23 Ultra-Stylish Velvet Wedding Guest Dress Picks

This luxe fabric is making a big comeback.
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by
Jessica Booth
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Jessica Booth
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Jessica is a freelance writer who covers topics such as weddings, parenting, wellness, commerce, health and food.
  • Jessica has written for sites including Cosmopolitan, Delish, Bustle, Romper, Refinery 29, Reviewed, Parents, Brides, People, Forbes, The Daily Beast and many more.
  • Jessica has a degree in journalism and lives on Long Island in New York.
Updated Feb 23, 2023
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With its sumptuous look and feel, it's no wonder velvet wedding guest dresses are such a timeless outfit choice. While you might assume velvet dresses are only an option for chilly autumn or winter weddings, that's no longer the case. Thanks to the resurgence of '90s and Y2K fashion trends, velvet dresses of all styles and silhouettes are more popular than ever before—whether you're shopping for a short and flirty cocktail dress or a sophisticated floor-length gown. And, while velvet may seem naturally dressy, this elegant material actually works just as well for casual weddings as it does formal celebrations.

You also might associate velvet with darker colors like emerald green, burgundy and black. However, throwback styles that are back in the spotlight mean there's no shortage of bright hues (think: pink velvet minidresses and sultry bright red gowns). Basically, there's a velvet wedding guest dress for everyone and every dress code. Shop our editor-approved picks below.

Is Velvet Appropriate for a Wedding?

Given its inherently formal feel, velvet is a natural choice for a wedding guest dress. It's a luxurious and elegant fabric that works well with a wide variety of styles. Whether you're headed to a cocktail or black-tie wedding, this supple fabric is certainly on trend.

Kiyonna Verona Velvet Gown

wrap style maxi dress

This wrap-style maxi dress is the perfect example of minimalist chic. Flutter sleeves allow this one to work for almost any season, and a small side slit shows some leg. Oh, and big bonus: it has pockets!

Size Range: 0X-5X

Shoshanna Ramona Strapless Rhinestone Velvet Dress

strapless midi dress with rhinestone details

It doesn't get more luxe than velvet and rhinestones combined. This beautiful strapless midi dress has some unexpected sparkle in the form of a blinged-out lattice lace insert. We love the '90s feel this elegant option exudes. Just add equally bedazzled heels.

Size Range: 0-14

Lulus Bloom In Mind Navy Blue Floral Print Strapless Dress

fitted maxi floral strapless dress

Patterned velvet dresses like this one can be dressed up or down, depending on how you accessorize. A notched sweetheart neckline and a mermaid silhouette make this one feel flirty and extra feminine. We envision this stunner at a formal spring wedding.

Size Range: XS-XL

Delfi Collective Velvet Slip Dress

fitted midi dress with spaghetti straps

This bright pink velvet slip dress is right out of a '90s romcom, and now screams Gen-Z fashion in the best way possible. This is such a statement dress that you really just need to add some simple jewelry and heels and call it a day. What could be easier?

Size Range: XS-L

Eloquii Velvet Wrap Dress With Tie Waist

wrap long sleeve dress with tie waist

This is a great long-sleeve option for winter weddings for a few reasons: The rich color is perfect for the holiday season, the tie waist creates a beautiful silhouette, and a side slit shows just enough leg. Style it with platforms and you're good to go.

Size Range: 18-28

Reformation Jamen Knit Dress

off the shoulder fitted midi dress

There's something so sophisticated about this off-the-shoulder velvet midi dress. With ruching in all the right spots and a lovely soft knit fabric, this is one dress you won't mind wearing for hours on end. We love the unique chocolate hue of the cafe shade, but it also comes in black.

Size Range: XS-XL

House of CB Serena Floral Velvet Burnout Maxi Dress

floral maxi dress with spaghetti straps

Between the floral pattern, the cowl neck, and the bodycon fit, this maxi dress has a Y2K feel that makes it very on-trend. The open back adds some sex appeal, making it a great choice for flirty photo ops. Wear this stunner to a spring or summer wedding.

Size Range: XS-L

Ivy City Co. Lillie Dress

wrap dress with flutter sleeves

A tulip skirt, flutter sleeves, and a front tie make this feminine dress a fun and timeless option. It's available in several different colors and there's even a version for kids if you want to have a fun mommy and me matching moment.

Size Range: XXS-5X

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Gussie Velvet Rose-Print Draped Midi Dress

draped maxi dress with spaghetti straps

Elegant and classic, this midi dress is a versatile pick in a beautiful shade of burgundy. The ruffles down the front make it fun, while the sweetheart neckline and thin straps feel romantic.

Size Range: 2-18

Lulus My Dream Come True Velvet Strapless Maxi Dress

strapless dress with plunging neckline and slit

This definitely isn't your grandmother's velvet gown. A plunging neckline (a sheer mesh panel keeps everything contained, don't worry) and high slit give this velvet midi dress a very trendy update. It looks great in emerald green or black, and if you really want to make a statement, opt for bright pink.

Size Range: XS-XL

House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Burna Mini Dress

mini dress with off the shoulder long sleeves

The dark floral print and shorter silhouette make this velvet mini dress a standout option.The sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves bring the vintage vibes for just the right amount of romance.

Size Range: XXS-XL

Cynthia Rowley Crushed Velvet Dress

crushed velvet midi dress with 3/4 sleeves

For a more casual ceremony, opt for this more streamlined velvet midi dress with 3/4 sleeves. This is a versatile choice that can be dressed up or down depending on accessories. We love the idea of pairing it with gold heels and a structured clutch.

Size Range: 2-12

Kensie Stretch-Velvet Boatneck Tie-Waist Sheath Dress

boat neck dress with tie waist

The classic silhouette of this sheath dress means that it's a super versatile pick, but it's also on the more casual side. While this might not work for a more formal wedding, it's a great cocktail dress that you'll wear to other events as well. Plus, the stretch velvet material is also super comfortable.

Size Range: XS-2XL

ASOS Design Front Knot Plunge Maxi Dress

knotted bodice strapless maxi dress

The cool cut-outs and plunge front neckline of this maxi dress make it feel fresh and modern, while the olive green color is also pretty unique for a velvet gown. And, at $100, it's a steal for a formal wedding fit.

Size Range: 0-14

Favorite Daughter The Dynasty Long Sleeve Velvet Shirtdress

long sleeve velvet shirt dress with collar

Opt for something unexpected and stylish, like this velvet shirtdress. A bold Chelsea contrast collar, button-down front, and waist-cinching belt give this dress a "cool girl" feel.

Size Range: 0-12

Talbot Runhof Draped Off-The-Shoulder Velvet Midi Dress

draped off the shoulder midi dress

Ideal for a more traditional vibe, this off-the-shoulder midi dress comes in a beautiful deep red shade and is appropriate for wedding guests of all ages. The elegant draping and classic silhouette guarantee you'll wear this number again and again.

Size Range: 2-16

Lulus Jazzy Belle Red Velvet Dress

cowl neck fitted midi dress

This soft velvet material is comfortable, despite this dress's bodycon fit. The cowl neck, low back, and thin straps all make this one ready to be the center of attention. If you're feeling daring, the red is a perfectly bold choice, but it comes in more subtle hues as well.

Size Range: XS-XL

House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Luelle Mini Dress

mini dress with long sleeves and velvet embellishments

If you don't want all velvet, this dress features velvet embellishments that give it a unique texture. The sheer bell sleeves and shorter silhouette give it a laidback, boho feel.

Size Range: XXS-XL

Jenny Yoo Logan Velvet Dress

maxi dress with plunging neckline

Simple and elegant, this velvet maxi dress features a plunging V-neck and a long, straight skirt. There's not a lot to it, but there doesn't need to be. It comes in a few pretty shades, but we're partial to the English Rose colorway.

Size Range: 0-26

Petal + Pup Lisse Twist Front Long Sleeve Velvet Mini Dress

front twist midi dress with long sleeves

This long sleeve midi dress is just right for an autumn or winter wedding. It has an unexpected cut-out in the back that shows just a little skin, and we also love the front slit. Oh la la.

Size Range: XS-XL

Alfani Velvet Long-Sleeve Wrap Dress

long sleeve wrap dress with v neck

It doesn't get much more classic than a wrap dress. This one features a pretty tie-front and long sleeves to keep you warm in cooler temps. This is a versatile choice in either the rich malbec or black color and can work for so many events.

Size Range: S-XL

Pretty Little Thing Plus Emerald Green Velvet Drape Midi Dress

draped midi dress with wrap detail

Available in a trendy emerald green shade, this midi dress features beautiful draping in the front that makes it stand out. Thanks to its unique wrap detail, it really doesn't need many accessories. We recommend shoulder duster earrings and minimalistic strappy sandals.

Size Range: 12-26

Extro & Vert Petite Bandeau Mini Dress

bandeau mini dress

Red velvet can conjure up visions of the holiday season, but this bandeau mini dress works any time of year. With a slim fit and stretchy velvet material, this is a trendy pick that's sure to turn a few heads.

Size Range: 2-12

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