on November 22nd, 2011Deciding what to wear to a winter wedding can be especially hard, given the chilly temps and the fact you probably want to add some holiday sparkle but don’t want to go overboard. Thankfully, I’m done with weddings until April, but when a friend asked me for help, I started searching for solutions!
Diane von Furstenberg, Halston Heritage, James Perse, Pencey Standard
First, I think it’s hard to go wrong with a simple sheath or long-sleeved look. If you can find a dress with a sleeve, I’d go for it. It’s very on trend and you won’t need to cover up all night. But if you want to wear strapless, have a wrap with you, or even a cashmere sweater (especially if it’s a church wedding). And no matter what style dress you decide on, remember to keep it conservative – no plunging necklines and keep the hemlines fairly close to the knee.
I’d also suggest staying away from anything too bright and printed (like florals and sunny colors) – keep it classic and add some layers to accommodate the cold (this faux fur stole could be perfect). I really love navy and black topped with statement jewelry (black + navy actually work really well together too) or embellished neutrals (bronze, sand, gold, beige). If you’d rather wear color, go for rich, earthy tones, like forest green or burgundy. Or use them as an accent (how much do you love this Sonia Rykiel dress?). Jewel tones work as well – particularly green and blue, but avoid bold fire engine red.
What Goes Around Comes Around, Sue Wong, Kay Unger New York, Robert Rodriguez
Alice + Olivia, Alice + Olivia, Haute Hippie, Trina Turk
Aside from a fur stole or wrap, wear tights to help beat the cold – either black opaque or try a pair of nude back seam. For more outfit ideas, see the wedding boutique from Net-a-Porter, or Rent the Runway. And for statement jewelry at a great price, I suggest my fave BaubleBar! This pearl mesh bib is especially pretty, as is this deco noir necklace. Don’t forget a clutch, glam shoes (post coming soon) and pretty makeup!
Anything I missed? Any additional tips?
Filed under: 
Tags: 
Lovely choices (and thanks for including BaubleBar!!) Agreed re: fur stole and tights. The Kay Unger one is my favorite, I think!
Great suggestions Liz! One of my closest friends got married during the winter and I struggled deciding what to wear.
Just a quick note on regional etiquette: don’t wear black to a wedding in the South, even in the winter! Someone’s grandmother will end up giving you the stink eye (it’s not considered appropriate to wear black to weddings where I grew up. Yes, the rules are much looser now, but for events like weddings that hold on tightly to old-fashioned rules, it’s better to be safe than sorry!).
I have a wedding to attend this weekend in Baltimore, and I’m wearing a printed DvF dress (charcoal, ivory, lime) and my fav black pumps, with a mountain of bangles for some flair. I adore all of those beautiful jewel tone options, though, especially that awesome green HH one!
Great post–thanks!
Oh great tip! I’ve been able to wear black to weddings no problem and it’s always such an easy style – but maybe navy or printed DVF like you suggested! Hard to go wrong with DVF :)
Omg loooove all these dresses!
I loove the embellished neutral dresses! I have a wedding to attend this winter so these are great suggestions!
Glad they’re helpful! The neutral dresses are my faves!
I really like the neutral dresses. great choices!
Winter weddings are always tough and for some reason black just doesn’t feel right to me (not cheery enough?!) although it’s totally appropriate. I really love the long sleeved burgundy A+O dress! So pretty!
Love your winter wedding attire suggestions, great ideas!!
Thanks so much!
Love the Sue Wong dress. I wore a very similat one (nude w/ blace lace/embellishments) to a recent fall wedding and felt pretty and comfortable. DVF wrap dresses are also good options.
[...] to know what to wear to a winter wedding? Check out these great options here and [...]
[...] dress + nude patent pumps + a fun clutch. But remember not to wear white and avoid red to be safe (when I posted about a winter wedding, there was some debate over wearing black – I still say, especially if the wedding is in the [...]