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    The best winter wedding guest outfits for the season ahead

    Penny Goldstone's avatar
    By Penny Goldstone Contributions by Jazzria Harris
    Published 27 October 2021 In Buying Guides

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    winter wedding guest dresses
    (Image credit: 2020 Dominique Charriau)
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    With wedding season officially underway, you've probably got a fair few ceremonies ahead of you this season, which is why there's never been a more fun time to shop for winter wedding guest outfits (though if you'd rather practice circularity, there are plenty of places which you can hire designer dresses from).

    When it comes to autumn trends, the message is clear: go big or go home. We're seeing joyful dressing galore, in the form of sequin gowns, bright hues and loud prints. Let's be honest, you can never bring too much joy to a wedding.

    At fashion week, I loved the sequin gowns served up by Valentino and Balmain, the draped frocks at Dolce & Gabbana and Victoria Beckham and the bold prints at Chanel and Versace.

    That said, minimalists shouldn't despair, there were plenty of paired down options on the catwalk too, including this season's must-have: the little black dress, as seen at Victoria Beckham and Khaite. Yes, it's perfectly ok to wear black to a wedding, sartorial rules be damned.

    It's not all about designer-wear though, the high street is awash with gorgeous affordable winter wedding guest outfits, from dresses to jumpsuits and cool suits you'll want to wear again and again. H&M, Zara, Needle & Thread et al all come up trumps this season.

    Sometimes, the type of wedding you’re going to might limit the kind of silhouette you can opt for. When it comes to traditional church weddings, go for a long-sleeved style with a bateau or other high neckline to avoid showing too much flesh. This look works well for a black tie affair, though that's a great occasion to go for a truly dramatic piece.

    Your clothes are just part of your outfit however and the right accessories can seriously elevate your look. For AW23 weddings, try Dynasty-esque statement earrings, layered gold necklaces and a pair of slip-on sandals or glittery heels. Oh, and don't forget to add a mini designer handbag - baguette bags are still all the rage.

    Keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best winter wedding guest outfits.

    Beare Park Silk-satin maxi wrap dress

    Beare Park Silk-satin maxi wrap dress, £750 at NET-A-PORTER
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    Throw an oversized blazer over this satin beauty and you're good to go.

    black silk midi dress with sleeves, wedding guest outfits

    Silk long-sleeved midi dress, €615 at MOYE
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    Don't let anyone tell you black isn't appropriate for a wedding. Crafted from lustrous silk, this elegant gown features long sleeves, a round neckline and a subtle slit. It'll you see you through many weddings and party seasons to come.

    RIXO Kelly sequined crêpe midi skirt

    RIXO Kelly sequined crepe midi skirt, Now £159, Was £265 at MyTheresa
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    Made from crepe de chine, this skirt is decorated with colourful sequins that form geometric diamonds and gently flares at the hem. Wear it with a simple silk camisole and heels.

    GATCOMBE FIT AND FLARE DRESS

    Gatcombe Fit and Flare Dress, £199 at Hobbs
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    Wear this chic animal print dress on its own, or layer a sheer shirt underneath for extra coverage.

    Ghost Meryl Satin Midi Dress Butter

    Ghost Meryl Satin Midi Dress in Butter, Now £79.50, Was £129 at Ghost
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    I love a pop of colour at a wedding, and this lemon-hued button-down midi dress is as joyful as dresses come.

    BEC & BRIDGE Lorelai V-neck satin maxi dress

    BEC & BRIDGE Lorelai V-neck satin maxi dress, £275 at Selfridges
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    Designed with the '90s in mind, this slinky dress has a V-neckline and plunging open back. Pair with barely there heels for understated glamour.

    NEEDLE & THREAD Embellished Dots Mini Dress

    NEEDLE & THREAD Embellished Dots Mini Dress, £400 at Harrods
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    Needle & Thread is known for its intricate dresses, embroidered and embellished with delicate floral patterns and sequins. In other words, the perfect choice for attending a wedding. The Duchess of Cambridge owns a similar longer version of this frock.

    Zara Pink LONG ASYMMETRIC JUMPSUIT

    Long Asymmetric Jumpsuit, £49.99 at Zara
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    Not a dress person? No matter. Jumpsuits can be just as chic as this one shoulder style proves.

    Whistles High Neck Sequin Top, Blue

    Whistles HIGH NECK SEQUIN TOP, Now £89, Was £129 at John Lewis
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    For something a little different, team this sequin top with high-waist black or cream satin trousers. Plus, it's a great option for your office Christmas party.

    REFORMATION Earl draped floral-print silk-charmeuse maxi dress

    REFORMATION Earl draped floral-print silk-charmeuse maxi dress, £300 at NET-A-PORTER
    VIEW NOW

    Nobody does prints quite like Reformation and this sage green floral style is pure perfection. Wear with a contrasting forest green blazer for an Autumnal feel.

    H&M Gold Tie-detail satin dress

    Tie-detail Satin Dress, £37.99 at H&M
    VIEW NOW

    Once the wedding is over, dress down this beauty for the daytime with a chunky cream cardigan and trainers.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Penny Goldstone
    Penny Goldstone
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    Contributing Fashion Editor

    Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

    She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.

    With contributions from
    • Jazzria HarrisFreelance Fashion & Beauty Writer
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