The Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses for Cold-Weather Destinations (2024)

FAQs

What do you wear to a winter destination wedding? ›

Winter weddings are likely to take place indoors, so you'll want to choose an outfit that's just warm enough once you take off your coat. A dress with sleeves, a maxi dress, or even a fancy jumpsuit are great ways to dress for the occasion. Take advantage of fabrics that look stylish while keeping you warm.

Darker colors and richer fabrics are nice for winter weddings, but there are lots of nice pastels and muted shades available this time of year as well. In the formal outfit above, I selected a beautiful shade of cocoa, but that dress also comes in navy, burgundy, and black.

Long, sleeveless gowns are the most practical option for winter weddings. They're elegant, appropriate for formal ceremonies, and you won't overheat if you plan to spend most of the evening on the dance floor.

No one should get cold feet on a wedding day, so keep your toes toasty in a closed-toe heel. Try a simple silhouette and a mid-height heel that'll take you from day to night, or go for a slingback style with a pointed toe for added elegance.

It should LOOK like you're wearing stockings. So if your legs are toned, tight and tan, sure go barelegged. Of course, you're still going to want to use a nice tinted moisturizer or leg makeup just to make sure everything is nice and even.

Jewel Tones And Rich Hues:

Embrace the winter colour palette with jewel tones and rich, deep hues. Think emerald greens, royal blues and luxurious burgundies. Not only do these colours exude warmth, but they also perfectly complement the cosy ambiance of winter weddings.

Metallic tones such as gold, silver, and bronze, also work well for winter weddings. Pro tip from wedding planner, Karen Brown: "If you're attending a winter wedding, dress in warm colors like burgundy, brown, purple, gray, and green."

Just because you've chosen to be a winter bride doesn't mean you have to wear a long-sleeved wedding dress. Some brides prefer a sleeveless look to showcase their best features as they walk down the aisle. Others might have indoor ceremonies with effective heating systems planned.

Opt for dresses or suits made from heavier fabrics such as velvet or wool to provide warmth in cooler temperatures. Consider long sleeves or layers for added insulation. For a wedding in Florida or other warmer coastal locations, you can still embrace the winter theme with lighter fabrics in deeper colors.

What to wear to a cold fall outdoor wedding? ›

You're looking for a dress that's comfortable for sweater weather. For a dress that's knee length you can wear stockings or leggings to keep your legs warm for the chillier weather. Add a bit of flare. When you want a dress that's reliable and unpretentious, flare dresses keep it casual.

Deep jewel tones and rich fabrics, like velvet and satin, are fab choices for winter weddings. And when it comes to length, more fabric, like a long-sleeve wedding guest dress, may help you stay warm but don't count out sleeveless outfits altogether.

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.

Choose your color wisely

But, I would also recommend staying away from anything that could be construed as white. This includes very light pastels and even white dresses with floral prints. Some argue that you should not wear black to a wedding.

More on Destination Wedding Outfits for Guests

Men may wear linen or cotton suits in light colors such as khaki, light gray, or pastels. A light dress shirt and tie are also appropriate for a more formal touch. Women can opt for flowy sundresses, maxi dresses, or elegant jumpsuits in breathable fabrics.

Choosing the right attire for a winter beach wedding is crucial to ensure both style and comfort. Opt for dresses or suits made from heavier fabrics such as velvet or wool to provide warmth in cooler temperatures. Consider long sleeves or layers for added insulation.

Avoid super-short dresses for beach weddings since wind can be a factor. Skip the street shoes and flip-flops—sandals, wedges and chunky heels that aren't too dressy will be perfect. Also, one or two pieces of bright, playful jewelry can complement your casual beach wedding attire.