Finding the right wedding guest outfit can be difficult at the best of times. Throw in wintry weather conditions and dressing stylishly can appear even harder. A winter wedding outfit needn’t have you looking dreary and drab though; with careful choice of fabric and colour you can look wedding-ready in no time at all.

What to wear to a winter wedding: Men’s fashion

Suit up

No matter what the season, it’s a good idea to suit up and boot up for a wedding. This means suit and tie, formal trousers and leather shoes. Dark colours such as black, dark grey and midnight blue are the best colours to wear to a winter wedding.

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If the couple have opted for a more relaxed affair, you could swap the formal trousers with chinos. Again, pick your colours wisely; dark chinos in black, navy or grey will look much smarter than other colours and are best suited to the winter season.

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Layer up

Wool suits offer reasonable coverage for chilly winter’s days – and can be worn with lightweight jumpers too. To get this look right, it’s best to opt for a slim-fit suit otherwise your layers may look a little bulky.

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If you’re attending a vintage or rustic-themed affair, you may be able to get away with some winter accessories too. A tartan scarf or tweed waistcoat is a great way to finish off your look. Warm tweed fabric is another alternative to consider if you’re attending one of these themed weddings.

Image courtesy of Ralph Lauren

A pop of colour

Just because it’s winter, doesn't mean your overall appearance has to be dull and dreary. If you’re attending a festive wedding, why not give a nod to the season with a pop of seasonal colour? A vibrant red, green or grey/silver tie can make your outfit. You can also accessories with cufflinks and pocket squares in the same colour.

Image courtesy of Benjamin Stuart

What to wear to a winter wedding: Women’s fashion

Dazzle in jewel tones

Pastels may be the perfect choice for a summer wedding but come winter you’ll want to wear colours that are a little richer. Jewel tones like emerald, amethyst, sapphire and ruby are great options and will flatter all skin types.

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If you’re nervous about dressing in bold colour, why not opt for black and accessorise with a pop of colour?

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Long and luxe

Ditch those shorter hemlines in favour of maxi-dress designs or long-length jumpsuits for a look that’s winter-weather appropriate and warm. With a long-length design, you needn’t be completely covered up. A keyhole back or sheer sleeves allow you to show off a little bit of flesh while still dressing for the season.

Images courtesy of Anna Clothing and Misha Collection

 

And if longer-length designs aren’t to your style, team a knee-length design with opaque black tights. Alternatively, pair a classic top with a pretty skirt.

Image courtesy of Daily Mail

Winter warmers

Picking the right fabric is crucial if you want to stay warm. It’s a good idea to pick thicker fabrics, such as velvet or jacquard, or a layered design to avoid feeling the chill. A long-sleeved gown will add that extra warmth too while ensuring you look chic. If you’ve opted for a short-sleeved dress, make sure to pair it with a pretty bolero or a smart coat.

Images courtesy of Abaday and Style We

Two extra tips for you and your date…

Follow the dress code

Sometimes, the bride and groom will request you follow a certain dress code such as black tie. This idea is becoming more and more popular – especially with weddings that take place during the celebratory season of Christmas and New Year. A dress code usually makes finding the perfect outfit easy. After all, it’s hard to get it wrong if you know what’s expected of you.

Images courtesy of Brides.com and Choies

Complement your date

You could look fantastic in your attire – but if it clashes with your date’s choice of clothing, your efforts will be wasted. When picking your outfit, make sure to liaise with your date. Wear complementary colours and styles of clothing and your attire is sure to impress.

Image courtesy of Daily Mail

 

Now you’ve figured out what to wear to a winter wedding, it’s time to make sure you know how to behave! We take a look at The 10 Types of Guest You’ll Find at Every Wedding, because no one wants to be ‘that guy’!