What to wear to a winter wedding - The Inside Pocket

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY FRIEND’S WINTER WEDDING?

Over next few months, if your presence is requested at a wedding that’s taking place somewhere in the UK, then this is almost certainly the right moment to indulge any long-held passions you have for owning a suit sown from thicker woollen fabrics such as Donegal, tweed or herringbone.

No longer just associated with fusty academia, tailoring fashioned from this trio of textiles is a great alternative to the usual lightweight offerings, especially at this time of year. Having such a dense weave, they’re brilliant cold-weather staples as they trap heat in and keep wintry chills at bay.

BUT CAN I WEAR A COAT TO A WEDDING?

It’s the middle of winter, so the short answer is yes. As with most weddings, there’s often a fair bit of hanging around outside waiting for the bride or groom. Worse still, you might even find yourself listening to unending declarations of love while sitting inside a damp and drafty venue.

Here’s where the welcome addition of a suitable piece of outerwear – such as an overcoat with a faux fur collar – will come in very handy indeed. Paired with, say, a tweed suit, your coat will not only keep you insulated from the winter weather but also goes to prove that you can look both warm and wedding-appropriate at the same time.

WHAT IF THE WEDDING INVITE SAYS ‘BLACK TIE’?

If you’re a guest at a wedding that clearly states black tie as your outfit de jour then, unfortunately, there’s little leeway for dodging this specific dress code. But as daunting as it may sound, it’s actually a really easy rule to follow because, in a way, the decision about what to wear has already been made for you.

Play it safe and stick to a traditional tuxedo – black jacket with satin lapels, matching trousers and patent leather shoes – or bend the rules slightly and opt for a tux in coloured velvet instead. Whichever choice you make, finish off with a bow tie. And a word to the wise here; the world will not end if you can’t tie your own and a pre-tied bow will more than suffice.

I’M GOING TO A DESTINATION WEDDING – WHAT DO I WEAR NOW?

Lucky enough to be invited to a set of nuptials somewhere hot and exotic? Then a lightweight linen suit is your best bet. But just because this will probably be the most relaxed piece of tailoring you’ll ever own, don’t fall into the trap of wearing a suit that’s baggy and shapeless. Something sharply tailored in a neutral shade of stone will make sure you look the part.

If this particular wedding is so semi-formal as to be almost laid back – they’re getting hitched on a beach after all – leave the tie at home and wear your suit with a crisp white shirt or one in a printed floral.

And just because the weather is going to be undoubtedly hot, that’s not an excuse to go barefoot; finish your outfit off properly with a pair of leather plimsoles. Nail this and you’ll look like the guest who’s permanently jetting off somewhere hot and that’s never a bad thing.