20 Seasonal Outfit Ideas for Winter Wedding Guests (2024)

20 Seasonal Outfit Ideas for Winter Wedding Guests (1)

Most guests take one of two approaches to winter wedding attire. The first involves donning that summer dress that could pass as cold-weather appropriate, especially if you add a cardigan and tights. The second means panicking (what even passes as winter-ready guest attire anyway?) as you sort through your closest or department store clothes racks. While neither approach is really wrong, there are much better ways to go about choosing winter wedding attire. In fact, we're of the firm belief that dressing for an end-of-year fête doesn't have to be the slightest bit stressful. The season is packed with so many rich textures and patterns—like velvet and plaid—so you have plenty of choices as you decide what to wear.

To kick off the closet search or shopping spree, we've rounded up a few of our favorite looks that actual attendees have worn to their friends' and families' celebrations. A few things to note? We were sure to include plenty of inspiration for the guys—these well-dressed guests will surely inspire your plus-one to opt for something seasonal (and not just the same-old suit he wears year-round). We also recommend a few looks for the little ones, since dressing them appropriately and keeping them warm is often the most difficult part of getting ready on the morning-of.

For the ladies, it's important to note the winter-ready guest attire doesn't necessarily require bundled-up looks. Since the event will (most-likely) take place inside, you have some leeway when it comes to style. Feel free to rock that sleeveless evening gown—just be sure that it feels timely through color, texture, or silhouette. Click through to discover all of the wedding guest attire inspiration you'll need for the season's slew of celebrations.

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Pine Green

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Take inspiration from a major winter motif—like pine trees!—when getting dressed for a cold-weather wedding. This guest proved how pretty the seasonal shade of green could be.

A Comprehensive Guide to Wedding Guest Attire

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Bold Orange

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Breaking free of traditional winter color palettes is an option, too. This guest's bright orange overcoat is a lesson in effective "rule breaking."

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Flannel Suit

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We can all take notes from this little guy, whose flannel jersey suit (a perfect winter fabric!) was as cozy as it was adorable.

Our Favorite Ring Bearer Outfits for a Winter Wedding

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Festive Embroidery

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Looking for a way to make a winter-appropriate moody-hued dress feel a bit lighter? Opt for an embroidered option with sheer accents, like this fashionable guest's ensemble. Her date's look wasn't half-bad, either—we're loving that festive bow tie!

Things Guests Love Most About Winter Weddings

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Cozy Fabrics

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A wool pea coat is a chic, warm addition to any wintry dress, especially if you're skipping tights. And if you're Scottish? You're in luck. Wool kilts are about as warm as it gets.

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Plaid

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Tartan is a defining pattern of the season, so why not work it into your look? Ladies will see that there are plenty of plaid dress options out there, but there are options for the men, too. While plaid looks just as good in suit form, we're a fan of this groomsman's subtle bow tie interpretation.

Plaid Wedding Ideas We Love

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Seasonal Dresses

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Floor-length dresses with seasonal patterns are always a solid choice for a winter celebration. Bonus points if you opt for garments in celebratory fabrics, like satin and velvet.

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Lace

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There isn't a wedding season when lace isn't appropriate, but there's definitely a way to make the universal fabric feel more winter-friendly. We love this take on lace appliqués, placed on both sheer black sleeves and a velvet bodice. Fellas, take note of this handsome guests' tie—the gold and copper color palette is perfect for a New Year's Eve wedding.

The Prettiest Lace Bridesmaids' Dresses

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Suited Up

Speaking of the guys: These multi-toned suits are proof that gray, charcoal, and navy are the cold-weather color trifecta. We're particularly fond the second right-most attendee's ensemble. How cool is his mismatched jacket and pants ensemble?

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Faux Fur

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Make like these stylish attendees and opt for faux-fur or velvet shrugs in shades slightly darker than your dress.

Chic Ways to Stay Warm at a Winter Weddings

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Velvet

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Velvet wraps in unexpected (but still seasonal!) hues like gray-plum and turquoise are sure to make a statement. A furry collar adds an extra dose of warmth.

Velvet Accessories to Wear to a Winter Wedding

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Formal

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You really can't go wrong with black and white. The classic color combination feels especially relevant around the holidays, especially at black-tie-weddings. Add a red lip, and you're ready to go.

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Layers

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It's no secret that layers are the key to keeping warm when the temperature drops, but layering stylishly isn't as straightforward. Take notes from these trendy guests, who both nailed it. We love this woman's chic cropped cardigan. Her date's layered look included a plaid collared shirt, boiled wool vest, and velvet blazer.

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Color Palette

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Rich cobalt and blush-and-black would look just as lovely on the same garment as they do on individual dresses.

Winter Color Palettes to Bookmark

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High Shine

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You'll want to bookmark this handsome guest's jacket for your plus-one. His high-shine satin suit (and matching skinny tie!) complete with leather trim is arguably the most dapper look on this list.

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Wintry Textures

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While cut-outs (like those seen on the left-most celebrant's gown) might be too chilly for winter, a blood red velvet garment (worn by the guest on the right!) is heavy enough for the season. It's important to note that richer shades, like ruby, sapphire, emerald, and black bring out velvet's sheen—just something to keep in mind as you shop!

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Cozy Coats

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Of all the takeaways from this fashionable bunch—from sheer tights to floor-length gowns—the best, by far, is their coat game. Whether you choose a furry cropped jacket (preferably with pockets!) or a more structured pea coat, it's a relief to know that staying warm doesn't have to mean sacrificing on style.

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Furry Shawls

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Most of these 'maids wraps and coats feel similar, but upon closer inspection you'll realize that each was distinct in its own way. We're particular fond of the spotted option, but all would complement a neutral floor-length gown.

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Stylish Layers and Fabrics

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There are so many great winter outfit ideas to glean from this group. From the gold metallic, merlot, and raspberry colored dresses to the jackets, this stylish wintry guest scene is one to bookmark.

20 Seasonal Outfit Ideas for Winter Wedding Guests (2024)

FAQs

What to wear to a wedding as a guest in winter? ›

When it comes to style for a winter wedding, you'll often see dark colors or jewel tones, crushed velvet dresses, and even some long-sleeve gowns.

What are the best colors to wear to a winter wedding? ›

Popular colors to wear to a winter wedding are deep or darker colors like navy, hunter green, plum, black, deep brown, maroon, etc. For a more formal event consider metallics like silver, gold and copper or a little sparkle.

How can I look stylish in winter wedding? ›

Velvet, brocade and silk are not only regal but also excellent insulators against the chill. A velvet blouse paired with a silk sari or a brocade lehenga can effortlessly elevate your winter wedding look.

What does a January wedding look like? ›

For a winter wedding in January, some of the most popular floral colors we see are hues are white, cream and ivory for a frosty touch. We recommend choosing flowers that are also in-season during this time such as white roses, tulips, peonies and gardenias.

What is winter wedding attire? ›

Consider charcoal or camel, or even opt for a sleek black dress – that's right, you can wear black to a wedding, especially in winter. In fact, a city wedding is the perfect opportunity for showcasing a chic, fashion-forward outfit with statement accessories.

Do you have to wear a long dress to a winter wedding? ›

Since a winter wedding is in the winter when it's, well, cold out, you may want to choose a long sleeve dress. You could go short (I love this one and it's on sale) or a full length gown too. A midi length is also great.

Can a woman wear pants to a winter wedding? ›

It may not seem traditional, but pants can actually be an elegant option for a winter wedding.

Can I have bare legs at a winter wedding? ›

It gives your outfit the smart factor, adds elegance AND keeps you warm. I really feel the cold and simply cannot endure cold legs and feet for hours, so when it comes to winter weddings I would always try and have my legs covered.

Can I wear all black to a winter wedding? ›

The color black isn't limited to a certain time of the year, but it usually makes more sense to sport the shade at a fall or winter wedding since it matches the dark, moody weather.

How do I look classy and elegant in winter? ›

Mix neutrals for elegance – Neutral beige, gray, and black colors are vital in winter fashion. You can layer them in shades to create a refined and elegant look. For instance, a charcoal gray coat over a light gray sweater creates a subtle, stylish contrast.

What shoes to wear to a formal winter wedding? ›

Don't go open toe with your footwear

Pointed, rounded and closed-toe footwear or some stylish boots will be your best bet.

How do you look classy at a wedding? ›

Choose your clothes.

Pick light, pretty colors but don't wear white, being mistaken for the bride is awkward. Light blue, beige, peach, sunset orange, and lavender are good colors. Wear a tuxedo or a suit, depending on how formal the wedding is. If it's a small, outdoor wedding, wear a smart suit.

What are the colors for winter wedding guests? ›

Accordingly, if you're a wedding guest at a winter wedding, you need to follow a certain dress code. Most men wear a tuxedo or full suit (jacket and dress pants) in darker colors, such as black, navy blue, and brown, whereas ladies don maxi dresses made of velvet or other opulent fabrics.

What kind of coat do you wear to a winter wedding? ›

For a fun jacket to throw over your dress for fall or winter, try a faux fur jacket. There are so many options to choose from. You can go cropped, or long, or anything in-between. Faux fur feels a little nicer to wear to a wedding than just your everyday coat.

What to wear to a wedding if it's cold? ›

Cold Weather Winter Wedding Outfits

A floor-length gown with a faux fur stole or wrap. This luxurious accessory will keep you warm and add a touch of glamour to your outfit. A long-sleeved dress with a stylish wool or cashmere coat. A chic coat will not only keep you warm but also elevate your overall look.

Is it OK to wear black to a winter wedding? ›

The color black isn't limited to a certain time of the year, but it usually makes more sense to sport the shade at a fall or winter wedding since it matches the dark, moody weather.

What is not appropriate to wear as a wedding guest? ›

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.

What is the best color to wear as a guest to a wedding? ›

Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.

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