Lyla Dejesus
When it comes to outdoor weddings, the most important thing to consider is the weather. For summer weddings, opt for breathable fabrics such as chiffon, charmeuse, crepe, and linen. To stay cool, choose a strapless or sleeveless dress, and elevate your outfit with seasonal accessories like dressy sandals, ballet flats, woven loafers, and espadrilles. For spring weddings, incorporate lighter and brighter hues such as romantic pinks, reds, and light blues. For fall and winter weddings, layer up with warmer fabrics like wool and velvet. A pashmina, blazer, or faux fur jacket can be stylish choices to wear over your formal dress, while still keeping you warm.
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What You'll Learn
Layering for warmth and style
Dress for the Season
First, consider the season and expected temperature. If it's an outdoor wedding in the spring or summer, you'll want to opt for lighter layers that will keep you comfortable without adding too much warmth. A pashmina, kimono-like duster jacket, or a lightweight cardigan can be excellent choices for these seasons. You can also go for a blazer, which is a fun and trendy option for semi-formal to cocktail dress codes. For a beach wedding, a pashmina or a light wrap in a pastel floral print can be a chic choice.
Fall and Winter Warmth
For fall and winter weddings, you'll want to opt for more substantial layers to keep you cosy. A trench coat in a fun colour or fabric, such as satin, can be an excellent choice. You can also consider a dress coat, a stylish option for formal gowns, which is a long, trench-style coat that often includes a matching belt, sash, or buttons. Look for wool dress coats, and for an elegant touch, consider faux fur cuffs or hems. A faux fur stole can also add texture and warmth to your outfit.
Jacket Options
Jackets can be a versatile layering piece, offering both warmth and style. For a casual wedding, a denim jacket or a leather jacket can be a good option. For more formal dress codes, consider a dress jacket or a blazer in a bold colour to elevate your look. If you're looking for something more unique, a sheer capelet in the same colour as your dress can create a cohesive, intentional look.
Additional Tips
To further enhance warmth and style, consider wearing leggings or tights underneath your dress. You can also add a fun, formal jacket, such as a duster, or a shrug or bolero sweater. For extremely cold climates, accessorise with a scarf, gloves, and a wool hat.
Remember, when layering for an outdoor wedding, it's essential to keep both the weather and the dress code in mind. By choosing the right fabrics, colours, and styles, you can create a look that's both fashionable and functional.
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Choosing a jacket
When choosing a jacket to wear over a formal dress for an outdoor wedding, it's important to consider the weather and the level of formality.
If it's a summer wedding, you'll want to opt for a lightweight jacket that complements your dress. A tailored blazer, for example, can add structure to a flowy slip dress or dramatic ballgown. A pashmina or lightweight shawl can also be a good option to drape over your shoulders if you're looking for something more casual.
For a spring wedding, you might need something slightly warmer. A denim jacket can be a good option for a casual or semi-formal wedding, while a leather jacket could work for a dress code up to cocktail attire. If it's a more formal wedding, you might want to consider a bolero or shrug jacket, perhaps in a bold colour to add a statement to your outfit.
For a winter wedding, warmth is key. A long wool coat or peacoat is a stylish and practical choice, while a faux fur jacket or stole can add a touch of elegance to your outfit. A dress coat, which is a long trench-style coat, is another option that will keep you warm and can be dressed up or down.
No matter the season, it's important that your jacket choice looks intentional and complements your outfit. This could mean colour-coordinating your jacket with your shoes or accessories, or choosing a unique silhouette or fabric, like velvet or sequins, to make a statement.
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Seasonal colours and fabrics
When it comes to seasonal colours and fabrics for an outdoor wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the season will play a significant role in your colour and fabric choices. For example, springtime calls for lighter and brighter hues, such as romantic pinks, light blues, and florals, while summer weddings often feature vibrant, seasonal aesthetics with bright colours like blues, pinks, and yellows. On the other hand, autumn or fall weddings might favour warmer, darker tones like navy, brown, and charcoal, while winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to embrace jewel tones, darker colours, and richer fabrics.
For spring and summer outdoor weddings, lightweight and breathable fabrics are key. Dotted Swiss, a muslin fabric with dotted motifs, is an excellent choice for these warmer months. Linen, chiffon, and lace are also ideal for keeping cool while looking elegant. If you're attending a beach or tropical wedding, breezy attire like sundresses or silk shirts are perfect, and bright colours like fuchsia and lime green are more acceptable in these settings.
As the temperature drops for autumn or winter weddings, it's important to prioritise warmth without sacrificing style. For autumn, a well-tailored suit in a bold colour like burgundy can make a statement. As it gets colder in winter, fabrics like velvet, wool, and silk will keep you cosy. A long wool or peacoat can be both practical and elegant, and a faux fur stole or jacket is a chic way to add texture and warmth to your outfit.
Regardless of the season, it's essential to consider the formality of the wedding and the surrounding environment. For instance, a wedding in a vineyard or outdoor resort might call for a more formal attire choice, while a beach wedding could be more casual. The venue and overall theme can be a great source of inspiration for your colour and fabric choices, ensuring you look and feel appropriate for the occasion.
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Accessories
When it comes to accessories for an outdoor wedding, it's important to consider the weather and dress code. Here are some ideas for accessories to go with a formal dress for an outdoor wedding:
Spring and Summer Weddings:
For warmer months, it's best to opt for light and breathable fabrics. A pashmina or lightweight scarf can be useful to have on hand if the temperature drops in the evening, and it can add a stylish layer to your outfit. You could also try a light cardigan, bolero, or shrug to go over your dress. These can be found in fun, colourful styles, perhaps with some fringe, sequins, or embellishments to add a playful touch to your formal dress.
If you're looking for something more structured, a tailored blazer can be a great choice to pair with a dress for an outdoor wedding. A blazer in a light, neutral tone can complement your dress and create a fashion-forward look. You could also try a denim jacket for a more casual dress code, or a leather jacket for a semi-formal wedding.
For a summer wedding, embrace the season with nature-inspired accessories. Pearl necklaces, seashell-shaped earrings, and lifelike brooches are all fun choices. A rattan or bamboo bag can also add a summery touch to your outfit. Don't forget a pair of functional yet stylish shoes—wedge sandals, ballet flats, woven loafers, or espadrilles are all great options for an outdoor summer wedding.
Fall and Winter Weddings:
For colder months, you'll want to consider accessories that provide warmth without compromising style. A long wool coat or a peacoat can be a stylish and practical choice for a winter wedding. You could also try a dress coat, which is a long, trench-style coat that often has a matching belt or sash. Look for coats with elegant details such as faux fur cuffs or hems.
Faux fur stoles or scarves can also add a touch of glamour to your outfit while keeping you warm. If you're looking for something more unique, consider a velvet blazer or a sequined jacket. These options will definitely make a statement, especially for a semi-formal or cocktail dress code.
When choosing accessories for an outdoor wedding, it's important to consider the venue and dress code. Don't be afraid to add a pop of colour or some fun details to your outfit, especially if the wedding is more casual or during the warmer months.
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Dress code and venue
When it comes to outdoor weddings, the dress code is largely dictated by the venue and the season. For example, a wedding on the beach is likely to be more casual than a wedding in a vineyard or at an outdoor resort.
If you're attending a springtime outdoor wedding, you can play with lighter and brighter hues. Think romantic pinks and reds, light blues, and pastels. For men, a light blue suit is a good option. As the weather starts to warm, you'll want to opt for lighter fabrics.
Summer weddings call for airy dresses and skirts made from lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, charmeuse, jersey, crepe, and viscose. A-line silhouettes are a good choice for outdoor weddings, as you'll want to avoid anything overly form-fitting. For a more formal summer wedding, you can wear a glamorous floor-length gown, but be sure to choose a lightweight fabric. To elevate your formal attire, consider accessories such as an embellished clutch or a pocket square with a floral print.
For fall weddings, you can start to introduce darker colours such as navy, brown, and charcoal. A well-tailored jacket or blazer is a good option for men and women alike.
Winter weddings are all about warmth. High necklines, long sleeves, and thicker fabrics like velvet and wool will ensure you stay cosy. Dark colours, jewel tones, and sequins are all good choices for winter weddings. A long wool or peacoat will keep you warm, while adding a touch of formality to your outfit.
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Frequently asked questions
For a summer wedding, opt for a well-tailored tuxedo or a glamorous floor-length gown. To make your attire more seasonally appropriate, choose a lightweight fabric and a seasonal colour or pattern. For men, a light blue suit is a good option. For women, a sleeveless dress made of light fabric, such as linen, chiffon, or lace, is a stylish choice.
For a winter wedding, warmth is the most important factor to consider. Wear high necklines, long sleeves, and hems, and thicker fabrics like velvet and wool. For a formal gown, a dress coat is a stylish choice. A faux fur jacket or stole is another chic option to add texture and warmth.
For a spring wedding, play with lighter and brighter hues. Your colour palette can include florals and brighter, bolder colours, such as romantic pinks and reds, or light blue. Pastels are also a great choice.
The key to choosing what to wear over a formal dress for a wedding is intentionality. Your layering choice should look purposeful. A pashmina or a blazer can be a good choice to wear over a dress. For a winter wedding, a faux fur jacket or stole can add warmth and elegance to your outfit. For a spring or summer wedding, a light wrap or a sequined jacket can be a stylish choice.
