How to Dress for a Winter Wedding: A Guide for Guests

1. Opt for lush fabrics

Heavier fabrics offer both warmth and elegance, perfectly fitting the vibe of a winter wedding. Textures like velvet, wool, and satin are excellent choices for their luxurious feel and ability to stave off the cold.

Velvet is a classic winter fabric that exudes opulence. Its plush texture and light sheen make it ultra-glamorous, especially in deep winter jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, or navy.

Wool is a fantastic option for casual or cocktail dress codes. A tailored wool dress or jumpsuit paired with elevated accessories strikes the perfect balance between stylish and functional.

Satin offers a beautiful and sophisticated drape, making it perfect for formal and semi-formal winter weddings. Choose rich, warm colors like royal blue or deep maroon for a festive winter look.

2. Look for longer lengths

While shorter dresses might be appropriate for cocktail parties in spring and summer, winter calls for longer hemlines. Maxi or midi lengths are elevated and elegant while keeping you warm.

Maxi dresses are perfect for formal winter weddings. A flowy, floor-length gown in a dark hue will have you looking chic and classy. For creative formal events, try a maxi dress with unique embellishments like sequins, feathers, or interesting patterns.

Midi dresses work well for cocktail or semi-formal affairs, offering a balance of sophistication and comfort. To keep warm without compromising style, add nude or black stockings and a pair of pumps to elongate your legs.

3. Consider your sleeve length

Long sleeves are practical for colder weather and add a classy touch. If you’re worried about sleeves making you sweaty on the dance floor, opt for dresses with sheer or lace sleeves.

Don’t shy away from sleeveless or short-sleeve dresses if they fit your style! A short-sleeve dress can easily be winter-appropriate with the right layering. A tailored coat, chic shawl, or elegant faux-fur stole will elevate your look and keep you warm – then just shed the extra layers when it’s time to hit the dance floor.

4. Play with dark, rich colors

Winter weddings are the perfect time to experiment with moody, rich hues like jewel tones and dark neutrals.

Jewel tones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire are gorgeous choices for winter weddings. These bold colors complement the season’s darker aesthetic while still feeling elegant and refined.

Dark neutrals like charcoal, navy, and black are always a safe bet. Neutrals are super versatile, so you can easily re-wear them for other winter events. Just be cautious with black, as some brides consider it a faux pax.

5. Mix and match textures

Winter is the perfect time to embrace texture. Mix and match fabrics like velvet, lace, and satin for a luxe, layered look that’s visually interesting and season-appropriate.

Velvet and lace are a match made in winter heaven. Velvet’s plush texture exudes warmth and luxury, while lace gives a delicate, romantic feel. Pairing these two together creates a beautiful contrast, resulting in a balanced and eye-catching outfit.

Satin and fur are a beloved duo. A satin or silk dress is especially dazzling when paired with a faux fur coat or wrap – it’s a gorgeous juxtaposition of satin’s smooth sheen against the fur’s fluffy finish.

Metallics and sequins add a festive touch to your winter wedding look. Whether it's a metallic belt, a sequin embellished dress, or a clutch adorned with subtle glitter, these accents bring a dose of glamour without overwhelming the look.

Try mixing textures within the same color family. For instance, a burgundy velvet skirt paired with a lace top in a slightly different burgundy shade adds depth while still looking cohesive. 

6. Make a statement with outerwear

In winter, outerwear is part of your outfit, so choose a coat that’s both stylish and warm.

Tailored trench coats or wool overcoats are timeless and chic. For maximum versatility throughout the season, stick to neutral tones like camel, black, or gray.

If the wedding is more formal, consider a faux-fur jacket or stole. These offer a vintage, glamorous flair while keeping you warm and snug.

Learn more about finding the best investment outerwear here.

7. Choose the right footwear

Navigating snowy, icy weather in heels can be tricky, but there are plenty of stylish closed-toe alternatives.

Pumps or heeled boots add height and style. Compared to stilettos, pumps generally have a thicker heel and a thicker sole, making them easier to walk in. For casual weddings, heeled ankle boots with a pointed toe are a fashionable alternative.

If you’re not a fan of heels, especially when dealing with ice and snow, opt for fashion-forward flats. Consider flats with embellishments, like pearls or metallic accents, to make the shoes feel more formal and wedding-appropriate.

8. Accessorize with warmth in mind

One of my favorite parts about winter is the accessories. Scarves, shawls, and gloves are practical but also make a stylish statement.

Shawls and wraps are the best layer for winter wedding outfits. Choose a shawl in a luxurious fabric like cashmere, satin, or silk to add texture and dimension to your outfit.

Stockings add warmth while elevating your look. Black, sheer stockings are a timeless choice, while nude tights smooth the look of your legs. 

Gloves aren’t just for keeping warm—they can also be a chic accessory. Leather gloves add a modern edge to your outfit, and long satin gloves (cue Bridgerton theme music) give a vintage touch that’s stunning for formal weddings.

9. Add some sparkle with jewelry

Jewelry is the finishing touch, adding sparkle against the season’s darker, richer tones.

Statement earrings are perfect for framing your face and drawing attention upward, especially if you're wearing your hair up or pulled back. Opt for bold styles like chandelier earrings, jewel-encrusted drops, or oversized hoops for a dramatic look. For more classic sophistication, crystal or pearl stud earrings are a timeless choice.

If your dress is simple, a chunky necklace or layered necklaces add dimension and personality to your outfit. However, if your dress already features embellishments like sequins, lace, or embroidery, go for delicate necklaces or minimalistic jewelry to avoid overwhelming the look.

Bracelets or bangles are the perfect embellishment for sleeveless or short-sleeve dresses. Opt for stacked bangles for a bohemian chic vibe or a single statement cuff for a sleek, modern look.

A metallic clutch is both functional and glamorous. Match the metallic of your purse to your jewelry and shoes for a cohesive look.

To elevate your outfit further, consider adding a gold or silver belt to cinch the waist of a looser dress or to complement darker tones.

Tip: Balance is key. If you’re going for bold earrings or a statement necklace, keep other accessories minimal. For a more embellished dress, opt for subtler, dainty jewelry to let your outfit’s textures shine.

The best-dressed winter wedding guest

Jack Frost can’t stop you from partying! With these tips, you’ll combat the winter chill and be the best-dressed party guest, exuding effortless elegance and style.

At Current Boutique, you’ll find high-end designer pieces at a fraction of their original cost, so you can indulge in something luxurious without breaking the bank. Start browsing our winter wedding guest attire here.

Photo Sources

Velvet, wool, satin, maxi, midi, long sleeves, short sleeves, jewel tones, dark neutrals, velvet and lace, satin and fur, sequins, monochrome texture, tailored trench coat, fur stole, pumps, flats, shawl, stockings, gloves, statement earrings, chunky necklace, bracelets, metallic clutch, belt