When winter comes and the temperature drops, you’d better cover up.
But this doesn’t mean you have to look like a mess or abandon your sense of style.
And if you or someone you know is getting married during winter, you should have some stylish cold weather wedding attire to wear to the occasion.
After all, not only is a chill in the air not a reason to look sloppy, it can actually be a great excuse to dress up even more than you do during the warmer months.
Autumn and winter are really the most fashionable times of the year when it comes to fashion, if you just embrace them and put your best foot forward.
1. Long Sleeves
For men, formal cold weather wedding attire is almost always of the long sleeved kind.
But cold weather options abound for women, too.
There is a vast and ever-expanding multitude of beautiful dresses with long sleeves that are optimally suited for the colder months of the year.
And since your skin is the part of your body that feels cold, that’s just perfect.
In addition to covering more of your skin and protecting you from the chill in the air, the extra fabric also creates more opportunities for styling with…
2. Scarves and Shawls
Scarves and shawls are similar in function as cold weather wedding attire, but also different in some important ways.
A scarf is probably the best for keeping your neck warm and is likely more ideal for when it’s particularly cold out.
However, on those days when it’s cold enough to require a neck warmer but not quite cold enough to necessitate a full-on scarf, a shawl can be a great thing to pair with your dress.
They’re light enough to still be breathable while still covering you up a bit, and if you pull it off, a shawl can also make your overall look more elegant and classy.
3. Light Jackets
If long sleeves aren’t enough to cover your arms and torso, you might want to start shopping for light jackets that can complement your dress or pants.
As with dresses themselves, there is an abundance of options to select from.
The key is to not get something that is either too light or too heavy for the weather that you’ll be expecting during the occasion.
If the weather won’t be very cold, you’ll want a jacket that is made of a breathable and lightweight fabric like cotton.
On the other hand, if you’re expecting it to be pretty cold on the day of the wedding, it’s better to get something made from a thicker material like wool.
And even if you’re the bride and you want to keep as close as possible to the standard bridal appearance, there are also a lot of creative and interesting options for you to explore using other fabrics.
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4. Coats
Coats are a step up from jackets.
You wear a coat when it’s just too cold for a jacket alone to cut it.
Depending on the specific level of cold you’re dealing with, you may choose to either wear a coat instead of a jacket or wear them both, with your coat layered on top of your jacket.
Like with all layering, it’s important to find items that complement each other well.
So, no polyester windbreakers underneath fur coats.
Likewise, it’s probably best to avoid wearing a North Face puffer jacket or arctic parka over a silk shawl or bridal sleeves.
5. Hats
Don’t forget your head.
People always forget their heads, even though that’s where their brains live.
Your head gets cold, too.
And you’ll want to protect it from the cold so you don’t get any headaches or come down with anything.
So, you’ll want to get some kind of hat.
Fortunately, hats are one of the most diverse categories of cold weather wedding attire.
Everything from pillbox hats and cappellis to berets and ushankas is available for you to choose from.
Like with all the other items on this list, it really comes down to how well your hat choice complements the rest of your outfit and how much protection you’re going to need from the cold.
6. Winter Footwear
It stands to reason that, if it’s too cold for your arms or neck to be uncovered, it’s probably also too cold for your toes.
Along with your ears, your toes are usually one of the first parts of your body to freeze if you’re stranded on Mt.
Everest or locked outside during a snowstorm in some kind of Grinch scenario.
So don’t neglect your feet.
If you’re going to be out in weather that warrants a scarf or coat, be sure that you’ve got footwear to match – whether it be rounded closed-toe heels or full-on winter boots.
Layer Up
We’re sure you’re starting to get the idea.
This list of cold weather wedding attire examples is not long or complete.
We could go on about it, but we think this has been enough to get your mental gears turning.
At the basic level, winter fashion and style are about making clever use of layers and season-themed accessories.
You should be layering up to protect yourself from the weather anyway, so why not be creative and stylish with it?
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Weather Wedding Attire
What do guests wear to a winter wedding?
Guests should dress in warm, layered outfits that still look polished. Think wool suits, long sleeve dresses, tights, dressy coats, and closed toe shoes. Rich fabrics like velvet or satin work well for winter and help you stay comfortable without sacrificing style.
How do brides stay warm at a winter wedding?
Most brides layer with elegant pieces like faux fur wraps, long sleeve bodices, capes, or thermal nude undergarments that won’t show in photos. Many also bring a warm coat for outdoor portraits, then switch back to their main look indoors.
What do grooms wear for cold weather weddings?
Grooms usually choose heavier fabrics like wool or tweed to help retain heat. A three piece suit adds an extra layer, and a stylish overcoat keeps them comfortable during outdoor photos. Darker colors like black, charcoal, or deep navy tend to fit the season well.
What are the best shoes for a winter wedding?
Closed toe shoes are the safest choice, especially if there’s snow or ice. Brides often choose block heels or boots for outdoor moments and switch to dress shoes indoors. Guests can go with leather dress shoes or boots that look formal but offer better traction.
How do you layer without looking bulky?
Light, fitted layers make the biggest difference. Thermal tops, slip dresses, tights, and lined jackets all add warmth without changing your silhouette. Choosing fabrics like wool, cashmere, and velvet gives you insulation while still looking smooth and elegant.
