For a fall or winter wedding, a long sleeve dress is the most comfortable and elegant choice. Match the length and fabric to the dress code: a maxi or velvet dress for formal and evening weddings, a midi for cocktail attire, and a flowy tiered dress for a rustic or outdoor celebration. Choose rich seasonal colors like burgundy, dark green, navy or plum, and avoid white, ivory and anything that could look bridal. Below are the best styles for every kind of wedding.
Wedding guest rules to remember
- Do not wear white. Skip white, ivory and very pale cream unless the couple asks for it. Some guests also avoid all-black for daytime weddings, but black is fine for most evening events.
- Read the invitation. "Black tie optional" and "formal" mean floor length or an elegant midi. "Cocktail" means knee to midi length. "Casual" or "rustic" gives you more freedom.
- Dress for the season. Long sleeves, velvet and heavier fabrics keep you comfortable at a cold venue and look right in photos.
- Think about the venue. Grass, gravel and barn floors call for block heels or boots, not stilettos.
Long sleeve dresses by dress code
Formal and black tie optional
A long, fitted dress with sleeves is classic and simple. The Turtleneck Long Sleeve Maxi Mermaid Dress has a high neck and a skirt that flares at the hem, in black, burgundy, dark blue, dark green and violet, sizes S to XL. Add statement earrings and a clutch.
Shop the Turtleneck Long Sleeve Maxi Mermaid Dress
For a softer look, the Cowl Neck Long Sleeve Maxi Dress has a draped neckline and ruching at the waist, in gray, khaki, wine red and navy blue, sizes S to XL.
Shop the Cowl Neck Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
Velvet for a winter wedding
Velvet is made for cold-weather weddings. It looks rich in photos and feels warmer than satin or chiffon. The Velvet Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress with Ring Detail has a ring at the waist with a twist detail and ruching, in pink, black, dark blue and coffee brown, sizes XS to 3XL. More velvet styling ideas are in our velvet dress guide.
Cocktail attire
For cocktail weddings, a dress with a little shape and one special detail is perfect. The Off-Shoulder Ruched Long Sleeve Maxi Dress has an off-shoulder neckline and ruching through the body, partially lined, in pink, black, brown and a blue print, sizes XS to XL.
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For an evening reception, sequins are a fun choice. The Sequin Long Sleeve Ruched Mini Dress is lined, with full sleeves and ruching, sizes S to XXL. Keep shoes and accessories simple so the dress can shine. See more in our cocktail dresses.
Shop the Sequin Long Sleeve Ruched Mini Dress
Rustic, barn and outdoor weddings
For a farm, vineyard or barn wedding, choose something flowy you can move and dance in. The V-Neck Long Sleeve Tiered Maxi Dress with Pockets has a button V-neck, tiers and pockets, in eight colors including dark blue, burgundy and mustard, sizes S to 5XL. Pair it with ankle boots; our guide on how to style ankle boots has tips for dresses.
Shop the V-Neck Long Sleeve Tiered Maxi Dress with Pockets
Daytime and casual weddings
A shorter dress with a romantic detail works for a daytime ceremony or a small courthouse wedding. The V-Neck Long Sleeve Ruffle Hem Lace Detail Dress has full sleeves and a lace and ruffle hem, in black, burgundy, camel, dark blue and sky blue, sizes S to XXL.
A print that photographs well
A rich print is a great alternative to solid colors. The Printed V-Neck Long Sleeve Twisted Midi Dress has a twist at the waist and comes in wine red, dark blue, dark green and purple prints, sizes S to 3XL. More sizes are in our plus size collection.
Shop the Printed V-Neck Long Sleeve Twisted Midi Dress
The best colors for fall and winter weddings
Deep, warm colors look right in the colder months and stand out in photos without competing with the bride. Burgundy and wine red, dark green, navy, plum and violet are all safe choices. Soft pink and dusty mauve work well for daytime and garden ceremonies. If the couple has a color theme, ask before you buy so you do not clash or match the bridal party by accident.
Accessories and comfort
- A wrap or jacket for the walk between ceremony and reception, especially outdoors.
- A small clutch or crossbody bag for your phone, lipstick and tissues.
- Shoes you can dance in. Block heels, low heels or dressy boots last longer on the dance floor.
- Check the fit sitting down. You will sit through the ceremony and dinner, so make sure the dress is comfortable then too.
Order in time
Delivery usually takes 9 to 17 business days, so order at least three to four weeks before the wedding to leave time for a size swap. Free standard shipping on eligible orders over US$60. Returns are accepted within 7 days in the US and 14 days in other countries on eligible items, as described in our Refund policy.
Browse all maxi dresses and dresses to find your look for the next wedding on your calendar.