fashion

'Confused about what to wear to a winter wedding? I've found the best options.'

My group chat is currently abuzz with one topic of discussion: what the eff are we supposed to wear to a wedding in June?

The temps are way lower. There's a strong chill in the evenings and the distinct possibility of… rain.

Although a cocktail dress looks elite when styled with a borrowed men's suit jacket, it's not exactly a styling solution you can rely on. That's more of a later-in-the-night option.

So what should we show up in?

Watch: How many outfits can we create with Alix's wardrobe staples? Post continues below.


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With so many variables in mind, it's not as easy as just sashaying into a sleeveless gown and strappy heels like you would for a summer event. You have to consider the layers. And the chilly feet. And not looking like you borrowed your nan's shawl.

So let's get into it. Here's what to wear to a winter wedding without freezing your tatas off.

Option 1: A dress with long sleeves.

This sounds like the simplest option; at least it would be if all the dresses weren't made of see-through mesh with cut-outs and slits that hit at your coldest bits. Is it too much to ask for a dress that actually covers your limbs?

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After much searching, I've found some styles that do.

A high-neck or off-the-shoulder cocktail dress with long sleeves has the brilliant effect of still looking elegant thanks to the slinkier cut. You can elevate the whole vibe with statement earrings or chunky cuffs layered over the sleeves.

And if you want more coverage, why not go for a blazer dress or structured minidress with full sleeves? You can always add tights for warmth.

Forever New Minnie Mesh Bardot Midi Dress, $159.99.

Forever New Minnie Mesh Bardot Midi Dress.Image: Supplied.

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Dissh Hadley Choc Sleeved Knit Maxi Dress, $169.99.

Dissh Hadley Maxi.Image: Supplied.

Commonry Ava Dress, $259.95.

Commonry Ava Dress.Image: Supplied.

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Meshki Kassie, $159.

Meshki Kassie.Image: Supplied.

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Shona Joy Olson Plunge Maxi Dress, $460.

Image: Shona Joy.

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Option 2: Matching separates.

Gone are the days when you had to wear a gown to a wedding. Although you need to pay attention to the dress code, two-piece sets are generally appropriate — you just have to ensure they're fancy enough for your event.

Summery fabrics like linen are a no-go, so seek out luxe textures like satin or silk. I love the look of a tunic layered over slouchy pants, dialled up with shiny accessories and jewels. Very "just-threw-this-on-but-don't-I-look-fabulous."

A printed set with matching long-sleeve top and midiskirt might look like a gown, but has the versatility to be worn again in different ways. This asymmetrical option from Sheike is winter wedding perfection.

Sheike Aurelia Paisley Top, $129.99, and Aurelia Paisley Skirt, $139.99.

Sheike Aurelia Paisley Set.Image: Supplied.

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Vrg Grl Rae Satin Top, $125, and Rae Satin Pants, $135.

Vrg Grl Rae Satin Set.Image: Supplied.

Dissh Rio Bitter Choc Draped Tunic Top, $149.99, and Rio Bitter Choc Pant, $149.99.

Dissh Rio tunic and pant set.Image: Supplied.

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Option 3: An intentional outer layer.

No one expects you to go without a jacket, especially if the wedding is taking place outside for part of the day. So if you're going for a cocktail dress, at the risk of sounding like your mum, make sure you layer up.

The trick here is to style the jacket as part of the outfit, and something you can whip off once the dance floor warms up.

Faux fur is having a moment right now, and I've found some options that you can invest in for the wedding and still get lots of wear out of with more casual looks through the cooler seasons.

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If you're more of a minimalist, you can achieve the look of the aforementioned suit jacket with an oversized blazer. You don't want your jacket to read as corporate; instead, look for a roomy cut that offsets your eveningwear in that effortless way.

If it's a daytime wedding, my styling tip is to add sleek sunglasses so the whole fit feels chic and cohesive.

NEXT Threadbare Mongolian Faux Fur Coat, $134.

NEXT Mongolian faux fur coat.Image: Supplied.

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Zara Faux Fur Short Coat, $209.

Zara Faux Fur Short Coat.Image: Supplied.

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NA-KD Faux Fur Leo Coat, on sale for $119.97.

NA-KD faux leopard coat.Image: Supplied.

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Atmos & Here Hana Oversized Blazer, $120.

Atmos & Here Hana Oversized Blazer.Image: Supplied.

Lioness Wyoming Blazer, $89.

Lioness Wyoming Blazer.Image: Supplied.

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Heels to wear to a winter wedding.

A closed-in shoe can be hard to pull off for events, and many of us just accept the inevitability of freezing toes. But the good news is, there are lots of styles trending right now that offer more coverage without compromising on the silhouette.

Opt for pointed stilettos with a higher vamp (that's the toe cleavage bit) or low-heel mules so you wear them more comfortably all night.

Alias Mae Meika, $219.95.

Alias Mae Meika.Image: Supplied.

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Tony Bianco Cherry Dove Crinkle, $199.95.

Tony Bianco Cherry Dove Crinkle.Image: Supplied.

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Billini Yorkie Dark Cacao Suede, $99.95.

Billini Yorkie.Image: Supplied.

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Charles & Keith Mesh Sequinned Heeled Mules, $103.

Charles & Keith Mesh Sequinned Mules.Image: Supplied.

Feature image: Instagram/@ellampeters wearing Dissh; @huwaidasamman wearing Shona Joy.

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