Although the beginning of Autumn signals the end of peak wedding season, winter weddings have seen an increase in popularity over the past couple of years, with many couples taking advantage of the romantic feel of the festive season and lower off-season prices.
It’s that time again, ladies. The leaves are falling, you’re wearing your puffer jacket, you’ve swapped back to hot coffee and everything is right in the world. Until the panic sets in—the panic of finding the right outfit for the fourth wedding you’ll be attending between now and the end of winter.
Unlike summer weddings, where you can just throw on a cute strappy floral midi, winter weddings often require more thought when it comes to an outfit and styling.
Luckily, we’ve spoken to fashion expert Megan Watkins – Head Stylist of online fashion destination SilkFred – who has shared 5 things to avoid wearing to a winter wedding, with handy alternatives.
DON’T: Strapless
Hues of butter yellow and red were some of the shades of choice at weddings this summer, however, as the days get darker and leaves turn to beautiful oranges and browns, it’s time to come into your latte girl era.
Megan recommends: “Barely-there necklines were all the rage this year, with halter-necks, slim straps and off-the-shoulder styles seen in abundance. However, these are distinctly summer styles and may look out of place beside a roaring fire and festive table decor.”
DO: Long sleeves
“Whether your next wedding is in the UK or abroad, a wedding in winter is most likely going to be a bit chilly. Instead of hauling around a coat all evening, opt for a long-sleeve dress. My personal favourite is a long-sleeve wrap maxi that slims your waist, keeps you warm, and allows for freedom on the dance floor.”
DON’T: Pastels
Baby pink, cornflower blue, pale yellow – these are the shades you’ll have no trouble crossing off your ‘wedding fashion bingo’ card. However, as the leaves change and the days become shorter, our tastes are tending towards darker and more sultry tones.
“Pastels are a huge no-no for winter weddings. Unlike summer weddings, nuptials hosted in the winter tend to opt for colour palettes that are a bit on the darker side and the last thing you want to do is clash with the theme or the other guests.”
DO: Jewel tones
Megan tells us: “Swap out those light colours and try a rich jewel-toned dress or jumpsuit. Pair your favourite patent leather pointy-toe heels with a ruby red, sapphire blue or golden amberdress.”
“The best thing about jewel tones is that they make everyone’s skin glow. If your skin tone is light, opt for a powerful deep blue; if it’s medium, try a sparkling emerald; and if it’s dark, try a ruby red.”
DONT: Silk and satin
Did you even attend a wedding in 2024 if you didn’t rock a silk or satin dress? Coming in a range of different styles, although these dresses kept us cool, comfy and chic in the summertime, styling these dresses in the winter is a hard task we’re not too sure we want to take on. SilkFred has also seen a +180% increase in searches for ‘velvet dress’ in the past 30 days.
Megan says: “Silk and satin dresses were everywhere this summer wedding season – the epitome of elegance and breathability – this was the fabric to be seen in. However, in the winter, we’re often looking for something more structured and formal.”
DO: Velvet or wool
“When attending a summer wedding, we try to avoid anything that isn’t lightweight and extremely breathable. For your next winter nuptials, try out a wool or velvet dress. Heavier fabrics can create beautiful silhouettes you don’t normally wear, and, most importantly, you’ll stay warm in the case that there is an outdoor ceremony.”
DON’T: Midi dresses
Midi dresses are a favourite style for a reason, they are flattering, come in so many different styles and are often slimming to your ankles and show off your shoes.
“Midi dresses are nice, but they aren’t exactly interesting. If you’re not really a dress person, winter weddings are a great time to try something different. ”
DO: Jumpsuits
Megan reveals: “Winter weddings allow for more creativity when it comes to your outfit, and if you’re looking to make a statement, a jumpsuit can be a really good choice. Not only do they offer good coverage, which will keep you warm, they’re also incredibly flattering and are super on-trend.”
“You can style your jumpsuit with a bold statement necklace or long, captivating earrings.”
DON’T: Strappy sandals
Let’s be honest, when it comes to wedding footwear, we don’t always make the right choice. More often than not, we end up having to survive an entire day hobbling around, waiting for the right moment to throw them off and get into flats. However, winter weddings allow for a shoe with more coverage, and most importantly, more comfortability.
Megan reveals: “The last thing you want at a winter wedding is freezing cold toes or an outfit that doesn’t match the cosy, festive vibe. Strappy sandals are a safe option for a summer wedding but for a winter wedding, they can look out of place.”
DO: Heeled boots
“Although they may feel less formal than a strappy heel or court shoe, boots are a great footwear alternative for a winter wedding. They’ll elongate your legs the same way dressy heels do—without the discomfort. Just be sure to choose a style dressy enough for the wedding.”
