10 Winter Wedding Guest Dresses To Shop In Australia 2024 (2024)

Winter is typically the off-season for weddings. Given rain is the natural enemy of the traditional wedding, most people tend to take a gamble on warmer months for those joyous outdoor ops. However, I think there’s a lot to be said for a chic, cool-weather wedding.

Firstly, you won’t all sweat our make-up off before the bride makes it down the aisle.

Secondly, there’s a certain old-timey romance in cosy winter occasions. Dim, warmly lit reception venues, roaring fireplaces, snuggling up with your loved ones – it’s a vibe!

Finally, did y’all not see Olivia Palermo’s chic wedding sweater?

However, while you may have a stack of breezy, floral dresses or slinky slips at-the-ready for a summerwedding, shopping for a winter wedding dress may require a new purchase.

What To Wear To A Winter Wedding?

People tend to rank winter as a more stylish season than summer – and that’s definitely true in Australia, where the weather gets so scorching that any fabric heavier than the sheerest linen is bound to be soaked in sweat after 5 minutes in public.

A winter wedding is a great opportunity to bust out formalwear in denser fabrics, with more structure and detail than those permitted by summer wedding dresses. Wedding outfits can be more rigid, with more bells and whistles, if you’re not worried about overheating on the dance floor.

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Think:

  • Long sleeve dresses;
  • Puffy or structured sleeves;
  • Heavier fabrics with structure;
  • Cuts that can sit closer to your body;
  • Maxi dresses;
  • Mini dresses with tights;
  • A suit;
  • Skirts with sweaters, or
  • Slip dresses with oversized blazers.

Just a few ideas to get the brain juices and Pinterest boards flowing…

Winter Wedding Dresses To Shop In Australia

Without further ado, a few suggestions…

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01

Laura Midi Dress – Oxford Blue by Leo Lin

$ 799 at The Iconic

This silk dress is elegant and timeless, but unique enough to help you stand out from the crowd. Perfect for a semi-formal wedding paired with pointed toe kitten heels or pumps.

Sizes: 6-16

Colours: Oxford Blue (pictured)

Material: 100% silk

Style notes:

  • Beateau neckline
  • Invisible zip
  • Hand-draped bodice
  • Australian designer

Available at:

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02

Tenera Cocoon Maxi Dress by Camilla & Marc

$750 at Camilla & Marc

This dress can be worn again and again, each with a different earring, purse and shoe. Style with gold jewellery to stand out.

Sizes: 6-14

Colour: Black

Materials: Main: 95% Polyester and 5% Polyurethane. Lining: 100% Recycled Polyester.

Style notes:

  • High neckline with chest cut-out
  • Invisible back zip
  • Blind hems
  • Australian designer

Available at:

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03

Augustine Mini Dress by Rebecca Vallance

$999 at The Iconic

Reminiscent of the 2024 Gucci collection, this jewel-encrusted mini would be perfectly paired with tights and pumps for winter.

Sizes: 4-16

Colours: Black

Materials: Main: 100% Polyester; Lining: 97% Polyester & 3% Elastane.

Style notes:

  • Satin embellished fabric; lined
    Diamante detailing
  • Mini length
  • Pockets
  • Australian designer

Available at:

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04

Elia LS Open Back Tie Maxi Dress by Shona Joy

$360 at The Iconic

Guaranteed to earn you compliments, this Fern green dress is made from satin-finish viscose fibres that omit 50% less greenhouse gas emissions, and utilise less water, than traditional viscose fabrics.

Sizes: 4-18

Colour: Fern

Materials: Main: 58% LENZING ™ECOVERO ™, 42% Viscose; Lining: 100% Polyester

Style notes:

  • Silk touch fabric
  • Open back
  • Boat neckline
  • Flared sleeves
  • Invisible back zip
  • Bias cut maxi dress

Available at:

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05

Bea Dress by Harris Tapper

$429 at The Iconic

Another dress that will make repeat appearances well beyond your winter wedding. This classic LBD is very 90s, and can be dressed up or down with accessories. Pair with a blazer for New York-model cool.

Sizes: 6-14

Colours: Black

Materials: 67% Rayon, 28% Nylon & 5% Spandex

Style notes:

  • Boat neckline
  • Ankle length
  • New Zealand designer

Available at:

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06

Cusco Silk Drape Cami Dress by Christopher Esber

$1,350 at Christopher Esber

If you want to look like you stumbled off the streets of Paris Fashion Week and into your winter wedding, wear this Christopher Esber silk slip with a simple, oversized blazer et voila!

Sizes: 4-12

Colours: Black, Pistachio

Materials: 100% silk

Style notes:

  • 100% Silk
  • Front draped detailing
  • Full length silhouette
  • Asymmetric hemline
  • Open back detail
  • Australian designer

Available at:

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07

Fringe Beaded Mini Dress by Oroton

$699 at The Iconic

This gorgeous navy mini dress is styled to perfection with sheer tights and pointed-toe ballet flats for a coquettish winter wedding look. It’s giving noughties Alexa Chung.

Sizes: 6-14

Colours: North Sea (pictured)

Materials: 85% Polyester & 15% Silk

Style notes:

  • Italian silk blend
  • Open back with beaded strap
  • Fringed pockets
  • Mini length

Available at:

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08

Triquetra Cutout Silk-Satin Maxi Dress by Christopher Esber

$895 at Net-A-Porter

This romantic, draping dress is the perfect colour for a wedding dress. Allow it flow off you and feel like a Grecian goddess.

Sizes: 6-14

Colours: Purple, Claret, Grey

Material: 100% silk

Style notes:

  • Silk with satin finish
  • Australian designer
  • Cutouts
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09

Augustine Long-Sleeve Mini Dress by Rebecca Vallance

$749 at Rebecca Vallance

Another option for when you want to go for a short dress in winter. While this might feel too ‘much’ for a summer wedding, it could be just enough for a winter one.

Sizes: 4-16

Colour: Black

Materials: 97% Polyester/3% Elastane

Style notes:

  • Puffed sleeves
  • Bow detailing
  • Diamante trim
  • Fitted bodice with cut outs
  • Cinched waist with A-line mini skirt

Available at:

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10

Shaw Off-The-Shoulder Dress by Camilla & Marc

$550 at Camilla & Marc

A contemporary dress for those who want a bit more of a modern and minimal edge to their wedding attire.

Sizes: 6-14

Colours: Sky, Red, Black

Materials: 97% Polyester and 3% Elastane

Style notes:

  • Off-shoulder long sleeve
  • Subtle pleats
  • Side invisible zip closure
  • Midi length

Senior WriterRebecca Mitchell

Rebecca Mitchell is a senior writer at ELLE Australia. She graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2011 already with solid media experience under her belt. She started her career in broadcast news, simultaneously hosting the Never Talk Politics radio programme on 2MCE and as a reporter at WIN News. After returning to her hometown of Sydney, she worked as a journalist in lifestyle media, including at Mamamia, SheSaid, and Foxtel’s Lifestyle group. Formerly a freelance journalist, you can find her words at Refinery29, Urban List, Broadsheet, and more.

10 Winter Wedding Guest Dresses To Shop In Australia 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What should a 50 year old woman wear to a winter wedding? ›

My favorite dress types for women over 50 are fit and flare and A-line silhouettes. These two styles are flattering for so many body types. They have a defined waistline and are very forgiving as they take attention away from the midsection and camouflage wider hips and thighs.

What do you wear to a wedding in Australia? ›

Formal, semi-formal, or Black Tie dress for wedding: For formal weddings, men should opt for a classic black tuxedo, a white dress shirt, a black bowtie, and polished black dress shoes. Women can choose from floor-length gowns or elegant co*cktail dresses. Accessorize with statement jewelry and stylish heels.

What dress to wear as a winter wedding guest? ›

When it comes to style for a winter wedding, you'll often see dark colors or jewel tones, crushed velvet dresses, and even some long-sleeve gowns.

What does a 55 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›

Wear Something Dressy and Party-Like

Plus, when you look good, you feel good and everything is much more fun! Aim for something dressy and party-like, heck even a little glamorous. The easiest way know how formal you should dress to check the dress code on the wedding invitation.

What a 60 year old wears to a wedding? ›

Midi length is the preferred length for many women who want dresses to attend formal or semi-formal events. Maxi Length – Maxi dresses can be flattering if you are over 60 because it makes sure that everything is safely covered. It is elegant and suitable for fancier occasions.

What should a 60 year old lady wear to a wedding? ›

Another great option for wedding attire over 60 is a jumpsuit, which Kosich describes as a "one-and-done outfit." "Look for dressier styles with shawl collars, statement belts, and wide-leg pants to optimize a flattering shape, and consider soft prints that add interest but don't overpower," she says.

What is Australia's dress code? ›

Australian workplace dress codes

Smart casual (e.g. sports jacket with chinos or nice jeans for men; nice slacks, skirt or dark jeans with a collared or dressy top for women) Business casual (e.g. pressed khakis or chinos with a polo or collared shirt for men; dress pants with a fashionable top for women)

Can you wear a black dress to a wedding in Australia? ›

Dress as you would if you were going out to the theater or a fancy dinner. A co*cktail dress, nothing too sexy, but something fun to dance in. Black is fine, but white is considered impolite. A dressy suit or a co*cktail suit.

What is the dress culture in Australia? ›

Typical Australian dress is regarded as anything that is practical, informal, and casual—T-shirts, practical footwear, moleskin trousers, and wide-brim hats, outfits thrown together without much thought. In some respects, such outfits could be regarded as costume emblematic of Australia's “bush” past.

What should a female guest wear to a winter wedding? ›

Thicker fabrics, billowing sleeves and higher necklines will all balance out bare legs, and there are always good old tights should you need more layering.

Can I wear a black dress to a winter wedding? ›

Macon, meanwhile, simply advises to use your sartorial common senses: “We love black for a formal winter wedding, for example, but might opt for a lighter hue for a sunset beachside soiree,” she says. So go forth, and don your favorite dark dress to your next nuptials—it's no faux pas.

Can I wear a sleeveless dress to a winter wedding? ›

And when it comes to length, more fabric, like a long-sleeve wedding guest dress, may help you stay warm but don't count out sleeveless outfits altogether. If you love to spend time on the dance floor or mingling with other guests, you might be more comfortable in a short-sleeve or sleeveless silhouette.

What color of wedding dress should an older woman wear? ›

Older brides looking for a non-traditional wedding dress may love a non-white option for their vow exchange. From glamorous champagne shades to bright blue, there are no rules when it comes to wedding day style, so you can decide what color you want to rock as you walk down the aisle.

What is co*cktail attire for wedding for older woman? ›

A pantsuit, chic trousers and top, or a skirt and sweater are perfectly appropriate options for a wedding with a co*cktail attire dress code. Similarly, a well-fitted jumpsuit with more a more formal shape is a great choice.

How to dress elegantly over 50? ›

Style Smarts
  1. Get a good tailor. ...
  2. Define your waist, no matter how big or small.
  3. Keep your skirt and dress lengths to the knee or slightly above.
  4. Flowy dresses look best if they are mid-calf length.
  5. Steer clear of cropped pants — they were an unflattering fashion fad for way too long.
Nov 28, 2022

What do female guests wear to winter weddings? ›

Thicker fabrics, billowing sleeves and higher necklines will all balance out bare legs, and there are always good old tights should you need more layering.

What type of wedding dress should a 50 year old woman wear? ›

You can't go wrong with classic tea length wedding dress for older brides, and this lacy modern design is a prime example. With a gently flared skirt and vintage touches, it may just be the icing on the cake for your bridal look.

What do I wear to a wedding in my 50s? ›

Make sure your outfit fits the body you have and not the one you want to have in the future. Wear something comfortable, but not casual - weddings are formal events and the dress code is usually smart. Similarly to wearing white, do not wear black - black is seen as a colour of mourning.

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