What to Wear To A Winter Wedding? Chic Outfit Ideas (2024)

There’s something magical about a winter wedding. The snowy backdrop, the frosty air – it’s all so stunning. But here’s the big question: What to wear?

If you are unsure what to wear to a winter wedding when it’s freezing outside, I’ve got you covered. Check out my guide on choosing the most elegant, season-appropriate wedding guest attire. I’ve also styled some winter wedding guest outfits for inspiration.

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2. Chose Luxurious, Elegant Fabrics

Let’s talk fabrics, ladies. In the winter chill, you’ll want heavier materials for extra warmth, that are also elegant. The best winter wedding guest dresses are made from these sumptuous fabrics:

• Velvet: My favorite of the thicker fabrics when the temperature drops. Whether it’s a velvet dress, blazer, or accessories, it adds a touch of luxury to your outfit.
• Silk/Satin: Smooth, elegant, and comfortable, silk and satin dresses, blouses, or scarves are beautiful in winter.
• Brocade: Consider brocade or jacquard if you’re in the mood for texture and intricate patterns. These are excellent choices for gowns or blazers.

When my sister was married in December many years ago, I wore a long, red velvet gown with lace. It was warm, wintry, and luxurious. Another guest wore a short taffeta co*cktail dress in deep purple and looked just as stunning.

3. Sleeves are a Good Idea

A sleeveless dress can leave you feeling chilly in a drafty church during the ceremony or at the reception venue if you are sitting near a window. Long sleeves make sense if you tend to get cold.

However, when they are opaque, they can look heavy. So instead, try 3/4 length sleeves a semi-sheer long-sleeve dress or lace sleeves.

Of course, a pretty wrap with a sleeveless or short-sleeved dress is always elegant and solves your arm problem.

Blue Sapphire Dress | Black Embellished dress

4. Dress to Code

As with any wedding, any season, pay close attention to the dress code mentioned in the invitation. Here’s how to dress for different levels of formality:

• Black Tie Wedding: Opt for a floor-length gown or formal winter wedding guest dress in a classic silhouette for a black-tie winter wedding. For example, an elegant one-shoulder dress. Add glamorous accessories like statement jewelry to complete your look.
• Formal: If it’s a formal affair, choose a co*cktail dress in black or rich color or wear a tailored pantsuit. Don’t forget a stylish belt, clutch, and heels to elevate your style.
• Semi-Formal Winter Wedding: Semi-formal weddings offer more flexibility. A knee-length dress, chic pantsuit, little black dress, or dressy evening jumpsuit is perfect, paired with chic accessories.
• Casual: You can dress more relaxed for casual winter weddings. Think of a midi dress with boots or dark pants and a fancy blouse or top.

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5. Think Twice About Your Shoes

Your choice of footwear can make or break your winter wedding guest outfit. Choose from:

• Heels: Strappy evening sandals work year-round but are not the best shoes in cold January and February. I prefer dressy closed-toe pumps or peep-toe pumps because they are more practical. A pointy-toe pump will look the most elegant.
• Boots: An excellent choice for outdoor winter weddings. Opt for knee-high or ankle boots that complement your outfit. Indoors – sometimes a pair of fine, sophisticated booties can work, but they will give your outfit an edgier look.
• Flats: Chic flats can be just as stylish as heels and much more comfortable for dancing the night away. I’d recommend they have some pretty detail or embellishments like crystals.

6. Accessories: Bring on the Bling

Winter wedding guest dresses are richer, darker, and heavier, so feel free to pile on larger, more luxurious accessories. Think statement jewelry that is big, bold, and eye-catching.

A glamorous clutch is a great way to add some sparkle to a dark jewel winter wedding attire. You might even need a hat and leather gloves if you are gathering outside the church or if the wedding takes place outdoors.

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7. Don’t Forget A Dressy Coat

What do you wear over your dress on the way to the church and when you enter the reception hall? Don’t think you can get away with your everyday puffy parka or casual car coat.

A co*cktail dress calls for a classy jacket, a cape, or elegant winter wrap. Plan and consider these stylish options:

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