What to Wear to a Fall or Winter Wedding as a Guest
Cooler weather brings some of the most beautiful weddings of the year, and it also brings a fresh question: what to wear to a fall or winter wedding as a guest. You want to look polished in the photos, stay comfortable through the ceremony and reception, and respect the dress code on the invitation.
Here is how our stylists think about it, with ideas drawn from our fall and winter wedding guest dresses and our wider wedding guest dresses collection.
Step One: Decode the Dress Code
- Black tie: A floor-length gown is the safe choice. See our black tie and gala gowns.
- Formal or black-tie optional: A long gown or a very elegant midi works well.
- Cocktail: A knee-length or midi dress, or a dressy long dress, is appropriate. Browse our cocktail dresses.
- No dress code: Look at the venue and time of day. An evening hotel ballroom usually calls for more formality than a daytime barn.
Fabrics for Cooler Weather
Fabric does a lot of the work when the temperature drops. Lace, embellished and beaded fabrics and gowns with sleeves or overskirts feel appropriate for the season, while light chiffon layered with a wrap or cape can still be very elegant.
Lace
Lace is romantic and seasonless, but it feels particularly right in fall and winter, especially with long sleeves. The Long Sleeve V-Neck Lace Gown is shown in navy and pairs a V-neckline with full-length sleeves.
Embellished and Beaded Gowns
Beading catches candlelight and string lights, which makes it a natural choice for evening receptions in the darker months. The Lara 29761 High Neck Sheer Long Sleeve Embellished Gown is pictured in seafoam and combines a high neck with sheer long sleeves.
Chiffon With a Cape
If you prefer something lighter, chiffon with cape sleeves offers movement and coverage. The Chiffon A-line Long Gown with Cape Sleeves is shown in navy.
Sleeves Are Your Friend
Long sleeves and cape sleeves keep you comfortable and look refined at once. If you are shopping specifically for sleeves, browse our long sleeve dresses and cape sleeve gowns. Overskirts are another seasonal detail, like the Elegant Overskirt Dress with Long Sleeves, shown in blush.
Colors for the Season
Deeper, richer colors are traditional for fall and winter, but you do not have to skip lighter shades.
- Navy: Always appropriate and works for nearly every dress code.
- Emerald, burgundy and plum: Rich jewel tones suit candlelit evenings.
- Blush and soft neutrals: Lovely choices, as long as they are clearly different from the bride's color.
- Black: Perfectly acceptable for evening weddings, especially with texture, beading or lace.
What to Avoid
- White, ivory and anything that could be mistaken for a bridal gown.
- Anything you cannot sit, dance and walk in comfortably.
- Clothes that are not suitable for the venue, such as a very short hem at a traditional house of worship.
Layering and Accessories
A wrap, shawl or jacket can be both practical and pretty, especially if the ceremony or photos are outdoors. Finish the look with heels and a handbag, and consider whether you will be walking on grass, gravel or stone before you choose a heel.
Think Beyond the Ceremony
Cooler-season weddings often include cocktail hours, long dinners and dancing. Look for a dress that moves with you and a fit that stays comfortable all evening. If the dress needs adjustments, we offer in-store alterations. Learn more on our alterations page.
Sizes and Fit
Every guest deserves to feel confident. At Lara, plus sizes are priced the same as straight sizes, and you can browse styles in our plus size collection.
A Quick Shopping Plan
- Check the dress code and venue on the invitation.
- Choose a fabric and sleeve length for the weather.
- Pick a color that suits the season and avoids the wedding palette.
- Try the dress on with the shoes and wrap you plan to wear.
- Schedule any alterations early.
Heading to Holiday Events Too?
A great gown often works for more than one occasion. If you have holiday parties on your calendar, our holiday dresses and party dresses can help you plan a few looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear black to a winter wedding?
Yes, especially for an evening ceremony. Choose a style with lace, beading or other texture so it feels festive.
Is it okay to wear a short dress to a winter wedding?
It depends on the dress code. For black tie or formal weddings, a floor-length gown is the safer choice, and a midi or cocktail dress suits less formal events.
What color should I avoid as a wedding guest?
Avoid white, ivory and cream, and check whether the couple has asked guests to avoid any other color.
Do I need a wrap?
A wrap is optional, but it is useful if the ceremony is outside or the venue is cool. A gown with sleeves can reduce the need for one.
Can Lara alter my dress?
Yes, our stores offer in-store alterations. Please see our policies for details.
Find Your Guest Dress in Person
The best way to find the right wedding guest dress is to try a few styles with a stylist. Book an appointment at our Midtown Manhattan showroom or our Mineola, Long Island store, and we will help you choose a dress for the season.
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