Long Sleeve Wedding Dress Styles for a Winter Wedding

by Emily Rochotte
Long Sleeve Wedding Dress Styles for a Winter Wedding

Rocking a dress with long sleeves on your wedding day is not just for brides looking to cover up. Long sleeves are stylish and are an added bonus when you’re looking to stay warm for your winter wedding. With so many sleeve variations to choose from, there’s a design for you whether you are looking for an intricately patterned lace sleeve, a traditionally modest sleeve or a sleeve you can remove for the reception. Stay warm in the cold months with one of these long sleeve wedding dresses for your winter wedding.

Traditional

A traditional long sleeve wedding dress may not have glitz and glam but its simplistic style will make a statement. Full coverage can range from solid, unembellished sleeves to detailed stitching and appliques.

Full coverage winter wedding dress with high neckline across the collarbone, long sleeves and giant box in the back.
Dress: Style #14855 by Pnina Tornai
Bride wears fitted wedding dress with pearl encrusted headband and sleeves that are floral lace up to the elbow and then full coverage.
Dress: Style 8141 by Monica Loretti

Lace

If you love the long sleeve wedding dress look but are not looking for full coverage, opt for lace sleeves. A lace wedding dress gives the option for a lined look or a see-through, decorative style. Each lace pattern is different, whether you want full lace overlay or a simple design running down a mostly mesh sleeve.

Dress: Germaine by Alexandra Grecco
Dress: Zander by Sottero and Midgley

Buttons

They may be small, but a few buttons can make a big statement on your sleeves. Styles can range from one or two buttons close to the wrist or a full row up to the elbow.

Back view of Kelly Faetanini ball gown with see-through top and buttons running down the back to the waist and up the sleeves from wrist to elbow.
Dress: Elizabeth by Kelly Faetanini
Dress: Style 8936 by Justin Alexander

Flared

70s-inspired flare sleeves are sure to make a statement. The billowing design means even more canvas for embellishments and intricate stitching.

Dress:  Style #JETT-LS by All Who Wander
Dress: Alena by Studio Levana

80s-Inspired Puff Sleeves

A nod to 80s fashion, puff sleeves are on the rise and they can look any way you want them to. Choose a puff high on the shoulder to give retro shoulder pad vibes, have large puffs down the upper arm, or puff them mid-sleeve for an even larger look.

80s puffed shoulder wedding dress with long sleeves and fitted bodice and full coverage, perfect for a cold winter wedding
Dress: Bardot by Monique Lhuillier
Winter wedding gown with 80s shoulders, long sleeves and buttons up to the elbow, belted waist and ball gown skirt.
Dress: Space by Pronovias

Detachable Sleeves

Detachable sleeves are the perfect solution for brides who want the look (and warmth) of a sleeve for their winter wedding but don’t want to overheat once the dancefloor gets going. Walk down the aisle with the sleeves on, then remove them after photos to create a second look for your reception.

Black bride wears strapless dress with lace back and detachable lace sleeves.
Dress: Lyra by Claire Pettibone
Model stands with her back to the camera wearing a wedding gown with open lace back and detachable long sleeves that go up to mid-upper arm.
Dress: Bronte Style Y22064 by Sophia Tolli

What’s your preferred sleeve style for a winter wedding?