Here's How to Dress for a Winter Wedding and Not Get Frostbite

Winter nuptials pose many a problem for the wedding guest. Just what does one wear to a winter wedding? While the setting seems all kinds of romantic, with the thought of white swans and ice sculptures (obviously), you can hardly pull out your trusty wedding guest dress that you've worn for all those summer nuptials. No, a winter wedding is a different affair altogether.

But don't panic. Try one of our box-fresh ensembles that tread the line between not upstaging the bride and being striking enough so you unanimously win the votes for best-dressed guest. Not only that, but we've also compiled nine fail-safe rules for dressing for winter weddings. Even better is that you probably already own plenty of these pieces, so you don't need to go buy a whole new outfit. Keep scrolling for our nine rules for winter wedding outfits and to shop the key pieces you need.

#1: All-black outfits are acceptable

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: While all-black outfits look a little somber for a summer wedding, come the cooler months, it looks super chic for winter nuptials. Make it as fashion as possible by keeping it simple with great tailoring, lace, and elegant shoes.

#2: Long-sleeved dresses are your friend

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: Rejoice! You can wear that summer dress you bought again—so long as it's long-sleeved. If it's not too cold by this point, you might even be able to get away with not wearing a coat.

#3: A classic jumpsuit is an easy option

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: A jumpsuit is such a great piece to have stashed in your wardrobe. Not only will it always look flattering, but it'll serve you for many events. 

#4: It's all in the details

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(Image credit: @songofstyle)

Style Notes: Worried that your winter coat will hide the stunning outfit you carefully selected? In that case, try an oversized blazer instead, and nail down your accessory game by wearing your favourite bag and sunnies.

#4: Velvet is a winner

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: A velvet dress, blazer, coat, or even a bag will give your winter wedding outfit some festive feels. 

#6: Go for closed-toe shoes

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(Image credit: @styleheroine)

Style Notes: Open-toe shoes are kind of asking for trouble when it gets cold. Closed-toe flats or heels are ideal. 

#7: Suits are chic

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(Image credit: @freddieharrel)

Style Notes: Avoid the corporate look by wearing a suit in a bold hue or metallic finish. For maximum impact, add a contrasting blouse underneath.

#8: Find a statement coat

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(Image credit: Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images)

Style Notes: If you know you'll be wearing your outerwear all day, invest in a statement coat that'll mean you look good from a.m. to p.m. without freezing.

#9: A little bit of sequins go a long way

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: Sequins don't have to make you recoil in horror. Pair a sparkly top with black trousers or a sequin skirt with a plain white tee plus pumps, and you'll be ready for a party.

Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2020 fashion trends you need to know. 

This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.

Opening Image: @eniswardrobe

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

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.