The Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses for Cold-Weather Destinations (2024)

FAQs

What do you wear to a winter destination wedding? ›

Winter weddings are likely to take place indoors, so you'll want to choose an outfit that's just warm enough once you take off your coat. A dress with sleeves, a maxi dress, or even a fancy jumpsuit are great ways to dress for the occasion. Take advantage of fabrics that look stylish while keeping you warm.

When it comes to style for a winter wedding, you'll often see dark colors or jewel tones, crushed velvet dresses, and even some long-sleeve gowns.

Fit-and-flare Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60

Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.

Thicker fabrics, billowing sleeves and higher necklines will all balance out bare legs, and there are always good old tights should you need more layering.

For formal destination weddings, take things down a notch. While you should avoid onyx, navy, and other dark shades, couples that ask you to dress in black-tie will likely expect you to arrive in solid (more subdued) colors and subtle prints. Destination wedding guests need to pack practical footwear.

We recommend wearing your most stylish coat, gloves, hat and scarf." Alicia Fritz, owner of A Day In May Events, advises sticking to a few key fabrics when sourcing these garments-namely wool. "A long tweed skirt with a cashmere sweater and a great pump make a wonderful winter wedding outfit," she says.

To bring a bolder statement, go for brighter colors like magenta and coral. If you're attending a wedding in the evening, there are certain colors that can help you look your best and make an impression. If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate.

Metallic tones such as gold, silver, and bronze, also work well for winter weddings. Pro tip from wedding planner, Karen Brown: "If you're attending a winter wedding, dress in warm colors like burgundy, brown, purple, gray, and green."

Macon, meanwhile, simply advises to use your sartorial common senses: “We love black for a formal winter wedding, for example, but might opt for a lighter hue for a sunset beachside soiree,” she says. So go forth, and don your favorite dark dress to your next nuptials—it's no faux pas.

What to wear over a wedding dress to keep warm? ›

Pantsuits, jumpsuits, and dresses are appropriate choices for casual weddings. Women over 60 can choose knee-length, tea-length, or full-length dresses for most wedding themes. A full-length gown is the most suitable choice for formal or black-tie events.

When choosing clothes for elderly ladies, look for versatility in your garments, for example: Loose-fit skirts with elegant prints and pleats that spread easily while sitting. Trousers that pull on easily with back waist elastication for added comfort. Cardigans without buttons that are warm and easy to put on.

I think the perfect winter wedding outfit should always include a beautiful coat. It gives your outfit the smart factor, adds elegance AND keeps you warm. I really feel the cold and simply cannot endure cold legs and feet for hours, so when it comes to winter weddings I would always try and have my legs covered.

"I have beautiful brides wearing black wedding dresses," said Anastasia Stevenson, a destination wedding planner with Coastal Creative Weddings in Tybee Island, GA. "It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings."

You could certainly wear a closed-toe shoe, if you prefer; that Jute Glam is gorgeous! But I have no problem with open toe shoes in the winter for a formal event. Just make sure to get a pedicure! In the winter, some type of wrap is essential.

Darker tones like magentas, deep greens and navy are very popular for winter weddings. As are purples (both light and dark) and various reds. Gold, silver and lots of sparkles are likely to make an appearance in the winter wedding color scheme and could be great options for your wedding attire.