What long sleeve dresses are best for a summer wedding?

For warm-weather weddings, opt for dresses cut from breathable and lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton. Dresses with sheer sleeves will also keep you cool at a summer wedding .

What should I wear to a wedding that requires modest attire?

Floor-length dresses, with long sleeves and high necklines, are most appropriate for a wedding that requires conservative attire.

What should I wear to a winter wedding?

Long sleeve gowns cut from thick fabrics, like velvet , will look stylish while keeping you warm.

17 Best Long-Sleeve Wedding Guest Dresses of 2022

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From watching the happy couple tie the knot to dancing to your favorite party anthems – there's so much to look forward to at a wedding. But before you can sip champagne with friends or showcase your moves on the dance floor, you need to secure the perfect wedding guest outfit. Enter: long sleeve dresses.

Timeless and stylish, long sleeve dresses run the gamut from formal and adorned to casual and pared-back, and are appropriate for every season (yes, even summer!). As a wedding guest, you'll want to look your absolute best while still honoring the dress code. For black-tie weddings, gowns with sheer or beaded sleeves are endlessly elegant for a formal affair. Floor-length dresses cut from lightweight fabrics, with barely-there sleeves, are stunning for the guest who wants coverage at a warm-weather wedding. For bold tastes, there's no shortage of statement-making options from gowns with voluminous cuffs to sparkly mini dresses. And if you're attending a winter wedding, you'll find scores of long sleeve dresses in thick fabrics, like velvet, that are equal parts warm and fashionable.

Whether you've been invited to a wedding that calls for conservative attire or you're a fan of dresses with statement sleeves, read on for the best long sleeve wedding guest dresses for every style and budget.

Best Sheer Sleeves: Lulus Hunter Green Long Sleeve Backless Maxi Dress

In forever classic hunter green, this long-sleeve dress is a divine choice for a late summer or fall wedding. Dress it up with statement-making accessories or keep it simple for a pared-back look.

Most Classic: Needle & Thread Tempest V-Neck Bodice Ankle Gown

For guests with a traditional aesthetic, a tried and true black dress will never fail you. This style is made all the more special when paired with classic pearl earrings and a berry lip.

For a Beach Wedding: Rococo Sand Floral Maxi Dress

If the couple is exchanging vows on the beach or at a tropical locale, this multi-colored dress is the perfect complement to a warm-weather or destination wedding. Style with accessories in natural fabrics like a raffia clutch and woven jute sandals.

Most Party-Ready: ASOS EDITION Sequin Wrap Mini Dress

If you're usually the first person out on the dance floor, then you need this sparkly pink mini dress. Our favorite detail? The voluminous sleeves that give this style some '70s-inspired flare.

Best Jewel-Tone: Fame and Partners Green Dress

A jewel tone, like deep green, is a gorgeous option for fall and winter weddings. This versatile hue can easily be worn with gold or silver accessories and is always the perfect complement to a moody color palette.

For a Fall Wedding: Jenny Yoo Velvet Maxi Dress

For cold-weather weddings, a sumptuous and warm velvet dress is a must-have. This long-sleeve style in a rich rust hue would look particularly striking set against a fall foliage backdrop.

Most Romantic: Misa Floral Dress

Light, breezy, and feminine, this floral dress is sure to appeal to those with romantic tastes. Style yours with skin-tone shoes, dewy make-up, and a petal pink lip for a fresh and springy look.

Best Short Style: Reformation Floral Mini Dress

Let’s keep it short and sweet: You can't go wrong with a floral mini dress for a warm-weather wedding. We love this style for its gorgeous green hue and petite posy pattern.

For a New Year's Eve Wedding: Retrofete Robe Dress

If you're attending a New Year's Eve wedding, donning a sparkly dress is a must. This dazzling mini is undeniably fun for a wedding dress code that calls for festive attire.

Best Pastel: Needle & Thread Embellished Dress

Mint is a decidedly fresh (see what we did there?) color for a spring wedding. We love this pleasing pastel dress for its beautiful sheer sleeves and eyelash lace.

Best Wrap Silhouette: Zimmermann Silk Wrap Midi Dress

No matter your shape or body type, a wrap dress looks great on everyone. This Zimmerman style features a ruffled and asymmetrical hem, and a waist-cinching tie for a style that's equal parts fashionable and flattering.

Best Floral Print: Reformation Double Puffed Sleeve Dress

You can never go wrong with a floral pattern for spring or summer nuptials. Double puffed sleeves and a ruffle-edged hem make this Reformation number a fitting choice for the guest who loves sweet silhouettes with dramatic details.

Most Glamorous: Needle & Thread Embellished Gown

This pale blue dress is an endlessly glamorous choice for a winter wedding. Let the details like the sheer sleeves, allover silver sequins, and flouncy hem, do all the talking–and pair yours with minimal accessories.

Most Boho: Misa Los Angeles Floral Dress

For the guest with a bohemian sensibility, this floral gown is sure to please your effortlessly laid-back vibe. Pair with delicate personal jewelry and wear your hair down for an effortless look.

For a Festive Wedding: ASOS DESIGN Mini Dress

If you're attending a wedding around the holidays and are looking for a festive dress, allow us to introduce you to this glittering dress from ASOS. It's fun, dress code appropriate, and bound to land you heaps of compliments.

Most Playful: Love The Label Floral Cut-Out Mini Dress

Not one to shy away from a bold design? We love this brightly colored patterned dress for everything from a fun rehearsal dinner look to a statement-making wedding day ensemble.

Best Off-The-Shoulder: Agua by Agua Bendita Printed Cotton Maxi Dress

Bow-Accented Cotton-Blend Mini Dress — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

Whether you're attending a wedding in Palm Springs or Palm Beach, this off-the-shoulder maxi dress crafted from pure cotton is a stunning option for warm-weather nuptials. Wear yours with barely-there strappy sandals or a pair of laidback wedges.

What to look for in a long sleeve wedding guest dress

There's no denying that for fall and winter weddings, long sleeve dresses are a fashionable and functional option for wedding guests. Long sleeve dresses crafted from warm fabrics like velvet and lace make for the perfect wedding guest look while fending off chilly breezes. But long sleeve dresses aren't just for cold-weather nuptials, they work well for the spring and summer seasons as well. Dresses cut from lightweight materials featuring sheer and ethereal sleeves are always an alluring option for anything from a spring garden wedding to a seaside ceremony. And don't forget the style of the sleeve! Long sleeve wedding guest dresses come in scores of different styles from romantic puff sleeve looks to dramatic bell sleeve silhouettes.

FAQ

What long sleeve dresses are best for a summer wedding?

For warm-weather weddings, opt for dresses cut from breathable and lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton. Dresses with sheer sleeves will also keep you cool at a summer wedding.
What should I wear to a wedding that requires modest attire?

Floor-length dresses, with long sleeves and high necklines, are most appropriate for a wedding that requires conservative attire.
What should I wear to a winter wedding?

Long sleeve gowns cut from thick fabrics, like velvet, will look stylish while keeping you warm.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.

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