The Ultimate Guide to What to Wear to a Winter Wedding

It’s that time of year again: Puffer coats come out, TV streaming services shame Snuggie-clad couch potatoes with the question “are you (really, still) watching?” and, as the temperatures plunge, people insist on certifying their love for one another anyway.

Admittedly, dressing for celebrations of love is a tad easier when it’s not freezing outside. One breezy dress and a pair of strappy sandals later and you’re pretty much good to go. There’s a lot to be said for winter weddings, however, sartorially speaking. For one, the obstacles are all laid out for you from the start. Yes, you will need tights. Yes, you’re probably better off wearing your weary snow boots and down-filled cocoon on the way there then pulling a Clark Kent once you reach your destination. That said, you’re pretty much guaranteed an indoor ceremony and reception, which means no chance of rain, no Excaliburing your heels from picturesque grassy knolls or sand dunes, no errant winds, no obligation to wear revealing clothes.

Therefore, while your travel bag won’t be as light and airy as it was last June, your options for what to wear to a winter wedding are pretty much endless. It’s not all long-sleeve dresses and fur capes, so long as you get your layering right. Click through the slideshow above for 25 chic, toasty examples that will have you leaping in front of cameras even before the open bar gets underway.

DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding

DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #1

All that glitters isn't gaudy. Play up this gauzy gown's Latin vibes with a braided updo topped by a fiery floral hairpiece.

Opening Ceremony Enamel Glitter Dress, $595 at Opening Ceremony
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #2

Lavender and peonies are perennial faves. Pair with a snowy faux fur stole for warmth and slayage.

ASOS Curve Salon Midi Pencil Dress, $83 at ASOS
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #3

For more casual affairs, shiny trousers and satin tunics make for a fabulous yet unfussy getup. Polish off your look with pointed heels and serious statement earrings.

Zara Off-the-Shoulder Dress, $99.90 at Zara
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #4

Not one to blend in with the crowd? Opt for a cocktail dress in a typical silhouette but unobvious colors. For added insulation — and fun — layer it over statement sleeves. Finish off the look with snazzy black heels. (Combat boots take the rebel cause a little too far in our opinion.)

MSGM Sleeveless Pleated Dress, $338.71 at Farfetch
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #5

Jonathan Simkhai's versatile stretch-knit midi dress is well worth the splurge. Its figure-flattering silhouette will get you all the compliments at those upcoming nuptials and many formal events to come. Pair with bold stilettos and golden baubles.

Jonathan Simkhai Off-the-Shoulder Pleated Stretch-Knit Midi Dress, $545 at Net-a-Porter
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #6

Those of the Cara Delevingne school of thought (see the model-turned-actress' 2015 Met Gala look), say goodbye to skirts and hello to luxe, wedding-worthy comfort in a pair of on-trend velvet trousers. Stay up to dress code in a formal blouse and patent shoes.

Reformation Jones Pant, $178 at Reformation
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #7

Metallics? Check. Color play? Check. Forgiving silhouette? Check. Thigh-high boots that'll keep you toasty all night long? Check, check.

Dodo Bar Or Peneloppe Fil Coupé Dress, $450 at Shopbop
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #8

Pair a high-low hem with velvet leggings and tell 'em it's for thermal, ahem, textural interest. (Also, this look is begging for a statement choker.)

Zara Sateen Dress, $99.90 at Zara
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #9

Because celebrating love doesn't mean emptying your wallet on a dress you'll never wear again. Debut this chic emerald number at the office holiday party, then take it to a whole new level/social circle with winged heels and a glittery clutch.

Pixie Market Velvet Pleated Midi Dress, $88 at Pixie Market
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #10

Wear with a sleek turtleneck, statement socks and strappy sandals for a layering combo that'll give the cake a run for its money.

Talulah Alessa Off Shoulder Midi Dress, $220 at Shopbop
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #11

Winter means different things in different places (duh). In California, you could totally rock this ensemble as-is. In New York, you'd need a fuzzy coat to match the shoes, not to mention a rock star pair of nylons. Good thing the boho-identified are known for their sense of adventure.

Rodebjer Ranaja Lace Dress, $895 at No.6 Store
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #12

If you thought a wedding was the one place you couldn't wear sophisticated jammies, you thought wrong. Avoid judgy stares with shiny silver accents. (Note: So as not to insult The Bride, opt for the "Black Wild Rose" option over the "Vanilla Hemlock" pattern.)

Ganni Rosemont Crepe Dress, $179.49 at Ganni
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #13

Nope, that's not a Gucci snake (but we won't tell). Wear with a serpentine choker and silver stilettos for a straight-off-the-runway look.

RIXO London Louise Cape Midi Dress, $410 at Free People
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #14

Princess-style gowns have a long history of concealing weatherproof trappings. Pair with dangly earrings and pointed-toe knee-highs.

Boohoo Metallic Lace Maxi Dress, $79 at ASOS
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #15

The quintessential wedding-ready LBD. Stand out from the crowd in statement tights.

Dress the Population Gwen Lace Midi Dress, $228 at Nordstrom
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #16

When your outerwear is this chic, no one will question your wearing it throughout the ceremony. We like this Suno overcoat with a pleated skirt and ruffle-neck or pussybow topper.

Suno Lurex Floral Maxi Coat, $945 at Saks
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #17

This dress is its own accessory (and dance floor invite).

& Other Stories Sequined Silk Dress, $145 at & Other Stories
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #18

To avoid drawing attention away from the bride and toward your stellar stems, wear with sheer black tights and a luxe duster.

Topshop Unique Perry Dress, $380 at Topshop
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #19

Winter florals done right and for the right price. A slicked-back hairstyle will offset your frock's casual flounce.

Mango Flowy Long Dress, $149.99 at Mango
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #20

Another Cara Delevingne-worthy, black tie-ready, two-legged masterpiece. Do yourself a favor and pair with a (faux) fur cape.

LPA Jumpsuit 99, $368 at Revolve
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #21

Adult baby dressing is officially a thing. To avoid being mistaken for a flower girl, team with a velvet turtleneck and metallic silver booties.

Anna Sui Camilla Velvet-Trimmed Crocheted Lace Mini Dress, $650 at Net-a-Porter
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #22

This is basically the black-tie version of North West's go-to outfit. And we're not mad about it.

BCBGMazAzria Tierra Tulle Gown, $498 at BCBGMaxAzria
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #23

How amazing would this ensemble look in the midst of a winter wonderland? Buck up and brave the cold long enough to shoot some epic selfies. (Hey, if Kim Kardashian could do it in a fur bikini...)

Osman Brocade Culottes, $598.78 at Farfetch
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #24

That extra piece of fabric at the collar makes all the difference, sartorially and thermally speaking. Glam up your look with heels as opposed to sock booties.

Reformation Campbell Dress, $218 at Reformation
DOVE: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding #25

Don't: Break out your teen-dream slip dress. Do: Spring for this more adult version. (Dainty choker optional, but highly recommended.)

Jill Jill Stuart Henrietta Dress, $400 at Anthropologie