The coldest wedding I ever planned was on a farm in January. The ceremony was outside for eleven minutes, and I still remember the guest who arrived in a strappy silk slip and spent the whole time shaking. The guest I remember for the right reasons wore green velvet, sheer tights, a long camel coat and suede booties, and she looked lovely in every photo.
Winter weddings ask a bit more of a guest. You need to look festive, stay warm and get the dress code right. Here are 40 complete outfits, four for each kind of winter wedding, from black tie to a ski lodge to a beach in January.
What guests are wearing this winter
Velvet. It’s in every winter guest edit this year and all over the fall runways, in every length from mini to floor.
Satin with weight. Heavy satin and high-shine liquid satin in pewter, bronze and silver for evening weddings.
Long sleeves. Long and three-quarter sleeves are back for guests, and they solve the church question too.
The opera look. Pinterest predicts searches for opera outfits up 55 percent, cape outfits up 65 percent and brooches up 110 percent. A velvet column with a capelet, long gloves and a brooch covers all three.
Colours. Burgundy, wine and berry lead, then chocolate, olive and forest green, emerald, plum, navy and deep red. Silver, gold and sequins are for holiday and New Year’s Eve weddings.
The etiquette rules
No white. White, ivory and very pale shades that photograph as white are the one firm rule, unless the couple asks for it. Be careful with champagne and pale silver, which can look bridal.
Black. Fine at most evening and black tie weddings. Avoid it at traditional church ceremonies and at Hindu, Indian or Chinese weddings.
Red. Fine at most Western weddings. Skip it at Indian, Pakistani, Chinese and Hindu weddings, where red is often the bride’s colour.
Church ceremonies. Emily Post notes that bare shoulders and arms can offend at religious ceremonies, so bring a jacket or wrap.
Sequins. Save the full sparkle for evening and New Year’s Eve weddings.
How to stay warm and still look formal
Hide the warmth underneath: thin thermal layers and the sheerest tights you can find, since thick opaque tights can look heavy with a gown. On top, wear a long wool coat or a long faux fur coat, never a puffer. Choose closed-toe shoes and bring a second pair if you’ll walk outside. Plan for about fifteen minutes outdoors for photos.
Black tie (outfits 1 to 4)
1. Black velvet with an open back
The look: A black velvet maxi gown with a high neck and an open back, black satin pointed closed-toe pumps, a floor-length black faux fur coat, a crystal minaudiere, elbow-length black suede gloves and crystal drop earrings.
Where to find it: Michael Costello x Revolve Mott Maxi, about $268 when last listed, XXS to XL.
A high neck in front and a bare back behind is the most elegant way to wear black to a winter wedding. Gloves and a long faux fur coat finish it.
2. Midnight velvet to rent
The look: A midnight blue velvet floor-length gown with a notched V-neckline, spaghetti straps and a side slit, navy velvet pointed pumps, a charcoal faux fur stole over a long navy wool coat, a silver metal box clutch, elbow-length navy suede gloves and diamante studs.
Where to find it: Zac Posen Velvet Gown at Rent the Runway, rental from about $70.
For a black tie wedding you’ll wear once, rent. Midnight blue looks richer than black in candlelight.
3. Pewter liquid satin
The look: A deep pewter high-shine satin floor-length column gown with one shoulder, one long fitted sleeve and a high leg slit, silver metallic pointed pumps, a long charcoal wool coat worn over the shoulders, a pewter box clutch, a single silver cuff and chandelier earrings.
Where to find it: Look for one-shoulder satin columns in pewter or gunmetal.
Liquid chrome satin is one of this season’s evening trends. Keep the shade deep, because pale silver can look bridal.
4. The opera look
The look: A wine burgundy velvet strapless floor-length column gown with a matching draped velvet capelet pinned at the collarbone with an antique brooch, burgundy velvet pointed pumps, a long black wool cape coat, a black satin frame clutch, elbow-length burgundy leather gloves and garnet drop earrings.
Where to find it: Pair any burgundy velvet column with a capelet and long gloves.
Pinterest predicts the opera aesthetic, capes and brooches for 2026, and all three fit a black tie winter wedding. This is the look I’d wear.
Formal or black tie optional (outfits 5 to 8)
5. Emerald deep V velvet
The look: An emerald stretch velvet maxi dress with a deep V-neckline, gold closed-toe block-heel pumps, a long camel wool coat, a gold metallic clutch, gold drop earrings and a gold cuff.
Where to find it: BHLDN Amelia Deep-V Stretch Velvet Maxi at Anthropologie, $248, XXS to XL.
Emerald velvet is a winter wedding classic, and a camel coat makes it feel fresh.
6. Chocolate jersey with a scarf neck
The look: A chocolate brown jersey gown with a scarf detail at the neck, espresso suede pointed pumps, a long chocolate faux fur coat, a bronze metallic clutch, gold hoops and a tortoiseshell hair clip.
Where to find it: Self-Portrait Scarf-Detail Jersey Gown, about $745.
Chocolate brown is one of the season’s top colours. Jersey is warm and easy to sit in through a long dinner.
7. Purple halter with gloves
The look: A purple crepe floor-length gown with a choker halter neck and a front slit, deep plum satin closed pumps, a black cashmere wrap, a silver crystal clutch, elbow-length black suede gloves and amethyst studs.
Where to find it: Amanda Uprichard Queen Gown at Revolve, about $260 when last listed.
Long gloves cover bare arms and look straight out of the opera trend. Plum shoes keep it tonal.
8. Burgundy velvet with flutter sleeves
The look: A burgundy stretch velvet gown with flutter sleeves and an open back, burgundy velvet block-heel pumps, a tailored long black wool coat, a gold chain-strap mini bag and statement gold earrings.
Where to find it: Jenny Yoo Ellis Flutter-Sleeve Open-Back Stretch Velvet Gown at Anthropologie, sizes 0 to 26.
This one comes in standard and plus sizes up to 26. For more ideas, see my plus-size cocktail dresses guide.
Cocktail (outfits 9 to 12)
9. Moss silk cowl midi
The look: A moss green silk midi dress with a cowl neckline and flutter sleeves, dark brown suede pointed pumps, a cropped chocolate faux fur jacket, a gold frame clutch, sheer black tights and a gold brooch.
Where to find it: Veronica Beard Redgrave Silk Midi, $698 (seen on sale at $419).
Moss and chocolate is one of my favourite winter pairings. Sheer tights keep your legs warm without looking heavy.
10. Black lace dark romance
The look: A black lace midi dress with long lace sleeves, a button front and a slit, black patent pointed pumps, a long black wool coat, a black velvet clutch, sheer lace-pattern black tights, jet drop earrings and a red lip.
Where to find it: Lulus Perfect Tendencies, about $78 when last listed.
Dark lace came straight off the fall runways. It’s right for an evening cocktail wedding, though I’d skip it for a traditional church.
11. Cabernet satin slip
The look: A cabernet shiny satin midi slip dress with adjustable straps, cabernet satin closed-toe block heels, a cropped black faux fur jacket, a gold metal clutch, sheer black tights and gold huggie earrings.
Where to find it: Birdy Grey Lisa Midi, about $99, XS to 3X, in 28 colours.
Burgundy and wine shades lead this winter. At under $100 in sizes to 3X, this is one of the best value dresses here.
12. Green velvet one-shoulder mini
The look: A forest green velvet one-shoulder bodycon mini dress, black suede pointed pumps, a black tailored blazer over the shoulders, a crystal minaudiere, shimmer sheer black tights and emerald-tone drop earrings.
Where to find it: Lulus Candlelit Date, about $60 when last listed.
A mini works at an indoor cocktail reception with tights and a blazer. Save it for venues where you won’t stand outside.
Semi-formal (outfits 13 to 16)
13. Plum velvet suit
The look: A plum velvet single-breasted blazer with matching wide-leg trousers over a plum silk camisole, burgundy pointed-toe pumps, a long charcoal wool coat, a gold chain shoulder bag and a vintage gold brooch on the lapel.
Where to find it: Look for a velvet suit set in plum or burgundy.
A velvet suit is warm, formal enough and easy to dance in. A brooch on the lapel is on trend for 2026.
14. Olive satin jumpsuit
The look: An olive satin jumpsuit with a V-neckline, long sleeves and a wide leg, with a wide gold statement belt, gold closed-toe block-heel mules, a camel wool wrap coat, a gold metallic clutch and gold hoops.
Where to find it: Look for a long-sleeve satin jumpsuit in olive.
A jumpsuit is a smart choice for a semi-formal wedding. The gold belt makes it look dressed up.
15. Green satin skirt and a black shirt
The look: A forest green satin bias midi skirt with a crisp black poplin shirt tucked in, black suede pointed pumps, a cropped black faux fur jacket, a green velvet clutch, pearl drop earrings and sheer black tights.
Where to find it: Mix a satin bias skirt with a shirt you own.
A skirt and a good shirt is the cheapest outfit on this list, and it looks expensive.
16. Midnight off-the-shoulder trumpet
The look: A midnight blue midi dress with an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline and a trumpet skirt, navy suede block-heel pumps, a slate grey cashmere wrap, a silver clutch, silver drop earrings and sheer nude tights.
Where to find it: Lulus How Much I Care, about $47 when last listed.
Midnight blue is a softer alternative to black. A cashmere wrap covers the shoulders for the ceremony.
Church or daytime ceremony (outfits 17 to 20)
17. Emerald paisley mock neck
The look: An emerald paisley maxi dress with a mock neck and puffed sleeves, dark brown leather closed block heels, a long camel wool coat, a tan structured top-handle bag, small gold studs and brown leather gloves.
Where to find it: Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Mock-Neck Edition, about $178, XXS to XL in petite, regular and plus.
A mock neck and long sleeves are right for a church ceremony. This dress comes in petite and plus sizes.
18. Olive crepe with long sleeves
The look: A deep olive heavy crepe midi dress with a square neckline, long fitted sleeves and a defined waist, chocolate suede pointed pumps, a long chocolate wool coat, a brown leather clutch, pearl studs and sheer nude tights.
Where to find it: Look for a long-sleeve crepe midi in olive.
Heavy crepe keeps its shape and its warmth. Covered arms are respectful in church.
19. Dusty blue long sleeves
The look: A saturated dusty blue heavy crepe midi dress with a high round neck, long sleeves and a defined waist, navy suede pumps, a long navy wool coat, a navy satin clutch, silver earrings and sheer nude tights.
Where to find it: Look for a long-sleeve crepe midi in a saturated blue.
Ice blue is a Pinterest trend for 2026, but pale shades can look white in photos. Choose a deeper, dusty blue.
20. High-neck satin with a jacket
The look: A burgundy stretch satin midi dress with a high neck, burgundy suede closed pumps, a cropped black wool jacket, a black leather clutch, gold knot earrings and sheer nude tights.
Where to find it: BHLDN Francesca High-Neck Stretch Satin Midi at Anthropologie, $198.
A high neck and a cropped jacket worn through the ceremony cover the rules for most churches.
Barn or rustic (outfits 21 to 24)
21. Mahogany knit with cowboy boots
The look: A deep mahogany cotton knit long dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline, cognac leather cowboy boots, a brown suede jacket, a cognac leather crossbody bag, gold hoops and a brown velvet headband.
Where to find it: Reformation Josefina Knit Dress, about $198 when last listed.
A knit dress and cowboy boots handle a drafty barn. My barn and ranch wedding attire post has more ideas.
22. Brown velvet burnout
The look: A brown floral velvet burnout midi dress with a lace-trimmed bustier, dark brown suede block-heel ankle boots, a camel faux shearling jacket, a cognac suede clutch, sheer black tights and an antique gold brooch.
Where to find it: Lulus Coveted Grace, about $88 when last listed.
Velvet burnout has a vintage feel that suits a rustic wedding. Ankle boots handle uneven floors.
23. Red floral velvet maxi
The look: A red floral velvet tiered maxi dress with a V-neckline and adjustable straps, black leather cowboy boots, a long black wool coat, a black leather crossbody bag and layered gold necklaces.
Where to find it: Lulus I Love You Amore, about $78 when last listed.
Red is fine at most Western weddings in winter, but skip it at Indian, Chinese or Hindu weddings.
24. Chocolate rib turtleneck maxi
The look: A chocolate rib-knit turtleneck maxi dress with long sleeves and faux fur cuffs, brown suede knee-high block-heel boots, a long chocolate wool coat, a brown suede pouch bag and gold hoops.
Where to find it: Look for a rib-knit turtleneck maxi with faux fur cuffs.
Green Wedding Shoes spotted this cosy knit look for winter. Fleece-lined tights underneath make it warm enough for a barn.
Mountain or ski lodge (outfits 25 to 28)
25. Burnt orange velvet cowl
The look: A burnt orange velvet dress with a draped cowl neck, tan suede closed block-heel booties, a chocolate faux fur stole over a long camel wool coat, a tan suede crossbody bag, gold hoops and brown leather gloves.
Where to find it: Birdy Grey Ash, about $99, XS to 3X.
At a mountain lodge, booties beat stilettos. Burnt orange glows against snow.
26. Emerald velvet surplice
The look: An emerald velvet maxi dress with a low surplice neckline, black suede block-heel booties, a cropped black faux fur jacket, a gold clutch and gold drop earrings.
Where to find it: Lulus Beautiful Evenings, about $98 when last listed.
Wear thermal leggings underneath if you’ll be outside for photos. Nobody will know.
27. Jacquard for the mountains
The look: A burgundy and navy wool jacquard midi dress with a high neck, long sleeves and a belted waist, brown suede knee-high boots, a long coat with a faux shearling collar, a burgundy velvet pouch bag, a burgundy velvet headband and leather gloves.
Where to find it: Look for a wool jacquard or brocade midi with long sleeves.
Brocade and jacquard came back on the fall runways. Wool is warmer than satin at altitude.
28. Navy velvet asymmetric maxi
The look: A navy velvet asymmetric maxi dress, navy suede block-heel booties, a charcoal faux fur stole over a long navy wool coat, a silver clutch, silver studs and grey cashmere gloves.
Where to find it: Lulus Coveted Confidence, about $98 when last listed.
Navy velvet with grey layers looks cool against the snow.
Christmas weddings (outfits 29 to 32)
29. Red velvet wrap
The look: A deep red velvet wrap midi dress with a V-neckline, long sleeves and a tie waist, black velvet pointed pumps, a long black wool coat, a gold clutch, gold drop earrings and sheer black tights.
Where to find it: Look for a long-sleeve red velvet wrap dress.
A Christmas wedding is the time for red velvet. My winter wedding ideas post has more festive details.
30. Paisley velvet midi
The look: A red and brown paisley velvet midi dress, burgundy suede pumps, a long chocolate faux fur coat, a gold metallic clutch, gold drop earrings and sheer black tights.
Where to find it: Azazie Atelier Joanne Midi, about $179, sizes 0 to 30 or custom.
Azazie makes this up to size 30 or to your measurements. Paisley velvet feels festive.
31. Emerald velvet with bow straps
The look: An emerald velvet long dress with adjustable bow straps and a leg slit, gold metallic closed pumps, a black faux fur stole, a gold box clutch and ruby-red drop earrings.
Where to find it: Birdy Grey Alex, about $99, XS to 3X.
Emerald with ruby earrings is Christmas without being a costume.
32. Pewter velvet midi
The look: A mid-grey pewter velvet midi dress with a crew neck and long sleeves, black velvet pumps, a cropped grey faux fur jacket, a silver mesh pouch bag, crystal studs and sheer black tights.
Where to find it: Look for a grey or pewter velvet midi.
Silver suits a holiday wedding. Keep it clearly grey so it doesn’t look bridal.
New Year’s Eve (outfits 33 to 36)
33. Gold metallic taffeta
The look: A gold metallic taffeta gown, gold pointed pumps, a long black faux fur coat, a black satin clutch and gold statement earrings.
Where to find it: Ulla Johnson Manet Gown, about $2,550, or rent a similar style.
This is a splurge, so look for a rental. Gold taffeta is made for midnight.
34. Black taffeta bow gown
The look: A black taffeta strapless gown with a bow front, black patent pumps, a black faux fur stole, a crystal clutch, long black satin gloves and diamante drop earrings.
Where to find it: Mac Duggal Bow Front Gown at Nordstrom, about $398 when last listed.
Black is right for a New Year’s Eve wedding. Long satin gloves make it formal.
35. Black sequin bias maxi
The look: A black bias-cut sequin maxi dress, black satin pointed pumps, a long black wool coat over the shoulders, a silver box clutch and a silver cuff.
Where to find it: Banana Republic Bias-Cut Sequin Maxi, $280 (seen on sale at $225).
Sequins belong at a New Year’s Eve wedding more than anywhere else.
36. Bronze pleated halter
The look: A bronze pleated metallic halter maxi dress with a drop waist and a side slit, bronze metallic pointed pumps, a black velvet capelet, a black satin clutch and a bronze cuff.
Where to find it: Retrofete Thalia at Anthropologie, $598 to $648.
A capelet over a halter is on trend and keeps your shoulders warm at midnight.
Warm destination (outfits 37 to 40)
37. Dusty blue satin for the beach
The look: A dusty blue satin maxi dress, gold strappy block-heel sandals, a light dusty blue pashmina, a gold clutch and gold drop earrings.
Where to find it: Bardot Stasia Satin Maxi at Anthropologie, $189.
If the winter wedding is somewhere warm, go lighter. My beach wedding guest dresses list has more.
38. Cypress green satin off-shoulder
The look: A cypress green high-shine satin off-the-shoulder maxi dress, gold block-heel sandals, a silk wrap, a gold clutch and pearl drop earrings.
Where to find it: BHLDN Sienna at Anthropologie, $228 to $248.
Block heels won’t sink into a lawn. My comfortable wedding shoes list has more pairs.
39. Navy polka dot chiffon
The look: A navy polka dot chiffon gown, navy block-heel sandals, a navy pashmina, a navy satin clutch, gold hoops and a red lip.
Where to find it: Rixo Meera Chiffon Gown, about $785.
Chiffon moves nicely in a sea breeze. A red lip makes navy feel festive.
40. Magenta one-shoulder satin
The look: A magenta stretch satin one-shoulder maxi dress with a side slit, gold strappy sandals, a magenta silk wrap, a gold clutch and gold statement earrings.
Where to find it: BHLDN Scottie at Anthropologie, $228.
Green Wedding Shoes spotted bright magenta as the counter-trend to all the dark colours. It suits somewhere warm.
Plus-size, petite and budget picks
Plus size. Azazie runs from 0 to 30, Birdy Grey to 3X, Jenny Yoo Ellis and BHLDN Flora to 26, and Eloquii and Lane Bryant cover 12 to 28.
Petite. The Anthropologie Somerset Maxi comes in petite, regular and plus, and Lane Bryant makes petite plus.
Under $100. Lulus, Birdy Grey’s Ash, Alex and Lisa at about $99, Azazie’s Marnie and Abercrombie’s Ava.
Rent it. Rent the Runway has designer velvet gowns from about $70 to rent, which makes sense for a black tie wedding you’ll attend once.
Where I’d start
If you have several winter weddings this year, buy one velvet dress in burgundy or emerald, a long wool coat and a pair of closed-toe heels. Change the earrings and the wrap and it will work for most dress codes. For black tie, rent.
With love,
