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Your ultimate guide to dressing for a winter wedding

Here's exactly what you should be wearing to a wedding in the cooler weather.

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Marina Tatas
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Winter weddings are really romantic, with snuggling encouraged to stay warm and roaring wood fires at the reception, but they can also be tricky to dress for. Treading the fine line between practical and pretty is tough, particularly since you'll be contending with the elements.

Here's our guide to looking your best at a winter wedding and where to buy each piece!

1. Long-sleeved dress

Just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to forfeit your right to wear a dress or skirt, unless you feel like wearing a snappy pantsuit or the wedding is casual enough to rock some denim.

Long-sleeved dresses are experiencing somewhat of a rise in popularity lately and we can only imagine that the changing temperatures overseas have influenced this trend.

A long-sleeved maxi dress keeps you covered and warm without sacrificing style, so who could say no?

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2. Coat

A coat is a winter staple as it is, but pair that with a winter wedding and you've got yourself a recipe for an unquestionably stylish look. Not only will it keep you warm, but a tailored coat will flatter anyone and make you look like a million bucks.

Opt for neutral colours so that you can use your dress as your pop of colour. Black is always reliable and you can trust that it will match with pretty much anything.

Don't forget to check the fabric of the coat before purchasing. Some websites offer coats that look incredibly warm but are actually 100% polyester, which won't retain the heat as well as a woollen coat.

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3. Stockings

People often overlook stockings, but let us assure you that these babies will rescue your legs in the winter. Whether you opt for black, nude or even patterned stockings, you're about to be in a world of warmth.

Consider how thick you want them to be since some blends are sheer and won't provide as much warmth as ones with a higher denier count.

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4. Heeled boots

If you're wearing a long dress or skirt, you've got a prime opportunity here to keep your legs and feet warm.

Wearing boots underneath a dress or skirt is a trick that we picked up last winter. The best part is that it'll be your little secret and nobody will even realise that you're cosy in your thigh-high boots under a floaty dress.

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5. Scarves/wraps

There's always something you can add to keep yourself extra cosy because sometimes staying warm the conventional way simply isn't enough.

Consider a scarf or a wrap to combat the winter winds. You'd be surprised how much these little things can make a difference. They are easy to just throw over your shoulders if a breeze comes by and can be taken off once you step into the reception room. A hassle-free item that will surely keep you warm.

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6. Faux fur

This wedding accessory screams luxury and warmth. Who wouldn't want to wear faux fur?

It can easily be dressed up, making it perfect for the winter wedding season. It can be worn over a sequinned mini dress or a silky maxi dress, they work great in pulling together any kind of outfit. Like a scarf or wrap, it provides extra warmth when the cold really starts to hit you. But the difference is, you definitely feel more fancy wearing faux fur.

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7. Wear a maxi

Maxi dresses can be misunderstood as people will just save them for the warmer weather. Despite how light and flowy they are, maxi dresses can work great in the winter too. Changing up the fabric and finding one in a dark fabric makes it appropriate for the cooler weather.

There is plenty of room to experiment with this option. You can opt for a maxi dress or a skirt, maybe one with a cut-out on the leg or a deep-V to show off your décolletage.

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8. Luxe gloves

Cold hands are a pain when attending a winter wedding. How can you clap for the bride and groom when your fingers are basically frozen?

Gloves keep your hands warm, while still leaving them free to do things. To avoid looking like a spy, we recommend going for a classic fit. No cut-outs on the hands, just a nicely fitted leather glove that contours your hands. If black isn't your thing, you can choose to wear a nude or brown coloured pair as they work just as well.

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9. Velvet

Velvet is one of those fabrics that can easily look cheap so it's recommended to shop around to find one that suits your needs. When styled right, velvet can look luxe and keep you very warm in the winter.

Whether it's a velvet dress or a velvet skirt, this material can be wedding-appropriate when styled with a beautiful bag or jewellery. There are so many colours available that you will be spoilt for choice.

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10. Knitted

A knitted sweater is the ideal piece of clothing to keep you warm. Why not turn it into a knitted dress? This item is key for a winter wedding. It can be paired with strappy heels, heeled boots or kitten heels – whatever suits your needs!

A knitted dress is versatile and is ideal for warmth.

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