Winter Wedding Guest Outfit Guide: Tips, Trends, and Shopping Ideas

I love a winter wedding! I use to love planning and styling them but attending one is even better!

Cold weather, potential snow, and the holiday season adding a unique charm to the occasion.

But dressing for a winter wedding requires a bit of planning to balance style with warmth and comfort. Layers, layers, layers!

This guide will walk you through essential tips, seasonal trends, and outfit ideas to ensure you’re prepared for a winter wedding, no matter the dress code.

Understanding the Dress Code

As with any wedding, the first step in planning your outfit is understanding the dress code. You can usually get a good indication of the formality from the venue and invites. But if unsure ask the couple.

Here’s a breakdown of what each dress code typically entails:

Black Tie: Requires formal attire, such as floor-length gowns for women and tuxedos for men.

Semi-Formal: Slightly less formal, suitable for cocktail dresses, chic suits, or separates.

Festive Attire: Some winter weddings specify “festive” attire, allowing for metallics, jewel tones, and even velvet touches.

Casual or Smart Casual: Relaxed, typically allowing for nice separates, knee-length dresses, and blazers.

curvy women in a fit and flare dress in black and gold floral pattern — **SHOP NOW**

women in stain dark green high neck dress with a high split and button detail along split — **SHOP NOW**

Fabrics and Textures for Winter

Choosing the right fabrics is key for staying warm without sacrificing style. For winter weddings, go for rich textures and heavier fabrics that offer warmth and elegance:

Velvet: A quintessential winter fabric, velvet provides warmth and adds a touch of luxury.

Lace This is great for long sleeve, full length, and high neck styles without overheating. A slip underneath for warmth.

Wool Blends: Perfect for blazers or suits, wool blends keep you warm while maintaining structure.

Brocade and Jacquard: Textured fabrics like brocade add a regal feel and are perfect for formal occasions.

Urban Tip: Go for long sleeves, high necklines, or maxi lengths to add coverage and stay warm without needing excessive layers.

guest in red velvet square neckline maxi dress — **SHOP NOW**

light velvet long sleeve high neck maxi dress — **SHOP NOW**

Color Palettes for Winter

Winter weddings are ideal for rich, deep colors and metallic accents. Here are some color suggestions that align well with the season:

Jewel Tones: Deep shades like emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, and amethyst add richness.

Metallics: Gold, silver, and even rose gold are appropriate, especially for evening events.

Neutrals with Depth: Darker neutrals like charcoal, navy, and burgundy can create a sophisticated, timeless look.

Icy Pastels: Light shades like icy blue, silver-gray, and blush can be elegant choices, especially for afternoon or more formal events.

Urban Tip: When in doubt, darker neutrals are safe choices that work well for winter weddings. Avoid bright whites, of course!

women in dark green tiered dress — **SHOP NOW**

women in one shoulder green maxi dress with floral detail all over

Footwear Considerations

Winter weather calls for practical yet stylish footwear choices. Here are some options that provide both comfort and elegance:

Closed-Toe Heels: Protect your feet from the cold with closed-toe options, such as pointed-toe or almond-toe pumps.

Ankle Boots: Stylish and functional, ankle boots work especially well for outdoor ceremonies or receptions.

Heeled Boots: Knee-high or mid-calf heeled boots can add drama and warmth to your outfit.

Embellished Flats: For a more casual dress code, embellished flats or flats with metallic details can keep your outfit elegant while providing comfort.

Urban Tip: Winter weddings often include outdoor elements for photos, so make sure your footwear is comfortable for potential outdoor elements.

6 female guest all wearing different winter dresses stood with bride outside

Layering for Warmth and Style

Layering is crucial for winter weddings. Stylish layers can enhance your outfit while keeping you warm. Here are a few layering ideas:

Chic Coats: Look for a tailored wool coat or a faux-fur jacket that complements your dress. Longer coats pair especially well with evening wear.

Pashminas and Wraps: Pashminas or thick wraps can be a chic, lightweight option for indoor warmth without bulk.

Blazers or Cropped Jackets: A fitted blazer over a cocktail dress or gown adds a structured, polished look.

Gloves and Scarves: Add a touch of vintage glamor with elegant gloves or a stylish scarf for outdoor photos.

winter wedding guests posing for images all in different style dresses

Accessories to Elevate Your Look

Accessories can be the difference between a nice outfit and a stand-out look. Match accessories in similar tones to create a unified look.

Gold or silver details often pair well with deep winter hues like navy or burgundy. For winter weddings, focus on pieces that add elegance and warmth:

Statement Jewelry: Bold earrings, chunky rings, or statement necklaces add sparkle without overpowering your outfit.

Stylish Clutches: Opt for a clutch in a metallic or jewel tone that complements your outfit and fits essentials like lipstick and phone.

Hats and Hair Accessories: Fascinators or stylish hair accessories can add a touch of winter whimsy to your look.

Winter-Appropriate Tights: Consider adding opaque or patterned tights for extra warmth, especially if you’re wearing a shorter dress.

Shopping Ideas: Where to Find the Perfect Winter Wedding Outfit

Finding the right outfit can be easier if you know where to look.

I always say to look where you normally buy clothes and see if they do formal wear. Look for influencers and celebrities who style you like.

Order or shop early to allow for any necessary alterations or unexpected shipping delays. If ordering online order lots of choices and sizes.

Here are a few reliable shopping options for winter wedding attire:

Online Retailers: Stores like Revolve, Nordstrom, and ASOS have excellent seasonal collections and filter options by color, fabric, and length.

Rental Services: Rent the Runway and similar services offer designer dresses and suits for a fraction of the cost, perfect if you want a luxurious look without the commitment.

Local Boutiques: Smaller boutiques often carry unique pieces suited for winter, including one-of-a-kind jackets and accessories.

Department Stores: Selfridges, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue have a variety of winter wedding-appropriate options, from semi-formal to black-tie outfits.

women in tulle black dress stood with 2 children in suits at a winter wedding — **SHOP NOW**

Latest Trends for Winter Wedding Guest Attire

Staying on-trend can help elevate your outfit for a winter wedding. Here are some of the latest winter wedding trends to consider:

Sequins and Sparkle: Dresses with subtle sequins or beaded details are trending, adding a festive touch. Try not go to sparkly, muted sequins or metallics are best.

Bold, Structured Silhouettes: Statement shoulders, ruffles, and asymmetrical designs are making a comeback, adding a modern twist to traditional winter attire.

Maxi Coats and Faux-Fur Accents: Longer coats and faux-fur stoles or collars are both stylish and practical for winter. Closed up for outside gives you two looks for the day.

Layered Midi and Maxi Lengths: These lengths are practical for warmth and look chic with heeled boots or closed-toe pumps.

Shop Our Favourite Trending Winter Wedding Guest Dresses

Practical Tips for Winter Wedding Guest Fashion

In addition to styling, here are a few practical tips to ensure you’re fully prepared:

Check the Weather: Winter weather can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on the forecast leading up to the event.

Prepare for Outdoor Elements: Outdoor ceremonies or photo sessions are common, so bring a warm, stylish coat or wrap.

Hydrate and Moisturize: Cold weather can dry out skin quickly; bring lip balm and hand cream to stay comfortable.

Pack a mini emergency kit: Pack essentials like tissues, extra hairpins, and hand warmers. Winter weather can cause unexpected needs!

Winter Wedding Guest

Dressing for a winter wedding means finding the perfect balance between style, warmth, and comfort.

By choosing luxurious fabrics like velvet, opting for jewel tones or metallics, and layering thoughtfully, you can create a stunning winter wedding look.

Whether you choose a velvet midi dress, a classic wool coat, or bold statement jewelry, focus on pieces that feel warm and sophisticated.

With the right combination of outfit, accessories, and layering, you’ll be ready to celebrate the season and the happy couple in style. Cheers to a fabulous winter wedding season!