Winter weddings are a magical and intimate affair, filled with festive cheer and an air of romance. For women over 50, dressing for a winter wedding can be a delightful experience, allowing them to showcase their personal style while keeping warm and comfortable in colder temperatures. This guide explores various outfit ideas and tips to help you create a stunning winter wedding look that balances style and warmth.
Embrace Bold Colors and Prints
Vibrant Hues and Eye-Catching Patterns
- Don't shy away from vibrant jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or burgundy. These rich hues complement the festive atmosphere of a winter wedding.
- Prints like floral, paisley, or plaid make a striking statement. Choose an intricate lace print dress for an elegant touch or opt for a vibrant watercolor print for an artistic flair.
Metallic Sheen and Subtle Shimmer
- Incorporate a touch of glimmer with a dress featuring subtle metallic threads or delicate beading. The sheen adds visual interest without overpowering.
- Dusters, shawls, or shrugs with a hint of shimmer are easy layers to throw over a solid dress. They catch the light beautifully in photos.
Long Sleeves and High Necklines
Provide Extra Coverage and Sophistication
- Long sleeves and high necklines allow you to stay cozy without compromising style. Look for intricate lace or beading details that elevate the look.
- Sophisticated fabrics like velvet and satin make stunning high-neck dress options. Pair with elbow length gloves for dramatic elegance.
Contemporary Styles Offer Versatility
- A turtleneck or mock neck blouse looks chic tucked into a skirt or high-waisted pants. This allows you mix and match pieces.
- Blouses with unique neck details like a pussy bow, jabots, or ruffles update traditional long sleeve styles with a modern twist.
Layers are Key
Adjust to Changing Temperatures
- Start with base warmth layers like thermal underwear, opaque tights, or a close-fitting turtleneck. These won't add bulk under your dress.
- Have a pashmina shawl, faux fur stole and fingerless gloves on hand. You can remove layers if you get too warm while dancing or mingling.
Create Dimension with Multiple Textures
- Incorporate different fabrics and textures like tweed, cashmere, silk, lace and velvet. Visually interesting layered looks keep the outfit exciting.
- Vary sleeve lengths and necklines between items. For example, pair a long sleeve dress with an open front cardigan and lace collar peeking out.
Choose Luxurious Fabrics
Velvets, Silks and Cashmeres Make Stunning Choices
- Look for dresses in opulent fabrics like velvet, satin silk or brocade. The richness elevates simple silhouettes into luxe statement pieces.
- Cashmere turtlenecks, merino wool sweaters and tweed skirts provide plush warmth without compromising refinement and style.
Metallics and Faux Furs Add Festive Glamour
- Incorporate a touch of sparkle and shine with metallic fabrics. Gold, silver and rose gold lame textures feel glamorously festive.
- Faux fur stoles, jackets, shawls and muffs provide eye-catching warmth. Choose brightly colored fur for a cheerful winter wedding statement.
Accessorize Wisely
Jewelry and Bags Provide Perfect Finishing Touches
- Add the final flourish with glamorous statement earrings, a polished cuff bracelet and an embellished minaudière clutch.
- Look for bag and shoe details that coordinate with jewelry metal tones and colors. This pulls the whole outfit elegantly together.
Complete the Look with Gloves and Hair Accessories
- Don't forget gloves! Elbow length satin and lace add vintage romance. For modern polish, pick sleek leather in vibrant hues.
- Choose a hairstyle then select hair accessories to complement your look. A bejeweled clip or headband provides the perfect final accent.
Knee-Length Dresses or Skirts
Flatter Your Frame while Allowing Ease of Movement
- Knee length hemlines beautifully balance modest coverage with graceful legs on display. Look for flattering A-line, skater or full circle skirts.
- Dresses featuring a defined waist hit at a slimming spot, flowing out over hips and thighs. Embellished waist details like bows or rhinestone belts accentuate this effect.
Pair with Tights and Closed-Toe Shoes
- When wearing knee length skirts or dresses, always layer with tights or leggings in cooler weather. This prevents goosebumps and discomfort.
- Opt for dressy yet walkable low heel closed-toe shoes in rich leathers, velvets or brocades that coordinate with your outfit colors and textures.
Jumpsuits and Pantsuits
Modern Alternatives to Dresses
- For an updated take on traditional wedding guest attire, try an elegant jumpsuit or tailored pantsuit. These offer both comfort and style.
- Look for luxe fabrics like crepe, satin or velvet when selecting a jumpsuit. Flowing wide leg silhouettes are most flattering and on trend.
Achieve understated polish and sophistication
- Tailored pantsuits project an elegant, refined aesthetic for winter weddings. Look for structured cuts in fabrics like wool, tweed, or textured suiting.
- Finish the look with stylish layers like a cashmere turtleneck underneath and a complementary ascot or decorative brooch at the neckline.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Ensure Both Warmth and Comfort
- Be sure to select shoes with fully enclosed toes when dressing for winter weddings. Peep toe or open-toed shoes leave you cold.
- Flat or low block heel shoes in rich leather or velvet provide both stability and style on slippery winter surfaces. They compliment most outfits beautifully.
Protect Against the Elements
- Waterproof leather or suede boots provide insulation from moisture and slush when photos are taken outdoors. Dress options up with faux fur liners and trims.
- Don't let rain or snow ruin suede or brocade heels. Bring shoe bags and spare footwear to change into after outdoor photos or ceremonies.
Warm Outerwear
Dramatic Coats, Wraps and Jackets Make Statements
- Arrive in showstopping style wearing an opulent opera-length wool dress coat or hooded cashmere wrap coat. Remove dramatically for a memorable photo reveal.
- Faux fur and colorful tweed jackets showcase your lively personality while keeping you cozy and insulated against the cold.
Accessorize for Versatility from Outdoors to Indoors
- In unpredictable winter weather, wear a stylish winter white cape for quick temperature changes from outside photographs to indoor dancing.
- Don't forget coordinating ear muffs, gloves and scarves! Make a dramatic entrance then remove outer accessories to reveal your glamorous outfit underneath.
Don't Neglect Hair and Makeup
Play Up Your Best Features
- Enhance your natural lip color with a satin berry lip stain and highlight cheeks lightly with soft pink blush. Let your radiant personality shine through!
- Frame your face with softly curled locks and show off striking gray highlights. Alternatively, try incorporating hair accessories like jeweled bobby pins or a sequin headband.
Coordinate Makeup Palette with Outfit Tones
- Select an eyeshadow palette that flatters your dress colors. For example, golden browns beautifully accentuate an emerald or wine-hued outfit.
- Match your lip shade to the warmth or coolness of clothing color tones. Blue-based red lipstick pops against a gray velvet suit while warm brick tones complement jewel green.
Conclusion
The possibilities are endless for creating a showstopping yet comfortable winter wedding guest look after 50. Whether you favor bold colors and patterns, luxurious fabrics and textures or sleek sophisticated tailoring, options exist to reflect your personal style. Just don't neglect important warmth considerations like layers, closed toe shoes and outerwear. Accessorize thoughtfully with jewelry, bags, gloves, and hair embellishments to polish off your festive outfit with panache. Finally, don't forget makeup! Play up your best features with flattering, coordinating cosmetics and you’re guaranteed to make an unforgettable stylish statement.