Winter Wedding Guest Fashion Trends for 2025
Dressing for a winter wedding has always been about staying warm without looking like you’ve just come straight from work. However, according to stylists, this decision will become a little easier in fall/winter 2025, as faux fur is one of this season’s biggest trends.
Luxurious Fabrics and Sculptural Silhouettes
Fall/Winter 2025 is all about beautiful textures. Rich, earthy tones like chocolate brown, deep olive, slate gray, and burgundy take center stage instead of the bold jewel tones seen last year. The shift marks a move toward sophisticated but effortless clothing. Sculptural shapes, high necklines, romantic draping, and tailored details that add structure are key. This season is all about pieces you’ll want to wear again and again – timeless, versatile, and long-lasting.
Billowing silhouettes were spotted on the runways, from the balloon pants of Armani and Balmain to the excessive draping of Givenchy and Tom Ford. While the silhouettes take center stage, the usual sequins and glitter typical of formal wear are replaced with more subtle metallic colors. Many of the sold-out styles last year featured soft pastels and understated silhouettes, but this year the palette is much richer, with statement sleeves and tie necklines. The fabrics are bolder, with velvet, satin, lace, and metallics rather than chiffon or cotton.
Accessories
Accessories are eye-catching too, with statement earrings, layered chain necklaces, sparkly bags, faux fur, and statement tights. Some notable accessories include Parfois maxi stone earrings, Next Pine Green Bridesmaid Multiway Velvet Maxi Dress, and Six Stories satin bucket bag with bow detail.
Faux Fur and Belted Coats
Every wedding guest in winter knows the temptation to wear an elegant dress ruined by a borrowed jacket or a bulky quilted jacket. Luckily, statement belts are the leading trend this season, meaning you can layer them, dress them up, and still look on-trend. A belted wool coat is a classic silhouette to wear over a dress, while faux fur is also a great option – in both cropped jackets and long coats – if you want something a little more statement-making.
Neutral and Muted Statements
In contrast to last year’s soft shimmer, this winter’s color story is more tangible, with textures like velvet, lace, and jacquard taking center stage. Warm neutrals like espresso and champagne are everywhere, and mixing textures – matte wool with glossy silk – adds instant depth to the final look. Burgundy is a major color trend this season and is great for a winter wedding. Velvet and crushed velvet are the predominant materials, but lace is also having a moment right now.
Clothing for Daylight and Dark Nights
With early sunsets and long receptions, winter weddings require outfits that work from the ceremony to the dance floor. Midi dresses with a defined waist or slim column shapes with statement sleeves are perfect for taking you from ceremony to reception. Tailored jumpsuits and two-piece suits in luxe fabrics are another great option if you’re looking for something more practical for the cooler months. Jumpsuits are the ideal choice for a winter wedding, as they’re effortlessly elegant yet incredibly practical.
Common Pitfalls and Easy Solutions
There are a few pitfalls to avoid when it comes to winter wedding attire. Try to stay warm with a coat that is contrasting or too casual, as it can completely ditch an otherwise elegant outfit. Stay away from summery fabrics like linen or other fabrics in light pastel tones, which can seem a little out of season. While the rule that no one but the bride should wear white generally applies, there is no reason today why one should not wear black. However, wearing black without texture can look gloomy. The solution lies in the finish: if you want to wear black, choose a dress made from a material that adds depth, such as pleated fabric, chiffon lace details, or even faux leather, and accessorize the look.
