9 Winter Wedding Outfits Guaranteed to Earn You Best Dressed Status
Building a winter wedding outfit is a process rife with problems. You want to be warm, but you don't want to feel so bundled up that you can't show off your outfit. Then there's the issue of accidentally wearing all black and looking rather sombre for a lovely occasion. Indeed, it's a sartorial minefield.
But fear not, as there is no shortage of solutions to the cold-weather outfit dilemma. I’ve worked tirelessly to hunt down a few looks that are super easy to copy and will work for not only someone's chilly nuptials but also any other occasion you might have coming up that you want to dress up for. And yes, they just might help you get some use out of pieces you already own. What can I say? I’ve always been partial to a bit of multitasking.
Keep scrolling to unlock the winter wedding outfits guaranteed to earn you best dressed guest status and that will keep you from getting frostbite.
1. LOOSE SILHOUETTES WILL HIDE SECRET LAYERS
Style Notes: As someone who is always cold, I know the antidote lies in layering—this is what makes this outfit idea so genius. Take one of the many beautiful oversized dresses out there. The fluid silhouette will mean you can wear a thermal vest or bodysuit underneath and no one will be any wiser. In my opinion, you can’t fault this Uniqlo Heattech top.
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2. LONG-SLEEVE DRESSES ARE YOUR FRIEND
Style Notes: Winter doesn't mean you have to hide behind chunky outerwear. Instead, make long-sleeve dresses your go-to for any occasion, weddings included. Chances are you won't have to spend much time outside anyway, but the long sleeves will give you that little extra defence from the elements. Applying that same logic, we also recommend opting for a style that falls below the knee.
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The mix of velvet and silk make this perfect for cooler wedding days.
The eye-catching rose silhouette will ensure you make an entrance.
3. TRY A PAIR OF FANCY TROUSERS
Style Notes: Trousers present a chic alternative to typical wedding guest dresses. For a winter service, we suggest choosing a wide-leg pair in a pretty satin fabric for a chic look that's also season-appropriate.
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4. WEIGHTY FABRICS WILL KEEP YOU COSY
Style Notes: In winter, make use of the gorgeous weighty textures on offer—velvet is my favourite for wearing for special occasions.
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If there were ever a time for an embellished bag, its a wedding.
5. HAVE A MAXI MOMENT
Style Notes: Few occasions call for a formal maxi-length dress, so when they present themselves, I advise embracing it. Again, the longer length will prove crucial when the temperatures plummet.
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6. STAY SHARP IN SUITING
Style Notes: Brides aren't the only ones optioning for suits at weddings these days—in fact, they're fast becoming more popular amongst guests, too. In winter, they're a no-brainer, as they'll inevitably keep you warmer than any floaty dress ever could.
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7. KNITWEAR FOR NUPTIALS IS A THING
Style Notes: Knitwear might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to styling a wedding guest outfit, but there are so many dresses in knitted fabrications right now that are legitimately polished it’s now perfectly acceptable to wear them to weddings.
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Self-portrait makes such beautiful dresses.
If you’re still on the fence, use fabulous accessories to elevate them further.
8. IF IN DOUBT, JUMPSUIT
Style Notes: Take a piece from each of the aforementioned sections—long sleeves, trousers, satin—and what do you get? Karina's chic jumpsuit look. Simply round off your ensemble with an on-trend beaded bag, and you're good to go.
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9. DON'T DISREGARD BLACK DRESSES
When it comes to dressing for warmth, black fabrics are a reliable start. As black absorbs heat, your LBD will actually keep you warm by transmitting the heat to your skin. The long sleeves and high neckline on this 16Arlington midi won't hurt, either. Add colourful accessories into the mix to lighten the look for celebrations.
Next Up, Autumn/Winter 2022 Trends: The 15 Fashion Looks That You Need to Know About.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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