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What to wear to a winter wedding: Stylish AND Warm


You’ve RSVP’d to that upcoming winter wedding, and so begins the low-level panic.

Choosing a wedding guest dress is particularly challenging when you’re contending with cold weather.

Your outfit needs to be match-fit; ready to withstand chilly temperatures and rain, should it rudely interrupt the day.

So, where to begin? In this guide, we explain what to wear to a winter wedding to stay stylish and warm.

No matter whether the impending wedding is at a winery, farm, inner-city venue, or church — we’ve got you covered.

What to Wear to a Winter Wedding

If you’re wondering what exactly constitutes cold wedding attire, there’s really no straightforward answer.

As a general rule of thumb, start by checking the invitation for a dress code or specific outfitting instructions.

This will help to guide you towards, or away from, certain silhouettes. For example, a formal or black-tie dress code signifies your hemline needs to fall at a midi or maxi length, but you may be able to get away with a mini dress at a semi-formal or cocktail wedding.

You’ll notice we reject the idea that bright colours and prints are reserved for summer weddings only.

But more on that below. When it comes to colour, the only no-go on our list is white (or anything that could pass as white; your soft beige dress is out, too), unless otherwise specified by the bride or groom-to-be.

The one feature we do believe is a must for winter weddings? Sleeves. Whether the sleeves are part of your dress, or you opt for a faux fur coat or cape to throw on top, covering your arms will lock in the heat and keep you comfortable all night long.

What to Wear to a Winter Wedding Outside

For winter weddings taking place outside, sleeves truly are essential. Keep your spaghetti-strap number for a wedding where the temperature is more than 20 degrees celsius.  

Most outdoor weddings will take place at wineries or farms, either under a marquee or under the twinkling night sky. Below, we share our top picks for what to wear to an outdoor wedding at a winery or farm. 


At a Winery

If you’re heading to an outdoor winery for a wedding, the dress code is likely to be lounge suit, cocktail, or semi-formal. While we love a good mini dress, it simply won’t be the most comfortable option for an outdoor winter wedding.

Opt for midi or maxi-length dresses instead. A longer dress will help to keep your legs warm and is a safe silhouette for all dress codes, so you’ll be comfortable and event-appropriate.

As wineries are slightly more relaxed settings than churches or inner-city venues, we recommend fun, floaty silhouettes with statement features.

Think dramatic puff sleeves, wrap-style waist ties, and bow detailing.

When it comes to colour, if you’re in need of a starting point, look to hues that reflect the natural surroundings. Moody dark-based florals or softer earthy tones work well at wineries. If you’re particularly sensitive to the cold, it’s a good idea to come prepared with an overcoat or shawl to snuggle up into as night falls.

A faux fur wrap will always be our top pick. They’re cozy, easy-wearing, and feel a little glamorous.


Acler Empire Dress

The Acler Empire Dress is a stunning full length long sleeve dress that is perfect for occasions both formal and cocktail. The two-toned fabrication and pleated skirt makes this a stand-out piece. With the beautiful balloon sleeves, this dress will keep you feeling warm on colder nights while still looking elegant and glamorous. This natural and earthy two-toned colourway, makes it the perfect winery long sleeve dress for a winter wedding.


Lexi India Dress

The Lexi India Dress is cut from a sage green satin. This long sleeve style is perfect for the cooler seasons as it provides extra warmth and coverage. This gorgeous dress is extremely flattering and comfortable, which nails the brief for what you want in a long sleeve formal gown. The gorgeous sage tones will perfectly complement the winery sceneries, making it the perfect outdoor winter wedding guest dress.


Unreal Fur Yasmin Wrap Fur Stole

The UNREAL FUR Yasmin Wrap Fur Stole is a simple and elegant fur wrap that will complement any gown or dress. This wrap is comfortable, soft and provides extra warmth for any events during the cooler seasons. The faux fur stole features a hook closure for an effortless wear that sits beautifully on the shoulders.


The Yasmin Wrap Fur Stole is available in colours white and black.


At a Farm

Looking for dresses for a farm wedding? There are a few things to consider here.

At a farm wedding, we suggest leaning into colour. Yep — forget what you heard about bright colours and winter being incompatible. Don’t let the dreary weather stop you from stepping out in something vibrant and joyful. You’re at a wedding, after all!

 

Take hints from the landscape and opt for floral-inspired prints and shapes. For daytime weddings, orange and pink tones work well, while bold reds and greens are ideal for nighttime nuptials.

Keep hems at a midi or maxi length to ensure warmth and to avoid any dress code mishaps.

As for accessories, keep in mind that a farm wedding may require walking on grass. Read: stilettos are a definite no. Opt for block heels, wedges, or boots instead.


Acler Lydford Dress

The Acler Lydford Dress is a chic and stylish long-sleeve wrap dress that is perfect for almost every occasion. This versatile style can be dressed up or down with bold or minimal accessories, and heels or sandals. This timeless silhouette makes this number the perfect cocktail or semi-formal dress for outdoor events such as farm weddings during the winter season.


Rebecca Vallance Positano Kaftan

The Rebecca Vallance Positano Kaftan is a gorgeous relaxed fit dress. With long blouson sleeves, front button fastening, a tiered gathered skirt and a gold-toned tie to cinch in the waist, this dress is extremely flattering and comfortable. We love this maxi dress for the outdoor events as it features a bold and colourful print. This dress is perfect for work christmas parties, daytime drinks at a bar or as a wedding guest in an outdoor setting.


Acler Palms Dress

The Acler Palms Dress is crafted from a luxurious pleated fabric. The pleating, bell sleeves, plunging neckline and asymmetrical hemline, creates a flattering silhouette. This style will keep you warm on the colder days, and is extremely versatile as it can be dressed up for more formal occasions or dressed down for more casual outdoor events. A stunning and easy to wear style that makes the perfect wedding guest dress.

This style is available in sky blue and pink and turmeric.


What to Wear to a Winter Wedding Inside

At an indoor winter wedding, you’ll be shielded from the elements, but long sleeves and lengthier hemlines are still ideal. The travel to and from the venue alone is enough to warrant some extra coverage. Generally, indoor venues call for more formal wedding guest dresses.

That being said, do check the dress code to save yourself from arriving at a casual reception in a floor-length gown.
Let’s take a look at what to wear to winter weddings at inner-city venues and churches.
 

At an Inner-City Venue

Whether you’re heading to a special event space, bar, or ballroom for this inner-city wedding, lean into glamour.

 

Satin or sequined dresses are perfect for winter weddings — these fabrications exude elegance and sophistication. They also carry a bit more weight than summer-appropriate linen and cotton materials, meaning they’ll keep you warm over the course of the evening. If you are opting for a satin or sequinned fabrication, go for a simple silhouette. Think classic wrap dresses and fitted high-neck gowns.

Avoid anything with excessive ruffles, frills, or cut-outs — these features are more fitting for summer weddings.

 

When it comes to colour palettes, dusty pastels and shimmering hues work beautifully at winter weddings. Soft blues, lilacs, and silvers speak to the season, while rose and gold tones add a touch of much-needed warmth.


Arcina Ori Aston Dress

The Arcina Ori Aston Dress is a gorgeous long sleeve dress that is perfect for events on a cooler night. Featuring a wrap around design with cut outs, this dress is extremely flattering and unique. The Aston Dress is made from a thick ribbed material that provides extra warmth and although it is considered a more casual style, it can be dressed up to be worn as black tie. We love this versatile dress, and it is definitely a staple for your winter events.


Nookie Selena Long Sleeve Gown

The Nookie Selena Long Sleeve Gown is an all-time favourite because of its glistening striped sequin that never fails to catch the light. This gown features flattering tucks and shoulder pads that accentuate the figure to give an hourglass silhouette. This long sleeve gown is super comfortable and will keep you warmer on those cooler nights. We love this dress for more formal events because of its dazzling sequin effect.

The Nookie Selena Long Sleeve Gown for rent is available in colours black, teal, navy and silver.


Nookie Pandora Long Sleeve Gown

The Nookie Pandora Long Sleeve Gown is a luxurious showstopping two piece set that will have all eyes on you during the cooler seasons. Made from a sapphire blue stretch sequin, this formal long sleeve top and skirt is super comfortable and easy to wear. This evening long sleeve dress is the perfect outfit for formal and black tie events in the winter.

This style is available in navy blue and white.


At a Church

Church weddings usually require dresses that are formal and modest. If in doubt, stick to conservative hemlines and necklines. The bonus? That extra coverage will keep you warm!

 

Classically feminine designs work well at church weddings. Consider styles with raised collars, bishop sleeves, and peplum hems; features inspired by old-world silhouettes. A faux-fur wrap makes for the perfect outer layer.  


Alternatively, for a more modern feel, opt for a chic wrap dress or a fitted midi dress. These styles also work well for petite frames that may be overwhelmed by sweeping silhouettes.

 

For very traditional church ceremonies, opt for rich wine and earthy tones. Plum, ruby, chocolate, and navy hues are ideal. If the event is a little more relaxed, look to a dynamic print in celebratory, vibrant hues.  


Pasduchas Lucia Sleeve Midi Dress

The Pasduchas Lucia Sleeve Midi Dress is a beautiful long sleeve style that is made from a lustrous satin. Featuring a plunging v-neckline and an a-line skirt, this dress is flattering on all body types. A comfortable, flattering and easy to wear style, you cannot go wrong with this elegant long sleeve dress as a wedding guest. The perfect amount of coverage for a church wedding in the winter.

 

This style is available in black and sea mist.


Pasduchas Composure Gown

The Pasduchas Composure Gown exudes sophistication and elegance. This dress features a draped neckline which is very comfortable and makes the dress a super modest piece. The dress gives an extremely flattering silhouette and as a bonus, is really comfortable! If you're needing a formal gown for a work function, as a wedding guest, or black tie event, this is your go-to. This classic style is perfect for all ages and the draping sleeves will add extra warmth during the cooler seasons.

 

The Composure Gown for rent is available in navy, wine, black and white.


Pasduchas Pinnacle Sleeve Midi Dress

The Pasduchas Pinnacle Sleeve Midi Dress is a modest, long sleeve formal dress that is perfect for those who want extra coverage. This dress is very comfortable which is all that you want. This wrap style is very flattering on the figure, also featuring bell sleeves which are extremely elegant. A wrap style that can be dressed up or down depending on how formal the dress code is. A versatile dress that makes the perfect wedding guest outfit for a church wedding.


What Do You Wear Under Your Dress?

If you’re still concerned that you’ll feel the chill, pop a slip and a pair of thermal bike shorts underneath your dress. Go for skin-tight beige styles that won’t bunch up or show through.

These will add a bit of extra warmth and comfort, as well as prevent your dress from clinging to your skin.
 

Hire Your Winter Wedding Guest Dress

With some style inspiration under your belt, it’s time to get shopping for your winter wedding guest dress.

You can hire all of the dresses mentioned in this article online through our website.

Dress hire allows you to wear a designer item for just a fraction of the price and save space in your wardrobe too!

When you hire your special occasion outfits, you’re also contributing to a
circular fashion economy and helping to limit the amount of fashion and textile waste ending up in landfills.

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