As I got ready for my best friend’s winter black-tie wedding at the Read House in Chattanooga, TN, I was thrilled to discover that the invitation said ‘black tie’ – a phrase that usually evokes images of elegant gowns and dapper suits. With no experience attending such an affair, I was left wondering what to wear. Luckily, I had three dress options to choose from, each paired with perfect heels and jewelry.
The experience sparked an idea for this guide on how to dress for a winter black-tie wedding. If you’re unsure about what to wear to make a stylish impression at your own winter wedding, keep reading. A great dress is essential, of course, but don’t forget to add a pretty coat and the perfect shoes to complete your outfit.
What to Wear to a Winter Black Tie Wedding
Looking for the perfect winter formal attire to impress at that upcoming black-tie wedding? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at these stunning wedding guest dresses, designed specifically with the cold-weather event in mind. From elegant long-sleeved numbers to sophisticated short-hemmed styles, we’ve curated a selection of show-stopping ensembles that are sure to turn heads on even the chilliest of winter nights.
Velvet Dresses
When it comes to dressing up for a winter black-tie wedding, velvet dresses are an excellent choice. Not only do they add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outfit, but the material itself also provides a lovely layer of warmth against the cold winter air. With its soft, luxurious texture and subtle sheen, velvet is sure to make you feel like royalty at the ceremony. Plus, it’s a great way to stay cozy while still looking fabulous.
Full-length Gowns in a Holiday Color
When it comes to formal weddings, a floor-length gown is usually the way to go. However, there may be instances where a shorter dress would be suitable, such as during winter months when incorporating holiday colors like red or green could add a festive touch. For instance, an off-the-shoulder dress in a bold hue like this one from Amazon’s YDMUCH collection would make for a stunning and affordable choice for a black tie wedding.
V-Neck Dresses with a Side Slit
The allure of formal dresses with slide slits lies in their understated yet alluring combination of elegance and sensuality. This V-neck evening dress from WOOSEA, available on Amazon, embodies the perfect blend of sophistication and glamour, making it an ideal choice for a winter formal wedding. The fitted design and stretchy material ensure a comfortable fit, while its striking visual appeal will leave you feeling confident and stunning.
High Neck Formal Dresses
As the temperature drops, dressing in a way that keeps you cozy and comfortable becomes a top priority. In the midst of winter’s chill, a high-neck dress can be an excellent choice for attending a wedding. Not only does it provide a stylish solution for cold-weather events, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your overall look. If you’re in the market for a versatile and warm dress option, consider the WOOSEA High Neck Long Dress, available on Amazon.
Long Sleeve Dresses
When it comes to dressing up for a winter formal wedding, long sleeve dresses are a fantastic choice. To add some visual interest to your outfit, opt for a design that features a plunging neckline or an open back. This will not only create a sense of drama but also draw attention away from any potential cold weather-related issues like numb fingers! The Lulus collection is a great place to start your search, with their stunning dresses and effortless style.
The Best Style of Dresses to Wear to a Winter Black Tie Wedding
When it comes to dressing for a winter black tie wedding, the traditional assumption is that a long dress is the only option. However, this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. While dark colors such as blue, purple, and red are always a safe bet, there’s nothing wrong with adding some personal flair to your outfit. For instance, consider incorporating metallic accents or bold patterns to add some visual interest to your dress.
This is especially true if you’re looking to make a statement at the wedding. In fact, I had the pleasure of attending a black tie winter wedding recently where a group of women from UGA did just that. They opted for formal dresses in dark colors and added some extra flair with metallic accents or bold patterns. The result was a series of outfits that were both stylish and respectful of the occasion.
Of course, when it comes to choosing what to wear to a black tie wedding, there are certain guidelines you should follow. For instance, it’s generally best to stick to dresses made from stretchy material as these tend to be more forgiving than those made from rigid fabrics. Additionally, consider avoiding strapless dresses altogether as these can often look out of place at a formal event. If you’re not sure where to shop for the perfect dress, there are plenty of options available.
Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Bloomingdales are all great places to start your search, while online retailers like Poshmark offer an affordable alternative. And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, consider checking out what other women have worn to black tie weddings in the past. You never know, you might just find a dress that makes you feel like a million bucks.
Best Color Dresses to Wear to a Winter Black Tie Wedding
When it comes to deciding on a dress color for a winter black-tie wedding, there are several options that are popular among women. While some may opt for bold and bright colors like red or burgundy, others might prefer deeper, more muted tones such as navy blue or black. Some brides-to-be may even choose to go with a statement piece in a rich jewel tone like purple or teal/tortoise.
Whatever the choice, the key is to consider the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the event and ensure that the dress selection complements it.
The Best Shoes to Wear to a Winter Black Tie Wedding
When it comes to choosing the perfect footwear for a winter black tie wedding, simplicity often prevails. While sparkly gold or silver heels are certainly eye-catching options, many women opt for understated yet elegant black pumps instead. This is largely due to the fact that winter weddings typically feature long dresses, which means your shoes will be hidden from view anyway.
The focus is on the overall aesthetic of the outfit and the occasion, rather than making a bold statement with your footwear. As such, selecting a pair of classic black heels that complements the dress code and your overall look is often the most practical and stylish choice.
Heels by Aerosoles
For my recent trip to a black-tie winter wedding, I opted for a trusty pair of black heels from Aerosoles. This wasn’t a new purchase, though – these very shoes have been part of my wardrobe since my high school prom many years ago! As it turns out, my choice in footwear proved to be a great one, as the simplicity and elegance of the design fit perfectly with the formal atmosphere of the event.
To ensure that you’re able to dance the night away in comfort and style, I’d highly recommend prioritizing shoes with a thicker heel and straps that tie securely around the ankle.
Heels by Lifestride
Notably recognized for crafting exceptionally comfortable high-heeled shoes, LifeStride’s offerings are now available at an affordable price point on Amazon. The LifeStride Women’s Sanya Pump is a prime example of their commitment to providing stylish and practical footwear.
Accessories to Wear to a Winter Black Tie Wedding
Elevate your outfit with ease by incorporating accessories into your dress. A single show-stopping piece can make all the difference! For instance, a stunning statement necklace is perfect for making a black-tie affair truly unforgettable.
When it comes to accessorizing, don’t forget about earrings if you have pierced ears – and then consider adding a ring, bracelet, or necklace based on the dress you’re wearing.
Purses to Wear to a Formal Black Tie Formal Wedding
Ditch the oversized purse for a stylish and practical small clutch that can hold the essentials: phone, lipstick, and ID. Coach, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors offer great options. If budget is a concern, head to TJ Maxx, where you’ll find an array of affordable small purses. Need to carry more than just the basics? Consider packing a larger bag and checking it at the venue’s front desk or, if you’re feeling sneaky like me, hide it!
I stashed my large bag with a change of clothes under a table at the wedding, asking the bartender for a secure spot to store it. Just remember to keep your valuables on hand and stash the larger bag elsewhere.
The Best Coat for a Formal Black Tie Winter Wedding
As I stepped into the winter wedding, I was surprised to find it chilly despite the festive atmosphere. The bride and her guests were bundled up in coats, a far cry from the warm and cozy reception I had envisioned. The ladies of the evening donned their finest faux fur jackets or elegant dress coats, adding a touch of sophistication to the black-tie affair.
If you’re planning a winter wedding, I highly recommend packing not one, but two stylish coats: a warm, casual coat for the stroll to the venue and a luxurious faux fur coat for the ceremony and reception, should the temperature drop. While some faux fur jackets may appear cheap or tacky, there are plenty of options that exude elegance and refinement. If you don’t have a faux fur coat in your wardrobe, fear not!
A simple shrug or sleek black sweater with no buttons can provide the perfect layering solution.
Undergarments to Wear to a Black Tie Winter Wedding
When preparing for your big day, don’t overlook the importance of underwear and hosiery in completing your overall wedding look. Before the wedding, take a few minutes to try on your chosen lingerie with your dress or outfit to ensure a smooth and comfortable fit. When selecting seamless bras and panties, double-check that they truly live up to their name and consider the comfort factor as well.
If you’re considering shapewear like Spanx, make sure to test them out under your dress to get the desired look. You can also explore more affordable alternatives at stores like Macy’s or TJ Maxx. Additionally, if you’re getting married in colder weather, don’t forget to add warm tights to your ensemble – and rest assured that no one will be able to tell! Alternatively, opt for nude-colored tights for a sleeker look.
Essentials to Bring to a Winter Black Tie Wedding
When you’ve got your wedding outfit nailed down, don’t forget these must-haves to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable celebration. It’s crucial to bring along the essentials that’ll make your day run smoothly.
Some of these items include: your identification and credit card for any unexpected expenses; your phone, complete with a charger if it has a tendency to drain quickly; some cash for tipping the bartender or other service staff who make the event special; thermal tights or alternative warm-up wear in case things get chilly; and a trusty tube of lipstick to reapply as needed throughout the night. With these basics covered, you’ll be able to focus on making memories with your loved ones.
One Final Tip on What to Wear to a Winter Black Tie Wedding
As you celebrate the union of the loving couple, don’t forget to radiate joy and warmth towards them. A genuine smile can go a long way in making their special day even more unforgettable.
More Wedding Guest Dress Guides
When it comes to dressing for a winter wedding or any formal event, there are many options available. In addition to the winter wedding guest dresses and formal black tie dresses mentioned earlier, jumpsuits can also be a great choice. For women, formal jumpsuits that hide belly bulge are particularly popular. We’ve curated some of the best black jumpsuits for wedding guests that will help you stand out in style.
And if you’re looking for more inspiration, our wedding guest dress guides offer a wealth of information on what to wear and how to choose the perfect outfit.
