Attending an outdoor winter wedding can be a magical experience. However, the weather conditions also present some unique challenges when deciding what to wear. You’ll want an outfit that not only looks great for pictures but also keeps you comfortable and warm throughout the ceremony and reception. This definitive guide covers everything you need to know to dress stylishly yet practically for an outdoor winter wedding.
Dress Styles and Fabrics for Outdoor Winter Weddings
When choosing a dress for an outdoor winter wedding, look for fabrics and styles designed to provide warmth while still looking elegant and festive. Here are some top options to consider:
Cocktail Dresses and Tea Length Dresses
Cocktail dresses and tea length dresses that hit above the knee are great choices for winter weddings. The shorter hemlines help keep you warmer than floor-length gowns. Look for dress silhouette styles with long sleeves and high necklines to keep you cozy and insulated. Velvet, brocade, wool, and other heavier fabrics work well. Go for darker, richer colors like emerald, ruby, or sapphire jewel tones that pop against winter backdrops.
Tunic Dresses and Sweater Dresses
Tunic style dresses and sweater dresses made from warm knit fabrics provide both style and warmth for winter weddings. Look for neutral colors like cream, gray, blush, or navy for knit sweater dresses paired with textured tights and boots. For festive pops of color, try a sweater dress with a bold pattern. Tunic dresses work well in velvets, wools, cashmeres, and sweater knits too.
Jumpsuits and Pantsuits
For an alternative to dresses, winter wedding jumpsuits and pantsuits are stylish and practical choices. Look for a sleek, wide leg jumpsuit made of a heavier fabric like wool. Accent with a fur stole and heels. For a pantsuit, go for a jacket and trousers made of a thicker fabric. Add a silky camisole underneath and pumps or booties to complete the elegant look.
Long-Sleeved Maxi Dresses
While floor length maxi dresses can be chilly, look for maxi dress styles made with extra thick and insulating fabrics like wool, velvet, or cashmere. Go for long sleeves and a high neckline. A cozy cape or faux fur coat on top gives you extra warmth. Stick to rich jewel tone colors and winter-inspired prints and patterns.
Outfit Layers for Added Warmth
The key to comfort and warmth at an outdoor winter wedding is layering. Wear multiple layers that can be added and shed according to the weather and your activity level. Here are some layering essentials:
Thermal Underlayers
Wearing thermal long underwear as a base layer helps lock in body heat. Look for thin, lightweight thermal tops and leggings that don’t add bulk. Wool and silk base layers also help regulate temperature. For dresses, wear a close-fitting thermal top and leggings underneath.
Tights and Leggings
Opaque tights in neutrals or fun patterns let you wear dresses and skirts while keeping legs warm. Wool, cashmere, or fleece-lined leggings under pants and jumpsuits add insulation. Look for extra thick cable knit tights for maximum warmth.
Camisoles and Turtlenecks
Slim fitting camisoles and turtlenecks can be worn under dresses, sweaters, suits and coats for extra core warmth and coverage. Look for silk, merino wool, or cashmere versions. A turtleneck peeking out from a sweater dress or cardigan completes the winter style.
Cardigans, Blazers and Boleros
Top any wedding outfit with a warm outer layer like a cashmere cardigan, wool blazer, or velvet bolero jacket. A nicely tailored coat elongates the look of a dress. Go for neutral camel, black, gray, or oatmeal colors for versatile layering pieces.
Tights, Boots, and Booties
Bring along closed toe shoes like stylish boots and booties. Look for waterproof leather or suede boots with traction soles to handle icy conditions. Over-the-knee boots paired with a dress and wool tights make a chic statement. Toasty shearling lined boots add luxury. Stacked heels or wedges provide stability.
Coats, Wraps and Pashminas
A warm winter coat is essential. Look for knee length wool peacoats, duffel coats, or parka puffer coats to protect your outfit on the way to the event. Remove bulky coats during the ceremony and reception and use a cape, wrap, or pashmina shawl when needed.
Hats, Gloves and Scarves
Hats, gloves, and scarves aren’t just functional–they add stylish winter flair. Look for knit hats, fur muffs, cashmere lined leather gloves, and chunky knit infinity scarves to complete your winter wedding look.
With the right layers, you can adjust for comfort and still look sharp in photos as temperature fluctuate throughout the wedding events.
Stylish and Warm Accessories
Don’t neglect the accessories! The right jewelry, bags, tights, and other accents pull your winter wedding outfit together while providing extra coziness.
Jewelry
Sparkling jewelry brightens up winter neutrals and dark tones. Look for pieces featuring diamonds, crystals, pearls, silver, and gold. Statement earrings and necklaces provide pops of elegance against coats and capes. Skip flimsy metal jewelry that can chill skin.
Tights and Socks
Patterned tights, cable knit tights, and fleece lined socks add flair and warmth. Look for wool, cashmere and alpaca fibers that help insulate. Heat holders and toe warmers can be worn under boots for ultra-cold conditions.
Clutches and Handbags
A small clutch or handbag allows you to ditch bulky coats and bags during events. Look for elegant beaded, embroidered, or crystal-encrusted bags that work with your outfit and jewelry. Go for satin, velvet, or faux fur fabrics to prevent chilled hands.
Cozy Footwear
Prioritize foot warmth with fur-lined boots, shearling slippers, and soft socks. Look for rubber soles and waterproofing to handle snow and rain. A spare pair of heels in a clutch lets you change into something more dance-friendly after outdoor photos.
Shawls and Wraps
Elegant wraps keep shoulders, arms, and décolletage covered as needed. Velvet, cashmere, faux fur, pashminas, capelets, stoles, and ponchos work beautifully. Match colors and patterns to your outfit for a polished finish.
Winter-Themed Accessories
Show off your seasonal style with themed gloves, jewelry, bags, and other accents featuring snowflakes, berries, pine cones, and other winter motifs. Sparkling crystal snowflake earrings and ice blue accessories really make a statement.
Hairstyles for Outdoor Winter Weddings
Breezy conditions, hats, and scarves call for wedding hairstyles that are secured, neatly styled, and weather-resistant:
- Sleek updos work well, preventing wind-blown tangles while allowing accessories to sit properly. Twist, coil, braid and pin all strands firmly in place.
- Half updos allow some styling flexibility while keeping some hair contained. Curl and pin the top section neatly back or in a side chignon. Leave ends down or braid.
- Textured loose styles withstand wind better than super-smooth looks. Create tousled waves with creams and sprays. Add a headband, pins, or barrette accents.
- Ponytails seem casual but get a glam upgrade for weddings by smoothing into a sleek, low placement. Angle to the side for asymmetry. Accessorize with crystal hair ties and vintage pins.
- Consider straight, glossy styles. Wind blows right through smooth hair without tangling. Finish with lasting hold hairspray.
- When wearing substantial hats or headpieces, keep hair simple underneath. Stick with soft curls or a low bun secured at the nape of the neck.
Avoid heavy products that can flake off in cold, dry air. Do a practice run to ensure your style lasts through winter conditions.
Makeup for Outdoor Winter Weddings
Here are some makeup tips for looking picture-perfect despite cold temperatures and wind:
- Moisturize skin well in advance with rich creams. Hydrated skin better withstands dryness and flakiness.
- Apply mattifying primer and setting powder to reduce shine. Gels and mists also help makeup set firmly. Avoid heavy powders that cake.
- Intensify eye makeup for definition. Use waterproof mascara and eyeliner so eyes don’t look washed out in bright light. Add neutral or shimmering eyeshadows.
- Use a darker lipstick shade that looks richer in photos. Avoid light frosts or shimmers that can sink into lines. Blot with tissue to set.
- Get chin and cheek color with a bronzer-blush combo. Dust along hairline for contours that show through hats and veils.
- Use setting spray as a final seal to lock in makeup. Avoid touching face or rubbing eyes so makeup stays put.
- Do makeup in a warm indoor spot. Cold air outside can make liquid and cream makeup streak and run.
- Keep lipstick, powder, and other touch-ups accessible in a pocket or clutch for quick fixes.
The best winter wedding looks use makeup that is designed to last throughcold, wind, and snow for gorgeous photos with minimal need for re-application.
General Tips for Dressing for Outdoor Winter Weddings
Here are some top general tips when getting dressed for an outdoor winter wedding:
- Check forecasts and plan for the worst weather, even if milder conditions are predicted. It is easier to shed layers than to wish for more coverage.
- Give yourself extra time to dress. Add at least 30 minutes in case of wardrobe issues like snags, smeared makeup, and missing pieces.
- Wear clothes that easily slip on and off over bulky layers. Avoid complicated ties, buttons, and zippers that are hard to access. The simpler, the better.
- Have a Plan B outfit ready in case of unexpected spills, rips, or stains en route to the wedding. Pack extra tights, underlayers, and accessories.
- Wear taller heels for the ceremony, when you won’t be walking much. Pack kitten heels or wedges for the reception when you’ll be on your feet dancing.
- Select fabrics that don’t rumple or wrinkle easily. Wool, thicker knits, and woven materials hold up best in winter.
- Don’t forget the little things! Tape bra straps in place, bring blister cushions for new shoes, and stash bobby pins, deodorant, and breath mints.
Dressing for winter weddings requires some savvy planning and strategic layering. With the right elegant, insulated outfit and accessories, you can focus on celebrating with the bride and groom instead of shivering in the cold. Follow these tips to look and feel fabulous at any outdoor winter wedding!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dressing for Outdoor Winter Weddings
What fabrics work best for winter wedding guest dresses?
The best fabrics for winter wedding guest dresses are wool, cashmere, velvet, brocade, satin, and other heavier, insulating fabrics. Avoid light chiffons or crepes that won’t provide warmth outdoors.
What kind of coat or wrap should you wear to an outdoor winter wedding?
Choose a coat or wrap made of a warm wool or wool blend fabric. Calf-length styles allow you to show off more of your dress while still keeping your legs and torso warm. Remove bulky coats for indoor events.
What type of shoes should you wear to an outdoor winter wedding?
The best shoe options for outdoor winter weddings are closed-toe styles with traction soles such as boots, booties, pumps, and wedges. Have a spare pair of heels on hand in case conditions are poor. Prioritize foot warmth with cozy lining and waterproofing.
Should you avoid updos for outdoor winter wedding hairstyles?
Not necessarily – sleek updos secured with pins work very well, as the style stays neatly in place against winter winds. Avoid elaborate structured updos that can fall flat. Use strong hold hairspray and bobby pins to keep styled strands in place.
What’s the best way to make makeup last at an outdoor winter wedding?
Use mattifying, waterproof products. Apply primer, setting powder and spray to lock in makeup. Intensify eyes and lips so they stand out in pictures. Keep makeup minimal and simple underneath hats, scarves and headpieces so it doesn’t smear.
How do you stay warm at an outdoor winter ceremony and reception?
Layer! Wear thermal underlayers, opaque tights, leggings, camisoles, and bases that insulate you underneath your outfit. Bring a pashmina, gloves, hats, and other removable layers for when you need extra coverage. Regularly return indoors to warm up as needed.
What should men wear to an outdoor winter wedding?
Suit jackets, pants, overcoats and hats made of insulating wool and wool blends work well. Layer an undershirt or thermal base underneath dress shirts. Wear overcoats and scarves outdoors and remove them for indoor events. Long cashmere topcoats are a stylish option for grooms and guests.
What are some good colors to wear to a winter wedding?
Rich, darker hues work beautifully against snowy white winter backdrops. Go for jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst, and onyx or wear icy pastels like powder blue, silver, ivory, and mauve. Metallics like gold, bronze and pewter add shimmer.
Conclusion
Outdoor winter weddings are incredibly romantic, but do require some forethought when dressing for the special occasion. With stunning yet warm fabrics and smart layering techniques, you can assemble a winter wedding outfit that keeps you comfortable outside while looking elegant from ceremony to reception. Accessorize for added coziness and follow makeup application tips to complete your polished winter wedding look. With the right amount of preparation and style strategy, you’re sure enjoy the wintery celebrations in both comfort and beauty.