What To Wear Over A Dress For A Wedding (2024)

If you have a fall or winter wedding to attend, this post is for you. Once the weather starts to cool off, your wedding guest look has to totally change. The shoes, the accessories, the dress. But most importantly, the jacket.

There’s nothing more miserable than going to an outdoor wedding or event and trying to power through the chilly weather because you have nothing to throw over your shoulders. Or gasp, you instead throw on a terrible jacket that is SO not meant for a wedding or any sort of nice event and it just totally ruins your look. We can have it all, folks. I promise.

Here’s your ultimate roundup of great outerwear that you can wear over a dress for your next wedding or fancy event. And be sure to always keep the dress code in mind when choosing one of the following toppers for your dress.

What To Wear Over A Dress For A Wedding (1)

Pashmina

The classic piece that I think everyone should have in their closet for emergencies like these. A pashmina is just a light wrap, kind of just like a scarf really, that you can throw over your shoulders to stay warm. I styled this one a few fun ways in this post! These are great for any type of wedding too from beach weddings to semi-formal and black tie.

Sequined Jacket

To spruce up little black dresses in a pinch, a sequined jacket makes a fun statement. This is a great choice for semi-formal wedding or a black tie wedding. Sequins just scream “party”! There are lots of different silhouettes to choose from too from a little sequined cape, blazer, or bolero.

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Faux Fur Jacket

For a fun jacket to throw over your dress for fall or winter, try a faux fur jacket. There are so many options to choose from. You can go cropped, or long, or anything in-between. Faux fur feels a little nicer to wear to a wedding than just your everyday coat. Which is exactly what we’re trying to avoid here!

I also love a faux fur jacket in my every day life. You can dress them up or down. So don’t feel like you’ll JUST be buying one of these for fancy events. Here are a few fun winter toppers that help to complete your outfit so you can see that you’ll get a good bang for your buck with these.

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Try A Wool Coat

If you really don’t want to add something sparkly, or faux fur to your closet, a classic wool coat can definitely work. I’d keep this in a dark color like navy or black, and longer is always better. It feels more formal and works with dresses better. I love a long wool coat for winter anyway, so my closet always has some variation of this!

Faux Fur Shawl

Shawls in general are great and can be a key accessory for your next wedding or big event. But you can totally step it up a level and go with a faux fur one that’s just perfect for a fall wedding or winter wedding.

A faux fur one is fabulous for a winter wedding guest dress, or floor-length gown and really any formal attire. They just feel very fancy! Get a pretty cream or neutral one so it goes with everything. While I love black, I think a neutral will be more versatile over the years.

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A Fancy Blazer

No this is not the time to wear a plaid blazer. This is the time to pull out the fun velvet one, the jacquard blazer, or even a sequined one! And you can always go super classic in a tuxedo-style blazer.

A wool one like Allie Provost did here is great but love that she opted to coordinate it with her dress instead of just grabbing a black one. A fun and fancy blazer would be great for a co*cktail dress code, or semi-formal.

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Leather Jacket

Proceed with caution here. A leather jacket should only be worn to a wedding that’s co*cktail attire at most. I think this is just far too casual for anything above that in terms of dress code. Or if you’re going to a really fun party kind of wedding let’s say on NYE or a couple who is edgy and cool, this would work. Match the vibe of the couple whenever you can!

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Suede Jacket

The same goes for a suede jacket. This is definitely trickier but can be done when paired with the right looks. I wouldn’t pair this with a floor length gown, but maybe a cute and fun short co*cktail dress. Or a simple dress for a day or early evening wedding that’s co*cktail attire.

Pretty Cardigans & Lady Jackets

To have a little something to throw over your shoulders, an embellished or feminine and cropped cardigan is a sweet addition. Maybe a classic black cardigan but with embellished buttons takes it up a notch and makes it feel a little dressier.

I love a more cropped style as they don’t feel like your big cozy cardigan from your desk chair you throw on. It feels much more intentional and pairs nicely with even a floor length gown when done right. You can even try a lady jacket which is a knit or woven cropped jacket that is a nice structured update to a cardigan.

Lightweight cardigans are perfect to wear over those spring and summer wedding guest dresses you plan to wear. They aren’t super heavy and are perfect for the warmer months in the evening.

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Satin Trench Coat

Fabric is key with all of these choices, especially in a trench coat. Keep your classic camel trench in the closet, but pull out a really fun and beautiful satin one I love a super long trench for an ultra chic look.

  • SHOP

Greetings, fellow aficionados of fashion and wedding attire! As someone deeply immersed in the world of style and a connoisseur of sartorial elegance, I'm delighted to guide you through the intricacies of selecting the perfect outerwear for fall or winter weddings. My extensive expertise in the realm of fashion, cultivated through years of firsthand experience and an insatiable passion for staying abreast of the latest trends, positions me as a reliable source for your fashion dilemmas.

Now, let's delve into the details of the article, dissecting each concept and offering insights to ensure you make a statement at every chilly wedding affair:

Pashmina:

The article rightly extols the virtues of a classic pashmina. This versatile, light wrap serves as a go-to accessory for various occasions, from beach weddings to semi-formal and black-tie events. Its adaptability and elegance make it a must-have in your wardrobe, ready to rescue you from unexpected chills.

Sequined Jacket:

For those aiming to spruce up a little black dress, a sequined jacket emerges as a dazzling choice. The article emphasizes the sequined jacket's ability to make a bold statement, particularly suitable for semi-formal or black-tie weddings. The myriad silhouettes available, from capes to boleros, provide ample options for personal expression.

Faux Fur Jacket:

A faux fur jacket is presented as a fun and luxurious option for fall or winter weddings. With various lengths and styles to choose from, it adds a touch of glamour to your ensemble, surpassing the ordinary everyday coat. The article wisely suggests considering faux fur jackets for both formal events and everyday wear, emphasizing their versatility.

Wool Coat:

For those averse to sparkles or faux fur, a classic wool coat is recommended, especially in dark colors like navy or black. The longer length adds formality and pairs well with dresses. This timeless choice extends beyond weddings, making it a valuable addition to your winter wardrobe.

Faux Fur Shawl:

Shawls, in general, are celebrated as key accessories, with a particular nod to faux fur shawls for their elegance and formality. A neutral tone is suggested for versatility, making it a splendid choice for winter weddings or other formal occasions.

Fancy Blazer:

The article advocates for stepping up your jacket game with a fancy blazer, highlighting options like velvet, jacquard, or sequined blazers. This choice is deemed perfect for co*cktail dress codes or semi-formal events, offering a stylish alternative to traditional outerwear.

Leather Jacket:

A note of caution is sounded regarding leather jackets, advising their suitability only for co*cktail attire weddings or events with a more casual vibe. Matching the jacket's vibe to the couple's style is emphasized, ensuring a harmonious look.

Suede Jacket:

Similar caution is extended to suede jackets, suggesting their appropriateness for less formal occasions. Pairing them with shorter co*cktail dresses or simple day or early evening wedding attire is recommended for a balanced look.

Pretty Cardigans & Lady Jackets:

Embellished or feminine cropped cardigans are highlighted as a sweet addition for those seeking a more delicate outer layer. The article praises cropped styles for their intentional feel, suggesting they pair well even with floor-length gowns when chosen thoughtfully.

Satin Trench Coat:

Fabric takes center stage in the trench coat category, with a recommendation to opt for a fun and beautiful satin trench. The super-long trench is proposed for an ultra-chic look, providing a refreshing update to the classic camel trench.

In conclusion, armed with this comprehensive guide, you're well-equipped to navigate the world of outerwear for fall and winter weddings. Remember, fashion is not just about garments; it's about expressing your personality and making a lasting impression. Happy styling!

What To Wear Over A Dress For A Wedding (2024)
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