HOW TO DRESS FOR A WINTER WEDDING: GUEST OUTFIT INSPIRATION

When the invite arrives with that December date, we hate to say it, but your average wedding guest dress might not quite cut it. It’s going to take a bit more thought to make sure you stay snug and stylish.

The obvious first thought is a long-sleeve dress - that bit of extra fabric can go a long way to keeping in the heat. On that note, you might want to skip the mini dress this time and choose a midi dress or maxi instead. Trust us, you’ll be thankful when you’re not freezing for the photos!

Rich fabrics like velvet, sequins, and satin dresses will be your BFFs too. The first will be cosier, and the last will be more festive (but still super sophisticated). If you’re after something more luxurious, the middle is definitely the way to go.

When it comes to the palette, seasonal shades will always hit the mark. Look out for metallics, jewel tones, and even dark floral dresses if you want to dress in wintry elegance. Just be careful that the print isn’t too summery, or you’ll look better suited to a seaside ceremony than a snowy winter wonderland!

If staying snug is your priority, you can’t go wrong with a gorgeous women’s suit. With a couple of extra layers to help keep out the cold, it’ll hit the perfect balance between cosy and chic.

Wearing a tailored one will get that statement silhouette, whether you’re after a slim-fit look to show off your curves, or something a little looser for a more classic vibe. Steer towards seasonal styles again, keeping an eye out for metallic colours, jewel tones and rich fabrics like velvet, satin and sequins.

If you’re aiming for modern chic, style trousers alone with a waistcoat and a pair of dainty heels. For more of a standout look, why not go full suited and booted, with a satin blouse under a blazer, and statement shoes to top it off? This is all about comfort, elegance, and bringing that main character energy.

The key to winter dressing is layers, layers and - you guessed it - more layers. But if there’s ever a time you don’t want to overbulk on the layering, it’s at a wedding. Thankfully, there are a few pieces that’ll always have your back (literally…).

From coats to wraps and coverups, there are plenty of chic styles that’ll beat the chill at even the most elegant occasions. You’d like to think most of the wedding will be indoors, so layering can (hopefully) be kept to a minimum. But it’s always worth bringing something in case of a chilly ceremony, outdoor photos, or just a freezing journey to the venue.

Make sure to pick outerwear that complements the rest of your outfit - a shawl or cape will go great with most dresses, a faux fur coat with an elegant maxi, and a smart coat over a blazer if you’re owning a suited and booted look. Just remember to choose a colour that coordinates with the rest of your outfit for a polished finish.

These outer layers should be enough to keep you cosy and chic throughout the day, especially since they’re easy to put on and take off when you need. So avoid adding any extra layers or you’ll risk looking bulky - and getting too hot on the dancefloor!

They might seem like the last piece of the puzzle, but really, the accessories can totally transform an outfit - especially when you’re getting glam for an elegant occasion.

For winter weddings, statement earrings, embellished clutch bags and a sparkly hair accessory will instantly elevate your outfit with wintry vibes. Try and keep it to just one or two key pieces though, to avoid drowning out the rest of your outfit.

When it comes to footwear, closed-toe shoes are a must if you want to keep in the heat. Block heels should be your go-to for easy-wearing elegance, and don’t rule out the right pair of heeled ankle boots - worn with a flowing maxi dress, they can bring just the right amount of chic.

If you’re tempted by tights, we recommend splashing out on a high-quality pair for the special occasion. To keep your outfit on the sophisticated side, stick to classic colours like dark neutrals or black, avoid shiny finishes, and go for a sheer (not opaque) pair.

If you’re prone to feeling the cold, you can always wear a floor-length maxi dress and sneak a pair of woolly tights underneath. If you’d rather avoid the tights look altogether, choose skin-coloured fleece ones, and no one will ever know they’re there!

Whatever the occasion, winter events look all the better with seasonal-inspired hair and makeup. But before we get there, you need to start prepping way before the big day…

In the month before the wedding, make sure you keep your skin hydrated. The cold weather can really dry it out, and that’s the last thing we want in the run up to a big event - no hydration, no long-lasting makeup. So stock up on moisturiser and take the time to show your skin some TLC.

When the wedding day finally arrives, give yourself plenty of time to get your hair and makeup just right. It’s a day of celebration, so you don’t want to start on a bad note by stressing about getting ready. Think about the look in advance, and make sure you have everything you need to nail it on the morning of.

When it comes to choosing your look, dewy skin will always be on-trend, but especially for a winter wedding. Since the weather can dull its shine, using makeup to bring out your natural glow is always sure to wow. Finish with berry lips and metallic or smokey eyes to dial up the seasonal vibes and get a striking look that’ll demand attention.

For your hair, sleek ponytails and elegant updos always work well in winter. They’re chic, sophisticated, and will stay put better in any wind, rain or snow. Plus, they add a delicate finish that’ll balance any heavier winter fabrics, for a seriously polished look.

From colours to fabrics and cuts, we’ve covered a lot so far. We get that it might seem a little overwhelming, but when you’re figuring out what to wear to a winter wedding, just keep these main tips in mind.

Do:
• Choose fabrics that keep you warm and look luxe.
• Go with seasonal colours (think emerald, burgundy, navy, metallics).
• Pick shoes for warmth as well as style.

Don’t:
• Forget about comfort - you’ll be wearing it all day, so make it cosy!
• Forget to add a scarf and chic leather gloves for the cold journey.
• Wear pastels or summery colours.

At the end of the day, the best outfit is the one that makes you feel fabulous, so make sure you pick a look that celebrates you and your style as well as the happy couple.