12 winter wedding guest dresses to heat up the cold-weather season
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Winter weddings are the silver lining of the cold-weather season. Between the shimmering lights, festive décor and warm drinks, it's one memorable moment after another, and the only element that shines brighter than the venue itself is the guest's attire.
Yes, that's right, we are talking about winter wedding guest dresses. From buttery-smooth velvets to full-length gowns, each dress not only makes the most Instagrammable moment but, when you select the right dress, it will double as a layer of protection against Mother Nature's chilly wrath. (And who doesn't want that?)
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It doesn't matter if you want to show some leg in a showstopping selection or if you're on the hunt for the best plus-size dresses: we've got it covered. Step into one of these 12 winter wedding guest dresses and prepare to heat up the cold-weather season by sizzling in style.
1. A satin maxi dress in an unexpected shade from ASOS
Bring the drama this season with the help of this ASOS Design dress. Available in women's sizes 0 to 14, this dress packs a fashionable punch thanks to its well-conceived design.
This floor-length style dress cuts right above the ankle and will show off any pair of heels to perfection. Reviewers loved that this silhouette was on the fitted side and the tiny slit on the backside, which avoided taking "baby steps" at any point. A handful of shoppers loved how confident they felt "taking large strides" thanks to the "snugger fit in the thigh and hips."
Many other customers complimented the modest boatneck, claiming the higher design worked double-duty as a compliment-magnet and an extra layer of protection when temperatures dipped. They loved how the material hit "all the right places" and wasn't oversized in the bust like other boatneck silhouettes sometimes end up being.
However, the one detail that every shopper was in unison about was how much they loved the spontaneous mustard shade. With so many wedding guests often reaching for warmer tones to complement the colder-weather season, it was a nice change in pace to see this golden hue that did (and will) hold its ground next to those tried-but-true choices.
Exceptional for all special occasions, a majority of the customers opted to wear this ASOS Design dress to weddings and received "so many compliments in the warmer tone."
Get the ASOS DESIGN satin maxi dress from ASOS for $98
2. This best-selling Amazon dress that's under $55
Ready to bring the drama? Nearly 10,000 Amazon reviewers recommend stepping into this best-selling dress.
Available in sizes small to XL, this fan-favorite dress makes a statement right off the bat with its range of colors. Nine sensational shades range from deep jewel tones to classic black, all of which will be perfectly on-trend with the wintery season. The only thing reviewers say is better than the wide range of color choices is how this dress "fits like a glove."
Reviewers claim the comfortable polyester material is form-fitting without being restrictive. Between the floor-length cut and side slit right above the leg, many said it provided "just enough leg" without being too daring or inappropriate. One shopper revealed "the glamorous fit flowed beautifully when she walked," with the ruffle detailing was the cherry on top. Oh, and speaking of tops—the higher neckline also reigned supreme.
Deemed both "classic and sophisticated," this higher cut only added to this dresses' charm, and shoppers loved this almost as much as they loved "not having to wear spandex with this dress." So many reviewers revealed this dress "was a hit" at every wedding it was worn at and made each woman feel like a goddess when stepping into it.
Get the WOOSEA Women's High Neck Evening Gown from Amazon for $54.99
3. A ready-to-wear formal gown from Alfred Sung
Toronto-born designer Alfred Sung is known for his contemporary bridesmaid dresses at a great value, and when it comes to this $235 dress, it's case and point.
Available in classic black and hunter green shades, this dress is available in women's sizes 0 to 14. While most reviewers were left raving over the classic cap sleeve, stunning v-neck back and clean lines, the precise seaming sculpting allows this floor-length dress to hit bodies in all the right places, so it's best to size up one or two sizes.
According to one reviewer, once she found her perfect fit, she was blown away over how luxe this gown looked and raved over the "pockets [that] were a bonus." They were large enough to carry their essentials and instead of a bag, plus, when doing so, it didn't take away from the beautiful shape of the gown.
Across the board, customers loved how this "luxe and rich looking" full-length gown was "simple and so elegant." With one shopper saying it was the perfect "special occasion gown."
Get the Alfred Sung cap sleeve A-Line gown from Nordstrom for $235
4. A floor-length dress from ASOS that will make you feel like royalty
It'll be love at first scroll when you spot this floor-length style dress that looks right out of a fairytale. Available in women's sizes 0 to 14, this dress features a champagne color that's both iridescent and swoon-worthy, sure to sparkle and shine day or night.
The whimsical silhouette is equally impressive thanks to a comfortable empire waist and twisted x-back that exposes just the right amount of skin. Add in the dense-pile velvet that feels as soft as it looks, as well as the $80 price tag and it's hard to resist this dreamy dress.
Get the ASOS DESIGN twist back pleated empire waist velvet maxi dress from ASOS for $80
5. A romanticized off-the-shoulder, plus-size dress from boohoo
Finding the perfect plus-size winter wedding guest dress is no easy vice, and when you want a worthwhile investment, we recommend turning your attention to this one from boohoo.
Available in women's plus sizes from 12 to 24, this dress is ready in blush, black and berry. Each shade features the same sweet silhouette with a flirty mid-length cut that hits right below the knees and princess bodice to add shape and definition. And, while even detail is as dreamy as the last, what makes this dress the créme de la creme is the adjustable neckline.
Shoppers have control over how much or how little skin they want to reveal, but either way, the v-neck will create a romantic off-the-shoulder look that will be appropriate wherever and whenever it's worn.
Get the Women's plus off-the-shoulder wrap midi dress from boohoo for $28
6. A dress designer that's earned Barbra Streisand's stamp of approval
What's the one thing you and Barbra Streisand could have in common? According to our next dress option, it would be Chicago-based designer Azeeza Khan.
During her epic 2019 concert tour, Khan created 25 looks for the legendary singer, and this Culhane dress is the ideal way to follow the icon's lead.
Available in women's sizes x-small to large, this dress has it all. The surplice neckline is low without being too low, and the self-tie wrap closure allows you to tighten the slim-fit silhouette a bit more or loosen things up, all while the silky-smooth material oozes elegance.
Each side brings just the right amount of definition to elevate this design, with the walnut shade working its favor striking a balance among elegance and quality, making this piece wearable long after the reception ends.
Get the Azeeza Culhane silk blouson dress from Bergdorf Goodman for $1,195
7. This flattering plus-sized dress with a near-perfect rating on Amazon
Make a statement in this plus-sized dress that has Amazon reviewers smitten. Over 2,000 shoppers love not only all six shades this dress has to offer, but the wide range of women's plus sizes from 16 to 24 as well.
Designed in a nylon/spandex blend, this dress is "the perfect comfortable choice" and looks far more expensive than it is. The intricate lace detailing starts at the bust and goes all the way down to the ¾-length sleeve and the high-waisted construction covers and conceals any midsections.
Topping off this dress is a flattering and flowy chiffon hem that will be perfect for dancing the night away.
Many reviewers even added more than one color to their bag, and how couldn't they? One shopper said it perfectly, by calling this dress " the best choice with an even better price tag."
Get the Pinup Fashion women's plus size lace dress from Amazon starting at $39.99
8. This Lilly Pulitzer dress that stresses hidden detailing
Love a mini dress but fear wearing something that short to a wedding? Lilly Pulitzer takes your problem and offers the brand's Kipton dress as a solution.
Available in women's sizes 00 to 16, this fresh look features a one-shoulder neckline and flouncing detail that adds just the right amount of drama. Adding to its appeal is a mini skirt with side slits that strongly resembles a mini dress but is not; it's actually a romper with hidden shorts underneath.
One reviewer loved how this romper made her feel confident and avoid flashing anyone during the windier weather and another shopper said this romper was a savior and helped keep her legs from chaffing. Plus, almost every reviewer was singing Lilly Pulitzer's praises for striking gold yet again with another one of her signature prints.
This one-piece diverted from all-black and instead presented a pucker jacquard fabric with a pineapple print throughout. Unexpected yet well-received, this "fun and dressy piece" made formal dressing a breeze.
Get the Kipton one-shoulder romper from Lilly Pulitzer for $218
9. A tiered ruffle mid-length dress from V. Chapman
V. Chapman— the brand beloved by Kristin Cavallari and Hannah Brown— is recognized for its unique pieces that combine slightly sexier silhouettes with feminine details and are perfect for every magical moment in your life, including any upcoming weddings.
The Lily Dress is a midi-length dress that is longer than a knee-length dress, shorter than a full-length style, and shows off shoes spectacularly. Available in women's sizes 0 to 14, choose from rose dust, sage, or warm sand, all of which have the same dreamy design.
The elastic ruched dress scrunches you in and makes you feel fun and flirty, with an emphasis on comfort; the stretchier polyester/spandex material ultimately molds to your body and fits like a glove. With sweet ruffles detailing and a bow on the side, V.Chapman's Lily Dress can be worn alone or paired with an oversized shawl or fur wrap; either way, it's the playful piece everyone will be eyeing.
Get the V.Chapman Lily dress from BHLDN for $365
10. A top-rated Jenny Yoo dress available in extended sizes
Recognized for incorporating rich and luxurious silks, chiffons, and delicate laces to create an elegant and refined look, Jenny Yoo is the perfect designer when shopping for winter wedding guest dresses. Her focus on unexpected details, cut and proportion work wonders on every frame, and her Logan Velvet Dress is a testament to just that.
Available in women's regular and plus sizes from 0 to 26, this ultra-soft dress is ready in seven different colors. Make a subtle statement in a soft, muted sage or leave everyone green with envy by slipping into the richer emerald hue. There is no wrong way to go seeing as each dress features the same ultra-soft, stretchy velvet.
Scoring a near-perfect 4.7-rating, reviewers love how stunning the colors were in person, and one reviewer loved how it fit her "plus-size frame like a glove." More favorably was the deep-v neckline featuring mesh paneling and the plunging back showed some skin; it was the perfect example of "business in the front and party in the back."
Get the Jenny Yoo Logan velvet dress from BHLDN for $290
11. An upgraded little black dress by Markarian
What's the one thing you, Lizzo, and First Lady Jill Biden all could have in common? It'd be your love for Alexandra O'Neil's brand, Markarian. Perfect for wedding season, the Markarian brand blends O'Neil's love of celestial romanticism with timeless design and modern grace into every piece, with this dress an exemplary example.
Available in women's sizes 0 to 14, this dress is made of silk faille and puts a modern spin on the traditional little black dress. The strapless silhouette showcases a minimalist v-neck which is flared and fitted and carries down into an accentuated ruffle trim waist. On the backside, there is bustle-inspired detailing to add volume and movement to an otherwise straight silhouette; the intricate draped ruffling and gathered godet are reminiscent of the Victorian age.
With a hidden back closure and uneven midi-length hem, all that's left to do is slip into your favored footwear and wait for the compliment to roll on in.
Get the Markarian Lottie silk faille bustled dress from Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,795
12. An '90s-inspired tulle dress from a top-rated Etsy designer
Versatility reigns supreme for best-selling Etsy designer NeedlemeetsThreads '90s-inspired corset dress. Available in sizes 2 to 26W, this dress offers seven different shades ranging from white to black and even offers shoppers a chance to custom this piece into any color of their liking.
Every dress features the same sheer celestial mesh silhouette with sequin silver stars and spaghetti straps, but what's most alluring about this piece is controlling the length. Keep the dress at its current mid-length and feel like a princess or extend it out to the alternative ball gown length; either way, reviewers can't stop raving.
Ideal for last-minute shoppers, one shopper raved on about how quickly this dress arrived, while others were impressed with how "perfectly tailored" this dress was and how it "molded" to their body. No wonder it scored a near-perfect 4.5-rating.
Get the NeedlemeetsThread star tulle '90s-Inspired dress from Etsy for $189
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Winter wedding guest dresses ideas 2022: Perfect for the cold-weather
