by Katarzyna Tarabula
Although it seems difficult to dress in a formal way when the temperature outside is low, let’s not forget that outerwear gives us more options and extra texture to create unique looks. Dresses made from heavy fabrics, such as velvet or wool, not only look great but also keep us warm for winter weddings.
A spring wedding is the perfect occasion to wear colors. A season of bloom is reflected by floral and painterly prints decorating dresses and accessories. Moreover, pastel hues can be freely mixed and matched without a chance of making mistakes.
Summer might seem to be the least challenging season in terms of fashion, since sun-kissed skin and sheer dresses don’t need anything else to create a fabulous look. However, for formal occasions, it’s easy too look underdressed. To avoid that mistake, invest in accessories and jewelry.
Fall is the perfect season to wear long-sleeved dresses. If you choose heavier fabrics, you might not need any outerwear. The season gives you plenty of choices: formal dresses can be made out of cotton, wool, velvet, or even…leather! Warm colors of fall look great in the company of golden baroque accessories.
WINTER
1. Wool-Crepe Dress + Wool Coat
Lighten up a wool-crepe dress paired with a classic boxy coat with transparent plexi pumps and silver accessories. Pastels are a great opportunity to balance out heavy fabrics. Embellished collars or cuffs replace jewelry, looking just as spectacular.
Erdem Breona Wool-Crepe Dress; €1,151; mytheresa.com
Miu Miu Wool Coat; $2,130; net-a-porter.com
Loewe Large Zipped Clutch; €797,83; farfetch.com
Gianvito Rossi Plexi Pumps; €520; farfetch.com
2. Lace Peach Skirt + Cashmere Sweater
Winter is the perfect season to play with texture. Delicate lace looks great combined with heavier fabrics like wool. A wool sweater can be a good solution to stay warm during a winter wedding when paired with bold jewelry and a lighter bottom.
Michael Kors Cashmere Sweater; $895; net-a-porter.com
Valentino Lace Pencil Skirt; €840; mytheresa.com
Shourouk Apolonia Necklace; €850; farfetch.com
Marchesa Lily Medium Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Satin Box Clutch; $3,295; net-a-porter.com
Gianvito Rossi Perspex-Heeled Metallic Leather Sandals; $1,095; net-a-porter.com
3. Sweater Midi Dress
A sweater dress is a winter must-have. Comfortable and irreplaceable for any occasion, it can be appropriate for a winter wedding in a good quailty fabric with a more fitted shape. Sky-high pumps and heavy-looking jewelry in shades of gold guarantee a classy, yet modern look.
Maison Martin Margiela Wool Midi Dress; $717; net-a-porter.com
Saint Laurent Monogramme Clutch; €1,792.24; farfetch.com
Gorjana Camila Hammered Ring Set; $55; shopbop.com
Charlotte Olympia The Dolly Suede Slingback Pumps; $855; net-a-porter.com
SPRING
1. Floral Shift Dress
Spring is the perfect season to wear florals. Simple cuts like the company of bigger prints. A multicolored dress doesn’t need too many accessories since the print serves as an ornament itself. Add lightness and feminity to this look with a pair of pumps and a clutch.
Etro Floral Shift Dress; €730; farfetch.com
Bottega Veneta Knot Satin & Snakeskin Clutch; €1,200;
net-a-porter.com
Charlotte Olympia The Lady Is a Vamp Patent-Leather Pumps; €360; mytheresa.com
Joanna Laura Constantine Large Leaf Bracelet; €392; farfetch.com
2. Printed Crepe Coat
Breathe life into any wardrobe with a printed crepe coat. Undoubtedly an investment piece, it’s a great choice for any outdoor special occasion. Create a show-stopping look with an elegant shift dress, sandals, and a clutch—perfect for a spring wedding.
Erdem Jaidee Printed Stretch Crepe Coat; $3,035; net-a-porter.com
Alexander McQueen Crepe Dress; €687; mytheresa.com
Jimmy Choo Maia Clutch; €525; farfetch.com
Miu Miu Two-Tone Patent-Leather Mules; $650; net-a-porter.com
3. Wool Cape + Pencil Skirt
Since the beginning of spring can still be chilly, it’s always prudent to layer on a jacket or elegant cape. Pairing a high-waisted pencil skirt with a silk top and strappy sandals gives you a great alternative to a dress.
Roland Mouret Arreton Wool-Crepe Midi Skirt; $795; net-a-porter.com
Fendi Double Faced Wool Cape; $2,250; net-a-porter.com
Equipment Cara Washed-Silk Camisole; $100; net-a-porter.com
Chloe Bi-Colour Stacked Bangle; €495; farfetch.com
Versace Lamé Nappa Palazzo Evening Clutch; €595; farfetch.com
Jimmy Choo Lang Mirrored-Leather Sandals; $850; net-a-porter.com
SUMMER
1. Sleeveless Pencil Dress
While a sleeveless dress is appropriate for a summer wedding, be sure to choose one with a tasteful, built-up neckline. A pencil dress is a timeless classic, ideal for any formal occasion. Lively colors and details will make it look more modern and casual. Strappy sandals add an
airy charm, creating a look perfect for a summer wedding.
Ddsquared2 Bow Detail Dress; €625; farfetch.com
Chloé Elle Leather Shoulder Bag; €950; mytheresa.com
Jimmy Choo Visby Sandals; €675; mytheresa.com
2. Washed Silk Halter-Neck Gown
If you’re going for a chic, yet effortless look, a halterneck gown in vivid colors is the perfect choice! Accessorize it with a bracelet and clutch. For a wedding on the beach, you can replace high heels with a pair of flat strappy sandals.
Kaufman Franco Washed-Silk Halterneck Gown; $1,595; net-a-porter.com
Givenchy Crystal-Embellished Earrings; €495; mytheresa.com
Jimmy Choo Sweetie Clutch; €505; farfetch.com
Jimmy Choo Lance Metallic Leather Sandals; $850; net-a-porter.com
3. Lace Maxi Dress
A maxi dress is the ultimate day-to-night piece, absolutely irreplaceable in the summer. Ladylike lace or elegant silk turn the casual piece into a more formal outfit. Nudes and neutrals are the perfect background for sun-kissed skin and shimmering accessories.
Alice + Olivia Julissa Lace Maxi Dress; $700; net-a-porter.com
Monica Vinader Fiji Rose Gold-Plated Bracelet; $210; net-a-porter.com
Valentino Va Va Voom Leather Shoulder Bag; $2,145; net-a-porter.com
Burberry London Hamble Metallic Leather Sandals; €475; mytheresa.com
FALL
1. Long-Sleeved Fitted Dress
You can’t go wrong with a long-sleeved fitted dress. Its classic and elegant shape makes it a perfect outfit for a wedding, while its long sleeves will keep you warm. If you choose a plain dress, look for bold accessories. A multicolored clutch and a pair of stilettos will complete the look.
Alexander McQueen Bow Embellished Dress; €1,356; farfetch.com
Valentino Garavani Butterfly Clutch; €4,030; farfetch.com
Jimmy Choo Abel Patent-Leather Pumps; $575; net-a-porter.com
2. Knit Dress
A printed or embroidered dress is definitely a good choice for a wedding in the fall. To make it stand out, look for unique patterns. Accessorize it with extraordinary pieces in shades of silver or gold.
Kenzo Broken Floor Knit Dress; €477; farfetch.com
Alexander McQueen Elettra Clutch; €2,418; farfetch.com
Burberry London Barmby Leather Sandals; €695; mytheresa.com
3. Leather Dress
Fashion designers proved that leather suits all garments. If you decide to go with an all-leather outfit for a wedding, choose matte leather and accentuate it with shiny accessories.
Jitrois Atlantic Dress; €4,352; farfetch.com
Charlotte Olympia Debbie Patent-Leather Pumps; $845; net-a-porter.com
Roger Vivier Soft Bayaderes Sequin-Embellished Envelope Clutch; €1,700; mytheresa.com