Winter is coming. Actually, some good news; the shortest day of the year is a mere two weeks away, and after that, the good, sunnier times can’t be far off.
Still, if you’re looking forward to a winter wedding in the coming weeks, this will be of little consolation. Yep, choosing an outfit for a wedding is hard enough, but with the added obstacle of blustery weather, icy temperatures and even the possibility of snow, it can become a nightmare scenario.
We’re not putting it mildly (mmm, ‘mild’) when we say that finding the perfect winter wedding outfit is no mean feat. You have to take into account the weather, the type of wedding you’re attending and of course the small matter of your own style. We’re here to help with all of that; our 5 IDEAL tips on what to wear to a winter wedding.
Is There A Dress Code?
Before you plan your outfit, you’ll need to check the formality of the event and see if there’s a specified, strict dress code. Is there a mention of cocktail attire or black tie on the wedding invitation? Have they specified a colour scheme? Is the dress code unwritten but obvious?
Weddings are usually formal affairs, but if they aren’t, the invitation will specify what sort of attire is expected (business casual, hippy chic, or everyone-in-shorts, for example). Always follow the instructions on the invitation and don’t bend the rules too much with your outfit. As the experts at The Wedding Shop caution, if your invitation indicates specific instructions regarding attire, it is disrespectful to show up well beyond the dress code.
If a dress code hasn’t been specified, then the invitation gives away a lot of information. It’s not a rule cast in stone that the invitation card should match the wedding colours of the bridal party, but it often does. The last thing you want to do is look like the bridal party when you’re just a humble wedding guest, as this is considered, if not a fashion faux pas per se, a little bit awkward, at the least.
Of course, rather than looking for clues in the invitation or trying to interpret a rather vague invitation instruction, it might just be worth asking the bride or groom!
Read: What are the biggest fashion faux pas at UK weddings?
Fabric, Necklines, Length & Sleeves & Sleeves
Most winter weddings are indoors, so you probably don’t need your thermals. That said, it’s a good idea to choose thicker fabrics like velvet and satin, warm and luxe, as they’ll keep you from feeling any chill throughout the ceremony, reception and any travel in between.
A winter wedding is the perfect time for lots of texture and luxurious fabrics. High necklines, longer hems and billowing sleeves can add a sensible sense of occasion to a wedding outfit. A winter wedding is also the ideal opportunity to wear a gorgeous floor length gown, especially if it’s a more formal affair.
For something more casual, a shift or wrap dress with long sleeves offers a smart, yet formal option. Elegant wedding suits or a jumpsuit with long sleeves can look sophisticated and will keep you warm.
Dark Tones, Metallics & Chic Patterns
Deep tones like black, purple and navy are great for a winter wedding. Berry hues of burgundy and jewel tones of emerald green and ruby red can also add a festive touch to your outfit, while earthier shades like green and burnt orange are equally appropriate seasonally. Don’t dismiss florals; they aren’t the sole reserve of summer weddings. Indeed, a floral pattern against a dark backdrop can look particularly striking.
Coveted Cover Ups
In winter a coat or cover up is essential, however the trouble is looking chic in something that keeps you warm. Luckily we have the answer – luxury layering. A feather or faux fur shrug can keep you feeling cosy yet looking stylish indoors. Wrapping yourself in a stylish winter shawl made from velvet also offers that extra layer of warmth indoors. A sleeveless cape made of wool or a satin coat is ideal for the outdoors.
Subtle Sequins
More a general rule on what to wear to a wedding rather than a seasonally-specific statement, but you might want to avoid wearing a dress entirely made from sequins.
Sequins are often a part of luxurious and elegant dresses; a marker of a sense of glam and occasion. However, unless the dress code is about all things glittery and sparkling, and sequins have been explicitly encouraged, when it comes to weddings you should stay away from a dress entirely made of sequins.
A dress that is entirely made of shiny sequins is not so photo-friendly and also has that dreaded sense (intentionally or otherwise) of trying to take a little too much of the attention. It will reflect the light physically and may steal the limelight metaphorically. Subtle and sophistication are the watchwords here.
And with that, we’re sure you’ll look strike the right balance between glamorous and elegant!