What do I wear over my dress to a wedding?

[AsYou82]

I am early 40’s. I have a curvy size 12/14 figure, 5ft5. I am going to an autumn/winter U.K. wedding at a very nice venue. I imagine it’s going to be warm inside but might be outside moments or plunge to freezing suddenly 😄

I am planning to wear a fitted dark red (wine) dress, below knee length with a slight split to the knee. I don’t have a photo of it that’s useful to show it but it’s not spaghetti straps, wider straps. It is vaguely like a wiggle dress.

I am planning on wearing black heels with it with bare legs.

I’m getting stuck on what to wear on top. I get sweaty armpits at times, so I usually try to avoid things that are tight to my armpits or layers so I can take off if I get warm.

A cardigan feels frumpy? A long black duster style one?
A bolero? I don’t own one. What colour?
A black blazer? Is this too formal?

I don’t want to spend a fortune, happy to buy 2nd hand but really stumped!

I have recently been to a wedding and a nice cardi seemed to be acceptable- mostly thin ones though. And jackets.

Following as I have the same conundrum.

I wore a soft velvet jacket over my wedding dress - not blazer cut but from Monsoon in a style designed for evening wear. Deep purple which matched flowers etc.

Pashmina?

Similar to poster above I bought a second hand boden velvet coat- mine is knee length

The dress is velvet or I would but I worry I might look like a sofa 😆

How about a Chanel style, boucle jacket? You can get them in loads of colours and then wear with jeans or whatever afterwards.

Mango

Cape, pashmina, shrug, bolero top

Following as I have a similar dilemma.

I have a winter wedding, January so will likely be cold. Dress is navy, fitted and comes to below the knee.

Bolero/cardigan looks frumpy with it. Pashmina feels outdated (and probably isn't warm enough).

I'm thinking the best plan might actually be long navy wool coat. At least I would wear it again so don't mind spending a fair amount on it.

Out of stock but sounds like similar would look nice with your dress?

@GorgeousGoldies thanks, the black one is lovely. Maybe I can find something on a 2nd hand site

the idea I keep going back to is this long black thing but I also get ‘dressing gown’ vibes from it 😆

I was going to suggest a velvet cape/cloak or loose fitting velvet long jacket or ‘duster’ coat. Ive worn both to winter weddings but not had main outfit in velvet. Ive also worn a wool cape thing which I made using this pattern. It can easily be made with very little sewing skills. Its a Simplicity pattern number 9223. Its an old pattern but you may find one on one of the selling sites or a modern equivalent.

Its basically a rectangle of fabric with a cut to the centre.

This? https://www.zara.com/uk/en/satin-trench-coat-p08403260.html?v1=268188221&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvL-oBhCxARIsAHkOiu0V-sPJM_MMDF7yLrDZBZEc4sJS7OcS3q5LzHd34sUlHrd7J22WoeQaAjo1EALw_wcB

Although, your said the dress is velvet. I think you may need something a bit more substantial, in a thicker fabric

If you are going to be stood outside waiting for photos etc then I recommend a faux fur coat or wool. I froze my butt off at a wedding at the start of the year and vowed next time I'm wearing a coat! Lol

Cape?

www.vinted.co.uk/items/3499649323-black-cape 

Smart black coat?

www.vinted.co.uk/items/2479309146-black-wool-and-velvet-coat 

Bolero

www.vinted.co.uk/items/3499594225-black-velvet-bolero 

Faux fur coat especially as you aren't wearing tights and you don't have sleeves.
Are you wearing a slip under the dress?