Did you just receive an invitation to a winter wedding?
Winter weddings can be absolutely beautiful affairs. Snow-capped pine trees, long-sleeved wedding dresses, and evergreen bouquets – oh, my!
Yet if the wedding you’ve been invited to is being held in a northern climate, it may be quite chilly.
This is definitely the case if you’ll be attending an outdoor ceremony. Even if the wedding will be held indoors, it’s important to choose your outfit wisely!
In this post, we discuss what to wear to a winter wedding. With these style ideas, you’ll be both fashionable and warm. Read on for insight!
The Shimmering Confection
As you plan your outfit for your friend’s upcoming winter wedding, don’t leave out the glimmer.
Metallic tones can look positively stunning against a snowy backdrop, especially if the bride has chosen deep earth tones for her palette.
Look for dresses with metallic sheens to their skirts. Don’t worry – you won’t overshadow the bride in this respect! To err on the side of caution, aim for a knee-length, flirty metallic dress.
Or you can go the other route when it comes to glimmer: jewels and glitter. Keep your eyes open for floor-length cocktail dresses with jeweling along the waistbands, collars, or straps.
If the affair is more casual, don’t leave your sparkle out. Search for glittery blazers, diamond blouses, or metallic-tulle skirts.
Stuck on what shades you should prioritize? Ask the bride what colors you can expect to see at the wedding (if possible).
Silvers and golds will generally go best with any palette, but if you amp up the glam, it’s wise to know what the bridal party will be wearing ahead of time.
For the more modest guests out there, consider wearing a simple dress but touting along a sparkly accessory: clutch purses, headbands, or glitzy heels work best!
Dress Tip: Floor-length dresses are more likely to keep you warm, and don’t forget those nylons! When in doubt, bring along a shawl or a scarf to wrap around bare arms.
Fur, Fur, and More Fur
Nothing says glamorous (and cozy) more than fur, authentic or faux. Luckily, you don’t have to have Aunt Flo’s old fur coat in your closet to make a statement at the upcoming winter wedding.
Slide a fur wrap or stole around your shoulders, especially if you plan on wearing a strapless dress. Don’t forget that stoles come in a range of colors, including blacks, pale browns, and whites.
Check with the bride to see if she’s wearing fur ahead of time. You definitely don’t want to outshine her!
It’s also possible to sneak in some fur without bringing along an entire wrap. Arrive at this splendid occasion wearing a fur-lined coat.
Perhaps you slide in a headband with an edge of white fur on it. And don’t forget about furred gloves! You can even come wearing a cape if you feel so bold.
Is fur not for you? Feathers are a lovely alternative. We’re talking peacock feather headbands, for example, or even peacock pattering on a dress.
Velvet Wrap Dress
Velvet is not just for your grandmother – or for the Christmas holidays. It’s possible to look absolutely stunning in velvet, provided you play your cards right.
Look for velvet wrap dresses for ultimate style. These are less likely to come across as weighty or burdensome, a common complaint with velvet attire.
Wrap dresses are also flattering on nearly every body type. They also tend to be longer, more likely to keep you warm during a chilly ceremony.
Pair your velvet dress with a glittering chain of pearls or gold for some added glamour. And don’t forget a tall pair of heels, especially if your dress falls to just around your knees.
Don’t be afraid to be bolder with the color of this dress, either. Try on that savory crimson velvet wrap dress, for example, or that cobalt one calling your name.
After all, once the party lights come on, you’ll want to make a splash on the dance floor – and feel comfortable at the same time!
Jumpsuit
Ah, jumpsuits. These classy garments never fail to make a statement – or to keep you warm! Browse through your local Nordstrom rack to find a jumpsuit suitable for that upcoming winter wedding reception.
Jumpsuits are not just for the boardroom or the runway. But do be careful about being too formal here. This is a wedding, not an interview with a prospective employer!
For this reason, focus on jumpsuits that still have a touch of feminine to them. Keep your eye out for jumpsuits with ruffles, for example, or ones with a wrapped front.
Patterned jumpsuits are more likely to look festive and elegant rather than professional and trim. You may even find a jumpsuit with a metallic sheen – a double win!
Yes, jumpsuits do often look best when paired with some eye-catching heels. If you have long hair, sweep it up into a top bun to draw attention to your luscious neck.
Sheath Dress
Sheath is always in, and it’s the most likely of all the dresses to keep you warm come ceremony time. Strike a vintage look with an off-the-shoulder, close-fitting sheath.
Or aim for a classic vibe with a strapless, dark-colored sheath (we recommend black).
Be careful with sizing when trying on sheath dresses. These can be tough to manage, especially if they are a teensy bit too small. You always want to make sure you are comfortable as a wedding guest!
What to Wear to a Winter Wedding
If you’re wondering what to wear to a winter wedding, don’t be afraid to be bold. Consider glimmering, shimmering confections like metallic jumpsuits or sparkly skirts.
You can always add some shine to your attire with a jeweled tote or a headband.
Sheath dresses will keep you elegant and warm, while fur of any kind is a welcome addition. Don’t overlook velvet, either, as a classic candidate!
At Styles Wardrobe, we have all the ideas you need to look your best. Want more wedding ideas? Browse our posts on wedding wardrobes here!
