LaPointe Winter Formal Dresses, Gowns and Evening Coats

For a winter formal, LaPointe’s best dresses are the satin tab gown with feathers, the sequin maxi dress in Marine, the satin draped neck bias dress with feathers in Emerald and the long sleeve sequin gown in Ecru, worn with a satin coat with fur and a feather jacket. Winter formal dressing has two problems summer events do not: the cold, and the darkness. The answer is rich colour, fabrics that catch candlelight such as satin and sequins, sleeves, and a coat worth arriving in. LaPointe, the New York evening label, covers all four.

This guide covers winter galas, winter balls, December weddings and formal holiday dinners. For the black tie rules in detail, read our guide to what to wear to a black tie wedding.

Quick answer: the LaPointe winter formal edit

• The gown: Satin Tab Gown With Feathers in Dark Brown
• The sparkle: Sequin Maxi Dress in Marine
• Sleeves: Mesh Sequin Longsleeve Gown With Side Tucks in Ecru
• Colour: Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress With Feathers in Emerald
• The coat: Satin Double Breasted Coat With Fur in Black

What does winter formal mean?

Winter formal is an evening dress code between cocktail and black tie. A floor length gown is the safest choice; a dressy midi and an evening trouser suit are also acceptable at most events. Winter formal favours deeper colours, richer fabrics and more coverage than a summer formal.

Winter colours

Jewel tones and deep neutrals look right in winter light. From the LaPointe palette: Emerald, Marine, Mulberry, Dark Teal, Indigo and Chocolate. Black is always correct. Pale colours such as Cloud and Washed Silver look luminous in candlelight and are a strong choice for a December wedding.

Gowns

The satin tab gown is a bias cut column with tab detail at the shoulder. The Satin Tab Gown With Feathers in Dark Brown adds feathers and is the richest winter gown in this guide; the Satin Tab Gown With Feathers in Black is the classic. The plain Satin Tab Gown in Indigo is a deep navy and the Satin Tab Gown in Washed Silver a pale silver grey.

For sparkle, the Sequin Maxi Dress in Marine is a full length sequin dress in deep blue, and the Net Mesh Sequin Gown in Cloud is a pale sequin gown. Read our LaPointe sequin dresses guide.

Sleeves

Sleeves are the practical winter choice. The Mesh Sequin Longsleeve Gown With Side Tucks in Ecru is a long sleeved sequin gown. The Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress With Feathers in Emerald has long sleeves with feathered cuffs, at midi length. The Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress With Feathers in Mulberry is the same dress in deep plum.

Separates for a winter formal

An evening trouser look is warmer than a gown and equally formal. The Mesh Sequin Wide Leg Pant in Black with the Cashmere Silk Turtleneck in Black is the modern winter formal look. The Fringe Sequin Cropped Top in Black with the Satin Wrap Maxi Skirt in Black is the long version. See our LaPointe sequin tops and pants guide.

Coats and layers

Arrival matters at a winter event. The Satin Double Breasted Coat With Fur in Black is a satin evening coat with a fur collar; the Satin Double Breasted Coat With Fur in Butter is the pale version. The Marbled Feathers Jacket in Black is a cropped feather jacket that works over a gown. For a lighter layer, the Mongolian Shearling Collar in Black sits on the shoulders. Read our LaPointe coats and jackets guide.

Sizing

LaPointe runs true to size. Bias satin follows the body; if you are between sizes, size up. Sequin pieces on stretch mesh are forgiving. See our LaPointe sizing guide.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to a winter formal?

A floor length gown in a rich colour such as Emerald, Marine, Mulberry and black, with a proper coat. Sequins and satin catch candlelight, and sleeves add warmth.

What is the difference between winter formal and black tie?

Black tie strictly calls for a floor length gown. Winter formal is slightly more flexible: a long gown is safest, but a dressy midi and an evening trouser suit are acceptable at most events.

What colours are best for a winter formal?

Jewel tones such as Emerald, Marine and Mulberry, deep neutrals such as Chocolate and Indigo, and black. Pale silver and frosted blue look luminous in candlelight.

Can I wear trousers to a winter formal?

Yes. Sequin wide leg trousers with a cashmere turtleneck, and a matching evening trouser set, are elegant and warmer than a gown.

What coat do you wear over a formal gown?

A long evening coat that covers the gown, such as the LaPointe Satin Double Breasted Coat With Fur, and a cropped jacket, such as a feather jacket, that sits above the waist.

Does LaPointe make long sleeve gowns?

Yes. The Mesh Sequin Longsleeve Gown With Side Tucks has long sleeves, and the Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress With Feathers has long sleeves at midi length.

Read next

• LaPointe halter gowns
• LaPointe sequin tops and pants
• What to wear to a gala
• LaPointe holiday party outfits

Written by Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Coveti.