Affiliate throughout: If there is one thing I absolutely love about winter, it has to be getting dressed up. Give me a beautiful wedding, a gorgeous dress, some statement jewellery and a pair of heels and I am VERY happy!
But finding the perfect winter wedding guest dress can sometimes be so much trickier than finding a summer wedding outfit.
You want something beautiful and feminine, but you also want to be warm enough. You want to look dressed up without feeling like you've simply put your favourite summer wedding dress on and added a coat. And, of course, you want something that feels special enough for a wedding but that you will actually wear again. Then add to that you usually start looking in a season that is hot so your head is actually in the space of summer.
This is exactly why I always come back to Reformation.
I've been wearing Reformation for years and it is one of those brands I know I can rely on when I want to feel really, really good in what I'm wearing. Their dresses have that effortless, slightly sexy, incredibly flattering quality that I love, but there are also plenty of more covered-up styles that work beautifully for autumn and winter weddings.
So, if you're searching for winter wedding guest dresses, Reformation wedding guest dresses, long sleeve wedding guest dresses, velvet wedding guest dresses or simply wondering what should I wear to a winter wedding? I'm here to tell you all you need to know.
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A little bit about Reformation
If you've never discovered Reformation before, where have you been?!
Reformation is a Los Angeles-founded fashion brand which has become particularly well known for its feminine dresses, beautiful silhouettes and sustainability-focused approach to fashion.
I've been wearing Reformation for years and what I particularly love is that the clothes feel fashionable without being completely trend-led.
You get beautiful necklines, flattering waists, gorgeous fabrics and those slightly effortless silhouettes that make you feel instantly more polished.
And Reformation isn't just about summer dresses.
The current collection includes velvet, knit, silk and satin styles, as well as long-sleeved dresses, midi dresses and maxi dresses, which means there are plenty of options that can work for a winter wedding. Reformation also has a dedicated wedding guest collection with filters including black tie, floral dresses and styles under £300.
One of the things I really appreciate about Reformation is that you can find something that feels glamorous without necessarily looking like traditional occasionwear.
And that is exactly what I want from a wedding guest dress.
What should I wear to a winter wedding?
This is probably the biggest question of all.
For me, a winter wedding is the perfect opportunity to choose richer fabrics, deeper colours and slightly more dramatic silhouettes.
Think:
- Velvet
- Silk
- Satin
- Long sleeves
- Maxi and midi lengths
- Jewel tones
- Burgundy and deep reds
- Chocolate brown
- Forest green
- Navy
- Black
- Rich florals
- Elegant prints
- Beautiful tailoring
The trick is to make the outfit feel wintery and appropriate without becoming overly Christmassy.
I also think accessories make such a difference. A beautiful clutch, statement earrings, a great pair of heels and a gorgeous coat can completely change a dress.
Are Reformation dresses good for winter weddings?
Yes, absolutely.
In fact, I think Reformation is particularly good for winter wedding guest dressing because the brand has so many different fabrics and silhouettes.
The current Reformation dress collection can be filtered by sleeve length, including long sleeves and three-quarter sleeves, as well as fabric options including knit, wool, satin and silk and velvet.
And velvet is probably the fabric I would immediately look towards for a really cold-weather wedding.
It instantly makes an outfit feel more luxurious and seasonal.
Reformation currently has velvet options including the Kalinka Velvet Dress, while other current velvet styles include long-sleeved designs.
What are the best Reformation winter wedding guest dresses?
This will obviously depend on your personal style and what is currently available in your size, because Reformation's collections change.
But there are a few styles and fabrics I would always look at first.
Velvet Reformation dresses
Velvet is probably my number one choice for a winter wedding.
It looks expensive, photographs beautifully and immediately makes a dress feel more appropriate for a colder season.
The Kalinka Velvet Dress is currently included in Reformation's wedding guest collection, and there are also other velvet styles across the wider dress collection.
For something particularly glamorous, Reformation's velvet collection also includes long-sleeved silhouettes.
The Donya Velvet Dress, for example, is a long-sleeved maxi with a boat neckline and bell sleeves. It is made from a deadstock stretch velvet fabric and is designed to have a slim fit. Reformation currently advises sizing up if you're between sizes.
Honestly, this is exactly the sort of dress I think works beautifully for a winter evening wedding.
Long sleeve Reformation wedding guest dresses
If you're somebody who feels the cold, long sleeves are your friend.
They allow you to wear something feminine and elegant without immediately reaching for a huge coat.
Reformation currently offers long-sleeve dresses across different fabrics and silhouettes, so I'd use the sleeve-length filter when shopping rather than scrolling through hundreds of dresses.
I particularly love the idea of a long-sleeved dress with a beautiful neckline, fitted waist and either a midi or maxi skirt.
It feels grown-up, elegant and incredibly wedding appropriate.
Reformation silk dresses for winter weddings
Don't automatically rule out silk just because it's winter.
Silk can look absolutely beautiful for a winter wedding, particularly when styled with a gorgeous coat, wrap or tailored jacket.
Reformation currently has a huge silk dress collection, including styles such as the Jillian, Caila, Katelyn, Lilibeth, Daniela and Ofelia silk dresses.
I'd particularly choose a deeper colour or a more dramatic print for winter rather than something that feels overtly summery.
Is velvet a good choice for a winter wedding guest dress?
Yes!
I honestly think velvet was made for winter weddings.
It has texture, depth and that lovely luxurious appearance that works beautifully in candlelight and evening lighting.
It also feels much more seasonally appropriate than lightweight linen or a very floaty summer fabric.
Reformation currently has velvet dresses in its wider collection and its wedding guest edit, including the Kalinka Velvet Dress.
If you want to make a velvet dress feel even more special, add metallic or crystal jewellery, an elegant clutch and beautiful heels.
Can I wear a black Reformation dress to a winter wedding?
Yes, unless the couple has specifically requested a different dress code or colour palette.
Black can look incredibly chic at a winter wedding, particularly for an evening or black-tie celebration.
The key is in the styling.
I'd choose beautiful jewellery, a gorgeous clutch and an elegant pair of heels so that the overall look feels occasionwear, rather than like you're simply wearing your favourite black dress out for dinner.
And Reformation does have black occasion and wedding guest dresses within its wider range.
What colours should I wear to a winter wedding?
There are so many gorgeous options.
My favourite winter wedding guest colours would be:
Chocolate brown is incredibly chic and feels very current.
Burgundy is romantic, sophisticated and perfect for winter.
Forest green is one of those colours that looks beautiful with gold jewellery.
Navy is timeless and incredibly elegant.
Deep red is gorgeous for an evening wedding.
Plum is feminine without feeling too predictable.
Black is always chic when styled correctly.
And don't completely dismiss jewel-toned prints either.
Reformation's current collections include solid colours as well as floral, abstract, animal, geometric and other prints, so there is plenty of choice beyond plain dresses.
Can you wear a floral dress to a winter wedding?
Absolutely.
I actually LOVE a winter floral.
The trick is choosing the right floral.
Instead of tiny pastel flowers on a lightweight fabric, look for deeper backgrounds, richer colours and more dramatic prints.
A dark floral silk dress with a beautiful coat and heels can look incredibly sophisticated for a winter wedding.
Reformation currently has floral options within its wedding guest collection, alongside its silk and occasion dresses.
What should I wear over my Reformation wedding guest dress?
This is just as important as the dress itself.
There is nothing worse than finding the perfect wedding guest dress and then ruining the whole look with a coat you don't actually like!
For a winter wedding I'd look at:
- A long tailored wool coat
- A fitted evening coat
- A beautiful faux-fur or shearling coat where appropriate
- A sophisticated wrap or stole
- A tailored blazer for a slightly more contemporary look
I would avoid anything too casual unless the wedding itself is very relaxed.
And please don't underestimate how much a beautiful coat can elevate an outfit.
What shoes should I wear with a winter wedding guest dress?
For an indoor winter wedding, I'd still happily wear heels.
Pointed-toe heels, strappy heels, slingbacks or elegant pumps all work beautifully.
If you're going to be outside for photographs, travelling between venues or walking over grass, I'd definitely consider the practical side of things.
A slightly chunkier heel can be much easier than a tiny stiletto.
And if you're going somewhere particularly cold, take a beautiful pair of boots for travelling and change into your wedding shoes once you're inside.
Reformation also currently has an occasion shoes section alongside its wedding guest dresses, so you can build the whole outfit in one place.
What jewellery should I wear with a Reformation wedding guest dress?
This is where I would have fun.
If you've chosen a simple dress, statement earrings can completely transform it.
If your dress has a dramatic neckline, I'd perhaps keep the necklace simple and let the neckline do the talking.
Gold jewellery looks particularly beautiful with chocolate, burgundy, green and warm neutral shades, while silver and crystal can look amazing with black, navy and cooler tones.
And if you've got a beautiful Reformation dress that you've worn before, changing your jewellery is one of the easiest ways to make it feel completely different.
Can you wear a Reformation midi dress to a winter wedding?
Absolutely.
A midi dress is one of my favourite options because it feels elegant without being overly formal.
It is also incredibly easy to style.
Add:
Midi dress + heels + statement earrings + tailored coat = done.
For winter, I'd look for a slightly heavier fabric, long sleeves or a darker colour.
Reformation's current dress collection includes midi, maxi and shorter lengths, so you can shop according to the formality and dress code of the wedding.
Can you wear a Reformation maxi dress to a winter wedding?
Yes, and I think a maxi dress can look absolutely incredible for a winter wedding.
A long velvet dress in particular feels very glamorous for an evening wedding.
The Donya Velvet Dress, for example, is a long-sleeved maxi with a boat neckline and bell sleeves, which is exactly the sort of silhouette that can work beautifully for a more formal winter celebration.
If the wedding is black tie, I'd definitely consider a floor-length or maxi silhouette.
What should I wear to a black-tie winter wedding?
This is where I'd go all out.
Think:
Long dress + beautiful heels + statement earrings + clutch + elegant coat.
Silk, velvet and satin are all gorgeous choices.
Reformation has a dedicated black-tie section within its occasion and wedding offering, so this is a good place to start if the invitation specifically says black tie.
And remember that black tie doesn't mean you have to wear black.
A deep jewel tone or rich winter shade can look absolutely stunning.
What should I wear to a daytime winter wedding?
I'd probably choose a midi dress rather than going immediately for a floor-length gown.
A beautiful printed silk dress, long-sleeved midi or elegant knit dress can work really well.
Add a tailored coat and sophisticated heels or boots and you've got an outfit that feels special without being overly evening-like.
Reformation's current fall collection includes knit, velvet, silk and other seasonally appropriate fabrics, so there are plenty of options for daytime winter occasions too.
What size should I buy in Reformation dresses?
Ahhh, Reformation sizing.
This is one of the questions I get asked about Reformation all the time and, having worn the brand for years, I completely understand why.
My biggest piece of advice is: don't assume that your usual size will be your Reformation size in every single dress.
Fit varies according to the individual style and fabric.
Reformation itself provides specific fit information on individual product pages. For example, the Donya is designed to have a slim fit and Reformation says customers report that it runs small, recommending sizing up if you're between sizes.
I've talked about this in much more detail in my Reformation Dress Review and Sizing post because I know sizing is one of the biggest things people want to understand before spending money on a Reformation dress.
My advice is always to look at:
- The individual dress measurements
- The fit description
- Customer reviews
- Whether the fabric has stretch
- Your bust, waist and hip measurements
- Whether the dress is fitted or more relaxed
And if you're between sizes, don't get hung up on the number on the label.
Buy the dress that fits your body.
Are Reformation dresses flattering?
This is one of the reasons I keep coming back to Reformation.
I love the way the brand plays with proportions.
You'll find fitted waists, beautiful necklines, longer skirts, flattering midi lengths and silhouettes that feel feminine without being fussy.
I've always found Reformation particularly good when I want something that makes me feel dressed up but still like myself.
And for a wedding, that's exactly what I want.
I don't want to spend the whole day pulling my dress up, worrying about whether it is too tight or wondering whether I've made a mistake.
I want to put it on and think: yes, this is the one.
Are Reformation dresses worth the money?
For me, yes, particularly when I choose a dress that I know I'll wear again.
Reformation isn't a budget fashion brand, so I don't think you should buy a dress simply because you need something for one wedding.
Instead, I think about cost per wear.
Could I wear this to another wedding?
Could I wear it to a Christmas party?
Could I wear it to dinner?
Could I style it differently with a jacket, different jewellery or different shoes?
That's when a Reformation dress starts to make much more sense to me.
I've actually written a full Reformation Dress Review and Sizing where I go into the question of quality, longevity, sizing and whether I think Reformation dresses are worth buying.
Is Reformation sustainable?
Reformation has built sustainability into its brand identity and currently offers sustainability filters including organically grown, recycled, deadstock and regeneratively grown materials.
One example I particularly like is the way Reformation uses deadstock fabric in some styles.
The Donya Velvet Dress, for example, is made from deadstock knit fabric, which Reformation describes as ageing, excess or over-ordered fabric that it has sourced for reuse rather than allowing it to go to landfill.
Of course, I always think it is worth looking at the individual garment rather than assuming every piece has exactly the same environmental credentials.
But I do like having that information available when I'm shopping.
Where can I buy Reformation wedding guest dresses?
I usually shop Reformation online because that's where you'll find the full selection.
The brand has a dedicated Wedding Guest Dresses section as well as its broader occasion collection, which makes it much easier to narrow things down.
And if you're shopping specifically for winter, I'd use the filters to look for:
Long sleeve + velvet + midi/maxi + occasion
and then work from there.
It saves SO much scrolling.
What are the best fabrics for a winter wedding guest dress?
If you want my little winter wedding fabric checklist, it would be:
Velvet
Warm-looking, luxurious and incredibly wintery.
Silk
Elegant and beautiful, particularly for formal weddings. Just add a gorgeous coat.
Satin
Perfect for evening weddings and black-tie occasions.
Knit
Lovely for daytime or less formal winter weddings.
Wool
Great for sophisticated dresses and two-piece looks where available.
Reformation's current dress filters specifically include velvet, knit, wool and silk/satin, making it relatively easy to shop by fabric rather than simply scrolling through every dress.
My winter wedding guest outfit formula
If you're completely stuck, this is what I would do.
For a daytime wedding:
Reformation midi dress + elegant coat + heels + small handbag + gold jewellery.
For an afternoon in to evening wedding:
Reformation velvet or silk maxi + heels + statement earrings + clutch + beautiful coat.
For black tie:
Long Reformation occasion dress + elegant heels + crystal or statement jewellery + evening clutch + sophisticated coat.
And honestly, once you've got those basics sorted, you're done.
My Reformation winter wedding guest dress verdict
If you're looking for a winter wedding guest dress that feels elegant, feminine, flattering and genuinely special, Reformation is one of the first places I would look.
I've been wearing Reformation for years and I keep coming back because I love that combination of beautiful silhouettes, flattering shapes and that effortless Reformation aesthetic. It doesn't feel like you're wearing something that has been designed solely to be occasionwear, you can actually see yourself wearing the dress again.
For winter, I'd particularly look at velvet dresses, long-sleeved dresses, rich colours, silk maxi dresses and elegant midi dresses, depending on the dress code and how formal the wedding is. And please don't forget the coat because, in the UK, the weather has absolutely no respect for our outfits!
For me, that's ultimately what makes Reformation so good for wedding guest dressing. You can find the glamorous pieces you need for the big day, but you can also find something that feels like you and something you'll want to wear long after the wedding is over.
So if you've got a winter wedding coming up and you're currently staring into your wardrobe thinking I have absolutely nothing to wear, I'd definitely have a look at Reformation.
Because if there's one thing I've learnt after wearing the brand for years, it's that when you find the Reformation dress, you really do know.
Lots of love,
Em x
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