Although summer weddings tend to pile up on weekends in June, July, and August, the dress code for summer weddings is fairly simple: an airy dress, a pair of strappy sandals, plus a little jewelry, and you’re good to go. Winter weddings, on the other hand, present unique challenges. How to keep warm and stylish at the same time?Wear tights or bare legs?Are heeled boots a necessity?What to wear for a formal occasion in winter?
Dress with a Black Bow Tie
Aside from white-collar weddings (which isn’t common unless you have some very particular friends), a black bow tie is the most formal dress code you’re likely to encounter. It is customary to wear floor-length robes, but you can also wear shorter robes as long as you are modest.
Don’t have a dress and don’t particularly want to buy a dress for a one-off occasion?Rent the Runway is a great option as it offers a variety of red-carpet-worthy looks that you can borrow for a fraction of the retail price. Also, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear clothes that you already have. Not everyone has a dress, so it’s okay to wear a cocktail party dress in this case. If you do go this route, just make sure to keep dark and seasonal colors (like black or jewel tones) so that they don’t look too casual. On the contrary, it is still okay to wear a light-colored gown regardless of the season, because the silhouette itself is sophisticated. If you’re wearing floor-length clothing, you can opt for a lighter color – maybe light pink, blue, or purple.
Cocktail Party Attire
If the wedding calls for a cocktail party attire, you don’t need to choose a dress – knee-length or slightly above the knee is fine, but avoid dresses that are too tight, too pompous, or too fluffy. Think of it this way: fun is great, but think about the type of dress you want to wear to your wedding. (Skinny sequinned backless miniskirts? probably not.) You definitely want to look chic, but as long as the silhouette is right, prints and colors aren’t banned. Additionally, adding eye-catching jewelry, such as an eye-catching necklace or some popular earrings, is a great way to add a bit of personality to an otherwise restrained ensemble.
Day Weddings
Although afternoon weddings in winter are not as common as in summer, they do happen from time to time. They may be a little more casual, so we recommend opting for a festive cocktail dress or tea maxi dress in a lightweight fabric like chiffon or knit instead of an evening dress of silk or satin. Or, ditch dresses altogether and opt for lace skirts and glossy sweaters, or a pair of tailored trousers with tinsel or jacquard.
If All Else Fails…
If you’re not sure what to wear, it’s recommended that you wear – you guessed it – a black dress that is always chic. Even the most basic version can be festive with the right accessories.
Coverings
Since it’s winter, you’ll need something to keep warm. We recommend skipping your everyday coat and buying a fur (or faux-fur) jacket or classic coat, as well as a chic shawl or cashmere scarf to keep the cold indoors. Bonus: Having a nice coat on hand is also a great way to give your most classic outfit a little boost throughout the season.
To Wear Tights or Not to Wear Tights?
Leggings are absolutely fine…Why not?! If you’re in a cold place, it’s best to stay warm rather than feel uncomfortable. A basic black color is always suitable, or you can try a pair of shoes with a bit of glitter or back seams – just don’t wear fishnets.
Footwear
In the middle of winter, a pair of strappy sandals may not be the most ideal choice, especially if you are likely to encounter snow. We recommend looking for alternatives, such as heels, open-toed heels, or even smart ankle boots. There are a lot of fashionable shoe options nowadays, such as metal heels or black booties, which look very cute with black leggings.