How to Dress for a Winter Wedding as a Guest
Winter weddings have such a magical vibe—think twinkling lights, cozy décor, and all the romantic feels of the season. But let’s be honest, figuring out what to wear can be a little more challenging than those easy-breezy summer celebrations. If you’re over 50, it’s all about finding that sweet spot where elegant, stylish, and age-appropriate meet without freezing your toes off! So today, I’m sharing some of my favorite tips and outfit ideas to help you feel confident, warm, and absolutely gorgeous as a winter wedding guest.
If you’re shopping for a wedding or dressy event this winter, don’t forget to visit these posts:
- The Best Sparkly Flats for Holiday Parties
- How to Style Sequins for Women Over 50
- Beautiful Ways To Wear Metallics for the Holidays
- Best Wedding Guest and Evening Handbags and Clutches
How to Dress for a Winter Wedding as a Guest
Choosing the Right Colors for Winter Weddings
Winter weddings are the perfect time to play with deeper, richer colors and a little sparkle from metallic accents. Instead of defaulting to the classic black dress, why not branch out and try:
Jewel Tones
Jewel tones are a perfect choice for winter weddings—they’re rich, sophisticated, and look amazing on just about everyone. Think emerald green, deep plum, navy blue, and burgundy. These colors not only complement the season but also add a touch of elegance to your look. Whether you go for a floor-length gown, a chic cocktail dress, or even a jumpsuit, these shades are guaranteed to stand out beautifully amidst the cozy winter ambiance. Pair them with gold or silver accessories to enhance their brilliance and create a stunning, polished outfit.
Metallics
Gold, silver, and champagne tones are perfect for adding a festive, glamorous touch to your winter wedding outfit without going over the top. These metallic shades are effortlessly chic and bring just the right amount of sparkle to your look. Whether it’s a sleek champagne dress, a shimmery silver skirt, or a touch of gold in your accessories, these hues work beautifully for the season. They’re also incredibly versatile—pair them with jewel tones for a bold contrast or with neutrals for a softer, more understated vibe. From subtle metallic details to full-on shimmer, these shades bring warmth and elegance to any winter wedding ensemble.
Neutrals
If neutrals are more your style, shades like charcoal gray, black, or taupe are a great choice for a winter wedding. They’re timeless, elegant, and super easy to dress up with accessories or layer to stay cozy. Plus, these neutral tones look amazing in winter fabrics like velvet, satin, or lace, which add texture and a little extra flair to your outfit.
On the flip side, it’s best to skip the bright, summery colors and bold floral prints—they can feel a bit out of place this time of year. Pastel pinks and light yellows are perfect for spring and summer but don’t quite match the cozy, romantic vibe of a winter wedding. Instead, lean into the rich, warm tones of the season to create a look that’s festive, chic, and totally winter-appropriate.
Fabrics That Shine in Winter
Let’s talk fabrics because they can make or break your winter wedding look! The right fabric not only looks amazing but also keeps you comfortable in chilly weather. For winter weddings, think about:
Velvet
Velvet is a winter wedding favorite, and for good reason—it’s luxurious, warm, and effortlessly elegant. This rich fabric has a way of instantly elevating any outfit, whether it’s a floor-length gown, a chic midi dress, or even a tailored blazer. Plus, velvet comes in a variety of gorgeous winter-friendly colors like emerald green, deep burgundy, navy, and black, making it easy to find a shade that flatters you. It’s also incredibly cozy, so you can stay warm without sacrificing style. Add some statement jewelry or a pair of metallic heels, and you’ll have a show-stopping look that’s perfect for the season!
Satin
Satin is another fabulous option for winter weddings, bringing a touch of elegance with its smooth, shiny finish. This fabric drapes beautifully, creating a soft, flowing silhouette that feels effortlessly sophisticated. Satin works perfectly for dresses, skirts, or even jumpsuits!
Lace
Lace is such a classic, feminine choice for a winter wedding—it’s super romantic and always in style. Just make sure to go for a heavier lace that’ll keep you a little warmer in the colder months. Look for lace with a thicker weave or one that’s lined, so you’re not freezing while still looking elegant. Whether it’s a lace overlay on a dress, a cute lace sleeve, or just a bit of lace detail, it’s the perfect way to add that pretty, delicate touch to your outfit without sacrificing warmth.
Winter Wedding Guest Outfits I’m Loving
This velvet dress has a side gather which helps it to hug your curves beautifully in the most flattering way! The long sleeves make it perfect for winter weddings since it will keep you cozy and warm. Plus, I am obsessed with this deep fuchsia color, which adds an extra touch of elegance.
Talk about making a statement! The sequins on the top of this jumpsuit are just right for a winter wedding, and it’s paired with a solid bottom, so it doesn’t feel too over the top. Remember to add a blazer, wool coat, or a wrap for when you are walking to and from the car so you won’t freeze!
This midi dress is a showstopper with its stunning sequin detailing! This fit and flare cut is going to be super flattering on almost all body types. I would add a glamorous necklace and a pair of earrings to take it to the next level!
This is the kind of dress that feels special without being too fussy. The bow detail is such a charming touch, and I love how versatile it is. You could easily wear it to Christmas church services, a holiday dinner, or other festive occasions. If red feels a little too bold for you, it also comes in black for a more classic look!
This midi dress is all about fun and flair with its feather trim. The long sleeves make it just right for cooler weather, and the feathers bring that extra pop of glamour. It comes in several other great colors, like red and black, but this blue is my favorite!
If you’re looking to turn heads, this sparkly number has got you covered! It looks so chic and classic, especially if you pair it with a pretty clutch and high heels. You could even add a red lip!
If your wedding invitation says semi-formal, something like this dress is the perfect option! It’s a step down from a cocktail dress but still polished and put-together—kind of like something you’d wear to a nice dinner out or a graduation celebration. It strikes the perfect balance between casual and dressy!
This is honestly one of my favorite dresses that I found when I was researching for this post! The velvet is so luxurious and cozy, which makes it perfect for chilly weather. The color is stunning, and the design is really unique—it’s just one of those dresses that makes you feel extra special when you wear it!
If you’re looking for a dress that’s ultra-flattering, this one’s a winner! The tiered design does an amazing job of camouflaging your midsection. Plus, the sleeveless style makes it perfect for weddings in milder climates or indoor events where you want to stay stylish without getting too warm.
Shop More Winter Wedding Guest Outfits:
Are you attending any winter weddings this season? Let us know what you’re wearing in the comments!
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Hi Tania,
I love your clove oranges. I have made those, but instead of making so many, I put some type of filler in the bottom of my bowl first, then it will not take as many oranges to fill the bowl. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
I have a wedding in January in Cabo – Mexico. Not sure what to wear.
My mom used to do cloves in oranges. I don’t think she still does as often. How long do they last? And the boots in your email immediately made me think Chewbacca. HA!
They will last for a long time, but they will turn brown. Some people say they just add a drop or two of clove oil to refresh the smell.
Beautiful dresses. Clove oranges bring back wonderful memories.
About the clove studded orange (or apple, in my case). Mine is totally covered in cloves, smells delightful…and has for YEARS! I refreshed it with clove oil a few months ago and it’s doing well!
lots of lovely dresses . I just hope I don’t get invited anywhere! I dislike shopping for dressy dresses!
Clove oranges are a holiday tradition in our family. They are definitely my favorite! I haven’t made any this year because my 83 year old mother has been ill. We will get some made before Christmas, though! Thanks for the reminder. Merry Christmas!
You look fabulous in both blue dresses. You look washed out in beige
So many beautiful options. You look great in all the ones you are modeling. I do not have any weddings to go to so I do not need these.
I love the style of the Dresstells velvet dress, but the color I liked is sold out in my size. Bummer. Anyhow, winter wedding, yes I am attending one. I’m wearing a floor length dark navy gown that has a full lace overlay, and a coordinating velvet bolero. Shoes are silver closed toe pumps that have crystals on them.
I have the blue halter dress and it’s incredibly flattering on my semi-fluffy body – I wore it last winter with a shawl in the Dominican Republic and it was perfect. One of my favorite dresses!
I used to make the clove oranges when I was younger for my aunts for Christmas. Are they called pomanders, or did I make that up? I still remember how my thumb felt after pushing those spiky cloves into the orange!!
You didn’t make it up, that’s what they are called.
I’m glad I don’t have to go to a winter wedding. In Texas it would be hard to figure out what to wear. It can be nice and warm like the last few days or cold like tomorrow and the rest of the week. I like the velvet dresses.
What pretty holiday dresses. My Mother use to make the clove oranges. I had forgotten all about that memory. Thank you
Very pretty outfits.
Just a quick note to help speed along your clove oranges. Use a skewer to poke holes in the pattern you want and then place the cloves. Granted this is the messier option, but much faster. Trying to poke holes with the cloves is so slow and painful. Enjoy those yummy smelling clove oranges.
Linda, that is how we are doing it. I learned years ago that it was almost impossible to poke the clove in an orange without using a skewer.
I have never been to a winter wedding!! You showed some cute ideas. It sounds like you and your daughter do some fun things together.
I wore this dress to a wedding last weekend. It was so comfortable. And the price was right.
From Amazon.
BTFBM Womens Fall Fashion 2024 Floral Maxi Dress Casual Crewneck Long Sleeve Ruffle Flowy Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses. I got the bottom in red and black.
Beautiful dresses! My daughter had a November wedding and it was so beautiful at that time of the year.
The first long dress with sequins on top I wore to my daughter’s wedding this past march! I loved it!
It is such a gorgeous dress!
These dresses are very beautiful. I agree with you my feet get cold.
I am loving these dresses! Velvet and sequins. so pretty! for a wedding or for the holidays!
The Plazzo pants would be my first choice -elegant but comfortable