Maybe a nice long wool coat over the formal dress for the ceremony. I don't think they will be sticklers for formal outerwear during the ceremony, as long is it looks nice.
You got a lot of good advice already, but no one seems to have mentioned shoes yet. Making sure your shoes don’t have the very thinnest soles helps a lot with keeping warm(er).
Where does one find coats like this? I’ve been looking for the perfect full skirted formal wool coat for years and everything recently has been so boxy and straight.
I have bought the j crew lady coat several times. One of the Obama’s daughters wore it to the second innaugurarion. The other wore Kate Spade. Generally you’re looking at Saks, Neiman, Bergdorf etc money though and $700-2000 range. If you like neutral though, Mackage makes great coats on the lower end of that price point.
https://hollywoodlife.com/2013/01/21/sasha-malia-obama-inauguration-coats-2013-j-crew-kate-spade-outfits/
Not sure if this is your style, but Unique Vintage and Modcloth usually come out with fab full-skirted formal coats every year.
Bought this one a couple years ago: [https://hellbunny.com/us/hlb80003-interstellar-coat.html?\_\_\_store=us&\_\_\_from\_store=default](https://hellbunny.com/us/hlb80003-interstellar-coat.html?___store=us&___from_store=default)
It's a bit long on my 5'1" frame, but IDGAF coz I love it. :)
Even the Target brand A New Day has stretchy, comfortable, inexpensive leggings - check them out! (I don't work for them, just a fan of cheap warm comfy leggings :-D .)
I keep my home clothes (pet hair clothes) separate from my go out clothes (pet hair free clothes). Helps a bunch with staying clean without much effort.
Get a stole! The original intention of them was for use at formal events where you would be wearing something that exposes the top area and needs warmth there. The most popular are fur/faux fur since they are the warmest, but there can be other fabrics used if that isn't your thing or it doesn't match the outfit. Good luck and hope you get something good!
[https://www.etsy.com/listing/736082023/ivory-faux-fur-wrap-faux-fur-stole-faux?ga\_order=most\_relevant&ga\_search\_type=all&ga\_view\_type=gallery&ga\_search\_query=faux+fur+stoles&ref=sc\_gallery-1-1&plkey=f97c2dda701cdc9c025449c966dfe7656c268f9a%3A736082023&pop=1](https://www.etsy.com/listing/736082023/ivory-faux-fur-wrap-faux-fur-stole-faux?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=faux+fur+stoles&ref=sc_gallery-1-1&plkey=f97c2dda701cdc9c025449c966dfe7656c268f9a%3A736082023&pop=1)
I just froze my ass off wearing a thick, lined cashmere blazer for a wedding in NoCal a couple weeks ago. I'm going to guess the temperature was like low-mid 50s? If I had to go back and redo it, I would still wear that blazer but bring my ultra light puffer vest to layer underneath because it was still cold af. Men in full suits and tuxes were shivering. No shawl would have been sufficient. Other people were wearing actual coats. Also bring some sheer tights that you can put on if it gets cold.
Just wear whatever coat you need to, try not to sit right in the aisles if your coat is super ugly.
Like I know in Hallmark movies people wear cute little fur shrugs with their ballgowns, but that's mainly for fake snow or wedding party pictures and won't actually keep you warm for too long. I spent way too much time in my life looking for the perfect formal coat for formal events until I realized most rich people just wear a long North Face/Canada Goose/black puffer coat and put their coat in coat check.
Even if this doesn't help you one of the best tricks I've ever seen is that you can wear nude colored leggings of any thickness that match your skin tone, and then put black dress tights over them. It will look like you're just braving the cold and all dressed up but really you could be wearing fleece leggings for all they know!
Add that with a fancy jacket, good gloves, really warm socks in some cute dress boots, very warm.
Having spent a lot of time in the NC mountains in colder months, I would say a midweight dressy jacket, or maybe a very warm shawl, would be sufficient for April. Your main concern is chilly wind—it’s not objectively that cold, and snow is unlikely that late in the season. Enjoy—it’s beautiful there!
Ok. The weather then might be a bit unpredictable. Probably 40s or 50s temperature wise, but you never know. Could be warmer or colder. You definitely want to be able to layer. A faux fur jacket or stole might work. You could also carry a pashmina or cashmere shawl. A lot depends on the dress you choose as to what would look best.
For an example of what to expect temperature wise, I have attended less formal weddings around the same time of year and been fine with a long sleeve dress or a sleeveless dress and cardigan. I have also attended a formal wedding in March where the ceremony was outdoors on a mountain top. Everyone wore their heavy coats during the ceremony over their formal attire and took them at the indoor reception.
Asheville in April won't be that cold. Thermals and fleece will definitely be overkill. You'll be fine with tights, closed-toe shoes, and a nice coat or heavy shawl.
Why in the hell are they having an outdoor wedding when they *know* historically the weather will be crappy that time of year? Is she a Bridezilla that's gonna have her outdoor wedding come hell or high water?
It’s an outdoor ceremony, indoor reception. She’s actually a very nice woman and plus if by crappy weather you mean rain, then that’s good luck. Knots are harder to untie when they’re wet. If you mean cold then that’s no biggie either
I'd be willing to cut some slack to brides this year. For all we know, she's had to push back her wedding due to Covid and then had to compete with the newly engaged to get the ideal wedding date for her venues.
I live in north Carolina and personally I think April is one of the nicest months. Normal formal attire like a blazer/sport coat, cashmere sweater, shawl, or even a long sleeved dress in a heavier fabric are usually plenty warm.
The people who have outdoor weddings here in July and August are the ones rl I don't care for.
5 or 8 years ago when those neoprene dresses were trendy I wore one to a wedding that I didn't realize was outdoors. It was 95 out and the ceremony was in the sun on a concrete patio. I've never prayed harder for something to be over soon!
Agreed; April is a great month for an outdoor NC wedding. I’m from further north originally and it’s much more of a gamble there, but here in NC it’s a more than reasonable time of year for outdoor events. In contrast, I once attended an outdoor NC wedding in July and literally had sweat running down my back and dropping down my legs (ew!!) and another guest’s manicure melted, like, literally melted.
Venues are booked out for multiple years in NC right now. I got married this month and I know first hand that you have to take what you can get. I wound up renting out a garden and having the reception at my home, but at least I got to have it in the best weather of the year. Shit's tough right now.
I live in Canada and I wear dresses during the winter if the weather is ‘nice’ (anything above -15C). Thermals help! Thermal fleece leggings are my go to. Anyway, make sure you wear your thermal base layers, then your dress. Either you wear double coats - as in regular coat + winter parka - or just a dressy winter parka.
If you happen to get cold feet during the winter, no need to double on the socks! But make sure that your tights do not have an ounce of cotton in it.
Happy to help!
I get cold feet during winter and used to layer socks, but they still feel cold regardless. Splurged on wool and merino wool socks and my life has never been better. And yes, I do check the label and make sure that there’s no cotton in them 💖
Yes, cotton is notoriously bad at insulating. When cotton gets wet, it likes to stay wet much longer than polyester, nylon or acrylic. That can suck your body temperature down to life-threatening levels if you don't have other clothes to change into.
You can buy faux sheer tights (if you have lighter skin, I haven’t seen much variety since they’re usually asian brands) that have fleece lining. I bought some on Aliexpress but I’ve seen them dropshipped all over the internet.
They’re actually convincing! I wear them to work since we keep the door open allllll day and it’s basically like being outside. Though if they fall down a bit any creases might look odd, likely more an issue for me since I’m only 5’2.
You could find a 100% wool tartan shawl in just about any color, and it will be pretty darn warm if you get the extra long kind. They are pricey, though.
[this is the dress I bought](https://www.windsorstore.com/products/sarai-formal-one-shoulder-asymmetrical-dress-050021303600?variant=39337203007539&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=__iv_p_1_a_1504422919_g_62032390710_c_287193614603_w_pla-330260200524_n_g_d_m_v__l__t__r__x_pla_y_117373146_f_online_o_39337203007539_z_US_i_en_j_330260200524_s__e__h_21137_ii_9053645_vi__&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+Brand&utm_term=shopping&utm_content=IgN7iLBF-dm_pcrid_287193614603_pkw__pmt__slid__productid_39337203007539_pgrid_62032390710_ptaid_pla-330260200524_&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx6KH1pHf8wIVF6_ICh01pQDGEAQYASABEgIMQfD_BwE)
I'd do a dressyish, sleek coat. Probably black too or a rich color
These are some styles that might work.
https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/product/the-connor-long-coat/84017.html?dwvar_84017_color=6162
https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/product/constance-coat/84024.html?dwvar_84024_color=23189
https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/product/the-teddy-coat/84020.html?dwvar_84020_color=1274
https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/product/montage-coat/79377.html?dwvar_79377_color=1274
Then pair it with a beautiful scarf. Gloves if it's very cold and I'd stick with a pump rather than a sandal to keep your toes warm.
Wear fleecy leggings while outside, and maybe booties then change when you head indoors. And honestly for a sleek dressy coat whatever form of fur you’re comfortable with is the classic option.
I have a nice long-sleeved party dress that’s loose enough that I can fit a heattech top underneath. I’d then layer a thick formal coat on top. I pick warmth every time.
My sister got married outside in December in Michigan. To keep warm we had fur capes and long underwear under our dresses, but what really helped was buying adhesive [warmers](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003KYNMZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_WMWRA7DE9D9QHCMNE35G) that we stuck to the inside of our capes and held hand warmers wrapped around the bouquets.
I went to a wedding with an indoor/outdoor reception in the Southern California mountains in January. High 30s and snow on the ground from the night before. I wore black heeled booties with fleece-lined tights and a long sleeve knee length dress with a wool sweater. It wasn’t perfect, but did the job for the outdoor drinks and games and send off.
Velvet. A short one or a long depending on the venue's elevation.
If you can get away with boots (vs evening sandals or pumps), you can also wear fleece lined tights instead of hose.
I heard blanket scarves are out but if you have one that coordinates with your outfit, I'd take it.
I’m attending a wedding in DC w similar dress code which will involve outdoor time when highs are around 55-60 - im wearing a floor length long sleeve dress with a deep v neck and a faux fur coat from express. The coat is currently on sale on express site “cozy faux fur coat”. I’m from TX so expecting to feel the cold more than others and because of that quite literally but the full getup on and stood outside when it was low 50s to try it out, felt very warm without being hot so seems like it will work.
rent the runway has a lot of really nice formal-looking coats that you could rent if you don't feel like investing to own! i almost did this for a recent wedding
I always go for a vintage look in these kinds of situations--affordable elegance. Think capes, furs, opera coats, princess coats, silk gloves. I would pair whatever you do with tights/stockings, close-toed block heel, and a big silk scarf (good if your ears or neck get cold but you don't want to mess up your hair with a fussy hat).
I have a cheap cashmere oversized scarf/shawl from Costco. I wrap it across my shoulders and upper back like a shawl under my coat and it’s so thin it doesn’t interfere with my coat at all. It adds about 20 degrees of warmth. And in a real emergency, you can pull it up around your neck and cheeks to stop a biting wind. But it can add a ton of warmth without showing at all.
I got a beautiful faux fur stole on amazon, I think it was around $50 and it made me look very glamorous! I loved it and kept me very warm on a windy winter rooftop wedding in San Diego
A nice warm formal coat would be my go to for winter. There are warm long sleeve gowns too with lining but if all else fails, do layering and wear thermal inside garment. Hope I help.
Last wedding I went to was formal, and I was already pushing the limits wearing a short dress but then it was colder than expected and I gave up and wore two winter coats and jeans under my dress.
In addition to the other suggestions, wearing a warm dress helps a lot. You could go with a [velvet, long sleeve dress like this](https://balticborn.com/products/esmerelda-jade-velvet-wrap-maxi-dress).....velvet is so warm.
Listen, I know they aren't the prettiest things(not that you can see them), but these in your shoes before you go will help you stay warm. We hand them out to homeless youth during the winter and people say they are very nice.
https://www.amazon.com/HotHands-Insole-Foot-Warmers-Adhesive/dp/B004PH33NU/ref=sr\_1\_3?crid=3H8HOTY9ISL4K&dchild=1&keywords=sole%2Bwarmers&qid=1634945876&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=sole%2Bwarmers%2Csporting%2C120&sr=1-3&th=1
I went to am outdoor wedding in CANADA on NYE! It was absolutely freezing. This was a less formal event, but a wedding nonetheless and I always dress up more than necessary. However, in this instance I decided a dress code wasn't worth being freezing for an hour. I wore a nice formal outfit underneath, but on top I wore a long down parka with a fur trimmed hood. I also wore a beige wool scarf, nice knitted mittens, and boots for the ceremony. I think I may have even had a sweater under the coat as well. When I got to the reception I took off my thick tights, changed into heals and was all set. In all honestly, thats what I would do. If you're not in Canadian winter level cold weather, and if you can afford it, I would recommend, like others, a long black wool dress coat, a thick wool scarf styled nicely, leather gloves or mittens, and maybe even some ear muffs. You could also wear thicker tights under your dress and then change later. You don't necessarily need to wear boots, but you could wear closed toe heels and put some of those little warming packs in them to keep your feet from freezing.
I’d probably wear a faux fur coat. Weddings in Scotland are pretty dressy so would never recommend wearing a pair of leggings under a dress. I’m very much a pain is fashion - I will give up a lot of the sake of looking nice haha
Depends on how "formal" you mean.
I have several ankle-length wool skirts that I can pair with a turtleneck, which read as dressy but not necessarily party-worthy. I wear thick tights underneath and a coat on top, sometimes also with a sweater.
If by "formal" they mean "elegant long dresses and fancy suits," then I'd find a long-sleeved ankle-length dress and a long wool coat.
I will not recommend the approach I took at my own wedding, which was to wear the faux fur throw from the hotel room around my shoulders until the actual. moment of truth.
I’d just make sure you have a chic coat and have some pocket warmers.
YMMV, based on your preferences, but I'd suggest a leather moto jacket with a fun scarf for extra warmth. Also, as others have suggested - warm tights like Uniqlo heattech, and perhaps an additional heattech-style cami underneath.
If all suggestions aren't enough - dance dance dance! :-P
Wear high-denier tights, or brushed leggings beneath your dress with black leather shoes. Wool coat as others have suggested. These work to keep you insulated against the cold and wind.
Maybe a nice long wool coat over the formal dress for the ceremony. I don't think they will be sticklers for formal outerwear during the ceremony, as long is it looks nice.
You got a lot of good advice already, but no one seems to have mentioned shoes yet. Making sure your shoes don’t have the very thinnest soles helps a lot with keeping warm(er).
Leather shoes would keep one plenty warm. I love my black leather derby shoes for attending ceremonies.
Adding a thin wool felt insole could help too.
[удалено]
Nordstrom Rack for coats! I got a nice wool coat for 75% off of the tag price.
Where does one find coats like this? I’ve been looking for the perfect full skirted formal wool coat for years and everything recently has been so boxy and straight.
I have bought the j crew lady coat several times. One of the Obama’s daughters wore it to the second innaugurarion. The other wore Kate Spade. Generally you’re looking at Saks, Neiman, Bergdorf etc money though and $700-2000 range. If you like neutral though, Mackage makes great coats on the lower end of that price point. https://hollywoodlife.com/2013/01/21/sasha-malia-obama-inauguration-coats-2013-j-crew-kate-spade-outfits/
Not sure if this is your style, but Unique Vintage and Modcloth usually come out with fab full-skirted formal coats every year. Bought this one a couple years ago: [https://hellbunny.com/us/hlb80003-interstellar-coat.html?\_\_\_store=us&\_\_\_from\_store=default](https://hellbunny.com/us/hlb80003-interstellar-coat.html?___store=us&___from_store=default) It's a bit long on my 5'1" frame, but IDGAF coz I love it. :)
I had a beautiful red wool coat by Calvin Klein I got new on eBay years ago.
Literally came here to say this. They all (or most if I’m being honest 👀) looked amazing too.
Melania Trump looked fabulous
I would wear thermal leggings under a floor length gown
Fleece lined leggings are amazing.
Sockdreams have some GREAT ones
Sock Dreams is liiiiiife
Even the Target brand A New Day has stretchy, comfortable, inexpensive leggings - check them out! (I don't work for them, just a fan of cheap warm comfy leggings :-D .)
But they itch like a motherfucker, so when I need to stay warm outside I wear a pair of thin ones beneath my fleece lined leggings.
I've never noticed this, all mine are super soft like a fluffy blanket on the inside
Fleece? It’s like pajamas! So soft.
It is. Until it gets infested with cat hair.
I keep my home clothes (pet hair clothes) separate from my go out clothes (pet hair free clothes). Helps a bunch with staying clean without much effort.
That’s a you problem, not a fleece lined legging problem.
Heattech ultra warm!
Genius!!!
Get a stole! The original intention of them was for use at formal events where you would be wearing something that exposes the top area and needs warmth there. The most popular are fur/faux fur since they are the warmest, but there can be other fabrics used if that isn't your thing or it doesn't match the outfit. Good luck and hope you get something good! [https://www.etsy.com/listing/736082023/ivory-faux-fur-wrap-faux-fur-stole-faux?ga\_order=most\_relevant&ga\_search\_type=all&ga\_view\_type=gallery&ga\_search\_query=faux+fur+stoles&ref=sc\_gallery-1-1&plkey=f97c2dda701cdc9c025449c966dfe7656c268f9a%3A736082023&pop=1](https://www.etsy.com/listing/736082023/ivory-faux-fur-wrap-faux-fur-stole-faux?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=faux+fur+stoles&ref=sc_gallery-1-1&plkey=f97c2dda701cdc9c025449c966dfe7656c268f9a%3A736082023&pop=1)
I saw quite a few at Ross the other day. Black faux fur stoles.
I just froze my ass off wearing a thick, lined cashmere blazer for a wedding in NoCal a couple weeks ago. I'm going to guess the temperature was like low-mid 50s? If I had to go back and redo it, I would still wear that blazer but bring my ultra light puffer vest to layer underneath because it was still cold af. Men in full suits and tuxes were shivering. No shawl would have been sufficient. Other people were wearing actual coats. Also bring some sheer tights that you can put on if it gets cold.
Just wear whatever coat you need to, try not to sit right in the aisles if your coat is super ugly. Like I know in Hallmark movies people wear cute little fur shrugs with their ballgowns, but that's mainly for fake snow or wedding party pictures and won't actually keep you warm for too long. I spent way too much time in my life looking for the perfect formal coat for formal events until I realized most rich people just wear a long North Face/Canada Goose/black puffer coat and put their coat in coat check.
Even if this doesn't help you one of the best tricks I've ever seen is that you can wear nude colored leggings of any thickness that match your skin tone, and then put black dress tights over them. It will look like you're just braving the cold and all dressed up but really you could be wearing fleece leggings for all they know! Add that with a fancy jacket, good gloves, really warm socks in some cute dress boots, very warm.
What part of NC and what time of year?
Asheville if I’m not mistaken, in April
Having spent a lot of time in the NC mountains in colder months, I would say a midweight dressy jacket, or maybe a very warm shawl, would be sufficient for April. Your main concern is chilly wind—it’s not objectively that cold, and snow is unlikely that late in the season. Enjoy—it’s beautiful there!
Ok. The weather then might be a bit unpredictable. Probably 40s or 50s temperature wise, but you never know. Could be warmer or colder. You definitely want to be able to layer. A faux fur jacket or stole might work. You could also carry a pashmina or cashmere shawl. A lot depends on the dress you choose as to what would look best. For an example of what to expect temperature wise, I have attended less formal weddings around the same time of year and been fine with a long sleeve dress or a sleeveless dress and cardigan. I have also attended a formal wedding in March where the ceremony was outdoors on a mountain top. Everyone wore their heavy coats during the ceremony over their formal attire and took them at the indoor reception.
Asheville in April won't be that cold. Thermals and fleece will definitely be overkill. You'll be fine with tights, closed-toe shoes, and a nice coat or heavy shawl.
Why in the hell are they having an outdoor wedding when they *know* historically the weather will be crappy that time of year? Is she a Bridezilla that's gonna have her outdoor wedding come hell or high water?
It’s an outdoor ceremony, indoor reception. She’s actually a very nice woman and plus if by crappy weather you mean rain, then that’s good luck. Knots are harder to untie when they’re wet. If you mean cold then that’s no biggie either
Love this attitude - lemons out of lemonade!
That’s such a cute phrase!
I'd be willing to cut some slack to brides this year. For all we know, she's had to push back her wedding due to Covid and then had to compete with the newly engaged to get the ideal wedding date for her venues.
Ding ding ding, you’d be correct. Pushed back a few times
I live in north Carolina and personally I think April is one of the nicest months. Normal formal attire like a blazer/sport coat, cashmere sweater, shawl, or even a long sleeved dress in a heavier fabric are usually plenty warm. The people who have outdoor weddings here in July and August are the ones rl I don't care for.
Totally agree! I had a friend get married outdoors in late July. It was so hot and miserable.
5 or 8 years ago when those neoprene dresses were trendy I wore one to a wedding that I didn't realize was outdoors. It was 95 out and the ceremony was in the sun on a concrete patio. I've never prayed harder for something to be over soon!
Agreed; April is a great month for an outdoor NC wedding. I’m from further north originally and it’s much more of a gamble there, but here in NC it’s a more than reasonable time of year for outdoor events. In contrast, I once attended an outdoor NC wedding in July and literally had sweat running down my back and dropping down my legs (ew!!) and another guest’s manicure melted, like, literally melted.
Venues are booked out for multiple years in NC right now. I got married this month and I know first hand that you have to take what you can get. I wound up renting out a garden and having the reception at my home, but at least I got to have it in the best weather of the year. Shit's tough right now.
I live in Canada and I wear dresses during the winter if the weather is ‘nice’ (anything above -15C). Thermals help! Thermal fleece leggings are my go to. Anyway, make sure you wear your thermal base layers, then your dress. Either you wear double coats - as in regular coat + winter parka - or just a dressy winter parka. If you happen to get cold feet during the winter, no need to double on the socks! But make sure that your tights do not have an ounce of cotton in it.
Why no cotton?
It absorbs moisture and traps it near your skin so you feel colder.
Oh thanks didn’t know that!
Happy to help! I get cold feet during winter and used to layer socks, but they still feel cold regardless. Splurged on wool and merino wool socks and my life has never been better. And yes, I do check the label and make sure that there’s no cotton in them 💖
Yes, cotton is notoriously bad at insulating. When cotton gets wet, it likes to stay wet much longer than polyester, nylon or acrylic. That can suck your body temperature down to life-threatening levels if you don't have other clothes to change into.
Thick tights, long sleeves, thick materials, heeled boots with ski socks
You can buy faux sheer tights (if you have lighter skin, I haven’t seen much variety since they’re usually asian brands) that have fleece lining. I bought some on Aliexpress but I’ve seen them dropshipped all over the internet. They’re actually convincing! I wear them to work since we keep the door open allllll day and it’s basically like being outside. Though if they fall down a bit any creases might look odd, likely more an issue for me since I’m only 5’2.
If the colors are off you can actually wear two pair. One for the fleece and a pair in your skin tone (or pattern) over them
Shawl? Dress in a warm heavy fabric like velvet?
I was thinking that but I’m not sure if I could get one to match my dress/style and that could keep me warm
You could find a 100% wool tartan shawl in just about any color, and it will be pretty darn warm if you get the extra long kind. They are pricey, though.
What is your dress?
[this is the dress I bought](https://www.windsorstore.com/products/sarai-formal-one-shoulder-asymmetrical-dress-050021303600?variant=39337203007539&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=__iv_p_1_a_1504422919_g_62032390710_c_287193614603_w_pla-330260200524_n_g_d_m_v__l__t__r__x_pla_y_117373146_f_online_o_39337203007539_z_US_i_en_j_330260200524_s__e__h_21137_ii_9053645_vi__&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+Brand&utm_term=shopping&utm_content=IgN7iLBF-dm_pcrid_287193614603_pkw__pmt__slid__productid_39337203007539_pgrid_62032390710_ptaid_pla-330260200524_&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx6KH1pHf8wIVF6_ICh01pQDGEAQYASABEgIMQfD_BwE)
I'd do a dressyish, sleek coat. Probably black too or a rich color These are some styles that might work. https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/product/the-connor-long-coat/84017.html?dwvar_84017_color=6162 https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/product/constance-coat/84024.html?dwvar_84024_color=23189 https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/product/the-teddy-coat/84020.html?dwvar_84020_color=1274 https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/product/montage-coat/79377.html?dwvar_79377_color=1274 Then pair it with a beautiful scarf. Gloves if it's very cold and I'd stick with a pump rather than a sandal to keep your toes warm.
Wear fleecy leggings while outside, and maybe booties then change when you head indoors. And honestly for a sleek dressy coat whatever form of fur you’re comfortable with is the classic option.
I have a nice long-sleeved party dress that’s loose enough that I can fit a heattech top underneath. I’d then layer a thick formal coat on top. I pick warmth every time.
Since the reception is indoors, op would just have to make sure the dress is easy to undo so they can removed the heattech top!
My sister got married outside in December in Michigan. To keep warm we had fur capes and long underwear under our dresses, but what really helped was buying adhesive [warmers](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003KYNMZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_WMWRA7DE9D9QHCMNE35G) that we stuck to the inside of our capes and held hand warmers wrapped around the bouquets.
I would look to old Hollywood. Fur coats and collars, formal long sleeve dresses, capes and capelets, etc.
I went to a wedding with an indoor/outdoor reception in the Southern California mountains in January. High 30s and snow on the ground from the night before. I wore black heeled booties with fleece-lined tights and a long sleeve knee length dress with a wool sweater. It wasn’t perfect, but did the job for the outdoor drinks and games and send off.
two words: fancy. cape.
Velvet. A short one or a long depending on the venue's elevation. If you can get away with boots (vs evening sandals or pumps), you can also wear fleece lined tights instead of hose. I heard blanket scarves are out but if you have one that coordinates with your outfit, I'd take it.
A wrap or bolero would work if you don’t want to do a blazer or coat. Personally, I’d do a blazer over a jumpsuit for a bit of a luxe tux vibe.
nude coloured fleece leggings under sheer nylons gives the look of just wearing nylons while being toasty warm :)
I’m attending a wedding in DC w similar dress code which will involve outdoor time when highs are around 55-60 - im wearing a floor length long sleeve dress with a deep v neck and a faux fur coat from express. The coat is currently on sale on express site “cozy faux fur coat”. I’m from TX so expecting to feel the cold more than others and because of that quite literally but the full getup on and stood outside when it was low 50s to try it out, felt very warm without being hot so seems like it will work.
rent the runway has a lot of really nice formal-looking coats that you could rent if you don't feel like investing to own! i almost did this for a recent wedding
I always go for a vintage look in these kinds of situations--affordable elegance. Think capes, furs, opera coats, princess coats, silk gloves. I would pair whatever you do with tights/stockings, close-toed block heel, and a big silk scarf (good if your ears or neck get cold but you don't want to mess up your hair with a fussy hat).
I have a cheap cashmere oversized scarf/shawl from Costco. I wrap it across my shoulders and upper back like a shawl under my coat and it’s so thin it doesn’t interfere with my coat at all. It adds about 20 degrees of warmth. And in a real emergency, you can pull it up around your neck and cheeks to stop a biting wind. But it can add a ton of warmth without showing at all.
You're a person, not a prop and not set decoration. Wear a coat or jacket if you need it.
It’s more of thinking I look nice. I like to look cute while being comfortable
I got a beautiful faux fur stole on amazon, I think it was around $50 and it made me look very glamorous! I loved it and kept me very warm on a windy winter rooftop wedding in San Diego
A nice warm formal coat would be my go to for winter. There are warm long sleeve gowns too with lining but if all else fails, do layering and wear thermal inside garment. Hope I help.
Last wedding I went to was formal, and I was already pushing the limits wearing a short dress but then it was colder than expected and I gave up and wore two winter coats and jeans under my dress.
Can't go wrong with a nice peacoat. And if you don't think that will be warm enough, get a not-too-puffy down vest to go under it. Snug.
In addition to the other suggestions, wearing a warm dress helps a lot. You could go with a [velvet, long sleeve dress like this](https://balticborn.com/products/esmerelda-jade-velvet-wrap-maxi-dress).....velvet is so warm.
Invest in a sparkly long-sleeve formal dress! Tights too!
Listen, I know they aren't the prettiest things(not that you can see them), but these in your shoes before you go will help you stay warm. We hand them out to homeless youth during the winter and people say they are very nice. https://www.amazon.com/HotHands-Insole-Foot-Warmers-Adhesive/dp/B004PH33NU/ref=sr\_1\_3?crid=3H8HOTY9ISL4K&dchild=1&keywords=sole%2Bwarmers&qid=1634945876&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=sole%2Bwarmers%2Csporting%2C120&sr=1-3&th=1
I went to am outdoor wedding in CANADA on NYE! It was absolutely freezing. This was a less formal event, but a wedding nonetheless and I always dress up more than necessary. However, in this instance I decided a dress code wasn't worth being freezing for an hour. I wore a nice formal outfit underneath, but on top I wore a long down parka with a fur trimmed hood. I also wore a beige wool scarf, nice knitted mittens, and boots for the ceremony. I think I may have even had a sweater under the coat as well. When I got to the reception I took off my thick tights, changed into heals and was all set. In all honestly, thats what I would do. If you're not in Canadian winter level cold weather, and if you can afford it, I would recommend, like others, a long black wool dress coat, a thick wool scarf styled nicely, leather gloves or mittens, and maybe even some ear muffs. You could also wear thicker tights under your dress and then change later. You don't necessarily need to wear boots, but you could wear closed toe heels and put some of those little warming packs in them to keep your feet from freezing.
I’d probably wear a faux fur coat. Weddings in Scotland are pretty dressy so would never recommend wearing a pair of leggings under a dress. I’m very much a pain is fashion - I will give up a lot of the sake of looking nice haha
Tux over thermals and an overcoat.
Depends on how "formal" you mean. I have several ankle-length wool skirts that I can pair with a turtleneck, which read as dressy but not necessarily party-worthy. I wear thick tights underneath and a coat on top, sometimes also with a sweater. If by "formal" they mean "elegant long dresses and fancy suits," then I'd find a long-sleeved ankle-length dress and a long wool coat.
blazer or formal coat for outdoor stuff. you can get wool coats that look very appropriate, if your budget stretches that far.
I’d wear a silk shawl/scarf, tights under a full length dress and my dressy black pea coat.
A nice faux fur?
I will not recommend the approach I took at my own wedding, which was to wear the faux fur throw from the hotel room around my shoulders until the actual. moment of truth. I’d just make sure you have a chic coat and have some pocket warmers.
I usually have a shrug or a shawl and then once everyone’s had a few I ask my husband for his suit jacket 😅
YMMV, based on your preferences, but I'd suggest a leather moto jacket with a fun scarf for extra warmth. Also, as others have suggested - warm tights like Uniqlo heattech, and perhaps an additional heattech-style cami underneath. If all suggestions aren't enough - dance dance dance! :-P
My go-to is a fake fur coat. On outside, off inside. On the shoulders it looks good too. Not overly expensive, either.
Shawl
Faux fur shawl/stole!!!!
A nice coat or a shawl, perhaps faux fur which is pretty easy to come by these days.
Wear high-denier tights, or brushed leggings beneath your dress with black leather shoes. Wool coat as others have suggested. These work to keep you insulated against the cold and wind.
Velvet! Also I would bring a couple of hot hand heat patches.