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.
Best Sheer Sleeves
Lulus Talk About Divine Hunter Green Long Sleeve Backless Maxi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/talk-about-divine-hunter-green-long-sleeve-backless-maxi-dress-4a81c4fb5c8f4a2c8fbb95d2f8da640c.jpg)
Lulus
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
For a Fall Wedding
Jenny Yoo Ryland Velvet Maxi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/57943763_065_c1-d365e31fe1974162ad536edada727799.jpg)
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
Best Boho
ASTR the Label Lovestruck Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/astr-the-label-lovestruck-dress-7dd47030df88422da2c65955708d8432.jpg)
Shopbop
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
Best Festive Attire
ASOS DESIGN Embellished Drape Detail Mini Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/asos-design-embellished-drape-detail-mini-dress-with-button-detail-in-silver-7f408a268fdb4776b54e2f4abe87482c.jpg)
Asos
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
Best LBD
Self-Portrait Power Mesh Rhinestone Cutout Midi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/power-mesh-rhinestone-cutout-midi-dress-b56d8325b8594b8c886fe1f6e83b8cae.jpg)
Neiman Marcus
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
Best Jewel Tone
Fame and Partners The Shay
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-shay-953a522ca77a49cd88d2a20986f2428f.jpg)
Fame And Partners
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
For a Destination Wedding
Hannah Artwear Rio Open-Back Floral-Print Silk-Habotai Maxi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hannah-artwear-rio-cutout-floral-print-silk-habotai-maxi-dress-1b7f970caa644e629410745b6e58d46c.jpg)
Matches Fashion
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
Best Blouson Sleeves
ASTR the Label Anora Maxi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/anora-maxi-dress-0e2e41bfdc42441aa639caf8a8d200c6.jpg)
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
For a New Year's Eve Wedding
Retrofete Gabrielle Robe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2022-08-29at4.09.56PM-6544a6f2cddd40f2ae8f0200a2caa6d3.png)
Courtesy of Revolve
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
Most Classic
Norma Kamali Long-Sleeve Tara Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/norma-kamali-tara-long-sleeve-deep-v-ruched-midi-dress-f2f29e7f6ccc484fa3f7c8a4ef4bfc53.jpg)
Anthropologie
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
For a Beach Wedding
Rocco Sand Peony Maxi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/peony-maxi-dress-c5b52d695d0d4600a19b7920ff0c0442.jpg)
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
Best Wrap Silhouette
Zimmermann Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Satin Wrap Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/zimmermann-asymmetric-ruffled-silk-satin-wrap-dress-4ec5f24f67d644bd9bbf8f247dd72618.jpg)
Revolve
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
Most Sexy Back
Bardot River Bias Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bardot-river-bias-dress---9ef945ef8f0c46aa9958be50cae1dfa9.jpg)
Shopbop
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
Best Floral Dress
Reformation Gloriana Silk Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gloriana-silk-dress-77e2a966f0ab4a1aa4d86bac4f2a7704.jpg)
Reformation
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
Most Retro
Misha Chara Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/misha-chara-dress-5768d72ccd7a4c07a5b00066487af361.jpg)
Shopbop
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
Most Glamorous
Needle & Thread Aurelia Long Sleeve Gown
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Needle--Thread-Aurelia-Long-Sleeve-Gown-60665f83d3674964809ed9e3bdf06bf8.jpg)
Needle & Thread
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
Best Floral Mini
Zimmermann Violet Twist Front Mini Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/violet-twist-front-mini-dress-a5e83d9abba34469bb0e93852f0112d2.jpg)
Revolve
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
Most Romantic
Misa Imelda Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/misa-imelda-dress-e84116b994444a588038945ed41489a5.jpg)
Shopbop
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.
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.