Not sure what to wear to a winter wedding? We get it. Dressing for nuptials in cooler months throws up significant sartorial challenges. With trickier weather to navigate - hello all seasons in one day, finding the perfect ensemble can mean some clever layering.
Forecast aside, there’s also the fact that when it comes to what to wear to a winter wedding, the brief can vary quite drastically. It could be that the wedding you’re invited to is a cosy, Christmas-themed celebration, or a glamorous black-tie event complete with a dress code that requires a full-length gown. Either way, it's not just your dress, jumpsuit or combination of separates into account, but also any outerwear and weather-hardy shoes. Forget stilettos – you’re only going to end up sinking into the mud while you wait for the photographer to snap the group shot.
To avoid any potential faux pas, the most important thing to consider is the dress code stated on the invitation. The couple may have requested a particular type of outfit, or even that guests wear a certain shade. After that, the normal rules for what to wear to a wedding apply. These include not wearing white (unless specifically requested by the bridal party), and ideally not wearing the same colour as the bridesmaids. However other rules around colours, such as wearing black wedding guest dresses or wearing red to a wedding have somewhat relaxed in recent years – especially for winter weddings where darker hues are favoured.
What to wear to a winter wedding for an appropriate and stylish outfit
Thanks to the impending festive season, finding winter wedding outfits should be a breeze, with plenty of sparkles – hello sequin skirts, the best dresses, and party-ready co-ords aplenty hitting the shops. In fact, this is actually an ideal time of year to purchase occasionwear in general.
Unlike the summer, which is all about pretty pastel hues and bold floral-inspired tones, winter relies on a richer and darker palette, with jewel tones and metallic being particularly popular. Seek out fabrics with sparkle, lustre and embellishment to not only add joy to the wedding but to give a nod to the time of year too.
"Dressing for a winter wedding is easier than you might think. The stores are full to bursting with outfits for the holiday season and many of these can be spun easily into winter wedding looks. Opt for sparkle and high-shine fabrics to embrace the mood of the season and occasion," says Rivkie Baum, woman&home fashion editor.
1. Printed midi dress
For winter weddings, you can’t really go wrong with one of the best midi dresses in a new season print. Instead of big, bold blooms, look instead to smaller, and more intricate floral designs in slightly darker tones - one of the major autumn/winter dress trends for 2023.
Swap pastels for shades like deep purples, rich greens, and earthy reds. If florals aren’t your thing full-stop, then animal print is always chic and is also a key autumn/winter 2023 fashion trend. Or, dress to match the mood with a kitsch love-heart print. As for shape, a wrap dress will flatter all body types with ease and allow you the option of adjusting the waist tie based on your preferred fit.
A styling tip… If you’re opting for a V-neckline, add a necklace for extra interest.
Our fashion editor recommends…
RRP: £145 / $255 | If anyone asks us where to shop for a wedding guest outfit, Ghost is always one of the first names to leave our lips. We love this midi dress not just for the muted floral print, but also the statement ruched shoulders and puff sleeves – gorgeous.
RRP: £268 / $475 | We love a dress brimming with details. From the graphic floral print to the pleated high neck, and shirt-style button cuffs and a tie waist. Wear it to a winter wedding with courts, then dress it down for work with chunky boots.
RRP: £65 / $110 | Square necklines remain popular for autumn/winter 2023, and are a nice way to show some skin while keeping your outfit church-appropriate. It is black, which can be controversial for a wedding, but the floral print prevents it from feeling drab.
2. Co-ords
If you’re struggling to justify the expense of investing in a new outfit for a winter wedding, a co-ord is a great way to max out your cost-per-wear after the event by wearing the ensemble on repeat as separates. While summer’s co-ords were patterned and crafted from natural fabrics like cotton and linen, winter’s iterations come in a variety of block colours and seriously luxe fabrications. Think pleated lurex, head-to-toe boucle, and high-shine satins for a statement two-piece that will ensure you stand out from the crowd. A great alternative to the best wedding guest dresses. A set with sleeves will negate the need for a jacket, but if you’re braving an asymmetric or camisole top then a blazer slung over your shoulders is the perfect finishing touch.
A styling tip… If you've opted for a blazer co-ord, go for a contrasting top or blouse underneath to break up the look.
Our fashion editor recommends…
RRP: £29.99 / $45.90 | This satin shirt is one of those throw-on-and-go pieces that will make you feel instantly elegant. It’s extra gorgeous with the matching trousers but can be worn with your best jeans post-wedding season too. We love this sage hue.
RRP: £35.99 / $49.50 | Flaring out from the waist over your hips and thighs, wide-leg trousers are universally flattering. The only drawback is the coordinating pair of trousers are quite long, so you may need to enlist the help of a tailor if you’re petite.
RRP: £85 / $129 | The right accessories can make or break an outfit. This softly gathered clutch is eye-catching and romantic, with enough room to stash your wedding day essentials. It has a detachable chain strap too, for hands-free dancing.
3. Jumpsuit
For maximum impact for what to wear to a winter wedding but with minimum effort, a flattering jumpsuit is your one-and-done sartorial safety net. The beauty of a jumpsuit is it does the heavy lifting for your outfit in one swoop, so all you really need to worry about is accessories. If you’re opting for a sleeveless design, square and high-necks remain popular for the season ahead. For styles with sleeves, look to wrap and sweetheart necklines for the ultimate flattering fit. Or, keep things interesting with an asymmetric jumpsuit. A block colour is easier to style and less likely to date, but prints do have the advantage of not showing creases quite as clearly.
A styling tip… The length and the placement of the waist are trickier to get right if you’re tall or petite. Belts can help to ensure your figure isn't lost and add proportion and shape to your outfit. Look to dedicated ranges for just the right fit.
Our fashion editor recommends…
RRP: £159 / $195 | Taking inspiration from the best tuxedos for women, this jumpsuit features a sharp collar and nipped-in waist. The fabric has a little bit of stretch to it, so you won’t feel uncomfortable by the time you’ve finished your dessert.
RRP: £395 / $495 | The silky fabric makes this printed jumpsuit feel really premium, while the slightly oversized fit stops it from feeling too prim-and-proper. Just add metallic heels and a black blazer and you’re good to go. Pair with sneakers for a casual look after the big day.
RRP: £65 / $121 | It might be high-street, but this jumpsuit is more than a little reminiscent of the blue Issa dress that Catherine Middleton, the Princess of Wales, wore to announce her engagement back in 2010. If it’s good enough for royalty.
4. Skirt and blouse
A skirt and blouse combination might require slightly more thought than a throw-on-and-go dress when it comes to what to wear to a winter wedding, but it does give the opportunity to play a little more with texture and print. Balance out a luxurious satin, sequin, or chiffon skirt by teaming with your best shirt in crisp cotton. This is one of the scenarios in which white is completely appropriate, as it will be offset by the colour in the bottom half of your outfit. A midi that hits mid-calf is the ideal length to keep you warm, while a mini will give you the opportunity to show off your legs. Add a closed shoe with a pointed toe or strappy sandal to elongate your frame.
A styling tip… Take proportions into account. If your skirt is fit-and-flare, you’ll need a form-fitting top, while a pencil skirt means you can take more volume on the top half.
Our fashion editor recommends…
RRP: £195 / $240 | This could-be-vintage blouse comes with all the trimmings. There’s the feather-inspired pattern, the metallic jacquard detailing and the chic tie neckline. Even better, it’s the perfect length for tucking into skirts or trousers to highlight your waist.
RRP: £49 / $91 | A statement skirt if ever we saw one. The bias cut has plenty of structure whilst still feeling like it will melt over your frame. Play it safe and pair the jade green shade with black or white, or mix it up with statement bright tones such as lilac or hot pink.
RRP: £65 / $115 | A party shoe you can dance all night in, these mules are enhanced with M&S’ Insolia technology to take the pressure off the balls of your feet. Top marks for the square toe and diamante detailing, a strong nod to the autumn/winter shoe trends 2023.
5. Colourful dress
Winter wedding styling stereotypically means a shift towards darker colours, so opting for a bright, colour-pop dress will ensure you stand out. Wondering what colour suits me? Use your own wardrobe as a starting point and see what hues you naturally gravitate towards. Pick out the shades that always make you feel good, the ones you can rely on to perk up your complexion when you’re tired or to take the edge off a bad hair day. Alternatively, take your hair colour into account. As a rough starting point, brunettes look great in reds, blondes suit pinks, redheads are beautiful in green and grey hair is striking with blue.
A styling tip… For a real matchy-matchy look, double down with accessories in the same colour as your dress.
Our fashion editor recommends…
RRP: £90 / $110 | Business at the front, party at the back, the star of the show here is the open back, complete with sash tie. The bow is not just a pretty detail, but also perfectly placed to hide your bra strap, so you don’t need to go without one.
RRP: £298 / $515 | This gorgeous green dress is part of Reiss’ new Florere line, which takes pieces from vintage archives and reimagines them in vibrant colourways. The retro feel of the drop waist is offset by the exposed gold zip at the back - a modern classic.
RRP: £37.99 / $47 | For the cut and the quality of the fabric, we can’t believe that this dress comes in at under £40/$50. Some online reviewers have commented that it comes up big, so size down if you’re in between two sizes and add a belt to highlight your waist.
6. Tuxedo
Don’t feel like wearing a cocktail dress? Borrow from the boys instead with a luxe tux. Starting from the shoulders, it’s the cut that separates a good suit from the best tuxedos for women. Padded shoulders will make a real statement, and are an easy way to balance out your hips, creating the illusion of a narrower waistline in the process. Double-breasted styles are great for making smaller busts appear fuller, while single-breasted jackets are flattering on larger busts and also elongate your frame with ease. Aim for a jacket that hits just below your hips, any longer and you risk distorting your frame, especially if you’re petite. Both wide-leg and tapered trousers are popular at the moment, so you can choose the level of drama that works for you.
A styling tip… If you're planning on wearing your jacket done up for the entire event, you can potentially forgo wearing anything underneath, although we recommend filling the neckline with a statement necklace. If you think you might want to slip your jacket off or wear undone, then layer over a silky camisole for the perfect way to style a blazer at a winter wedding.
Our fashion editor recommends…
RRP: £95 / $129 | A luxe take on the classic tux, we can’t decide which we love more – the rich deep pink shade or the super-soft, uber-tactile velvety fabric. Crystal buttons are a thoughtful finishing touch, for added sparkle, elevating the look further.
RRP: £65 / $80 | Complete the set with matching velvet trousers. They are wide-leg, but not overly so, which keeps the look feeling sharp and streamlined. Wear with sky-high platforms or court heels for maximum impact.
RRP: £35.99 / $59.99 | Have you ever seen a bag as adorable as this? Thanks to the baby pink shade, bow detail and diamante strap, it’s Barbie meets Clueless. The perfect way to give your accessories drawer a '90s revival and hit the autumn/winter handbag trends 2023.
7. Best cover-ups for a winter wedding
The best part of dressing for a winter wedding? The opportunity for a really gorgeous statement coat. If the dress code requires a floor-sweeping gown, then faux fur, one of the big coat trends for 2023 is our first choice to amp up the glamour. Keep it classic with browns and creams or inject a little colour with a more striking shade. Cropped, waist-skimming styles are perfect for petites and will stop your coat from swamping your shape. For structured midi dresses, co-ords, and suits, a tailored wool coat will finish the look perfectly. If it’s not too cold, or you’re getting a cab or driving to and from the venue, a blazer should be enough to keep you warm. Opt for a classic black blazer or push the boat out with a sequin or velvet upgrade for the ultimate party-ready feel.
A styling tip… You don’t actually have to wear your coat or jacket. Robing (wearing it slung over your shoulders) will keep you warm while looking effortless.
Our fashion editor recommends…
RRP: £285 / $425 | There’s an instant glamour that comes with shrugging on a faux fur coat, and for maximum drama, the longer the better. The addition of a waist belt here stops the fuzzy fabric from overwhelming your frame.
RRP: £159 / $197 | Looking for something with a little more wow factor than a classic black blazer? This gold-fringed number is just the ticket. It’s the perfect way to make an understated dress feel instantly wedding-appropriate.
RRP: £189 / $380 | If you don’t want your coat to hide too much of your outfit then this cropped number is the perfect compromise. The boxy silhouette is slightly oversized for a laid-back but still cosy feel, we love the versatile colourway too.
Is it ok to wear black to a winter wedding?
Traditionally, it’s seen as inappropriate to wear black to a wedding. It’s a dark colour that can signify mourning and is more appropriate for what to wear to a funeral, so it feels like the wrong choice for a celebration that should be jam-packed with joy. However, this rule becomes slightly more relaxed in the case of winter weddings. A change in seasons sees a shift towards a darker palette – but it’s not just about aesthetics. Black absorbs light and converts it into heat, which is why you feel warmer when you’re wearing darker clothing compared to lighter colours. And, if you’re attending a winter wedding, it’s fair to assume the temperature will be far lower than a summer one.
To toe on the right side of appropriate, keep any accents of black to a minimum, try sequin iterations that have a clear party feel or balance black pieces out with brighter pops of colour. Think a colourful dress topped with a black blazer, or a printed jumpsuit with black in the mix, but not the focal shade of the pattern. If you’re unsure about the dress code, try to run your outfit past a member of the bridal party ahead of time, so you can head into the day feeling confident in your choices.
What should you wear to a cold wedding?
The key difference between what to wear to a winter wedding and what to wear to a summer wedding is how covered up you’ll want to be. In the summer, you’ll likely opt for something strappy, whereas in the winter you’ll almost definitely be leaning toward some kind of sleeve. Keep in mind that although it might be chilly outside, the majority of the wedding will likely be inside. Wrap up too warm, and you run the risk of sweltering during the speeches and sweating on the dancefloor. Layers are your friend here. We’d recommend a light layer, like a blazer, and a second, warmer layer, like a faux fur or wool coat for enough flexibility to take you from photos to drinks. Alternatively, add a stole or wrap that can be draped across your shoulders. Black opaque tights can look quite blocky, opt for as low a denier as possible, the sheerer the better. If you’re wearing a midi or maxi dress, you might not need them at all.
What colour should you not wear to a winter wedding?
As with a wedding in any season, it’s always smart to steer clear of wearing white – even if you know the bride has opted for a more colourful outfit. Firstly, you don’t want to face any accusations of trying to upstage the bride on her special day, and secondly, there’s nothing more awkward than actually being confused with the bride by a distant relative. So, to keep red faces to a minimum, play it safe and choose brighter, richer, and darker tones instead. Again, similarly to the question of whether you can wear white to a winter wedding, a little white is fine as part of a print or for a jacket or coat if the rest of your outfit is colourful. It’s also a clever idea to ask in advance what colour the bridesmaids will be wearing so you don’t look like an add-on to the bridal party. If you don’t feel comfortable asking, sometimes the shade of the wedding invitations will give hints about the colour scheme of the day.
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