As the temperature dips, wedding couture invites a new language of dressing and layering. One steeped in craft, rich textiles, texture and timeless charm. These translate as covered concoctions in luxurious fabrics, hand-embroidered velvet jackets, brocade dusters that catch the light and structured silk coats edged with zardozi, resham or gota patti. Whether you choose a style with richness and refinement, add a cover-up over a sari or a lehenga, or an enveloping creation, there are several ways to redefine warmth with artistry. With the right shades and styling, they add depth and dimension to festive dressing. This winter season, warming up isn’t just practical, but it’s personal and powerful.
Wrap up, button up or suit up. Cosy your way into the next winter wedding or festive occasion with our edit of occasion wear silhouettes and layers.
Opt For Full Sleeves
The easiest way to withstand cold temperatures, wind and snow is full-sleeved outfits. Want to hark the Medieval Era? Consider exaggerated bell sleeves or the Bishop style, both add drama and movement. Long, fitted sleeves are show-stopping option that exude modern minimalism and versatility. From classic blouse with a lehenga to ethereal anarkali, there is an abundance of long-sleeve choices of silhouettes for every style and body type. Beyond warmth, full sleeves also offer full coverage for those who prefer modesty or favour a dramatic and regal bridal look. For added practicality, detachable sleeves make a clever addition, allowing you to adapt your look from ceremony to celebration seamlessly. Abhinav Mishra’s latest couture outing, The Shrine is replete with several options.
Layer With A Jacket
Jackets are back, adding a layer of sophistication, depth and warmth to your wedding look. longer just functional, they’ve become statement-making additions to Indian occasion wear. The best cover-ups are ones you can wear repeat and re-style with other pieces in your closet. From long, embroidered trench-style jackets that sweep the floor with regal flair and cropped boleros that spotlight your waist when wearing a lehenga to sharply tailored blazers that blend structure with sensuality, there’s a silhouette for every mood and moment. You can style your jacket open over a lehenga for effortless layering, belt it for definition or drape it over a sari for a fusion twist. The key is balance. Let your jacket do the talking, while keeping jewellery and makeup minimal for a look that’s polished and versatile.
For the craft connoisseur, Tarun Tahiliani’s cape complemented with gold corset and drape skirt will stun all the way from the bar to the dance floor. For the minimalist bride who isn’t looking to make a loud statement, consider a romantic lace long jacket à la Varun Bahl. The modern wedding hopper can lean on the blazer + sharara set by Ridhi Mehra. Ditch the jacket to take the outfit to a summer celebration.
A popular choice with celebrities, JJ Valaya’s Alika is a biker-meets-bolero hybrid that’s distinguished by its meticulous construction, refined workmanship and collarless silhouette. SVA By Sonam & Paras Modi gorgeous ivory lehenga is complemented with an equally extravagant Noor jacket that’s emblazoned with beads and sequins. Ritika Mirchandani gives an ultra-feminine twist with this floor-length cover-up seen on Ananya Panday. Pair your jacket with jeans for a brunch or layer it over a cocktail gown.
Cosy Up With Rich Fabrics
When you say “yes” to a bridal ensemble cut with a rich textile, you’re also saying “yes” to a warmer wedding outfit. Perfect for winter celebrations as well as its classic appeal, rich textiles are both, functional and elegant. Among the plethora of options including cashmere, Taffeta and soft wool, silk and velvet remain firm favourites. Slip on a silk piece such as the ivory Abhinav Mishra lehenga or Seema Gujral creation, and it won’t disappoint. Look like royalty in a velvet lehenga or anarkali by Sureena Chowdhri. Swap your dupatta with a wool or cashmere shawl.
