What to Wear to a Winter Wedding, Plus Every Confusing Dress Code Explained

So, you’ve been invited to a winter wedding. First thought: How exciting! Second thought: Wait, what do I wear? It’s a fair concern. Between deciphering the dress code (what does “black-tie optional” even mean?), figuring out how to stay warm without looking bulky, and wondering if you should lean into holiday vibes or keep it classic—there’s a lot to consider.

The good news: Winter weddings are actually a great excuse to dress up. Whether the venue is outdoors or indoors will definitely make an impact on your outfit decisions, but in general, darker hues, jewel tones, and thicker fabrics like velvet or brocade feel seasonally appropriate and elegant. (Here’s what not to wear to a wedding, btw.) Accessories like faux-fur stoles and wool wraps complement the season while keeping you warm, and if you’re wearing a maxi dress, you could even wear some fleece-lined tights underneath to keep yourself toasty without anyone knowing.

If that feels like a lot to remember, here’s a quick cheat sheet.

• Lean into seasonal fabrics like velvet, satin, brocade, and wool.
• Darker or jewel-toned hues tend to feel more winter-appropriate than pastels or brights.
• Skip anything that reads too spring-y—bold florals, garden party prints, etc.
• When in doubt, a sleek midi or maxi dress in a rich color is always a safe bet.

Of course, what you wear ultimately depends on the dress code—and that’s where things can get confusing. Whether it’s cocktail attire, semi-formal, or black-tie, we break down every level of formality below so you know exactly what’s expected, plus 20 outfit ideas to shop.

Black-tie is the most formal dress code you’ll typically see on a wedding invitation, which means this is your moment to go all out. Think floor-length gowns in luxe fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet. How often do you get to wear a gown, after all? Lean into the drama with eye-catching sequins, rich jewel tones, or a striking silhouette. Long sleeves or a chic velvet wrap are smart choices if the venue runs cold or the after-party moves outside. When it comes to accessories, keep it elevated—think delicate jewelry, a sleek clutch, and heels you can actually dance in.

Confusing, we know. Black-tie optional basically means that a formal gown is welcome, but not required. You can absolutely show up in a floor-length dress if that’s your vibe, but you’re also in the clear with a chic midi, a sleek column dress, an elegant tea-length style, or a sophisticated jumpsuit. Think of it as one step below black-tie—still elegant, just with a bit more flexibility. Fabrics like satin, silk, crepe, and velvet all work here, and you’ll want to keep accessories polished and refined. If you’re still on the fence, just go with the gown so you don’t have to stress.

Despite what the name might suggest, cocktail attire doesn’t mean you should show up in a going-out mini. For a wedding, you’ll want to stick to knee-length or midi styles—think A-line dresses, sheath silhouettes, or a polished fit-and-flare. This is a sweet spot between formal and casual: elevated and put-together, but not as dramatic as black-tie. You have a bit more room to play here compared to the more formal dress codes—a bold color, a fun texture, or a subtle print like dark floral can all work without feeling too casual.

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Semi-formal sits right below cocktail on the formality scale—still polished, but with a bit more breathing room. Think midi dresses, wrap silhouettes, or a sleek long-sleeve dress. You can get away with simpler fabrics here (a crepe or even an elevated knit), and the length is more flexible—knee-length to midi both work. It’s dressy without being fussy, and you’ll often see this dress code at daytime ceremonies or more laid-back venues.

Let’s be real: You’re going to want a layer. Bundle up with stylish pashminas, boleros, or a chic faux-fur wrap—they won’t throw off your whole look, but they will trap in some heat. You can also opt for fleece-lined tights that look sheer but actually keep you warm, or a structured coat that’ll go with your evening look much better than a marshmallow puffer.

I’m Cosmopolitan’s Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago. 

Kim Duong is the Deputy Shopping Director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing shopping coverage online for all things fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and sex. When she’s not musing about which products are actually worth your hard-earned cash, she’s also writing (sometimes slightly unhinged) fashion content in print. You can find her previous writing in Refinery29, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram for bottomless cute dog content and did-that-really-happen-to-me story times in her highlights. 

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