When it comes to picking out a dress for a wedding as a guest, going for one with sleeves is a smart move that combines style and practicality. Sleeved dresses have got your back (and arms) in any season or setting, offering that extra bit of coverage without sacrificing style. Whether you fancy cap sleeves, three-quarter length, or full-length sleeves, there’s a range of choices to suit your taste.
Sleeves can bring a touch of sophistication and polish to your look, making it just right for formal or semi-formal weddings. Whether you’re into romantic lace sleeves or sleek modern styles, choosing a dress with sleeves lets you balance fashion and comfort effortlessly, so you can feel both confident and chic while celebrating the big day.
Long Sleeve Dresses
From more substantial knits to lightweight and airy fabrics, long-sleeve dresses are perfect for fall and winter weddings, or if you’ll be in a heavily air-conditioned space for a long time. Gauzy and semi-sheer long sleeves are a romantic touch, which is ideal for a wedding look.
Purple Floral Print Long Sleeve Wrap Dress
The romantic elegance of this gauzy floral wrap dress is only enhanced by sheer balloon sleeves and the subtle, delicate ruffle at the hem.
Black Floral Print Long Sleeve Mini Dress
Just because your sleeves are long, that doesn’t mean your hemline has to be! Flirty elements like a dainty floral print, ruffled cuffs, and a flouncy tiered mini skirt make for a balanced look.
Red Square Neck Maxi Dress
This regal red gown drapes to the floor, with a corset-inspired bodice and long, fitted sleeves. It’s a dramatic dress that pairs beautifully with metallic shoes for a formal occasion.
Three-Quarter Sleeve Dresses
Like long sleeves, ¾ sleeve dresses are a great option for weddings held in colder months, particularly if they are outdoors. A ¾ sleeve is a nice practical choice if you’re worried about dipping your sleeves in cake or accidentally getting caught in a candle, so they’re a sweet, universally flattering alternative to long sleeves.
Green Bell Sleeve Bodycon Dress
This deep forest green dress has all sorts of movement in the sleeves, giving it an elegant yet playful look perfect for a co*cktail dress code.
Emerald Chiffon Mini Dress
Gauzy chiffon, a sweetheart neckline, and sheer balloon sleeves give this dress a wedding-ready romantic vibe–and just the right amount of coverage.
Black Mesh Bodycon Dress
This sleek little black dress hugs your curves just right. Bodycon dresses with sleeves are ideal for the guest who wants to look sexy, sophisticated, and wedding-appropriate.
Half-Sleeve Dresses
Half-sleeves are a seasonless option that help a dress go the distance–wedding season lasts from May to October, after all! For weddings where you don’t want to or can’t go sleeveless, this length is ideal.
Emerald Swiss Dot Dress
Sweet Swiss dot fabric and romantic flutter sleeves offer effortless elegance.
Black Floral Print Mini Dress
This dress has got it all: Metallic threads and a bold floral print combine with a swingy skater skirt and puff sleeves to create a playfully modern look.
Elegant Teal Midi Dress
A lovely sheath dress is chic and elegant, with a clean simplicity that’s perfect for fans of minimalist fashion. Sophisticated details like princess seams on the bodice and subtle front pleats add to the sophisticated silhouette.
Short Sleeve Dresses
Short sleeves are a sweet, feminine detail that adds a little bit of romance to your wedding guest look. Whether form-fitting or ruffled, a short-sleeve dress works for a garden wedding, spring and summer occasions.
Floral Organza Maxi Dress
Delicate puff sleeves with a ruffled cuff perfectly complement a tiered skirt that cascades down from the fitted waist. The soft floral print only enhances the romantic, ethereal aesthetic of this dress.
Orange Flutter Sleeve Dress
A glowing orange huemakes this dress absolutely stunning for a summer or fall wedding. The tiers and flutter sleevesshimmer as you move, while a waist tie sash pulls the whole look together.
Green Lace Midi Dress
This fancy frock’s lace overlay gives the illusion of a two-piece look–without actually being a two-piece set. A scalloped neckline and eyelash lace hem and sleeve edges add a little romance to this dress’s otherwise simple, sleek shape.
One-Shoulder Dresses
It doesn’t get more glam than a one-shoulder dress! We love the asymmetrical vibes of a single sleeve, whether it’s short, medium, or long, and this look brings just the right amount of drama to your wedding guest look.
Blue Bodycon Midi Dress
This chic blue bodycon dress is perfectly framed by one long off-the-shoulder sleeve. The strapless neckline and thigh-high slit add to its bold, sultry appeal.
Sparkling Black Sequin Dress
New Year’s Eve wedding anyone? Shine like the stars in a sequin dress with feather trim and asymmetrical neckline, all made to dazzle on the dance floor.
Shiny Orange One-Shoulder Tiered Dress
This one-shoulder dress is a guaranteed standout. Tiered ruffles topped by an ornate bow and framed by a single balloon sleeve will have you looking like no one else.
Off-the-Shoulder Dresses
An off-shoulder wedding guest dress is perfect for a co*cktail or evening event. Classically flattering, off-shoulder dresses allow you to show off your shoulders and neckline, and look ultra-romantic and feminine!
Shimmery Pleated Navy Midi Dress
This shimmering dress’s pleats and deep navy color are giving the sky on a moonlit night. It’s the perfect dress for a glamorous evening wedding!
Sage Green Satin Mini Dress
This pale green gem of a dress is a dramatic fashion statement indeed! Broad bands of satin sweep and swoop over your body to create a stunning modern silhouette. The off-the-shoulder neckline makes this dress the perfect match for your favorite statement necklace.
Black Ruched Mini Dress
Ruching helps the slinky knit fabric of this dress perfectly outline your curves. A clean, minimalist silhouette looks great with sparkly jewelry, and the short hemline means this dress was virtually made to wear with lace-up heels.
Are you choosing a long-sleeved dress for your next guest look? Show us on Instagram or TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus and shop more wedding guest dresses with sleeves in our Wedding Guest Shop!
This post was originally published in September 2022 and has been updated with new content.
