Colder weather weddings are beautiful but it can be tricky getting dressed for the occasion. Underdress, and you’re likely to be uncomfortable and at risk of catching a cold. Overdress and be prepared to look like the Michelin man.
In order to help you avoid all of that stress we rounded up a group of style experts to not only weigh in on what’s on trend, but to make sure you’re warm wearing the season’s most popular looks. Here’s their advice:
Dress up your layers.
Let’s start with the obvious: wear layers. Once temps start dropping, layering is crucial to stay comfortable between indoor and outdoor locations. Regardless of whether you’re wearing a dress, trousers or even a jumpsuit, Devoreaux Walton, style expert and consultant at The Poise Pursuit, recommends wearing leggings, tight, thermals or shapewear under your clothes for an extra layer of warmth (bonus points for streamlining and lumps or bumps).
Fashion stylist Brandy Joy Smith, recommends dressing up the very ‘of the moment’ pleated metallic skirt and sweater look with a pointed toe pump or sleek bootie. Finish the outfit off with statement earrings and you the have the ultimate cool girl wedding vibe look. Velvet is also trending! Fashion stylist Brandy Joy Smith says the fabric is having a moment, which is perfect for the cold because it offers major warmth.
Upgrade your accessories.
If you’re like me and not one for trend spotting, take a tried-and-true little black dress (preferably with long-sleeves) and fancy it up “with bold accessories,” says fashion expert and tv personality Jessie Kalin Mash. “Add instant glamour to any look with glitter heels, feathers and lots of color. Red is the color of the season. Incorporate the tone in your dress or via your clutch or shoes.”
If you’re looking for a more dramatic look, Devoreaux recommends a pair of leather gloves and a wide brimmed hat which are both fashionable and functional. The trick to pulling the look off is to properly coordinate the colors of your outfit with the accessories. Limit yourself to mixing three colors max. She recommends rich jewel tones like royal blue, plum and evergreen for a perfect contrast to the white and gray backdrop of the colder months.
Have fun covering up.
High necklines are not only on trend, they also offer a fashionable way to stay warm says Brandy. But if you need a bit more help warding off the cold, wrap yourself in a fur (or better yet), faux fur stole. She says they’re not just for the bride and this offers the perfect pop of color for a wedding look.
For a wrap alternative, George Robert Fuller, stylist to the Obamas and Chaka Khan, recommends a capelet. It’s easily removed and provides a dramatic, multi-dimensional look to any outfit.
If you prefer something more traditional, then simply upgrade your wool scarf or pashmina with the unique, textured look of alpaca wrap says Brianne Garritano Owner, Marquette Avenue Events.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ximena N. Larkin is a writer and publicist. She lives in Chicago with her husband and dog. More at ximenalarkin.com.