What to Wear Over a Formal Dress in Winter
Preparing for any formal event is always a big deal. You spend hours poring over dresses, suits and accessories and then realize, it’s winter… It's going to be cold. So, what do you wear to a winter formal, wedding or other black tie event that will keep you warm but not take away from all that effort?
Layering is going to be your best friend at winter events. You can look good and stay cozy for outdoor ceremonies and portions of the event, easily taking it off if you head indoors to the beautiful heating. These are some of our favorite layering options at Unreal Fur for fashion that feels good.
Why Layering Matters for Winter Formal Wear
Formal wear can be tricky enough. Aside from your own style, there are dress codes to contend with. Add in the cold, wind and potential rain of winter, and you have a whole other layer to juggle. This is where layering can help heighten your outfit, not look like something you’ve just thrown on.
Layering matters for winter formal wear as it gives you control. Instead of relying on one bulky coat, you can add warmth in a way that preserves the shape, fabric and vibe of your outfit. The latest faux fur outerwear and accessories mean you can choose from coats, jackets, wraps, scarves, hats and more to balance warmth and elegance for your school formal, wedding, gala or other event.
Classic Outerwear Options for Formal Dresses
Some outerwear doesn’t go out of style for a reason. Take the classic fur jacket, for example. The structured look not only gives you warmth, but looks intentional, turning even a simple dress into something distinct.
A long coat is always a staple in a wardrobe, but it can do more than just be worn to the office or out and about. Draped over your shoulders, a trench or long coat is the epitome of elegance, serving chic glamour that also does its job of keeping you warm, just like a cozy blanket.
Coats and Wraps That Complement Formal Silhouettes
When you go to choose outerwear for a formal look, it’s all about the proportions. You want the outer layer to frame the dress (or suit), not overwhelm it. Defined shoulders, clean lines and fluid draping, like a high-quality fur coat, can help maintain your silhouette, allowing the dress to keep the focus.
If you’re looking for a softer option, a wrap or shawl can better suit more minimalist or strapless dresses that already have a striking visual detail. It adds that classic, Golden Age of Hollywood glamour that always levels up a formal outfit.
Choosing the Right Outer Layer for a Winter Formal
Let’s get to the brass tacks of it: what do you wear to a winter formal? And the answer is, it depends on the dress. Say you’re wearing a floor-length gown. If it’s off the shoulder, a beautiful shawl will let you show off that skin while still having a bit of added warmth. If you’re more about the warmth, a cropped jacket is going to help keep your shape, drawing in the waist.
If the event is a little less formal and you can get away with a midi dress, a longer coat is going to give you a tailored, structured look. To make it more elegant, drape it over your shoulders, just like the models do. Fur is always a glamorous look, although satins and velvet coats can look just as chic.
What to Wear Over a Formal Dress for a Winter Wedding
We all know white is out of the question for weddings (unless the dress code calls for it), but winter nuptials call for a whole new set of rules. The outer layer should respect the carefully selected dress code just as much as the dress. Neutral tones, soft textures and refined silhouettes tend to age better in photos than anything bold or bulky.
Faux fur wedding jackets, tailored coats and elegant wraps are always safe options for winter ‘I-dos’. They photograph just as beautifully as they look in person, and perfectly balance warmth with polish without distracting from the dress itself.
Dressing for Indoor vs Outdoor Winter Weddings
While it’s not always possible, try to find out if the event will be indoors, outdoors or a mix of both before choosing your outerwear. For outdoor-only events, you’ll want warmer layers that can be buttoned, zipped or pulled closed, while indoor events give you some escape from the frost, so a shawl may do the trick. An event with both may need some careful layering, like a coat draped over your shoulders so you can have warmth when needed, but not overheat indoors.
Fabrics That Work Best Over Formal Dresses in Winter
Fabric choice can be the difference between what works with a formal dress or suit and what looks out of place. Faux fur always looks just right in a formal setting, adding warmth and texture, while still giving formality. Wool blends can also work, providing structure and insulation. If styled with restraint, velvet and satin finishes can also elevate winter formal wear.
The best fabrics complement your dress rather than fight it. So, if you’re planning on a heavier fabric coat, go with a lightweight, flowy dress. Heavier gowns usually need simpler outer layers to avoid overloading the look. The aim is cohesion, not contrast for the sake of it.
What to Wear With a Formal Dress in Winter Without Hiding It
What to wear with a formal dress in winter is a battle of staying warm and still showing off that carefully chosen dress. Open front layers are the perfect balance for longer coats, keeping the details of your dress visible while you stay warm. Cropped jackets can also help you show off embellishments around the waist or lower half of your dress, while creating a beautiful silhouette.
Proportion is what will do most of the work when pairing outerwear with formal dresses. The outer layer should frame the dress and support the overall shape, making the outfit feel complete rather than concealed.
What do Guys Wear to a Winter Formal?
It can be just as much of a challenge for men to know what to wear to a winter formal wedding or event as for the ladies, although it is a little simpler. Men attending winter formals, weddings, galas and other events usually stick to classic tailoring with seasonal adjustments. This typically means heavier suit fabrics, layered with structured coats or refined outerwear, keeping the look formal but still on dress code.
For a little more glamour, men’s fur jackets and coats really add to the moment. They can work draped over a tuxedo or worn over a lighter summer suit for extra warmth, and they always look the part at a black tie or formal event.
Winter Formal Outfit Considerations for Men
As a male dressing for a winter formal event, the venue, temperature and dress code are all going to be important. Layers can help you tick all the boxes, like a longer coat that can easily be taken off, draped over shoulders or worn all night, while keeping lines clean.
Complete Your Winter Formal Look with Unreal Fur
Just because it’s freezing outside doesn’t mean you need to compromise your formal look. The right outerwear makes it possible to stay warm without undoing that outfit you spent weeks putting together.
Unreal Fur designs faux fur jackets, coats, shawls, vests, and other outerwear and accessories that look good without compromising your ethics. Explore our full collection and complete your winter formal outfit with cruelty-free fur.