What to Wear to a Wedding Shower in Winter: Cozy Fabrics and Feminine Styles

Once you’re an empty nester, your calendar is likely to start filling up with wedding showers  – for your kids, nieces & nephews, or even your friends who are finding love again. That’s exciting because a shower is a wonderful opportunity to dress up, and celebrate in style.

Spring showers? Easy—wear florals, pastels, breezy fabrics, and cute, strappy sandals. But what about in winter months? How do you dress to look soft, feminine, and chic when you’re braving the cold and snow? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some elegant winter looks that are perfect for the occasion. Let’s dive in!

What to Wear To a Wedding Shower in Winter

Whether it’s a casual bridal shower at someone’s home or a fancier brunch or afternoon tea at a restaurant, the aim is to look elegant. Certain elements instantly say winter.  For example:

Wow Winter Colors

Winter colors are heavier and darker than pretty spring and summer ones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look gorgeous in your winter wedding shower outfit. Look for:

• Rich Jewel Tones: Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire
• Cool Icy pastels: icy pink, icy yellow, icy blue
• Soft Neutrals: Taupe, Cream, Camel, Gold, Silver, Light Gray
• Warm Earth Tones: warm browns, rusts, teals
• Black: Away from your face, on your bottom half is better. It’s a wedding shower, not a funeral
• White: Avoid white; it’s just for the bride.

Cozy and Luxurious Fabrics to Embrace

One of the most important elements of dressing for a winter wedding shower is choosing the right fabrics. You want to feel cozy but look elegant. Choose:

• Velvet: Posh – elevates any look. A velvet dress or a velvet blazer paired with trousers is effortlessly chic.
• Knits: Soft sweater dresses and luxurious sweaters worn with satin skirts and dress trousers.
• Tweed: Tweed dresses with feminine silhouettes like this icy blue one work too. Love the beading!
• Wool Blends: Structured wool dresses, skirts, or coats keep  you warm and looking refined
• Cashmere: A cashmere sweater adds softness, sophistication, and romance. Pair it with a flowy skirt or tailored trousers for a balanced look.
• Satin & Silk: Lightweight fabrics that sizzle add a touch of glam. A satin blouse with high-waisted pants and a wool coat is a perfect winter ensemble.

Winter Friendly Footwear 

Choosing the right shoes for a winter wedding shower can be tricky. In some cases, you may need to wear boots, but bring a pair of indoor shoes. Think about:

• Heeled Ankle Boots: Perfect for pairing with dresses and trousers -pointy toe suede or leather
• Classic Pumps: A timeless choice that works for more formal gatherings.
• Knee-High Boots: Ideal for midi dresses and skirts, adding both warmth and elegance.
• Embellished Flats: When you need comfort, opt for chic flats with a touch of sparkle.

Layering Like a Pro: Outerwear Essentials

No sense in getting all dressed up and then arriving in a bulky winter parka. Look gorgeous in:

• A Tailored Wool Coat: A structured coat in camel, navy, or black is an investment piece that elevates any look.
• A Chic Wrap Coat: Belted wrap coats create a feminine, flattering silhouette and ooze femininity.
• A faux fur Jacket Adds a touch of glam  ( and fun) to a special event.
• A Statement Cape: A wedding shower is a great time for a touch of drama.
• Scarves & Gloves: A cashmere scarf and leather gloves add both warmth and elegance.

Stylish Outfit Ideas for a Winter Wedding Shower

Now, let’s get into the specifics. Here are some outfit ideas for different types of  Winter wedding showers.

1. Cozy Sweater Dress

Soft and ladylike is the way to go for bridal shower fashion; you don’t want to show up in something too sexy or stiff. A flowy, ribbed, fit-and-flare sweater dress with pretty pleats looks stunning with tall, chic suede boots and a classy leather bag. This is sophisticated, comfortable, figure flattering, and the longer length of the dress keeps things classy. Add a touch of bling in the way of these sparkly huggies and a dainty gold clover bracelet to bring the whole outfit to life.

2. Palazzo Pants

If you’re not a fan of dresses, wide-leg pants can be a fabulous alternative. The key is to find something dressy but not stiff and serious.  These pleated wide-leg black palazzo pants are a chic example. The light crepe material makes them relaxed and drapey as you swish across the room.  I love the elegant satin tie-neck blouse, which adds a ladylike vibe and a touch of glam. Polish it off with a pair of block heel slingbacks, a quilted gold chain bag and these darling floral earrings.

3. Dressy Jumpsuit

Beautiful floral prints always look and feel right for bridal shower attire, even in the winter months.  When you want the elegance of a dress but the movement of pants, this floral mock-neck jumpsuit with ruffle cap sleeves is the perfect in-between.  Since your arms are bare, this jumpsuit is for milder winter climates ( or menopausal mommas experiencing hot flashes – lol). It also makes a great transitional outfit from late winter into spring. You could add a jacket like this pretty pink one or this off white one if you wanted.  I like it with this timeless wool coat and nude ankle boots when you come knocking at the door. The gold drop earrings and ivory bag make it so pretty and classy.

4. Stylish Wrap Dress

A wrap dress is a perfectly appropriate outfit for a bridal shower as it leans more on the conservative side. You don’t want a nipple to pop out! (Here’s a little story from the bridal shower guest outfits for those of you who haven’t caught that post yet, lol!) 

To match the romantic vibe of the wedding shower, this plum satin wrap dress is a stunning choice! Skip these strappy sandals and go for sliver pointy toe slingbacks. Don’t forget a wool overcoat when it’s time to brave those chilly temperatures when heading back to the car. 

5. Tweed Shift Dress 

This cute tweed shift dress is lovely for a bridal shower.  You can add black knee-high kitten heel boots and feminine accessories like gold, diamonds, and pearls; just avoid overly large and flashy costume jewelry pieces that might take away from your sophisticated look (or the focus on the bride!). 

Styling a winter wedding shower look as a guest doesn’t have to be stressful!

Dressing for a winter wedding shower just takes a little thought.  With the right colors, luxe fabrics, and smart layering, you can create a winter wedding shower outfit that’s chic and seasonally appropriate.  Here’s to celebrating love in the most fashionable way possible.

P.S. I’m no stranger to balancing a classic style with modern elegance; just check out my book, Mother of the Bride: Secrets to Looking Fab When You Are the Mother of the Bride or Groom, for some examples! For more wedding guest outfit inspiration, look at these posts: 

• What to Wear to a Winter Wedding? Chic Outfit Ideas
• What to Wear to a Fall Wedding
• What to Wear to a Wedding Reception

Make sure you’re keeping up with my LTK storefront to see all of my favorite outfit ideas, from everyday fashion to elegant wedding attire. You can also join my private Facebook group, Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room, to discuss all the fabulous outfits you have worn or are planning to wear to your next wedding shower!