Que porter par-dessus une robe de cocktail ?

This article is for you if you're attending a wedding in the fall or winter. As the weather cools, your guest attire needs a seasonal refresh—including your dress , shoes, and accessories. But the jacket? That's absolutely crucial. There's nothing worse than braving cold weather at a wedding or outdoor event without anything to throw over your shoulders. Or, even worse, opt for an ill-suited jacket that looks completely out of place and ruins your entire look. Fear not—it doesn't have to be that way. Here's a comprehensive list of fantastic outerwear options to pair with your dress for the upcoming wedding or formal event. Remember to factor in the dress code when choosing one of these chic toppers.

Special occasions don't come around often, giving us the rare chance to showcase a glamorous outfit. That's why we plan our look well in advance, meticulously choosing every detail—from the shoes to the perfect hair accessories.

Yet, we often overlook one important factor: the unpredictability of the weather. When the big day arrives and, instead of sunshine, the sky is cloudy, with a chill in the air, it can throw a wrench in our plans. While we're usually prepared for such surprises during fall or winter, how do we stay warm on a cool spring or summer day without compromising our elegant look?

Here's how to strike the perfect balance between comfort and style for those unexpectedly chilly moments.

Classic Choices: Bolero, Shawl, Jacket

A bolero, in its classic sense, is a cropped jacket without closures. It can feature long or short sleeves, and the style you choose should complement your body type. For fuller arms, go for a design with wide sleeves. To accentuate the décolletage area, opt for open-front boleros with delicate detailing that draws attention to the neckline. If you want to emphasize a slim waist, select a length that ends mid-back. Conversely, for problem areas in this region, a looser bolero that falls to the middle of the back is a better choice.

When it comes to color, you can choose either a contrasting hue or a tone that matches your cocktail dress. The embellishments should complement the overall outfit. As for materials, lace or fur are timeless options, and today's designers offer such innovative takes that your look will be anything but dull or outdated.

Shawl
If anyone tells you that shawls are outdated, irrelevant, or reminiscent of mothballs, feel free to question their sense of style. Shawls have always been a timeless addition to cocktail dress attire. The only way this accessory could ruin an outfit is if it's poorly chosen or improperly styled.

The key factor is texture. For romantic outfits, opt for a light, airy shawl made of chiffon or silk. Draping it over your shoulders and securing it with a brooch can elevate your look. For heavier fabrics, consider lace for contrast or satin for a polished finish.

Cardigan
A controversial choice. If you plan to remove it immediately upon entering the venue, much like a jacket, then a cardigan might work. However, if you'll be spending significant time outdoors among elegantly dressed guests, think twice. Long cardigans rarely pair well with any cocktail dress style, even a fitted sheath dress. Wearing one could give the impression that you were taking out the trash before the event and forgot to take it off.

Ultimately, it's up to each individual to decide what to wear and where. However, there are certain rules and dress codes for formal occasions, along with concepts of etiquette and appropriateness to consider.

Winter might seem like the worst time for a fashionista — low temperatures force us to hide in thick, warm, comfortable clothing. The question of what kind of outerwear to wear over dresses on formal occasions is particularly troublesome. What to drape over bare shoulders to remain elegant and not look ridiculous? At Joy Pup, we have gathered beautiful combinations of outerwear and evening dresses that will keep you both stylish and warm at the same time.

With a Cardigan
Pairing an evening dress with a cardigan for winter is simple. This versatile, buttonless piece complements many cocktail dress styles, as long as you balance the length and shape. A long cardigan works well with relaxed dress silhouettes (such as sheath, balloon, A-line, or trapeze) that fall to mid-calf or midi length. A short cardigan pairs beautifully with mermaid-style dresses or those with a voluminous skirt.

With a Cape or Wrap
What should you wear with cocktail dresses in winter 2024? One of the most glamorous choices is a cape or wrap, exuding Hollywood elegance. Options include boleros, stoles, mantles, scarves, shawls, cropped jackets, or fur wraps, all of which perfectly complement flowing, sleeveless satin gowns. This accessory not only elevates your evening look but also helps to enhance your silhouette. Women with broad shoulders or a smaller bust might opt for fur wraps to balance proportions. For added sophistication, secure the ends of the cape or wrap it at the neckline or chest with a statement brooch.

With a Coat
The most comfortable outerwear to pair with a lace or crochet dress is a wool coat. Lace fabrics let in the chilly breeze, so it can be quite cold outdoors in such outfits. A long coat will save the day, and one with a fur trim will add an extra touch of glamour to your look. It pairs best with short evening or cocktail dresses but should be avoided with floor-length gowns. For milder weather, a silk coat or classic trench coat is an excellent choice.

With a Fur Coat
What outerwear should you wear with an evening dress to look like a million bucks? A beautiful fur coat, of course. This choice often sparks ethical debates, so when searching for warm outerwear for an evening outfit, consider a faux fur coat as a stylish and cruelty-free alternative.

With a Sweater
What dresses can you wear in winter with a sweater? Opt for straight-cut maxi dresses or those with flared, voluminous skirts, decorated with sequins, glitter, or lace. Choose a sweater in the same color as the cocktail dress to create a harmonious and romantic look. To make your figure appear a little taller, wear shoes in the same tone as the rest of your outfit.

With a Blazer
A blazer is the least formal style of a jacket. A cropped blazer with three-quarter sleeves looks great with a maxi dress. Long blazers can be paired with midi dresses featuring playful designs, adorned with feathers, fringe, or voluminous layers of fabric. Highlight your waist with a thin belt on the blazer — a look that street style icons are rocking in 2024. If the event is not too formal, you can play with contrasts and choose a bright-colored blazer to complement your evening outfit.

With a Jacket
A mini leather jacket paired with trendy cocktail dresses for winter 2024 adds an element of surprise and boldness to your look. Experiment with contrasting textures and colors, such as a black jacket with a romantic chiffon, tulle, or silk maxi dress. The most stylish outfits come together with metallic-colored evening gowns.

To avoid a fashion faux pas at a trendy party or formal dinner, it's important to know how to choose your outfit — for both women and men.

1.If you were invited to a soirée by phone, it's likely a more casual event. If the invitation is formal, you'll need to think more carefully about your outfit.
2.The material of the outfit should be chosen according to the season. Wool is ideal for colder seasons, while satin, silk, and similar fabrics are best for warmer weather.
3.If the event is on a weekend, opt for a bold silk or satin dress in an eye-catching color, paired with a lightweight shawl or wrap.
4.For cocktail parties, the dress shouldn't be overly voluminous. It's better to choose a fitted design. The cocktail dress may feature sequins, beads, embroidery, or delicate lace.
5.As for the length, it should be about 10 cm above the knee. Long dresses are not typically favored.
6.When selecting a cocktail dress, consider your age. A slim beauty under 25 can confidently choose a dress 15 cm above the knee, with a bright color and unique cut. For women between 25 and 35, there are no strict rules, but it's recommended to avoid neon colors and ultra-short mini dresses. Puffy skirts are also less appropriate. Women over 35 should focus on classic styles, with timeless tones and lengths.

It's also essential to know how to choose the right clothing based on the type of event.

Business Dinner: First and foremost, business dinners and meetings are often held at restaurants, where you need to look as professional and presentable as possible.

For women, a dark dress without a revealing neckline or high slits is appropriate. Jewelry should be minimal: small earrings, a delicate necklace, or a simple bracelet. The dress can be a classic black, beige, gray, or navy, but not bright colors. Choose a simple, straight, or fitted silhouette. For footwear, opt for traditional pumps with a small heel. Avoid stilettos, platform shoes, or any sporty options.

Social Soirees: A social event, such as a movie premiere or other informal outings, calls for dressier and more glamorous attire, so business attire would be inappropriate here.

For these types of events, mid-length dresses (knee-length or ankle-length) are ideal. You can accessorize with brooches, short fur coats, and shawls.

Footwear and Accessories: For cocktail dresses, open-toed heels are the best choice, and you can opt for ones with unique details. Black or cream are classic colors, but you can match colored shoes to colorful dresses. It's unacceptable to attend such an event without hosiery, even in hot weather. A woman's handbag should be small enough to carry only a few essentials. For a cool evening, a light shawl or a warm bolero will be a perfect addition.