Winter is typically the off-season for weddings. Given rain is the natural enemy of the traditional wedding, most people tend to take a gamble on warmer months for those joyous outdoor ops. However, I think there’s a lot to be said for a chic, cool-weather wedding.
Firstly, you won’t all sweat our make-up off before the bride makes it down the aisle.
Secondly, there’s a certain old-timey romance in cosy winter occasions. Dim, warmly lit reception venues, roaring fireplaces, snuggling up with your loved ones – it’s a vibe!
Finally, did y’all not see Olivia Palermo’s chic wedding sweater?
However, while you may have a stack of breezy, floral dresses or slinky slips at-the-ready for a summerwedding, shopping for a winter wedding dress may require a new purchase.
What To Wear To A Winter Wedding?
People tend to rank winter as a more stylish season than summer – and that’s definitely true in Australia, where the weather gets so scorching that any fabric heavier than the sheerest linen is bound to be soaked in sweat after 5 minutes in public.
A winter wedding is a great opportunity to bust out formalwear in denser fabrics, with more structure and detail than those permitted by summer wedding dresses. Wedding outfits can be more rigid, with more bells and whistles, if you’re not worried about overheating on the dance floor.
Think:
- Long sleeve dresses;
- Puffy or structured sleeves;
- Heavier fabrics with structure;
- Cuts that can sit closer to your body;
- Maxi dresses;
- Mini dresses with tights;
- A suit;
- Skirts with sweaters, or
- Slip dresses with oversized blazers.
Just a few ideas to get the brain juices and Pinterest boards flowing…
Winter Wedding Dresses To Shop In Australia
Without further ado, a few suggestions…
This silk dress is elegant and timeless, but unique enough to help you stand out from the crowd. Perfect for a semi-formal wedding paired with pointed toe kitten heels or pumps.
Sizes: 6-16
Colours: Oxford Blue (pictured)
Material: 100% silk
Style notes:
- Beateau neckline
- Invisible zip
- Hand-draped bodice
- Australian designer
Available at:
02
Tenera Cocoon Maxi Dress by Camilla & Marc
$750 at Camilla & Marc
This dress can be worn again and again, each with a different earring, purse and shoe. Style with gold jewellery to stand out.
Sizes: 6-14
Colour: Black
Materials: Main: 95% Polyester and 5% Polyurethane. Lining: 100% Recycled Polyester.
Style notes:
- High neckline with chest cut-out
- Invisible back zip
- Blind hems
- Australian designer
Available at:
03
Augustine Mini Dress by Rebecca Vallance
$999 at The Iconic
Reminiscent of the 2024 Gucci collection, this jewel-encrusted mini would be perfectly paired with tights and pumps for winter.
Sizes: 4-16
Colours: Black
Materials: Main: 100% Polyester; Lining: 97% Polyester & 3% Elastane.
Style notes:
- Satin embellished fabric; lined
Diamante detailing - Mini length
- Pockets
- Australian designer
Available at:
04
Elia LS Open Back Tie Maxi Dress by Shona Joy
$360 at The Iconic
Guaranteed to earn you compliments, this Fern green dress is made from satin-finish viscose fibres that omit 50% less greenhouse gas emissions, and utilise less water, than traditional viscose fabrics.
Sizes: 4-18
Colour: Fern
Materials: Main: 58% LENZING ™ECOVERO ™, 42% Viscose; Lining: 100% Polyester
Style notes:
- Silk touch fabric
- Open back
- Boat neckline
- Flared sleeves
- Invisible back zip
- Bias cut maxi dress
Available at:
05
Bea Dress by Harris Tapper
$429 at The Iconic
Another dress that will make repeat appearances well beyond your winter wedding. This classic LBD is very 90s, and can be dressed up or down with accessories. Pair with a blazer for New York-model cool.
Sizes: 6-14
Colours: Black
Materials: 67% Rayon, 28% Nylon & 5% Spandex
Style notes:
- Boat neckline
- Ankle length
- New Zealand designer
Available at:
06
Cusco Silk Drape Cami Dress by Christopher Esber
$1,350 at Christopher Esber
If you want to look like you stumbled off the streets of Paris Fashion Week and into your winter wedding, wear this Christopher Esber silk slip with a simple, oversized blazer et voila!
Sizes: 4-12
Colours: Black, Pistachio
Materials: 100% silk
Style notes:
- 100% Silk
- Front draped detailing
- Full length silhouette
- Asymmetric hemline
- Open back detail
- Australian designer
Available at:
07
Fringe Beaded Mini Dress by Oroton
$699 at The Iconic
This gorgeous navy mini dress is styled to perfection with sheer tights and pointed-toe ballet flats for a coquettish winter wedding look. It’s giving noughties Alexa Chung.
Sizes: 6-14
Colours: North Sea (pictured)
Materials: 85% Polyester & 15% Silk
Style notes:
- Italian silk blend
- Open back with beaded strap
- Fringed pockets
- Mini length
Available at:
08
Triquetra Cutout Silk-Satin Maxi Dress by Christopher Esber
$895 at Net-A-Porter
This romantic, draping dress is the perfect colour for a wedding dress. Allow it flow off you and feel like a Grecian goddess.
Sizes: 6-14
Colours: Purple, Claret, Grey
Material: 100% silk
Style notes:
- Silk with satin finish
- Australian designer
- Cutouts
09
Augustine Long-Sleeve Mini Dress by Rebecca Vallance
$749 at Rebecca Vallance
Another option for when you want to go for a short dress in winter. While this might feel too ‘much’ for a summer wedding, it could be just enough for a winter one.
Sizes: 4-16
Colour: Black
Materials: 97% Polyester/3% Elastane
Style notes:
- Puffed sleeves
- Bow detailing
- Diamante trim
- Fitted bodice with cut outs
- Cinched waist with A-line mini skirt
Available at:
10
Shaw Off-The-Shoulder Dress by Camilla & Marc
$550 at Camilla & Marc
A contemporary dress for those who want a bit more of a modern and minimal edge to their wedding attire.
Sizes: 6-14
Colours: Sky, Red, Black
Materials: 97% Polyester and 3% Elastane
Style notes:
- Off-shoulder long sleeve
- Subtle pleats
- Side invisible zip closure
- Midi length
Senior WriterRebecca Mitchell
Rebecca Mitchell is a senior writer at ELLE Australia. She graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2011 already with solid media experience under her belt. She started her career in broadcast news, simultaneously hosting the Never Talk Politics radio programme on 2MCE and as a reporter at WIN News. After returning to her hometown of Sydney, she worked as a journalist in lifestyle media, including at Mamamia, SheSaid, and Foxtel’s Lifestyle group. Formerly a freelance journalist, you can find her words at Refinery29, Urban List, Broadsheet, and more.
