The warm weather months typically get the most play when it comes to weddings. But this year, it's likely you haven't exhausted your favorite options for dress-up. Quite the contrary: this summer was a different wedding season than we've ever experienced before, full of outdoor events and intimate weddings at home. And while there's likely more on your social calendar this year in the cooler months, dressing for an event in the cold isn't always easy. On the upside: layers, sleeves, longer lengths, and richer fabrics make it that much more fun when it comes to styling your winter wedding guest looks from head-to-toe.
From slinky gowns to shimmery co*cktail dresses, take this opportunity to embrace the jewel tones, velvets, and heavily embroidered looks this season calls for. Here, 12 chic looks to suit every style that should have you feeling like the best dressed guest on the winter wedding circuit—aside from the bride, of course.
1
Black Tie
Amp up a traditional black gown with an asymmetrical silhouette. Punctuate the look with unique touches that bring a little shine to the mix. Linear, geometric accents will keep this look sleek and modern, rather than super-glam.
Alexandre Vauthier gown, $4,625
Mindy Mond earrings, $13,600
Roger Vivier clutch, $1,395
Prada sandals, $991
2
Think Pink
Wearing white is out of the question–unless the bride specifically requests it—but a light pink or blush look is chic for any formal affair. Choose a springtime hue, and wear it from head to toe and with plush textures for a vibe that feels similar to winter white, without the bridal vibes. Trust us: This look is understated and elegant, with an ample dose of edge.
16ARLINGTON gown, $1,755
Balenciaga earrings, $895
Paco Rabanne bag, $684
Aquazzura sandals, $995
3
Winter Garden
It may be cold outside–but florals aren't strictly for summer affairs. Opt for a blooming motif on black or navy to bring this seemingly summer style into the winter months. Pair it with luxe accessories that feel sexy—and just the right amount of extra.
Brock Collection dress, $3,090
Selim Mouzannar earrings, $5,810
Judith Leiber Couture bag, $3,495
Brother Vellies sandals, $685
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4
Posh Prairie
Bring new life to vintage details and a peasant-style frock by accessorizing with super-chic extras. For a modern look that feels like an amped-up ode to decades past, turn to textured elements when styling—like these cameo earrings, crushed velvet clutch, and contrast square-toed slides.
Etro dress, $3,120
Grainne Morton earrings, $340
Rosantica clutch, $470
Malone Souliers mules, $575
5
Party Girl
For parties on key dates and holidays–like New Year's Eve–dress the part. Glitz, glamour, and unique accessories in every shade of metallic feel instantly festive—and are just right for toasting the happy couple and the holidays.
Retrofête dress, $775
Balenciaga earrings, $895
Galvan pouch, $495
Valentino sandals, $1,945
6
Ruffled Romance
While an LBD never goes out of style, think outside the box when it comes to holiday party dressing, like a red look that feels festive, ultra-femme, and borderline boho. Choose an elevated fabric and silhouette rather than a slip for a more formal feel, but take note that a floor-length red gown automatically feels glamorous—and a little extra. Our advice: Mix it up; opt for unexpected accessories.
Erdem gown, $4,095
Mateo New York earrings, $3,875
Simone Rocha bag, $830
Rochas sandals, $975
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7
Metallic Moment
Get into a festive mood with shiny metallics, shimmering prints, and playful pops of glittering color. Lame, brocade, and crystal-encrusted shoes feel inherently evening (and a little Studio 54)—even without a hemline that grazes the floor.
Balmain dress, $5,450
Chloé earrings, $670
Paco Rabanne clutch, $1,190
René Caovilla sandal, $1,800
8
Gala Girl
Black tie affairs (traditionally) mean floor length gowns with luxe accessories. Buck tradition and opt for a midi (or shorter). When styling, mix and match textures, tones, and embellishments for a dynamic take on dress up.
Rasario gown, $1,905
Bottega Veneta earrings, $580
Judith Leiber Couture clutch, 3,495
Amina Muaddi sandals, $850
9
Starry Night
Winter months call for jewel tones–so opt for your favorite shade in a beaded version that feels anything but ordinary. A shimmery sapphire number with an asymmetrical neckline feels apropos for a rehearsal dinner, dance party, or a New Years Eve wedding. When paired with sleek, celestial-inspired extras this look feels that much more dreamy, yet sexy at the same time.
Dundas dress, $1,780
Colette Jewelry earrings, $3,235
Shrimps clutch, $550
Aquazzura sandals, $995
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10
Mod Moment
There's nothing more festive than a mod sequin mini dress when the invitation reads "co*cktail attire." Opt for one with puff sleeves, a psychedelic print, and a glittery mule to bring just the right amount of artful edge—without the look going costume.
Gucci dress, $12,000
14 / Quatorze earrings, $190
Rosantica bag, $800
Cult Gaia mules, $325
11
Jumpsuit Nation
co*cktail and formal attire doesn't require a gown—if you know how to up the ante on a jumpsuit made for evening. Add accessories that feel special to amplify the look, and don't skimp on the sparkle.
Galvan jumpsuit, $1,595
Fallon earrings, $175
Paco Rabanne clutch, $1,090
Alaïa heels, $1,370
12
Elegant Edge
Flirty frocks are sweet for daytime, and classic gowns work wonders for black tie—but a guest with a bit of edge to her personal style requires dressing outside-the-box. Opt for a hint of '80s inspo with shoulder pads or puff sleeves, velvet, and built-in jewelry to go the extra mile. A small dose of studded details, metallic elements, and an animal print (a la this snakeskin clutch) takes a classic co*cktail look from basic to badass.
Prada dress, $8,220
Tullia ring, $564
Alexander McQueen clutch, $1,790
Jimmy Choo mules, $995
Heather Hall
Contributing Weddings Writer
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her ownevents and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com,Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, andStyle Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typicallyresearching the next fun workout class to try, orfinding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.