The ultimate guest style guide to look elevated while staying warm
Dressing for a winter wedding means striking the balance between looking chic and keeping warm – no one wants to spend a day of celebrations shivering. Thanks to these clever styling and layering tricks for elevated evening wear, you can look the part and stay fully present until it’s time for carriages.
Before choosing your winter wedding outfit
Think about the venue and how much of the day might be spent outside. If it’s a church, country manor or barn ceremony, winter florals will work but think carefully about footwear – especially if there’s any chance of ice. For an urban registry office or city hall setting, your styling can lean heavily towards glam black tie.
Maxi and midi dresses
A longer-length evening dress, plus a cover-up, means you’re toasty for outdoor photos but can easily peel a layer off to hit the dancefloor. If florals are your thing, avoid pastels or ditsy prints in favour of darker, graphic designs. Dress up grey, brown or black with twinkly jewellery and statement shoes.
Velvet dresses
Velvet dresses bring the drama – and also add warmth. This heavier, season-friendly fabric is a core look for winter weddings, often chosen by the most assured dressers for its ability to withstand potentially sub-zero temperatures stylishly. Black, green or dark cherry all add to the winter wonder.
Long-sleeved mini dress
Sleeves are your best friend in a draughty church ceremony. Steer clear of collars, or anything that looks too ‘office’ and, instead, go for a feminine shift or swing style like IRO’s. If the dress has a cape detail all the better – think of the silhouette! – and additional sequins are always encouraged.
Trouser suits and jumpsuits
If you’re not keen on wearing a dress to a winter wedding, now is the time for tailoring. Not sure how to make a suit wedding-worthy? Try one in satin, or add a silky camisole underneath to be party ready. Evening jumpsuits – especially in velvet – are another seriously chic alternative to a dress.
A considered cover-up
Think carefully about your jacket, because you might wear it more on the day than you think. A tuxedo jacket adds a chic edge to a pretty dress, while faux fur in a neutral shade and tailored wool overcoats can both be worn more casually with a dress and boots long after the wedding.
The finishing touches
Accessories
Candlelit winter weddings call for glamorous makeup, eye-catching earrings and metallic clutches. But perhaps the most important consideration of all is footwear; a comfortable heel or smart boots are essential to handle whatever the weather throws at you.
Winter wedding FAQs
What should I not wear to a winter wedding?
Avoid daytime or informal materials, such as cotton or linen. Of course, white, cream and ivory hues are off limits, and summery prints, flimsy summer shoes (including stiletto heels) won’t work in winter.
Is it acceptable to wear black to a winter wedding?
Yes, it's a classic choice whether for a dress, tailoring or jumpsuit. Avoid anything neon or super bright, as well as shades of white or cream.
