What to Wear Over a Wedding Guest Dress

Do you have an upcoming wedding to attend? Chances are you’ve been diligently searching for the right dress to suit the assigned dress code. But before you officially lock in your day-of look, don’t forget to consider the weather and, as such, the one essential wardrobe staple every wedding guest should have: Outerwear. Yes, we’re talking about coats, shawls, blazers, cardigans, and all the necessary garments needed to keep you warm and comfortable during your friend or family member’s big day.

Whether you’re attending a ballroom affair in the winter or a garden soirée in the summer, styling your look with an extra layer is a smart way to prepare for seasonal temperatures and unexpected climates. Plus, it should come as no surprise that outerwear pieces serve as the perfect accessory to help elevate your wedding guest ensemble, such as a checkered-print wool coat for cold-weather nuptials or a sequined cardigan to curb chilly breezes during the spring and summer months.

If you need help figuring out exactly what to wear over a dress to a wedding, though, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we turned to the experts to round up a list of the best outerwear pieces for every dress code, season, theme, and venue.

A Faux Fur Shawl or Jacket

If you’ve received an invitation to a fall or winter wedding, bridal stylist Erika Plackowski recommends bringing a faux fur shawl or jacket. Not only does the fuzzy fabric suit the season, but it will also add a stylish touch to any outfit, no matter if you’re rocking a jumpsuit or a floor-length gown.

A Cashmere Wrap

Need another beautiful selection for the colder months? Celebrity stylist Samantha Brown advises donning a cashmere wrap, especially for black-tie-affairs. The fabric is utterly soft and warm, and also comes across as more elegant than other textiles. As for which color to select, beige will complement any gown, but you can also play around with different hues like pink, blue, and green.

A Blazer

For more casual dress codes, from semi-formal to cocktail, a blazer will round off your attire in a fun and trendy way. While a classic tuxedo silhouette is a safe option, there are so many alternatives to choose from if searching for a more feminine or unique style. For instance, consider a red velvet look paired with a black dress for a fall wedding at a vineyard or a pink silk jacket to match a floral frock at a garden fête.

A Leather Jacket

According to Brown, a leather jacket is an edgy and modern choice for guests to wear to a wedding. But since this piece of clothing tends to elicit a more laid-back feel, only wear it to events with cocktail or casual dress codes (unless otherwise noted by the couple). That being said, if the theme of the affair is moody, a leather jacket will blend well with the aesthetic.

A Duster Jacket

If the wedding is happening in the spring or summer, Plackowski advises donning a kimono-like duster jacket. This luxe cover-up will shield your shoulders without overshadowing your dress, as most dusters feature an open-front design. Opt for pastel floral prints for garden affairs or solid colors for more pared-back aesthetics.

A Pashmina

Similar to a scarf, a pashmina is a light wrap that you can place over your shoulders to keep warm—and it’s the perfect accompaniment to spring or summer festivities with mild temperatures. This outerwear piece is also a chic choice for beachside bashes and semi-formal affairs. Best of all, if you’re traveling far for a wedding, a pashmina won’t take up too much space in your suitcase, so you’ll never need to worry about overpacking.

A Denim Jacket

For a more casual celebration, accent your gown with a jean jacket. If the couple is exchanging vows at a barn or vineyard, or if the theme is rustic or Western, the denim material will evoke the same vibe. You can even add fringe or pearl embellishments for a playful touch.

A Wool Coat

Even if a winter wedding is happening in a heated room, you’ll still be traveling to and from the event. Thus, to brave the frigid temperatures when stepping outside, you’ll want to sport something with a thick and heavy material. Enter: Wool coats. This garment is a classic and sophisticated choice for the colder seasons, with Brown also noting that a coat made of wool is more appropriate than a puffy jacket. (Not to mention, it will provide optimal comfort.) Be sure to look for long styles to accommodate your dress.

A Cardigan

Looking for outerwear that won’t weigh you down while you hit the dance floor? A cardigan will provide an extra layer of comfort without constricting your movement, which makes it ideal for weddings with mild temperatures. Did we also mention that a light sweater will give your outfit a delicate, sweet, and preppy edge? Settle on a black color for a dressy look, or let the venue inspire your decision. For instance, a blue cropped style with tortoise buttons befits coastal soirées and long beige varieties complement mountain venues.

A Trench Coat

Since the weather can get brisk in the fall and spring, a trench coat is a lovely choice for wedding guests looking to stay warm in a fashionable way. Instead of the classic beige coat made of cotton twill, however, switch up the hue and fabric to take your look up a notch. A champagne satin style is stunning for ceremonies in a garden, while a black leather trench will coordinate with an edgy theme.