As the festive season approaches, so does a flurry of winter weddings. For guests, the challenge is clear: how to achieve an elegant look while battling the British chill. Fashion editor Melanie Wilkinson has curated the essential wardrobe solutions, published on Friday 5 December 2025.
The Essential Winter Wedding Wardrobe
The secret to mastering cold-weather wedding style lies in strategic layering and luminous details. The cornerstone of this approach is a cocktail coat, a piece that provides warmth without sacrificing sophistication. Pair it with delicate fabrics like lace, which adds a romantic touch, and finish with jewellery designed to catch the candlelight.
Wilkinson's edit features a blend of high-street finds and designer pieces, proving style is accessible. Key items include a £315 dress from Rixo and a more affordable £149 cocktail coat from Zara. The look is completed with sparkling accessories, such as £225 earrings from Loveness Lee and a £115 necklace by Anni Lu from Liberty.
Curated Outfits for Every Style
The guide presents several complete ensembles. One features a feminine lace dress paired with statement earrings and a bold lip gloss. Another offers a sleek, modern alternative with a €345 blazer and €190 trousers from The Frankie Shop, worn over a £45.99 lace bodysuit from Zara.
For those seeking a timeless option, the third outfit centres on that crucial cocktail coat. It is worn over a £139 dress from & Other Stories, with £19 earrings from Cos and $350 shoes from Loeffler Randall adding polished finishing touches.
Building Your Perfect Look
Beyond the core clothing items, the edit highlights the importance of considered details. Gleaming jewellery, a perfect lipstick shade, and the right fragrance all contribute to a cohesive and memorable appearance. Brands like MAC, Tom Ford, and Violette feature prominently in the beauty selections.
The final takeaway is that winter wedding dressing is an exercise in balance. It combines practicality with glamour, ensuring you stay warm from the ceremony to the last dance without compromising on an elegant, celebratory style perfectly suited to the season's romantic atmosphere.
