Attending a winter wedding can be a tricky affair when it comes to deciding what to wear, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget. With some smart shopping and creative styling, however, you can pull together a fabulous cold-weather wedding guest outfit without breaking the bank.
Think Layers
The key to staying both warm and stylish at a winter wedding is layering. Building an outfit with multiple lighter pieces allows you to adjust your look as needed throughout the event. Some layering ideas that work well for winter weddings on a budget include:
- Wear an elegant sweater or cardigan over a simple dress
- Pair faux fur or a patterned scarf with a sheath dress
- Try a sleeveless cocktail dress with a cropped jacket or bolero
- Go for a jumper and long-sleeve blouse combination
- Style dress pants or a skirt with a cashmere blend sweater
Focus on Fabrics
When putting together layers for a winter wedding outfit, be strategic with your fabric choices. Natural fibers like wool, cashmere, and silk excel at trapping heat while remaining breathable. You can often find these fabrics at thrift stores and discount retailers for budget prices. Some other wallet-friendly fabrics that wear well in cold conditions include:
- Velvet: Luxe-looking with serious warmth
- Corduroy: A cozy cotton option
- Faux Fur: Much cheaper than the real thing
- Jersey Knit: Soft, stretchy, and affordable
Accessorize for Added Style
The right accessories can take a basic winter wedding outfit to the next level without inflating your budget. Look for pieces that tie your look together while providing extra protection against the cold. Some frugal yet fashionable accessory ideas include:
- Patterned tights or leggings
- Sparkly hair clips and pins
- A colorful knit scarf
- Fingerless gloves
- Calf-length boots
- A faux fur stole or shawl
Focus on one or two bold accessory statements so your overall look doesn’t become overly busy or mismatched. And don’t forget the importance of outerwear! A stylish coat or wrap will pull your whole outfit together while keeping you comfortable traveling between venues.
Shop Smart to Save
While staying on budget for a winter wedding outfit does require some strategy, you’d be amazed at the fabulous finds waiting at affordable retailers. Try checking out these money-saving shopping spots:
- Thrift & Consignment Stores: Search the racks for designer items at steep discounts. This requires some digging but yields great rewards.
- Discount Retailers: Stores like TJMaxx, Marshall’s, and Nordstrom Rack offer brand name winter styles at reduced prices.
- Fast Fashion: Zara, H&M, and Forever 21 sell of-the-moment looks and accessories at wallet-friendly rates.
- Online Consigners: Sites like ThredUp and Poshmark offer secondhand pieces at even lower prices than brick and mortar consignment.
Another way to save is buying pieces that aren’t specifically marketed as “winter wedding guest” attire. Look for stylish but inexpensive basics in fabrics like cashmere and wool blends. Then utilize accessories like faux fur, sparkly jewelry, and holiday-inspired colors to give them a seasonal wedding flair.
Consider Rental Fashion
If you want to wear higher end designer fashion to a winter wedding without paying retail prices, rental services are a fantastic budget option. Websites like Rent the Runway allow you to temporarily lease gorgeous garments for a fraction of their original cost. You can also check sites like The Black Tux and Generation Tux for luxury men’s winter formalwear rentals.
Rental fashion works best for statement pieces and accessories rather than entire outfits. For instance, you might buy an inexpensive base layer then rent a designer cocktail dress, fur stole, or beaded bag to take the look over the top. Just ensure rental return deadlines don’t fall before the wedding date.
DIY and Alterations
Getting crafty with clothing you already own is another way to save money prepping winter wedding attire. Try DIY-ing a stylish cape from an old coat or sewing elegant trim onto the collar of a basic sweater. Other budget customization ideas include:
- Adding pearl or crystal pins to a plain winter headband
- Embellishing the waist of a neutral dress with ribbon or fabric flowers
- Adorning kitten heels with glittery shoe clips
- Having a local tailor add sleeves to make a sleeveless dress more weather appropriate
If alterations feel beyond your skill set, many dry cleaners and tailors offer simple modification services for very reasonable rates. This includes things like hemming pants and dresses or taking in oversized garments to better flatter your frame.
Nail Winter Wedding Guest Style on a Dime
Preparing gorgeous seasonal wedding attire doesn’t require breaking your budget. With smart shopping, strategic layering, and creative embellishing, you can nail chic, weather-appropriate style for very little money. Focus on buying versatile core pieces in budget-friendly fabrics, then utilize accessories and seasonal accents to give them wow-worthy flair. Before you know it, you’ll have pulled together a Pinterest-worthy winter wedding outfit at thrift store prices!
