What To Wear To A Winter Wedding
There’s a certain kind of magic to a winter wedding. Be the most stylish guest at every kind of ceremony this season with our guide to dressing for cold-weather nuptials
Cocktail hour
Couples planning a winter wedding may decide to embrace the shorter days with twinkling night-time nuptials. The beauty of an evening event is that the outfit required can slot easily into your everyday wardrobe to be worn and loved again post-celebration. Loulou Studio’s ‘Siple’ strapless gathered satin midi dress is a perfect example – cue a sleek and sophisticated approach to wedding-guest dressing that’s equally appropriate for date night or a gallery opening. The dress, which is made using certified viscose and forms part of our NET SUSTAIN edit of more consciously crafted clothing, looks great with glossy black accessories. Try Saint Laurent’s ‘Vendome’ glossed, croc-effect leather slingback pumps and The Row’s ‘Dalia’ glossed-leather shoulder bag – pieces that will also work well beyond the Big Day. Lastly, throw over a long wool coat for added drama and some all-important warmth. Stella McCartney’s tuxedo-inspired coat has an androgynous, oversized fit that will add an instant cool-girl energy.
Winter florals
Florals have always been a fail-safe option for weddings; there’s something beautifully romantic about nature-inspired prints and, with the right styling, they needn’t be the preserve of summer nuptials. Dries Van Noten’s silk-blend midi dress comes with a subtle floral print that is woven with shimmering golden thread for cross-seasonal appeal. However, to make it cold-weather-ready, a cozy coat is essential: enter Ami Paris’s double-breasted herringbone coat, which will elevate any look and, crucially, keep you warm. This style lends a vintage vibe, too, so add accessories that follow the theme: Giuseppe Zanotti’s velvet sandals are exclusive to NET-A-PORTER and will earn a place in your closet for years to come, while Bottega Veneta’s ‘Sardine’ shoulder bag is a practical option.
Bold color
While summer congregations tend to attract a riot of vivid hues, colder celebrations often see a more muted palette applied. Yet dialing up the saturation can work wonderfully when the mercury drops, so don’t discount bold hues when curating your guest look. Galvan’s tomato-red ‘Evelyn’ halterneck maxi dress is effortlessly elegant and, cut from satin that’s blended with 80% triacetate from a certified mill, the dress is also part of our NET SUSTAIN edit of consciously crafted clothing. Pair with red strappy stilettos to tap into the top-to-toe red trend, or pair with pretty flats – such as Valentino Garavani’s ‘Tan-Go’ black patent-leather ballet flats – to soften the formality of the gown and keep your feet happy until the last DJ track.
Tuxedo dressing
If fuss and frills are more of an ‘I don’t’ for you, a winter wedding is the perfect occasion to play with monochrome, tuxedo-inspired dressing. From bandeau tops and slacks to oversized suiting, pared-back tailoring is at once suitably glamorous and yet decidedly understated. Wardrobe.NYC’s beautiful off-white boxy single-breasted blazer would look super-chic thrown over Co’s black strapless stretch-crepe bustier top. Wear with Loewe’s black wide-leg pants, then add chunky bling and a red lip for a look that packs a punch.
Shimmering silver
Shorter days and longer nights offer the perfect opportunity to really dress up and, this season, silver is semaphoring sophistication in a way it wasn’t before. Try Batsheva’s gunmetal ‘Oak’ smocked maxi dress, which is made from a stretch-lamé that’s perfect for dancing the night away in. Style it with more silver – try Amina Muaddi’s crystal-embellished ‘Rih’ sandals and plenty of shiny bling – then finish with a gray coat, like Max Mara’s ‘Eccesso’ double-breasted herringbone wool style, to offset the high-shine drama.
The slip-dress duo
When it comes to wear-again guest wear, few looks are as versatile as a slip dress and blazer – not to mention you may well have half the outfit already lurking in your wardrobe. For a slip that oozes simplicity and elegance, look to Parisian label Gauchere’s steel-blue satin maxi, which has a beautiful open back and asymmetric straps. Pair with a simple black blazer, Neous’s ‘Sargas’ mules and a chainmail shoulder bag from Rabanne for a look that radiates ’90s cool.
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