- Wedding Guest Attire
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The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Guest Attire
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From watching the happy couple tie the knot to dancing to your favorite party anthems, there's so much to look forward to at a wedding. But before you can sip champagne with friends or showcase your moves on the dance floor, you need to secure the perfect wedding guest outfit. Enter: long-sleeve dresses. Both timeless and stylish, long-sleeve dresses can run the gamut from formal and adorned to casual and pared-back. Depending on the fabric and cut, they can be appropriate for every season (yes, even summer!). Whether you've been invited to a wedding that calls for conservative attire or you're a fan of dresses with statement sleeves, there's something for everyone. As a wedding guest, you'll want to look your absolute best, while still honoring the dress code. For black-tie weddings, gowns with sheer or beaded sleeves are endlessly elegant. Floor-length dresses cut from lightweight fabrics, with barely-their sleeves, are stunning for the guest who wants coverage at a warm-weather wedding. For bold tastes, there's no shortage of statement-making options from gowns with voluminous cuffs to sparkly mini dresses. And if you're attending a winter wedding, you'll find scores of long sleeve dresses in thick fabrics, like velvet, that are equal parts warm and fashionable. read on for the best long-sleeve wedding guest dresses for every style and budget. Our Top Picks Best Sheer Sleeves: For a Fall Wedding: Best Jewel Tone: Best Blouson Sleeves: Most Classic: Best Wrap Silhouette: Zimmermann Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Satin Wrap Dress at Revolve (See Price) Best Floral Dress: For an Evening Wedding: Azazie Zeta Sheath Long Sleeve Dress at Azazie.com (See Price) This long-sleeve hunter green dress (a hue that's a forever classic), is a divine choice for a late summer or fall wedding. Dress it up with statement-making accessories or keep it simple for a more pared-back look. Sizes: XXS–3X | Fabric: Polyester | Length: Floor For cold-weather weddings, a sumptuous and warm velvet dress is a must-have. This long-sleeve style in a rich rust shade would look particularly striking set against a backdrop of fall foliage. Sizes: 0–19 | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Length: Floor A little black dress is always a good idea for a formal wedding, especially if that LBD spotlights adiamanté-lined neckline and a sexy cut-out. Plus, it's crafted from a power mesh fabric designed to hug and highlight your figure. This gorgeous option pairs beautifully with black, gold, and silver accessories. Sizes: 0–12 | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Length: Midi A jewel tone like deep green is a gorgeous option for fall and winter weddings. This versatile hue can easily be worn with gold or silver accessories and is the perfect complement to a moody color palette. Sizes: Custom | Fabric: Satin | Length: Ankle If you're looking for a dress that's full of movement and will dazzle on the dance floor, this pleated and tiered dress is as party-ready as they come. Its chic copper color makes it a great choice for a fall wedding. Sizes: XS–XL | Fabric: Polyester | Length: Ankle For guests with a traditional aesthetic, a tried and true little black dress will never fail you. This style is made all the more special when paired with classic pearl earrings and a bold berry lip. Sizes: XS–XL | Fabric: Polyester, lycra | Length: Knee No matter your shape or body type, a wrap dress looks great on everyone. This Zimmerman style features a ruffled and asymmetrical hem and a waist-cinching tie for a style that's equal parts fashionable and flattering. Sizes: 0–3 | Fabric: Silk | Length: Midi 18 Flattering Wrap Dresses to Wear to a Wedding You can never go wrong with a floral pattern for spring or summer nuptials. Slightly puffed sleeves and a sweetheart neckline make this Reformation number a fitting choice for the guest who loves romantic details. Sizes: 0–12 | Fabric: Silk | Length: Midi 25 Floral Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Style and Season This pale pink dress is an endlessly glamorous choice for a winter wedding. Let the details like the sheer sleeves, allover silver sequins, and flouncy hem do all the talking—and pair yours with minimal accessories. Sizes: 0–16 | Fabric: Polyester | Length: Mini or floor Heading to an evening wedding? Azazie's Zeta Dress might be just the thing. This stretchy satin number hugs your curves and cinches your waist, and the sexy slit helps you move freely while showing off some leg. Sizes: 0–30, custom | Fabric: Stretch satin | Length: Floor For spring events, you can't go wrong with LoveShackFancy. The brand's Brixton Dress features whimsy bell sleeves, a plunging neckline, and a floaty tulle skirt with an all-over floral appliqué. Sizes: 00–14 | Fabric: Nylon, viscose | Length: Maxi With the right style and material, you can absolutely wear a long-sleeve dress to a beach wedding. We love this midi-length number from Maeve, which is made of 100% cotton and comes in lots of fun prints that'll nod to the occasion. Sizes: XXS–XL | Fabric: Cotton | Length: Midi The 20 Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses for Spring and Summer This floor-length gown is a lovely choice for a wintertime event. It features a simple column skirt, a modest neckline, and blouson sleeves, with a sheer chiffon overlay that adds a subtle princess-inspired touch. Sizes: 0–18 | Fabric: Polyester | Length: Floor The 12 Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Dress Code This flowy dress from Banana Republic is guaranteed to turn heads. Beyond the bold colors and gradient print, it flaunts billowy sleeves, a deep V-neckline, and a feminine fitted empire waist. Sizes: 0–14 | Fabric: Polyester | Length: Ankle Baltic Born's Layla Dress is a sight for sore eyes. The stunning floral print features a whimsy chiffon overlay, while the sheer sleeves add a playful touch. This dress will flatter most body types, and it's even bump-friendly, thanks to the smocked waist and pull-over style. Sizes: XS–3XL | Fabric: Polyester | Length: Maxi There's no denying that for fall and winter weddings, long-sleeve dresses are a fashionable and functional option for wedding guests. Long-sleeve dresses crafted from warm fabrics like silk and velvet (like the Jenny Yoo Ryland V-Neck Velvet Gown) make for the perfect wedding guest look while fending off chilly breezes. Long-sleeve dresses aren't just for cold-weather nuptials—they work well for the spring and summer seasons as well. As with the LoveShackFancy Brixton Maxi Dress, dresses cut from lightweight materials featuring sheer and ethereal sleeves are always an alluring option for anything from a spring garden wedding to a seaside ceremony. And don't forget the style of the sleeve! Long-sleeve wedding guest dresses come in scores of different styles, from dramatic bell-sleeve silhouettes to romantic puff-sleeve looks, like the Reformation Gloriana Silk Dress. FAQ What long-sleeve dresses are best for a summer wedding? For warm-weather weddings, opt for dresses cut from breathable and lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton. Dresses with sheer sleeves will also keep you cool at a summer wedding. What should I wear to a wedding that requires modest attire? Floor-length dresses with long sleeves and high necklines are most appropriate for a wedding that requires conservative attire. What should I wear to a winter wedding? If you're going to a winter wedding, long-sleeve gowns cut from thick fabrics, like velvet, will look stylish while keeping you warm. If you need an extra layer, consider wearing a matching shawl. Contributing writerSophie Mooreis a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more. The 27 Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses of 2023Best LBD
Self-Portrait Midi Dress
Best Wrap Silhouette
Zimmermann Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Satin Wrap Dress
For a Winter Wedding
Dessy Collection Long-Sleeve Chiffon Evening Gown
What to Consider When Buying a Long-Sleeve Wedding Guest Dress
Fabric
Season and climate
Sleeve Style
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