckline and wrap skirt details make it a timeless choice for all your wintertime affairs.

11 of 14

Lilly Pulitzer Kavia Jumpsuit in Hosta Green

Lilly Pulitzer Kavia Jumpsuit in Hosta Green
Courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer

Sometimes, a jumpsuit is just easier. This silk crepe piece in a stunning emerald green is perfect for your indoor winter celebrations. Pair it with gold heels and statement earrings.

12 of 14

Needle & Thread Aurora Ballerina Dress in Red

Needle & Thread Aurora Ballerina Dress in Red
Courtesy of Needle & Thread

This shimmering sequined dress is stunning for a holiday wedding. With illusion sleeves, vintage-inspired lace, and sweet ruffles, it boasts every romantic frill in the book.

13 of 14

Eliza J Mock Neck Blouson Gown in Hunter

Eliza J Mock Neck Blouson Gown in Hunter
Courtesy of Dillards

A floor-length velvet gown in a wintery shade of hunter green is perfect for all your black-tie affairs this season. Plus, you get the drama of a turtleneck with the flattering fit of a halter.

14 of 14

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Perlita Illusion Blouson-Sleeve Dress in Black

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Perlita Illusion Blouson-Sleeve Dress in Black
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Feminine sheer sleeves and a gentle V-neckline give this dress royal vibes. This is one you'll wear for years to come.

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