It’s that magical time of year when love blooms amidst the frosty air and we find ourselves pondering the age-old question: “What on earth do I wear to a winter wedding?” I’ve embarked on a personal quest to uncover the most fabulous winter wedding outfit ideas and I’m thrilled to share my findings with you!
As someone who has shivered through one too many winter ceremonies, I’ve learned a thing or two about balancing style and warmth. So I hope these suggestions and tips will prove useful to anyone who will be attending any weddings at this time of year.
The Cosy Conundrum: Warmth Meets Whimsy
When it comes to choosing the perfect winter wedding outfit, the struggle is real. We want to look drop-dead gorgeous but we also don’t want to turn into human icicles during the outdoor photo session. It’s certainly a delicate situation but one we can master with a bit of creativity and the right pieces.
Layer Up in Luxury
My first piece of advice? Layers are your best friend! I remember attending a friend’s December wedding in a sleeveless dress, armed with nothing but sheer determination against the cold. Never again! Now, I always opt for elegant layering.
Top Pick: A personal favourite of mine is the Printed Organza Long Sleeve Midi Wedding Guest Dress from Coast. It’s a dream come true for winter weddings – the organza sleeves add a touch of romance while keeping your arms covered. If you are someone who really feels the cold you could add a plain black or skin-tone long-sleeved top underneath for additional cosiness. Plus, the midi length is great for a bit of extra warmth.
The Magic of Maxi Dresses
For those extra chilly celebrations, nothing beats a floor-length gown. Not only do maxi dresses exude elegance, they also provide another layer of warmth for your legs.
Top Pick: I am absolutely smitten with the Rowena Floral Ruffle Dress Blue from Monsoon. The ruffles add a whimsical touch, perfect for a winter wonderland theme, and the print will look beautiful even in a dimly lit winter venue.
High Street Heroes: Affordable Winter Wedding Outfit Options
Now, I know we can’t all splash out on high end gowns for every wedding we attend. That’s where our beloved high street comes to the rescue! Here are some of our go-to shops for stunning winter wedding outfit options that won’t break the bank:
- Marks & Spencer: Their Autograph range never fails to impress. My sister in law recently bought a gorgeous velvet wrap dress that’s become her go-to winter wedding outfit. The rich fabric is perfect for the season, and the wrap style is ideal for bigger busts.
- Next: Their occasion wear section is a treasure trove of winter-appropriate dresses. I’m particularly fond of their long-sleeved midi dresses in jewel tones – they’re practically made for winter weddings!
- ASOS: For the fashion-forward folks, ASOS is a goldmine. Their ‘ASOS DESIGN’ range often includes some fabulous winter wedding outfit options, from sleek jumpsuits to embellished maxi dresses.
Online Gems: Unique Finds for Your Winter Wedding Outfit
Sometimes, you want something a little different for your winter wedding outfit. That’s when we can turn to online retailers, and all of the below deliver to the UK:
- Wolf & Badger: This site is a secret weapon for finding unique, independent designers. My friend once scored a stunning silk velvet kimono dress that garnered compliments all night long at a winter wedding.
- Rixo: For those who love vintage-inspired prints and silhouettes, Rixo is a dream come true. Their long-sleeved midi dresses are perfect for a winter wedding outfit with a retro twist.
- Ghost: Known for their slinky silk dresses, Ghost also offers some beautiful long-sleeved options that are ideal for winter weddings. I’m particularly fond of their velvet numbers – they’re like a stylish hug!
Accessorise for the Season
No winter wedding outfit is complete without the right accessories. Here’s where you can really have some fun and inject your personality into your look:
- Faux Fur Stole: Nothing says winter glamour like a faux fur stole. Accessorize offers some beautiful options that won’t break the bank.
- Statement Earrings: Draw attention to your face with some dazzling earrings. I’m intrigued by the celestial-inspired pieces from Oliver Bonas – they’re perfect for a magical winter wedding.
- Embellished Clutch: A sparkly clutch adds a festive touch to any winter wedding outfit. Coast has some beautiful options that are roomy enough for all your essentials.
The Finishing Touches: Beauty and Grooming
Your winter wedding outfit isn’t just about the clothes – it’s about the whole package. Here are some tried-and-tested beauty tips for those attending winter nuptials:
- Glowing Skin: Winter can be harsh on our skin. I swear by Charlotte Tilbury’s ‘Magic Cream’ for creating a luminous base that lasts all day and night.
- Bold Lip: A classic red lip is our go-to for winter weddings. The ‘Matte Revolution’ lipstick in ‘Red Carpet Red’ from Charlotte Tilbury is an absolute favourite – it stays put through canapés, champagne and even the odd mistletoe kiss!
- Winter-Proof Hair: To combat hat hair and static, take a look at Living Proof’s ‘No Frizz’ range. It keeps locks sleek and shiny, even when dashing between heated venues and the chilly outdoors.
Embrace Your Personal Style
Of course, the best winter wedding outfit is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Whether you opt for a classic LBD with a faux fur stole or a sparkly jumpsuit that lights up the dance floor, the most important thing is that you feel like the best version of yourself.
Winter weddings are a wonderful chance to play with textures, layers and rich colours that might feel too heavy for summer events. It’s time to embrace the season, experiment with your style and – most importantly – have fun!
I hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your next winter wedding outfit. If you have any other tips or favourite brands for wedding outfit ideas suitable for winter, I’d love to hear them in the comments below. Here’s to staying stylish and warm at all the weddings to come this season!