How to Dress As a Winter Wedding Guest

Co-authored by Karen Brown

Last Updated: November 26, 2023 References

It's always important to dress appropriately as a wedding guest, and in many cases, it all comes down to being able to decipher the event's dress code based on the invitation or whether it's an daytime or evening reception. However, when you're attending a winter wedding, you also have to contend with cold weather, snow, and ice. Given the season, you may have to tweak your usual wedding attire to include heavier fabrics, richer colors, and clothing styles that provide a little more coverage for added warmth.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Following General Dress Codes

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1
Consider the dress code. Before deciding how the season will affect your clothing choices, you should make sure that you understand the wedding’s dress code. Consult the invitation, which will usually make it clear how guests are expected to dress. That way, you won’t dress too formally or casually for the event. ^{[1]
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- If the invitation says “White Tie”, the wedding has an extremely formal dress code. Women should wear floor length evening gowns with long gloves, while men are expected to wear a tuxedo with long tails, a white vest, and a black bowtie.
- If the invitation says “Black Tie”, women can wear a floor length evening gown or a dressy cocktail dress. Men should wear a traditional tux with a cummerbund and bow tie.
- If the invitation says “Formal” or “Black Tie Optional,” women can wear a floor length dress, a formal cocktail style dress, or dressy separates. Men can wear a traditional tuxedo or a dark suit, white shirt, and tie.
- If the invitation says “Dressy Casual” or “Semiformal,” women should wear a cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and top. Men should wear a suit.
- If the invitation says “Festive Attire,” you can have a little more fun with your outfit. Women can wear a cocktail dress in a bold color and pair it with fun accessories, such as a cute hat. Men should wear a suit, but pair it with a fun tie in a bold color or pattern.
2
Follow a deep, rich color palette. While you can certainly wear any color that you like no matter what the season, a winter wedding is the perfect opportunity to wear rich, dark colors that fit the season. Black and navy appropriate for winter weddings, but so are jewel tones, such as sapphire, ruby, garnet, emerald, citrine, or amethyst. ^{[2]
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- Metallic tones such as gold, silver, and bronze, also work well for winter weddings.
- Pro tip from wedding planner, Karen Brown: "If you're attending a winter wedding, dress in warm colors like burgundy, brown, purple, gray, and green."
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3
Choose textured fabrics. While lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and linen are ideal for spring and summer, they’re not the best option for winter weddings. Instead, opt for weighty, textured fabrics that will not only keep you warm but add visual interest to your outfit too. ^{[3]
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- Fabrics such as velvet, brocade, cashmere, and wool are all good options for a winter wedding.

Part 2

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Choosing an Outfit for a Woman

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1
Opt for a longer skirt or dress. Even if the dress code for the wedding doesn’t call for extremely formal wear, you may want to opt for a longer dress or skirt to help stay warm. That doesn’t mean you have to choose a floor length option, though - a midi dress or skirt, which usually hits at mid-calf, can be a stylish option. ^{[4]
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- Tea length dresses and skirts, which are usually slightly longer than midi styles but not floor length, are also a good option for winter weddings.
- If you’re not sure about wearing a midi or tea length dress or skirt, consider wearing a high-low style. They’re usually longer in the back and shorter in the front, so you’ll get some added warmth while not committing to a longer length all the way around.
2
Pair tights with a shorter dress. If you want to wear a shorter dress that ends at the knees or above, your legs may be a little cold at the ceremony and reception. That doesn’t mean you have to ditch the dress -- just swap your bare legs or sheer hosiery for a pair of opaque tights that will help keep you a little warmer. ^{[5]
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- Err on the side of caution by choosing tights in a neutral color such as black or gray. Wearing a color that coordinates with your dress can sometimes like a little too costume-y.
- Depending on what type of dress or skirt that you’re wearing, you may want to opt for a textured pair of tights. For example, you can complement a simple sheath dress with a pair of tights with a lacy texture. If you’re wearing a dress with a bold pattern or texture, it’s best to wear smooth tights.
3
Consider wearing pants. It may not seem traditional, but pants can actually be an elegant option for a winter wedding. Just opt for a tailored pair that have an elegant look, and pair them with a statement top. ^{[6]
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- For a winter wedding, pants in a dark color, such as black, are an ideal option. However, you can also go for a sophisticated, stylish look by choosing a pair in winter white or cream.
- If you’re wearing pants to a winter wedding, wear them with a bold sequin top or elegant satin blouse to ensure that you look dressy enough.
- In addition to pants, you can wear an elegant tailored jumpsuit to a winter wedding.
4
Add a blazer over a short sleeve dress. If you have an ideal dress to wear to a winter wedding but you’re worried that you’ll be cold in its short sleeves, layer a blazer over it. A sophisticated velvet or brocade blazer can keep you warm and add style to your look. ^{[7]
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- If you’re wearing a simple, solid colored dress, consider pairing it with a blazer in floral pattern that features rich jewel tones to give your outfit some more flair.
5
Choose stable shoes. At a winter wedding, you may have to deal with icy sidewalks or snowy parking lots -- which can be difficult to navigate in stiletto heels. Instead of skyscraper pumps, opt for shoes that are easier to walk in, such as velvet wedges or peep toe kitten heels. ^{[8]
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- Ballet flats that are embellished with rhinestones or covered in satin are also a good option for winter weddings.
- If you’re concerned about your feet being cold, pair your dress, skirt, or tailored pants with stylish ankle boots for added warmth.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Selecting Clothing for a Man

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1
Opt for a wool suit. When in doubt, your best bet for a winter wedding is a classic trim-fit wool suit. You’ll be warmer than if you wear a basic cotton suit and have a more stylish look in a slim-fitting option. Add a tie for a more dressed up look, or pair it with a simple button-down for a more casual wedding. ^{[9]
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- A cashmere suit is another option for a winter wedding. The fabric will keep your warm, and has a slight sheen that might make it too much for the office but will look appropriate at a special event such as a wedding.
If you’re worried about being cold at the ceremony and/or reception, dressing in layers can help keep your warm. You can wear a zip-up sweater over your shirt and tie but under jacket to ward off the chill. Choosing a zippered style makes it easier to remove if you get too warm. ^{[10]
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3
Incorporate patterns. At a winter wedding, you can add flair to your look by incorporating patterns. You might wear a striped shirt with a solid suit or add a elegant plaid pocket square to the pocket of a solid jacket. Wearing a patterned tie can also help spice up your outfit.
- You can mix patterns, but be careful to keep your outfit from looking too busy. For example, if you’re wearing a striped shirt, you might pair it with a suit with a subtle herringbone pattern but not a noticeable plaid pattern.
4
Choose dress boots instead of shoes. Dress shoes can work well for a winter wedding, but your feet may get cold. Instead, consider swapping your usual dress shoes for a pair of dress boots. They’ll keep your feet warmer without taking anything away from your finished look.
- For example, you can find wingtip boots. They’ll look just like dress shoes with your suit or pants, but they’ll provide extra warmth.

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Are harem pants okay for a wedding?

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As long as they look formal, then they're okay. Go for black pants, and pair them with a black dress shirt.

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Can I wear white pants in winter?

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You can wear white pants any season you like. White pants are often made it light fabrics so might not keep you warm in cold weather, but don't let that put you off if you are determined about this. White pants are often teamed with traditionally summer footwear, such as sandals, so if you want to wear white pants in winter, think carefully about your choice of footwear. You can wear white pants to a winter wedding; however, if the bride's gown is white, you may look odd next to her, especially in photos.

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If you’re not sure what to wear to a wedding or whether a certain cold weather item is appropriate, ask the bride, groom, or bridal party. They should be able to answer your questions about the dress code.

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Don’t overlook the importance of outerwear. It’s best to wear a dress coat to a winter wedding rather than ski jacket or other casual style.

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If there’s been a lot of snow around the time of the wedding, it’s all right to wear snow boots on your way to the ceremony and/or reception for safety reasons. However, be sure to bring a pair of appropriate shoes for your outfit to change into when you reach the venue.

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How to Dress As a Winter Wedding Guest

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Following General Dress Codes

Choosing an Outfit for a Woman

Selecting Clothing for a Man

Community Q&A

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