If summer nuptials call for layers of floating chiffon and bright prints befitting a beach ceremony, winter wedding guest dresses are decidedly more pared-back. Linen maxi dresses stand in for velvet gowns; fluttery cocktail dresses are replaced by floor-length options with long sleeves; the palette gets moody, rich, and inky. If you have a cold-weather dress code on the horizon and want to add a new piece to your closet, start with our edit.
Vogue‘s Guide to the Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
These 28 options are geared at guests (though, attention bridesmaids: If your prompt is black tie and you’re on a deadline to find a dramatic silhouette in an appropriate color, you’ll find something here too) and feature stand-outs from brands like Staud and J.Crew as well as designer favorites worthy of the investment. Tove’s cowl neck chocolate brown dress is covered in sequins from head to toe, Stella McCartney and Kallmeyer make jewel tones interesting with sweeping silhouettes and lace detailing, and Bernadette’s one-shoulder stunner is perfectly apropos for a formal wedding. We even found a mini dress that works: It’s from Self-Portrait, cut in beautiful burgundy silk, and great for an upcoming courthouse ceremony. Don’t let the chilly temperatures deter you—but do ensure you have a proper coat to assist with backless numbers and short sleeve options.
Ahead, all the formal dresses befitting a wintertime fête.
