Top 8 Winter Wedding Outfits to Wear as a Guest
Finding the right outfit to wear to a wedding can be a challenge. You can’t wear white, you can’t be garishly overdressed, you can’t be too casual … you get the picture. And we’ve all been there: staring in front of the closet trying to figure out what to wear or browsing the department stores in the hopes of finding the right dress.
If you have a wedding to attend this winter season and need a little bit of inspiration to help you find the right outfit, you have come to the right place. Take a look at the top eight outfits to wear to a winter wedding.
1. Sleeves, Sleeves, Sleeves, and More Sleeves
It’s winter. You can never go wrong with long sleeves at a winter wedding. A long-sleeve dress is practical in the sense that it will keep you warm, but beyond that, they have an added touch of elegance that short-sleeve dresses simply don’t have. There are so many different types of women’s long-sleeve dresses to choose from; you could go for off-the-shoulder, kimono sleeves, bishop sleeves, angel sleeves … so many sleeves!
2. The Long Winter Coat
If any part of the wedding festivities happens outdoors, you are going to want (and need) a fashionable winter coat. But you might be wondering what are appropriate wedding coats for guests? Well, the more elegant and sophisticated the coat, the better. Trench coats and women's wool coats offer the most style, especially if you choose one in a warm or dramatic color.
3. The Pastel or “Spring Color” Outfit
Veer off the traditional route and opt for a women’s dress or jumpsuit with lighter, softer, pastel colors. Something like a peach dress or a bright green power suit will play nicely off the snowy white backdrop. And one way to make a subtle yet powerful fashion statement is to dress asynchronously with the seasons. When everyone is expecting darker, warmer tones, show up in something lighter and more playful. Everyone can appreciate a touch of spring-like warmth and jubilance on a cold winter day.
4. A Short Dress
There are so many reasons to show up to a wedding in a (reasonably) short wedding dress, with the ability to move around more freely on the dance floor being at the top of that list. A short dress is easy, low-maintenance, and practical, yet you can still find plenty of styles that are formal enough for a wedding. Since it’s a winter wedding, opt for a short dress that has long sleeves or is made with a thicker material. Ideally, stick to darker, richer, winter colors like burgundy, evergreen, or dark purple.
5. The Winter Suit
Although it’s very common for female wedding guests to arrive in an elegant dress or skirt, there are plenty of ways to pull off a regal winter suit. Of course, we’re not talking about the kind of professional suit you would typically wear to the office. No, a wedding is the perfect occasion to play with fun, bold suits or jumpsuits. Go for something with color and style. Finish off the look with a women’s cashmere cardigan, a pair of heels, and some statement jewelry to give the entire outfit that extra oomph.
6. The Casual Winter Dress
So, what if you want to wear a casual dress for a winter wedding? There’s no rule that says you can’t show up to a wedding in a “casual” dress. Obviously, this doesn’t mean show up in the cheapest thing in the closet, but it doesn’t mean you have to show up in a ball gown either. Something like a soft pink women's cashmere sweater with a matching pleated midi skirt looks very sophisticated but could still be considered casual (and more importantly, comfortable), or a long-sleeve print dress with floral patterns. Plus, when you wear a casual dress to a wedding, you never have to worry about “showing up” the bride.
7. The Formal Winter Gown
In our last point, we mentioned that you don’t have to show up to a wedding in a ball gown. However, no one says you can’t do that either. The formal winter gown works especially well if you happen to be the mother of the bride. The snowy season calls for regalia and opulence, so why not infuse those characteristics into your wedding outfit? Consider donning a long ball gown with luxurious fabric, warm colors, and lots of ornate details. Finish off the look with a long shawl wrap or a faux-fur hand wrap to give the final touch of elegance.
8. A Maxi Dress
If you don’t already have a maxi dress in your closet, the good news is that it’s easy to find a plethora of them that are affordable and elegant enough to wear to a wedding. Women’s maxi dresses are long and cover the legs but are usually flowing, allowing you to walk and dance without much restriction. They come in a variety of styles, shapes, and colors, so you’ll have no problem finding one that will make you stand out among the rest of the guests at the wedding.