For a winter wedding, wear a dress in a heavier fabric like velvet or a rich jewel tone like emerald or crimson, and plan a warm layer for the trip between the car, ceremony and reception. Floor-length or full-skirted styles fit formal and black tie invitations, and a shorter velvet dress with tights works for a less formal event. All four dresses below are built on our best-selling body styles.
Shop our winter dresses.
What colors should you wear to a winter wedding?
Jewel tones are the classic winter choice. Deep green, crimson red, sapphire and burgundy look rich in candlelight and evening photos. Avoid white, ivory and anything that could read as bridal. Black is fine at most evening and formal weddings.
Is velvet appropriate for a wedding guest?
Yes. Velvet is one of the best fabrics for a winter wedding. It has weight, holds color well and feels seasonal. It works for evening receptions, holiday-season weddings and formal dress codes.
How do you layer a wedding guest dress for cold weather?
- A cropped cardigan or bolero covers bare shoulders and arms without hiding the dress.
- A faux fur or wool wrap adds warmth over sleeveless and off-the-shoulder styles.
- A long wool coat keeps you warm outdoors and covers a floor-length hem.
- Sheer or opaque tights make shorter and midi dresses comfortable in the cold.
- Closed-toe heels or dressy ankle boots work better than sandals on cold or wet ground.
If you want more coverage for a church ceremony, keep a layer on through the vows and take it off at the reception.
What should you wear to a black tie winter wedding?
Choose a gown or a formal dress in a rich fabric. The Mary and Campbell dresses below are our top picks for black tie, and the floor-length Claudette works too with a warm wrap.
Which dresses work best for a winter wedding?
Mary Dress
The Mary Dress is made of velvet with a pearl-lined square neckline, fixed straps with adjustable bows on the shoulders, a fitted waistline, a back zipper and pockets. Sizes XXS to 6X. If you are in between sizes and smaller chested, size down. Pair it with white, black or gold accessories and a cropped jacket or wrap over the straps. This is our velvet choice for black tie.
Campbell Dress
The Campbell Dress is a green floral gown with a sweetheart neckline, elastic off-the-shoulder cap sleeves, a fitted waistline, a full A-line skirt, a corset back with a zipper closure and pockets. If you are in between sizes, size up. The emerald color is a true jewel tone, and the full skirt suits formal and black tie weddings. Add a bolero or wrap for a more modest look during the ceremony.
Claudette Dress
The Claudette Dress has a wildflower print in moss green, cornflower blue, poppy orange and white on a fabric with a soft sheen. It has a cowl neckline, a sleeveless cut, a floor-length maxi skirt and a back zipper. Sizes XXS to 6X. The full length gives modest coverage. The fabric is light weight, so plan on a cardigan, wrap or long coat for winter.
Scarlett Dress
The Scarlett Dress is velvet in a deep crimson with a boat neckline, a drop waist, a gathered bubble skirt and a back zipper closure. It fits true to size. This is the shorter option here, and the velvet and crimson color still read as winter. Wear it with tights and closed-toe heels, and add a cropped jacket for the walk in.
FAQ
Can you wear a sleeveless dress to a winter wedding?
Yes. Bring a cardigan, bolero or wrap for the ceremony and outdoor photos, and take it off once you are inside.
Can you wear a short dress to a winter wedding?
Yes, unless the invitation says black tie. Choose a heavier fabric like velvet and wear tights.
Is red okay to wear to a winter wedding?
Yes. Deep red is a classic winter color. Check that it does not match the bridal party if the couple has shared their colors.
What should you wear to a winter wedding at a church?
Choose a longer hem or add a layer that covers your shoulders, such as a cardigan or wrap.