What to Wear to a Winter Wedding for Men & Women

Published on October 20, 2021 | Updated December 22, 2024

Guests at black tie winter wedding wearing tuxedos and formal gowns

Maria Marzullo

If you’ve ever been invited to a wedding, you know the familiar feeling of excitement, followed by the apprehension surrounding finding the proper attire to wear. Some of the first steps to landing at your perfect—and appropriate—outfit are to follow the wedding dress code for guests and consider the season when the wedding will be held. With the winter season approaching, you’ll need to dress for the occasion while keeping yourself comfortable and warm.

Need a little more guidance on how to suit up for a winter wedding? We’ve prepared a quick winter wedding guest attire guide just for you.

Key Takeaways

Opt for rich, thick fabrics like wool, cashmere, and velvet to stay warm. Cotton shirts, cashmere vests, and wool coats are perfect for men, while women can go for long skirts, dresses, or long-sleeved tops.
Pay attention to the dress code specified on the invitation. Always ensure your outfit complements the formality of the event and doesn’t overshadow the newlyweds.
Embrace winter hues like charcoal, silver, emerald, and deep blues. For a more subdued palette, try forest green, navy, or burgundy. Limit your color palette to avoid looking too festive—two to three shades with a neutral balance works best.
Don’t shy away from patterns. Winter is a great time for moody florals, plaid, and houndstooth. Brocade patterns add a touch of luxury, making them ideal for winter events.
Add stylish layers to keep warm, but avoid over-layering. Combine your outfit with a chic coat or shawl that you can easily remove if needed.

Men’s Winter Wedding Guest Attire

3 men at wedding bar wearing merlot suit, black pinstripe suit, and tweed suit

Man dressed for black tie wedding in winter with tuxedo, formal scarf, and burgundy bow tie

When it comes to men’s wedding guest attire for a winter wedding, it’s all about balancing style with warmth. Think rich fabrics like wool and velvet, deeper colors like navy and burgundy, and dress codes ranging from black-tie to casual. Whether you’re attending a formal event or something more laid-back, here’s how to nail your look.

Men’s black-tie winter wedding attire

For a black-tie winter wedding, the black tuxedo is your go-to piece. Pair it with a classic black bow tie, and you’re set. If you want to add a touch of seasonal refinement, consider different tuxedo styles like a velvet tuxedo—it’s perfect for the colder weather and adds a bit of luxury to your look. Velvet jackets come in so many colors like deep green, burgundy, or classic black, giving you a subtle twist on the traditional. When reaching for a non-black tuxedo, ensure the dress code permits. In many cases, black-tie optional affairs lend themselves to looser guidelines that allow for more personal expression through colors. With your tuxedo picked out, don’t forget the finishing touches: patent leather shoes and a crisp white dress shirt. Black-tie doesn’t have to be boring; a velvet jacket can make all the difference, especially in the winter.

Men’s formal winter wedding attire

Formal winter wedding attire means rocking a full-piece suit in a darker hue, like charcoal, navy, or even a deep forest green. Pair your suit with a solid, conservative tie for that polished look. When it comes to shoes, Oxfords, Derbys, and loafers are all solid choices that complement formal wedding attire. The key here is to keep things classic yet stylish, so you can’t go wrong with men’s suits in timeless colors. Consider adding a waistcoat for an extra layer of sophistication and warmth. Whether it's formal wedding attire or a snazzy night out, this look has you covered. A nice watch or cufflinks can also add a touch of elegance without going overboard.

Men’s semi-formal winter wedding attire

Semi-formal winter wedding attire is where you can start to show a bit more personality. Think darker colors like green, burgundy, or even a rich plum, and don’t be afraid to play with accessories like pocket squares, ties, and even a bit of jewelry. This is your chance to experiment with formal vs. semi-formal attire, so have some fun with it to create a look that speaks to you while still respecting the dress code. You can keep it classy yet interesting with the right touches. Try a patterned tie or a colorful pocket square to add some flair. A well-fitted blazer in a textured fabric can also elevate your look. Shoes can be slightly more relaxed than in formal attire, so think about a stylish pair of brogues or monk straps.

Men’s casual winter wedding attire

For a more casual winter wedding, you can keep things relaxed yet stylish. Chinos or slacks paired with a quarter-zip sweater and a collared dress shirt underneath is a timeless classic. Alternatively, a blazer over a turtleneck works great, too, blending sophistication with comfort. Casual wedding attire is similar to business casual or business professional attire, making it easy to pull from garments already in your wardrobe. Layering is key when putting together a casual winter wedding look, so don’t hesitate to add a stylish overcoat or a wool scarf to stay warm. Shoes can be more relaxed, like loafers or clean, dressy boots.

Women’s Winter Wedding Guest Attire

Chic trendy women's wedding guest dress for winter in black with cutouts

Women's dark pink suit as winter wedding guest outfit

Winter weddings call for a perfect mix of style and warmth. When it comes to women’s wedding guest attire, think of luxurious fabrics like velvet, satin, and silk in deep, rich colors. Whether the dress code is black-tie, formal, semi-formal, or casual, here’s how to look fabulous while staying cozy.

Women’s black-tie winter wedding attire

For a black-tie winter wedding, you can't go wrong with a floor-length evening gown. Opt for colors like emerald green, deep red, navy blue, or classic black. These colors not only complement the season but also add an elegant touch to your look. Accessorize with a statement clutch or a stylish handbag, and add some sparkle with elegant jewelry like chandelier earrings or a delicate necklace. A pair of heels in a matching or complementary color will complete your ensemble. If you want to switch things up, consider wearing a women’s tuxedo for a chic and bold look. A well-fitted tuxedo can be just as glamorous and sophisticated as a gown. When comparing formal vs. black-tie attire, remember that black-tie calls for the most glamorous and sophisticated options.

Women’s formal winter wedding attire

Women’s formal winter wedding attire includes options like a tailored pantsuit or a floor-length gown. Choose rich fabrics and colors like burgundy, plum, or dark blue to fit the season. A tailored pantsuit in a luxurious fabric like velvet or satin can be both stylish and practical, providing warmth without sacrificing elegance. Pair it with a chic blouse and some statement jewelry. A floor-length gown in a winter-appropriate fabric like velvet or heavy satin will also keep you warm and stylish. To stay warm, add a stylish shawl or wrap or even a tailored coat that complements your outfit. This look is perfect for formal wedding attire, allowing you to stay elegant and comfortable. Make it fun with a pop of color in your accessories or bold lipstick.

Women’s semi-formal winter wedding attire

Semi-formal winter wedding attire gives you some more flexibility to play with your style. A velvet midi dress, a satin wrap dress, or a lace long-sleeve dress are all great options. These fabrics are perfect for winter, providing warmth and a little luxury. You can also pair a blazer with slacks and a blouse for a polished yet relaxed look. Opt for darker, richer colors like forest green, maroon, or even metallics for a bit of holiday sparkle. This style sways more towards cocktail attire, giving you room to add fun accessories like statement earrings, a stylish belt, or a colorful scarf. Finish the look with ankle boots or dressy flats, depending on your preference.

Women’s casual winter wedding attire

For a casual winter wedding, think of a long A-line skirt paired with a blouse or a cozy knit sweater vest. A pantsuit in a softer fabric like wool or tweed can also work well, providing both warmth and style. This look should be comfortable and stylish, perfect for a relaxed celebration. Add some fun with a cute pair of boots, a colorful scarf, or a statement necklace. Layering is key, so don’t hesitate to add a cardigan or a denim jacket for extra warmth. Keeping it casual yet chic will ensure you’re ready to enjoy the festivities without sacrificing comfort. A pair of dressy flats or low-heeled boots will keep you comfortable all day long.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Winter Wedding Guest Attire

Man heading to winter wedding wearing cocktail attire with burgundy suit and turtleneck

Couple wearing semi-formal winter wedding outfits in pink cowl neck gown and black suit with loafers

The secret to merging fashion and comfort lies in taking into account fabric, hue, event type, budget, and of course, your personal style.

1. Materials

Your choice of fabric should be in line with the chill weather. Dresses and shirts made with rich and thick fabrics are ideal to combat the wintry breeze. Cotton shirts, cashmere vests, and wool coats are great options for men. For women, long skirts and dresses or long-sleeved tops work nicely. Not a fan of dresses? Now is an especially good time to switch it up with a pair of dressy pants or khakis, which will keep your style true to you and help your legs stay nice and warm.

2. Dress code

Aside from the fabric choice, it’s helpful to keep in mind that you may find yourself in the couple's wedding photos, and your attire should not take away the spotlight from the newlyweds or even the reception itself. Check the invitation for the dress code and color theme for the wedding. For a black-tie wedding, a classic white tuxedo shirt, black tuxedo, bow tie, and dress shoes are the best bet for men, while for women, long formal gowns or dresses that reach your mid-calf or lower are sure to be acceptable and elegant. Pair your gown with sleek, closed-toe flats or high-heels. Take note: Black-Tie weddings are formal events that typically take place during the nighttime, so add more layers to keep you cozy.

Cocktail weddings typically require the men to don the usual suit and tie, while women can choose from short dresses, maxi dresses, and midi skirts. Colors, patterns, and materials should still be dialed in for evening wear and fall on the more formal side.

3. Colors

Each season has a set of shades associated with it. For instance, stylists love to employ various hues of icy and deep blues in the wintertime. Try playing with a brighter set of cool colors such as charcoal, silver, emerald, sapphire, cherry, and cobalt blue. Otherwise, if you want a more toned-down color palette, your options include forest green, mid-gray, pine green, navy, aubergine, burgundy, and deep claret. Avoid wearing more than three or four colors together in one look. You might be mistaken for a Christmas ornament! A helpful rule of thumb is to stick to at least two shades that you can tone down or balance with a neutral color.

4. Prints and patterns

You may be concerned that this colder season is not the ideal time to flaunt your love for peach flowers and bright yellow daffodils on your dress. Not to fear; there is still a place for floral prints especially in moody colors in the winter! A sophisticated flower pattern in white, powder blue, magenta, and green ticks all the boxes. Zebra stripes and plaid patterns are also trending this winter season. Houndstooth is a textile pattern that never fails during winter—it brings together high fashion with snuggly, making it the perfect print for fuzzy coats, vests, and maxi dresses. Want something with a hint of 3D glamour? Brocade woven patterns inject an elevated touch of luxury into your blazer, jacket, or clutch.

Winter wedding guest couple holding hands wearing velvet and lace dress and black tuxedo

Winter Wedding Styling FAQs

Choosing the right shoes for a winter wedding is all about balancing style and practicality. With snow, cold temperatures, and icy conditions, you’ll want footwear that keeps you warm and stable.

Men: Opt for Chelsea boots, dress boots, Oxfords, or brogues. These styles not only look sharp but also offer better protection against the elements than regular dress shoes. Chelsea and dress boots are particularly great for adding a touch of sophistication to your outfit while keeping your feet warm. Oxfords and brogues, especially in darker shades, are perfect for more formal settings.
Women: Go for block heels, heeled ankle boots, or closed-toed pumps. Block heels provide stability on potentially slippery surfaces, while heeled ankle boots keep your feet warm and stylish. Closed-toed pumps are a classic choice that can be paired with tights for extra warmth. For those attending a destination wedding, consider the local weather conditions and choose appropriate footwear that aligns with the overall destination wedding attire.

Yes, black is an entirely acceptable color for winter weddings. In fact, black is a dark hue that fits perfectly with the season's aesthetic, adding an element of elegance and sophistication. However, always refer to the dress code on the invitation to ensure it’s appropriate for the specific event. Some weddings may have unique themes or color schemes that require different attire, so it's always best to double-check. Black not only suits the winter vibe but is also a versatile color that can be styled up or down depending on the formality of the wedding.

Add a cover-up or accessories for maximum protection against frostbite (and maximum visual appeal). Accent your look with velvet gloves, a coat, or a structured blazer. Women can bring a cover-up either in the form of a shawl or scarf if you’re a wedding guest dressing up for an outdoor winter wedding. Some prefer wearing sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses, so carrying something comfy and warm for added protection from the cold later on is a smart idea. If you’re going to be wearing a knee-length dress or skirt, you may want to wear stockings underneath to keep bare skin from being exposed to sudden drops in temperature–you can choose a nude tone, or use this as another place to play with color.

If the wedding reception you’re attending is formal, avoid carrying a too-large or unwieldy shoulder bag. An eye-catching clutch that complements your overall outfit is a better choice.

For men, boots or leather shoes is another wise move. To add extra warmth and depth to your outfit, you can also layer on a tweed vest over your cotton shirt.

Neckties are often best suited for daytime weddings, while bowties can work wonderfully at night. If you like to dive into the details, try adding any of the following accessories to your standard suit-and-tie combo: A white linen pocket square, lapel flower or pin, or tie bar. You can even try out different types of tie knots to change up your look at every event.

Winter wedding guest outfits with suits, dresses, and shawls in front of city skyline

Bringing Warmth & Style to Your Next Winter Wedding

Be 100% comfortable with what you choose to wear. Any uneasiness will come across regardless of the clothes you’re wearing. Winter is all about comfort, and attending a winter wedding should be no different.

Remember to add on just the right amount of layers (with the tips above, each extra layer will only add more style!). Try not to double up a long-sleeved dress with a thick coat if the wedding takes place during the day. You might end up feeling too toasty and end up sweating buckets until the end of the reception. Balance your attire with dark and light fabrics and colors. With our layering tips, you’re able to take off your coat during the warmer part of the day, and then cover up once you feel the cool breeze touch your skin. And you’ll look polished the whole day through.

So don’t sweat what to wear to a winter wedding. Use this blog as your quick guide and impress your fellow guests with your impeccable outfit. And, for a perfect fit and extra style tips, check out our Fit Finder and Fit Guide to make sure you’re dressed to impress, no matter the weather!

Sophia Young

Sophia Young recently quit a non-writing job to finally be able to tell stories and paint the world through her words. She loves talking about fashion and ...