Winter formal used to be my favorite event in college…the snuggling up to your date after a night of dancing and drinking hot cocoa under the stars. It usually ended with me wearing my date’s tuxedo jacket over my dress on the fraternity bus ride home while pretending to *not* be freezing because of my mini dress and bare legs. (Fun nonetheless.) Now days, winter formal means weddings, anniversary parties, and Valentine’s Day dinners, which is a more grown-up version. I still go back to the same question, though….what the heck do you wear to these things when it’s cold outside?
I’m still all about rocking a short dress, but now I know to cover up as much as I can on top if I’m going to be showing off my legs. I invested in two beautiful capes, two cashmere/wool blend coats from Fleurette and Mackage, and leather gloves in every neutral color.
I now look for heavier fabrics, like velvet, cashmere, and brocade when choosing a dress. Long sleeves are your best friend when dressing for winter formals…even if the majority of the event takes place indoors. You never know when you’ll get seated by the door or an air vent! I am DYING over this velvet dress with a plunging neckline, and it’s on sale right now.
Although I’m wearing heels in this post, I think a super cute pair of stiletto booties are a great way to keep your feet warm and still be formal in a more modern, eclectic way. I pair booties with opaque tights often, and it does keep my feet much warmer than sliding my bare feet into a pair of pumps.
Since many of your friends and family probably got engaged over the holidays, it never hurts to have a winter formal outfit on stand-by for the pop-up engagement parties or surprise weddings!
Leave a Reply