Q. Hi Jordan! I’m headed to Massachusetts for a wedding (taking place in a barn) next month and have nothing to wear because I live in Florida and totally don’t even know what’s appropriate to wear to a winter wedding. Also, I’m super tall and I don’t want to wear heels. Help me pull this off?
Thanks!
Corrie
A. Winter weddings can be a little more challenging when it come to attire, for sure. If the wedding is black-tie, you can go ahead and wear a floor-length gown, but it sounds to me like this wedding is probably semi-formal, if it’s in a barn – in which case you should dress as if you were going out to the fanciest restaurant in town. Think wintry colors and rich fabrics, and add pretty touches like crystal earrings, a cashmere bolero, and season-appropriate hair ornaments (I love art deco-inspired pieces at the moment). When it comes to the Chill Factor…honestly, I’d skip tights for something like a wedding (but apply self-tanner!). If you can’t bear the thought, though, click here for some info on how to wear tights with formalwear.
Now, style. I’d go for a feminine, slightly retro look with a little structure rather than something flowy, and add a wrap with sparkle or faux-fur. I know that you don’t want to wear heels, but even a tiny lift (as with a kitten heel) will do wonders to match the more formal look of winter wedding attire. But if you’re sold on flats, try a patent design with a dramatic accent (like the bow on those pink Valentinos) or a pointed toe – ballet flats are way too informal for something like this.
In sum:
– Go floor-length only if the wedding is black-tie (daytime weddings are more casual than nighttime ones, and the feel of the invitation – plus where the wedding is located – can help you decipher the dress code if it’s not explicitly stated)
– Choose rich fabrics and wintry colors
– Add sparkle with accessories
– Beaded boleros and faux-fur wraps are great ways to help you stay warm during the dash into the reception
– Choose structured styles over flowy ones
– If you must wear flats, look for ones with dramatic accents
Product info after the jump.
1. Aminaka beaded silk bolero; ModCloth Golden Gumption dress; Carolee button earrings; Rodarte hair comb; Bhldn brocade kitten heels.
2. Rachelle faux-fur shrug; ModCloth Shy Rose Lullaby dress; Marc by Marc Jacobs pave earrings; Valentino bow flats.
3. Oasis dress; Liberty London faux-fur stole; Kyler Designs rhodonite pendant earrings; Reiss kitten heels.
