fashion
By Olivia Dubyak
•
Published Nov 15, 2022
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Is wedding season ever actually over? For us, it’s not. Looking ahead to colder-weather weddings, we’re finding so many cute wedding guest dresses with sleeves that we just had to tell you about, because no, sleeveless isn’t the only option. From long, lace sleeves to short off-the shoulder silhouettes, there are many different styles to get you through your next wedding. Here, our 26 favorite styles to keep in mind for and upcoming nuptials.
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There’s such a flirtatious vibe to a trumpet-style midi, and this one has a bodycon shape to accentuate your curves. It hits at the mid-calf, so a pair of high stilettos will help elongate your legs. Plus, reviewers say the stretchy material is great for comfort and sculpting your body.
Size range: XS to XL
Best Brown Dress
The material of this dress is breathable and stretchy for all night comfort on the dance floor. We love the waist gathering to bring more shape to our waist, and the mid-thigh slit is sexy without leaving room for any mishaps when you drop it low during “Single Ladies.”
Size range: XXS to XL
Nothing says New Year’s Eve like a ton of glitz and glam. This sparkly dress is a stunning choice to ring in the new year and celebrate the happy couple. The arm slits will make it easier to dance and the mini skirt slit gives this a sultry look.
Size range: XS to XL
This is one of our favorite long-sleeve dresses on this list. Not only does it have a flowy skirt (hello, comfortable), it has a deep V-neckline to give this wintery mini dress some heat. If it’s especially chilly, we recommend throwing on a pair of black tights.
Size range: 0 to 12
This minimalist dress is taken to the next level thanks to lace sleeves and a mini mock neck. The stretchy, knit material and darted bodice will contour your curves, too.
Size range: XS to XL
It’s hard heading out into the cold winter air with a mini, chiffon dress, so if you can’t stand the cold, opt for a sweater dress instead. This one in particular has long sleeves, a low slit and a midi length, so you can guarantee that the slightest draft won’t give you a chill.
Size range: S to XL
Pink is a great wedding guest dress color, and we love the polished silhouette of this one. From the mock neck to the structured, short sleeves to the modest knee-length, this elegant frock is a total must-have—especially in such a bold color. Do us a favor and pick a fun clutch too.
Size range: XS to XL
We love all the color options for this luxurious velvet dress, but we’re partial to this deep emerald. Not only will the waist draping help you emphasize (or fake) an hourglass silhouette, the off-the-shoulder neckline is romantic and sexy. Plus, the velvet is nice and stretchy, too.
Size range: XXS to 3X
We like to call this style utilitarian meets glam. We adore this metallic black and silver hue, the structured padded shoulders and the feminine touch the skirt adds, thanks to the layered ruffles and short hemline.
Size range: XS to XL
Wrap dresses are incredibly flattering on pretty much every body type. This one has a midi length and comes in an extensive size range. It has a sexy front slit and low V-neckline that’s adorned with a classic collar—ideally for setting the stage for a showstopping necklace.
Size range: 12 to 26
This color pairing is giving us Taylor Swift vibes from the 2016 Grammy’s (IYKYK). The pink and red color-blocked satin is unexpected and so fun, and the long, billowing sleeves add another modern and flirty touch.
Size range: 2 to 12
We love how luxurious this satin looks in this shade of blue. The square neckline and seamed bodice are a sleek pairing that make for a gorgeous dress choice. This one is available in four colors, including emerald green and classic black.
Size range: XS to XXL
This whimsical option is a favorite of commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. “I wore this in a pastel shade for a summer wedding and got so many compliments,” she says. “I have a mid-size body and the structure gave my shape a snatched look and the one shoulder was so gorgeous.”
Size range: XS to XL
Sometimes, keeping it simple is the sexiest choice. This velvet turtleneck dress has a tassel adorned on the zipper in the back for a cute detail but is otherwise understated (meaning you can wear it to multiple events and no one will notice).
Size range: 0 to 14
Prefer a jumpsuit over a dress? Well, we’re loving this emerald green option. The matching belt cinches your waist and adds some flare, and the wide-leg cut will allow you to fake miles-long legs.
Size range: XS to XL
This ruffled number is definitely made for a maximalist, as there’s a lot going on here in the best way possible. If you’re looking for another pop, go for the blue or pink instead.
Size range: XS to L
Navy is totally an underrated color for weddings. This floor-length gown has some gorgeous detailing around the waist and slit to let your curves steal the show. It’s made of a soft jersey material that isn’t too heavy or constrictive, so if you’re looking for some additional sculpting, we recommend grabbing a some shapewear for underneath.
Size range: 0 to 16
We like to think of this style as the Capricorn of dresses, and the polished, business-upscale vibe is a cool way to dress for a wedding. It has a tapered waist and is made of a smooth satin fabric.
Size range: XS to XXL
The velvet florals on this dress are dreamy, and the billowy sleeves make this the perfect boho pick. The petite sizing means the hem falls 56-inches from the shoulder, so make sure your measurements align accordingly (or, if all else fails, head to the tailor).
Size range: XXS to XL
If you’re headed to a black-tie wedding, a sleek, floor-length silhouette is the way to go. This satin dress has an empire waist and a flowy bodice, which will definitely pay off when you start to get hot on the dance floor. Plus, you can get this in 13 colors.
Size range: 0 to 26
High necklines pair so nicely with a sexy open back. This wine colored dress has a looser shape that will still flatter your body and the buttoned wrists are a timeless detail.
Size range: XS to L
The small cutout in the midsection is a super chic way to break up the black in this look. We’re totally in love with the structured bell sleeves, and the length is great middle-of-the-road option that allows you to show off your shoes while still covering up a bit
Size range: XS to L
This sleek mini dress is so stunning for a winter wedding. Styled with a pair of tights and stilettos, as pictured, is a simple yet classy way to approach winter nuptials. While the pockets are super cute, they’re unfortunately not functional. Make sure to reference the size chart, because, according to Zara, this garment runs a bit small.
Size range: XS to XL
Faux leather probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking for a wedding guest dress. Lucky for us, the material is very in right now, and brands are doing an excellent job turning a typically grunge fabric into something you can wear around grandparents and flower girls. The inside is also lined, so you won’t feel overheated all night long.
Size range: 2 to 10
This velvet mini has a unique asymmetrical neckline that will accentuate your décolletage. It has ruching down both sides to flatter your shape and if you’re not into the navy, you can grab this one in black or purple.
Size range: XXS to XL
This style is a classic wedding guest dress choice, and it can be worn over and over since it probably won’t ever go out of style. The maxi length is broken up nicely by the front slit and the flowy skirt is great for twirling on the dance floor. There are also different colors to choose from, too.
Size range: S to XL
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Olivia Dubyak
Commerce Editor
Olivia Dubyak is PureWow's Commerce Editor and textbook Capricorn. She studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has gone from New York City to...
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