WHAT TO WEAR TO A WINTER WEDDING

Winter weddings can be tricky to dress for. After all, watching two people tie the knot in freezing temps isn’t quite as magical when you’re shivering through the ‘I do’s. The right outfit makes all the difference, which is why we’ve pulled together a definitive guide of wedding outfits outfits – no matter your personal style.

SO, WHAT DO GUESTS TYPICALLY WEAR TO A WINTER WEDDING?
You’ll be glad to know that it’s nowhere near as complicated as you might think. According to Editorial Manager, Jazmin Duribe (who recently attended a cold-weather wedding): ‘Winter weddings allow guests to show up in richer textures, deeper tones and unconventional styles that might be risky during summer.’ But she’s open to breaking a few rules when it’s appropriate, ‘As long as the dress code isn’t cut-and-dry, there’s wiggle room to experiment.’

WHAT TO WEAR AT A DECEMBER WEDDING?
Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, formal or casual, dressing for a December wedding takes a little extra thought. If you’re looking for something that’ll stand out, a sequin dress won’t fail you (plus it’ll be festive enough to see you through your party-season plans, too). A co-ord suit straddles the smart-casual line; it can provide a stylish alternative to a long-sleeved dress while giving you some coverage against the cold, too. Finally, a jacket is a must. A trusty trench draped over your shoulders, or a cinched coat will give you the ultimate layer of dramatic flair.

Can you wear black to a winter wedding? If you ask us, black being a funeral-exclusive shade is old news – especially when you consider Kim and Khloé’s Dolce & Gabbana dresses at Kourtney Kardashian’s gothic-inspired wedding. Need some inspiration? Just look to Billie Eilish’s Met Gala 2023 look when she was draped in Simone Rocha. Black dresses with lace details, sheer panelling, sparkly embellishments and sultry add-ons – think arm-length gloves and stockings – channel the modern femme fatale. Just make sure your makeup matches the grungy vibe.

LISA's 2025 Emmys dress stopped us in our scroll for all the right reasons: its bubble-gum pink shade, flattering curvature and intricately draped sheets of organza. With that in mind, of course draped dresses are our next winter wedding recommendation. A plisse style will give you a romantic upgrade when layered, wrapped and draped over your body. Plus, this ASOS DESIGN dress comes in powder blue – one of 2025’s favourite colour trends.

This season, sheer is chic. Whether it’s HAIM’s 2020 Vanity Fair Oscars Party see-through look, or Dakota Johnson’s lacey Gucci gown that made headlines this year, barely-there dresses are stealing the spotlight. While too much sheer can be risque for a wedding – we’ve got a method to balance it out: choose dresses with sheer skirting or sleeves. Not only do they add dimension and movement to any silhouette, but they offer the right amount of winter-appropriate coverage.

We’d argue that sequins are a year-long affair. Large disc sequins a la Raye’s custom Givenchy dress catch every refraction of light with glamour, and they pair incredibly well with minimalist accessories, too. Make like Raye with a wide belt and matching bag or just let your sequined dress swing solo – you'll demand the attention of your fellow attendees regardless.

Sometimes you’ve just got to stick to traditional style codes. Mikey Madison has been bringing 60s details to the red carpet for the last few years, proving that old-Hollywood glam is eternal. Bardot, off-shoulder or sweetheart necklines; straight silhouettes or cinched dresses; and indulgent satins in eye-catching colours are exactly how to embody a 21st-century Marilyn Monroe. If you were wondering what to wear to a winter black tie wedding – start with a classic silhouette.

These effortless separates fuse the elegance of a dress with versatility – and we love styles that can adapt to any setting. Addison Rae’s polka-dot Miu Miu moment proved midi and maxi skirt co-ords are the styles to know – so we’re following her lead for wedding season. If you’re not constricted by a dress code, tap into this season’s biggest prints – like polka dot, tartan and leopard – for the wedding reception and beyond.

Looking for an alternative to a dress? The answer is a suit. We get why – cutting through a sea of satin slips and floral skirts with structured blazers, oversized smart trousers and waistcoats is a power move. Burgundy, navy and classic black fit the AW25 agenda, but don’t sleep on pinstripe or salt-and-pepper sets. The best thing about suiting for a winter wedding? There's always enough coverage, so warmth is guaranteed. Take style notes from Jenna Ortega – a bare chest is bold, but a crisp shirt would look just as good.