What to wear to a winter wedding in the UK 2024: The best guest dresses and outfits
Weddings happen all year round, but it can be especially tricky to know what to wear if you’re a guest at a winter celebration, especially because we struggle to peel ourselves out of loungewear and thermals when it is cold outside let alone a lightweight dress.
There is seemingly no end of strappy dresses and pretty pastel numbers to wear to a summer ceremony, but dressing for a winter wedding requires a little more thought.
You’ve probably got to contend with going from chilly outside temperatures to balmier indoor ones, and you need to look smart and glam while still feeling comfortable, warm without overheating and sweating on the reception dancefloor.
Midi and maxi length dresses are popular choices for weddings when the weather’s cold, but you could also opt for an on-trend tailored jumpsuit or stylish co-ord suit as something a little different.
When it comes to winter dressing some may live in trousers, or thermals, and if wearing a dress or skirt opt for tights underneath. But is that the “done thing” when it comes to a wedding? Typically not. So how can we find something stylish yet warm?
You’ll probably also need a coat or a jacket – but not one that’s better suited to walking the dog or tidying the garden.
Trying to find the perfect outfit can be especially stressful if you’re not sure what the bridesmaids will be wearing – eek! – and if you have a few weddings in quick succession, it can also be quite expensive.
Our high street heroes have us covered with standout pieces for affordable prices so you’ll feel like the belle of the ball (other than the bride, of course) without breaking the bank.
Alternatively you may want to rent your look for the big days. There are plenty of sites that offer designer and luxe options to borrow, which you then send back – think Hurr, My Wardrobe HQ, By Rotation and Hirestreet if you’re looking to borrow the dress of your dreams.
Read on to see out selection of stylish outfits to keep you cosy yet chic for winter weddings this year.
Best winter wedding guest dresses
1. ASOS DESIGN one shoulder shirred midi dress in charcoal
We love this uber feminine dress from ASOS, which hugs the body in all the right places, without being too revealing – thanks to the shirring detail and floaty skirting.
The one shoulder puff sleeve, combined with the textured fabric and side split, makes this flattering for all body shapes, but also the perfect combination to still keep you warm at a winter wedding.
The floaty sleeves are great if you’re uncomfortable with baring your upper arms, though you have the option to show off your decolletage too.
It’s a steal at just £65, and it’ll look equally good at summer weddings or garden parties too.
- ASOS DESIGN one shoulder shirred midi dress in charcoal, £65 from ASOS – buy here
2. Boden Tie Back Slip Midi Dress
We love the simplicity of this Boden midi dress, which gives a different twist to the classic slip dress.
The tie-up halterneck shows off the shoulders in a very elegant way (very reminiscent of Meghan Markle’s second wedding dress, don’t you think?), while the bold colour looks seasonal enough without seeming too Christmassy.
- Tie Back Slip Midi Dress, £91 (Was £133) from Boden – buy here
3. River Island Black Satin Wrap Midi Dress
River Island’s satin midi dress ticks all the boxes for us, and is the ideal dress for autumn and winter weddings, whether you are attending both the ceremony and reception or just the afterparty.
Quelling any stress around whether your arms will be chilly, it has elegant long sleeves with a slightly squared off shoulder to add structure and an equally delicate open back that, in our opinion, is the ultimate in both subtlety and opulence.
Ruching creates definition around the waist and an asymmetrical hemline and slight slit means walking’s a breeze (if you’re wearing the right shoes).
Under £50, this is a classic piece you can wear again and again – just accessorise differently each time and no one will even notice it’s the same dress.
- Black Satin Wrap Midi Dress, £20 (Was £48) from River Island – buy here
4. Topshop maxi sequin dress in cobalt
One word comes to mind when we look at this dress: show-stopping.
It’s uber chic, flattering and is giving major red carpet Hollywood glamour, but with a very affordable price tag.
From the cobalt blue hue, to the sequins, the maxi length and A-line skirt to the open back detail.
The cut is uber flattering as it elongates your frame, while the a-line skirt ensures it is not a super tight, almost mermaid like bodycon dress.
When it comes to winter dressing sequins are rife, so this is the perfect number for any winter wedding, especially those held around Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
It’s standout while still being understated, and we love it.
- Topshop maxi sequin dress in cobalt, £48 (Was £120) from ASOS – buy here
5. Rat & Boa Fiorella Dress
Rat & Boa pieces always make a statement.
This Fiorella dress is ideal for those wanting a touch of glamour and who aren’t too worried about showing a bit of skin, all the while covering your arms and legs to keep you warm in the winter months.
It has a v-neckline, is maxi length and features a thigh high split, as well as a knot detail in the centre of the dress, which, combined with the flared ruffle sleeves and electric blue shade, makes this a winning combination.
The dress looks exotic but the long sleeve and length provide that warmth and coverage for a winter wedding, so you look stylish but season appropriate.
Plus, this design is perfect for any winter sun weddings too.
- Fiorella Dress, £225 from Rat & Boa – buy here
6. Ghost Satin Sleeveless Midaxi Slip Dress
Sometimes elegance lies in simplicity, just like this Ghost slip dress.
Available in a classic black and from sizes XS to XL, this is a super flattering cut without making much of a fuss.
Plus, it is versatile enough you can wear in the daytime, or evenings, after attending the wedding.
Plus you can style with. at-shirt underneath, or under a chunky knitted jumper for a casual look.
- Satin Sleeveless Midaxi Slip Dress, £129 from M&S – buy here
7. H&M Lace Bandeau Dress
H&M is our go-to for everything and anything, whether it’s jumpers, loungewear or occasion dresses.
If you’re an evening guest, this is a beautiful and flattering option with its princess silhouette and lacy tulle skirt.
- Lace bandeau dress, £59.99 from H&M – buy here
8. Whistles Tie Back Stretch-Crepe Maxi Dress
Whistles has nailed occasion dressing, especially with this number, which is ideal for a formal wedding.
Everything from the baby blue colour to the elegant slit, maxi length, and stand out tie back ticks all the boxes for us.
- Whistles Tie Back Stretch-Crepe Maxi Dress, £199 from Selfridges – buy here
Best winter wedding guest outfits for over 50s
1. Hobbs Eleanor Polka Dot Print Midi Dress
Feminine and flattering, this nips you in at the waist then flares out into a floaty midi length skirt, while loose-fitting fluted sleeves cover the tops of arms.
With a pretty pale blue (it’s not white, don’t worry!) polka dot print, this would look equally good at formal summer occasions too.
- Hobbs Eleanor Polka Dot Print Midi Dress, £119 (was £169) from John Lewis – buy here
2. River Island Green Satin Knot Detail Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is a great alternative to wearing a dress to a wedding, and paired with the right footwear and accessories, can look just as glam.
This dark green satin number has a tummy-hiding tie waist and long flared sleeves for a stylish fit.
- Green Satin Knot Detail Jumpsuit, £65 from River Island – buy here
3. ASOS DESIGN tie back fluted sleeve pleated chevron chiffon midi dress in green
For the older adults shopping for an outfit to wear to a wedding can be challenging, as there is often a strict list of no nos; not too short, not sleeveless, not skintight, and probably a few more requests.
ASOS has nailed the brief with the Tie Back Fluted Sleeve Pleated Chiffon Dress.
It is a midaxi length, which is perfect to cover knees, and calves many older women request, but without being too long they get caught up in and struggle to walk in.
It features flared sleeves to cover the arms, while also keeping you warm too, while the flared edge gives the illusion of a slimmer frame too.
The high seam under the bust is flattering as it does not attract attention to the midriff like some detailing placed around the stomach can do, and the light, chiffon fabric, combined with. the pleated texture, helps to conceal a multitude of sins.
- ASOS DESIGN tie back fluted sleeve pleated chevron chiffon midi dress in green, £55 from ASOS – buy here
Best long sleeve winter wedding outfits
1. Rixo Zadie Jacquard Midi-Dress
Wearing a Rixo dress will really mark you out as someone who knows their trendy fashion brands, and we love this simple but striking teal green number.
It’s not the cheapest, but we bet you’ll get lots of wear out of it – and if you ever feel like lending it out to others, Rixo is really popular on rental sites like Hurr.
- Rixo Zadie Jacquard Midi-Dress, £255 from Liberty London – buy here
2. New Look Black Tortoiseshell Print Midi Dress
Costing less than £30, we think this elegant wrap dress looks far more expensive than it is.
The slinky, shiny satin material makes it perfect for partying, while the long sleeves, wrap waist and midi length hem keep it looking appropriate for wedding ceremonies too.
- Black Tortoiseshell Print Satin Wrap Long Sleeve Midi Dress, £25 (Was £39.99) from New Look – buy here
3. Nobody’s Child Burgundy Satin Fleur Bridesmaid Midaxi Dress
This dress may technically be called a bridesmaid dress, but as long as it doesn’t match the actual bridal party’s outfits, wedding guests can definitely wear this too.
Favourite features include the half-length sleeves, frill hems and gathered waist, which think gives this dress serious Vampire’s Wife vibes (but for a fraction of the cost).
- Burgundy Satin Fleur Bridesmaid Midaxi Dress, £55 (Was £85) at Nobody’s Child – buy here
4. Reiss Opal Fitted Velvet Suit Blazer and Trousers
Suits are a great wedding outfit option too, and this two-piece veers away from workwear and into partywear with its luxe velvet fabric and satin trims.
Keep it looking glam by pairing it with some statement heels, chunky gold jewellery and glitzy clutch bag.
- Opal Fitted Velvet Single Breasted Suit Blazer, £178 (Was £298) from Reiss – buy here
- Opal Velvet Flared Trousers, £118 (Was £198) from Reiss – buy here
5. Spot Tulle Balloon Sleeve Tiered Maxi Dress
Warehouse’s Spot Tulle Balloon Sleeve Tiered Maxi Dress is an investment piece if ever we saw one, not only because it is reduced by 59%.
This stunning dress is uber flattering for all shoppers as it features a feminine V-plunge neckline, sheer balloon puff sleeves, has a thick waistband detail to cinch in your frame before puffing out into the thick tulle skirting.
Attention to detail is everything, from the ruched waistband to the ruffled detailing on the body of the skirt, this dress will see the complements come flooding in.
- Spot Tulle Balloon Sleeve Tiered Maxi Dress, £89 (was £219) from Warehouse – buy here
6. Ted Baker Grayda Petal Print A-Line Mini Dress
The big sheer balloon sleeves steal the show with this dress, which is a great option if you’re looking for a mini dress.
Wear with a oversized blazer and chunky platforms, and bare legs if you’re feeling brave (if not, sheer black tights will look just as good).
- Grayda Petal Print A-Line Mini Dress, £99 (was £165) from Ted Baker – buy here
7. Vivere By Savannah Miller June Hammered Satin Midi Dress
If you are looking. fora stunning and elegant dress that is winter appropriate, look no further.
This design boasts long sleeves, with cute button detail on the cuff, is midi length, high neck, to keep you warm and regal looking.
But this is dress doesn’t mean you are entirely covered up from head to toe, as it and features a cut out panel at the back of the dress, a large bow tie, and has been made from super soft satin in a decadent chocolate brown, which makes this design even more luxe.
Pair with gold or neutral accessories for a knockout look this wedding season.
- Vivere By Savannah Miller June Hammered Satin Midi Dress, £49 (Was £165) from John Lewis – buy here
8. Black Organza Sleeve Zora Midi Dress
We love Nobody’s Child as it is an eco-conscious brand that delivers stunning garments across all categories.
Another hugely popular design we are lusting after for this wedding season includes the Zora Midi Dress.
This dress is midi in length, round neck, and features sheer puff sleeves, plus the entire design has a subtle patterned overlay to make this stand out even more.
Plus the skirt puffs out so you can eat and dance to your heart’s content and still look and feel your best.
- Black Organza Sleeve Zora Midi Dress, £110 from Nobody’s Child – buy here
9. Les Velvet Dress
Winter dressing not only sees sparkles, but velvet fabrics, and feathers, as well as a darker, and richer, colour palette.
If you love a mini dress, or want to follow the textured trend for the winter season the Les Velvet Dress from Reformation is not to miss.
It boasts long sleeves, a boat neckline, and stylish shoulder pad detailing, plus it has a v-neck back detail and falls midway down the thigh.
Wedding guests can accessorise with a belt should they wish, but we recommend wearing sheer black tights, rather than thick wool hosiery, and this is the only dress that breaks the rule of wearing tights to a wedding.
Accessorise with metallic jewellery, shoes and bag, or opt for all black accessories – the options are endless, but it’s a perfect dress to recycle over the party seasons to come.
- Les Velvet Dress, £248 from Reformation – buy here
What to wear to a winter wedding
It can be tricky to know what to wear to a winter wedding, but we’ve got plenty of great outfit ideas for you, from dresses to jumpsuits.
It’s important to look smart and respectful yet still glam, as you’ve probably got to go from ceremony to dinner and then dancefloor.
You’ve also got to think about the temperature and, unlike with a summer wedding, long sleeved dresses, smart trousers or long skirts might be a good idea.
If in doubt, why not chat to other guests ahead of the date to see what they’re wearing?
Where to buy winter wedding guest outfits
Looking for somewhere to buy a winter wedding outfit? Online is your best bet.
These are some of our favourite online retailers, just make sure you factor in delivery times.
- ASOS – shop here
- H&M – shop here
- Mango – shop here
- New Look – shop here
- Selfridges- shop here
- & Other Stories – shop here
- River Island – shop here
- Nasty Gal – shop here
- M&S – shop here
- Nobody’s Child – shop here
- John Lewis – shop here
How much do wedding guest outfits cost?
Knowing how much to spend on a winter wedding guest dress or outfit is entirely up to you and your budget.
Weddings can be expensive, so make sure you factor this in; the hotels, drinks, gifts etc. all add up.
We have seen stunning wedding guest dresses for under £50, even under £30 at some retailers with sales on, so keep your eyes peeled for a bargain.
Personally we wouldn’t spend much over £100, but it depends on your budget, how close you are to the bride and groom, and also the cost per wear of your outfit – if you think you will rewear it time and time again, then you may be more inclined to fork out more.
How much should I spend on a winter wedding guest outfit?
Wedding guest outfits can cost anywhere from £28 up to hundreds of pounds, so it is entirely up to you how much you want to spend.
For a breakdown of all the dos and don’ts during wedding season, read this guide on what you should be wearing to a winter wedding.
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Want more options? Here are some more of the best wedding guest outfits.
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