What to wear to a winter wedding: The essential guest dressing guide for women
Don’t let the cold tamp down your style with these chic winter weddings looks ideal for any weather
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Weddings don’t stop in winter. Quit the contrary. The crisp, snowy season brings more romantic, truly magical occasions for brides, grooms and their parties to enjoy. But with this comes the conundrum of outfit choices. Dragging yourself out of a warm bed is difficult enough in the colder months, but combine that with the thought of spending all day in a draughty church or echoey ballroom while wearing a slinky cocktail dress and the chills literally take over. So what to wear to a winter wedding? Fret not; with our edit of chic cold weather-ready pieces you can still cherish those romantic ‘I dos’ while looking your best.
Whether you’re looking for the best wedding guest dresses, a coat worthy of the occasion, or comfortable separates that will also look great at your work Christmas party, our curated edit will make sure your style doesn’t get low just because the temperature is.
Velvet dresses
For a stunning winter look, you really can’t go wrong with velvet. Warm and sensual, this heavier fabric makes for great winter wedding guest dresses as the lustrous fabric drapes elegantly around the body. A classic midi option, like Self Portrait’s peplum waist iteration, is perfect for a black-tie reception. Etro’s paisley printed maxi, meanwhile, is made for rustic country house weddings.
If you prefer to stand out from the crowd (while not overshadowing the bride, of course) opt for the striking multi-coloured Pucci Iride dress. You can also be smart about showing some skin by opting for Maygel Coronel’s sleek blue dress – its open-back detailing is sexy without being over the top.
Knit dresses
Knitted dresses are a safe bet for those who are perennially cold. Forgo bulky coats and wrap yourself in a toasty cashmere or wool knit so you can dance the night away with ease. To add a dramatic flair to your twirls, go with Tom Ford's floor-length cashmere dress finished with a low neckline and flared hem.
Lean into a pastel palette with Needle & Thread's lilac-hued wrap-effect frock or blend into the festivities with Missoni’s metallic-knit dress embellished with multicolour sequinned stripes. Altuzarra's off-the-shoulder dress, meanwhile, provides a striking style and is appliquéd with pretty rosettes for a romantic touch.
Luxe separates
Who said you have to limit yourself to dresses for a stunning wedding guest look? Matching separates can elevate your style and make you stand out from the gown-wearing masses. Take a page from the men’s occasionwear playbook and try a suit: Tom Ford's black suit is crafted from textured-velvet and the blazer has sharp peak lapels and a single gold-tone button guaranteed to draw compliments. Pair with classic black pumps for a statement outfit.
For a more traditionally feminine approach, try a skirt suit, like Saloni's tonal vine patterned iteration. The cropped jacket is boxy with four golden buttons while the elegant ankle-grazing length skirt features a small back-slit for a hint of skin. Finish the look with a hat for extra style points. Alternatively, add a pop of colour with Gabriela Hearst's green slim-fit blazer and flared bottoms.
Tom Ford wool-blend velvet blazer
Tom Ford textured-velvet straight-leg pants
Gabriela Hearst Leiva wool blazer
Gabriela Hearst Rhein Pleated wool flared pants
Saloni Vika cropped satin-trimmed velvet-jacquard jacket
Saloni Nat Satin-trimmed embroidered velvet midi skirt
Cosy layers
With wardrobes brimming with trench coats and leather jackets, who needs yet another coat? But hear us out. Your trusty black wool coat might be warm, but it’ll just dull the shine of your impeccable winter wedding guest outfit. Investing in a beautiful evening coat will ensure you look your best even when donning endless layers.
Prada’s cape-effect coat is a timeless classic while Yves Salomon’s off-white coat with a shearling trim is a lush option you can also wear every day. Wrap Gabriela Hearst’s oversized cashmere scarf over a dress for an understated look or go monochrome with Alice + Olivia's cape-effect jacket featuring a dramatic bow embellishment at the front.
Sleek boots
Swap out strappy sandals for sleek boots to keep feet toasty even during the longest vows. Thankfully, this season’s new wave of boots is brimming with sleek high-heeled options perfect for a winter wedding. Choose from classics like Saint Laurent's black leather ankle boots or creamy brown knee-high boots.
Pair a simple monotone dress with Gen Z favourite Paris Texas’ crystal-embellished boots for a statement look. Or put your most fashionable foot forward in Maison Margiela’s iconic split-toe Tabi boots.
Read more: Perfect party dresses for the festive season
