Ten accessories and styling tricks for a flawless winter-wedding look

When someone I love invites me to their wedding, the first wave of excitement usually lasts about five minutes before the classic question kicks in: “Alright, but what am I going to wear?” A themed dress code makes things easier, but that’s a rarity. With most “traditional” weddings, I’m usually torn because of the weather, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one. Summer weddings come with the challenge of looking polished without melting, while winter weddings require a careful balance of staying warm and looking good (often while freezing in strappy heels as the wind does its thing outside).

Still, a winter wedding isn’t a style death sentence. If you think about fabrics as much as cuts, build your look in layers, and choose the right accessories, you can honestly have it both ways: keep the chic factor high and avoid catching a cold.

Here’s what to wear to a winter wedding if you want to be the best-dressed guest in the room:

#1 A velvet dress

Velvet is the unofficial king of December parties, and it’s earned that title. It looks refined, feels soft and warm, and brings a sense of richness that suits winter perfectly. That’s why it’s such a great choice for a cold-weather wedding, especially when a thin slip dress won’t cut it. A fitted, floor-length velvet dress is always a win for an occasion like this. Play with colour and subtle details to finish the look and you’ll have an outfit that feels polished from head to toe.

#2 A long satin skirt + an oversized blazer

Alongside velvet, satin is one of those fabrics that instantly signals polish and a little luxury. A long satin skirt is a beautiful pick for a winter wedding, especially when you pair it with an oversized blazer. The contrast between the fluid skirt and the sharp lines of the jacket creates a look that feels modern and put-together. It’s practical, too: if you get warm later in the evening, you can just slip the blazer off. Just make sure the top underneath works for the setting and the guest list (or at least most of it!).

#4 An elegant set with gold heels

If skirts and dresses aren’t really your thing, sets and jumpsuits are a great alternative. A refined two-piece with tailored trousers and a blouse that has a shirt-like feel works beautifully for a winter wedding, especially in a soft or warm tone. To give the look a chic finish, add gold heels and a statement bag, maybe one with long swinging fringes that move as you walk

3 A tweed set

A tweed set, very much in the spirit of classic Chanel tailoring, is a winter staple for work commitments, but it can look just as polished at a winter wedding. The fabric is warm enough for cold weather while still giving that refined, timeless feel. For office meetings it pairs well with loafers or a low block heel, while for a wedding you can elevate it with classic pumps and a small evening bag.

#4 An elegant set with gold heels

If skirts and dresses aren’t really your thing, sets and jumpsuits are a great alternative. A refined two-piece with tailored trousers and a blouse that has a shirt-like feel works beautifully for a winter wedding, especially in a soft or warm tone. To give the look a chic finish, add gold heels and a statement bag, maybe one with long swinging fringes that move as you walk

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#5 A faux-fur stole

Faux fur is one of those accessories that instantly adds a touch of old-Hollywood glamour. Whether it’s a chic hat, a hand warmer or a classic fur stole, these pieces elevate any winter look while actually keeping you warm if you end up outside longer than planned. For a little extra style credit, finish the look with a refined brooch.

Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images

#6 Lace gloves paired with lace tights

This is a combination that looks incredibly refined and stands out in the best way. Matching your sheer tights with long, opera-style gloves creates a look that feels romantic and a little dramatic, especially in white lace for a winter wedding. They won’t keep you particularly warm, but even a thin layer of lace is better than nothing on a cold evening. This pairing works just as well with a mini dress as it does with a floor-length one, where the lace peeks out only subtly.

#7 Refined layering

Layering usually makes us think of mixing different pieces and aesthetics to create an eclectic final look. But if you enjoy playing with layers, your outfit doesn’t have to resemble a typical Copenhagen fashion-week moment. The popular trousers-under-skirt or trousers-under-dress combo can absolutely work for a winter wedding as long as you stay mindful of tones and fabrics. A monochrome look with a crochet detail might not be the most conventional choice, but it can look genuinely striking.

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

#8 Faux fur and pastel tones

Faux fur paired with pastel shades is a great option if you’re tired of the usual dark winter colours and don’t want to blend in with the rest of the guests. Pastels break up the monotony and bring softness to the palette, while a fur coat is perfect for cold weather: warm, stylish and easy to wear. Baby blue, soft green or lilac always look beautiful, especially when you commit to a head-to-toe look in the same colour family.

Noor-u-Nisa Khan

#9 Pay attention to your tights

If you haven’t had time to plan an outfit and end up reaching for your classic little black dress (the one that always works for weddings), you can elevate it with the right accessories, and a standout pair of tights alone can make a real difference. Plus, they add an extra layer of warmth. White tights are a great alternative to the usual sheer black ones everyone wears to formal events, and lace styles are having a moment as well.

#10 A velvet suit

A velvet suit is a perfect choice for winter, whether you’re wearing it to a cold-weather wedding or one of the many December parties. It has a subtle retro feel and always looks chic. For the finishing touch, style it with a shirt or a lace bralette that peeks softly from under the blazer. Add a choker and wear your hair up, and the whole look comes together beautifully.