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.

The 18 Best Long-Sleeve Wedding Guest Dresses of 2023

Brides / Chloe Jeong

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. 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.

Our Top Picks

Best Sheer Sleeves:

Lulus Backless Maxi Dress at Lulus

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For a Fall Wedding:

Jenny Yoo Ryland Dress at Anthropologie

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Best Boho:

ASTR the Label Lovestruck Dress at Nordstrom

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Best Festive Attire:

ASOS DESIGN Mini Dress at Asos

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Best LBD:

Self-Portrait Midi Dress at Neiman Marcus

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Best Jewel Tone:

Fame and Partners The Shay at Fameandpartners.com

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For a Destination Wedding:

Hannah Artwear Maxi Dress at Matchesfashion.com

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Best Blouson Sleeves:

ASTR the Label Anora Maxi Dress at Revolve

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For a New Year's Eve Wedding:

Retrofete Gabrielle Robe at Revolve

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Most Classic:

Norma Kamali Long-Sleeve Tara Dress at Bhldn

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Talk About Divine Hunter Green Long Sleeve Backless Maxi Dress

Lulus

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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 more pared-back look.

Price at time of publish: $89

View On Anthropologie

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.

Price at time of publish: $295

Shopbop

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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.

Price at time of publish: $168

Asos

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

Price at time of publish: $100

Neiman Marcus

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A little black dress is always a good idea for a formal wedding, especially if that LBD spotlights a diamanté-lined neckline and a sexy cut-out. Plus, it's crafted from a power mesh fabric designed to hug and highlight your figure. This gorgeous option pairs beautifully with black, gold, and silver accessories.

Price at time of publish: $510

Fame And Partners

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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.

Price at time of publish: $315

HANNAH ARTWEAR Rio cutout floral-print silk-habotai maxi dress

Matches Fashion

View On Matchesfashion.com

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. The gorgeous side cutouts, open back, and silk fabric make it a fitting choice for a destination wedding–especially when paired with a basket bag.

Price at time of publish: $595

Revolve

View On Revolve

If you're looking for a dress that's full of movement and will dazzle on the dance floor, this pleated and tiered dress is as party-ready as they come. Its chic copper color makes it a great choice for a fall wedding.

Price at time of publish: $155

Courtesy of Revolve

View On Revolve View On Neiman Marcus

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

Price at time of publish: $417

Norma Kamali Tara Long-Sleeve Deep-V Ruched Midi Dress

Anthropologie

View On Bhldn

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

Price at time of publish: $175

Revolve

View On Revolve

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.

Price at time of publish: $434

Zimmermann Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Satin Wrap Dress

Revolve

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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.

Price at time of publish: $650

Shopbop

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f you’re looking for an outfit that’s equal parts elegant and sexy, this burgundy number is a no-brainer. Crafted in a medium stretch satin crepe, this body-hugging silhouette boasts an incredibly alluring thigh-high side slit and an exquisite open back. Take your look to the next level with gold accessories and a smokey eye.

Price at time of publish: $139

Reformation

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You can never go wrong with a floral pattern for spring or summer nuptials. Slightly puffed sleeves and a sweetheart neckline make this Reformation number a fitting choice for the guest who loves romantic details.

Price at time of publish: $348

Shopbop

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Give them retro glam in this bubblegum pink mini dress featuring '80s-inspired padded shoulders. The plunging neckline is fun and daring while the front tie detail adds movement to the body-hugging silhouette.

Price at time of publish: $347

Needle & Thread

View On Needleandthread.com

This pale pink 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.

Price at time of publish: $769

Revolve

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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 from Zimmermann for its pretty ruched sleeves and flirty and frilly hem. Secure this mini for your rehearsal dinner look or a casual summer wedding.

Price at time of publish: $695

Shopbop

View On Nordstrom View On Neiman Marcus View On Lyst.com

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

Price at time of publish: $485

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.

The 18 Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses We Love in 2023