Picking out what to wear to attend a wedding is a situation rife with sartorial traps. You want to be the most stylish version of yourself without upstaging the bride but while following some of the most obscure dress codes ever to be transmitted through delicate calligraphy. (What do “tropical formal” or “winter wonderland chic” even mean?) On top of all these issues of etiquette, the last thing any wedding guest wants to deal with is extreme cold weather.
Our advice? Instead of starting with the dress, plan your look from outside in beginning with a chic evening coat. Look no further than Kate Moss at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival in an elegant jacket, a pouch bag, and a simple gown for inspiration. Sure, the ’90s are back in fashion, from underarm bags to Gwyneth Paltrow–worthy maxi skirts, but this is one trend revival that is not only posh but also quite practical.
Luckily, modern brands have taken note. Markarian’s caftan robe is well suited for formal winter events, while the eccentric designer Simon Porte Jacquemus created a coat that works from business casual to cocktail, ideally paired with a tailored suit.
