Wool is a really good choice. You can get knit merino wool at a lot of online shops for a reasonable price and variety of colors. You can probably also find wool suiting material in wovens, but usually with less color options. If you're making a dress, a light or medium weight wool suiting should be reasonable, but light weight might have nicer drape on the sleeves.

I have used a linen/rayon blend for a dress that looked kinda formal too. I think going with a solid dark color, or subtle pattern will look the most formal. While not as warm as wool, if you aren't outside for the wedding then layering a jacket over and warm tights or leggings under (along with your long sleeves) should be enough to keep you comfortable.

One thing to keep an eye out for is polyester. I made a polyester crush velvet dress for Christmas a few years ago and it was way too hot! I got sweaty under the dress and it stank before the end of the night.

I think you're asking about fiber, not fabric or weave. Natural fibers are generally warmer than synthetics and provide more insulating properties, while still "breathing". If you're taking the time and trouble to hand craft a beautiful garment use the best fabric first and the simplest pattern second.

Kommt sehr auf deinen persönlichen Stil an. Grundsätzlich würde ich z.B. einen Rock aus Walk, Cord, Sweat, Jeans NICHT füttern. Das bringt bzgl Wärme nix und trägt sich auch nicht gut.

Ein Rock aus Walk wird sehr warm! Außerdem beult das Material eher aus.

Hast du schon einen Schnitt? Wenn du uns ein Foto zeigst, kann man die Stoffwahl besser beurteilen

Der Anwendungszweck schreit für mich ehrlich gesagt nach einem Wollstoff (wenn es keine reine Wolle ist, sondern z. B. nur 80 %, ist das auch okay.). Der Unterrock dient weniger der Abwehr von Kratzigkeit, sondern eher dazu, dass dein Rock nicht an der Strumpfhose (= den Beinen) klebt, sondern manierlich fällt und gleitet. Der Stoff dafür sollte eine eher rutschige, glatte Oberfläche haben. Und ja, er kann natürlich auch als zusätzliche, wärmende Schicht dienen.

Ich nehme Sweat und trage Thermoleggings/-strumpfhosen. Dann ist mir komplett warm und nicht nur am Oberschenkel (je nach Länge)

Ich hab noch keinen genäht, aber secondhand welche gekauft und die waren aus dickem Wollstoff mit einem Unterrock aus irgendwas, was nicht kratzt. Wolle im Allgemeinen ist enorm warm.

Ich habe mir einen aus beerenfarbener gekochter Wolle genäht, ohne Futter. Liebe das Teil und freue mich jeden Winter drauf den zu tragen. Schnittmuster war ein freestyle Glocken-/Bahnenrock aus dem Natron und Soda Forum (kennt das noch wer?).

Bei der Materialauswahl würde ich ein bisschen darauf achten, ob es zu deinem Alltag passt. Nervt wenn man das Material dann immer in die Reinigung bringen muss oder wie bei mir die Wäsche gefühlt einen halben Tag und das trockenen eine Woche dauert. Deshalb trage ich ihn mittlerweile seltener als ich will.

Think this greatly depends on how mild or how brutal the winter in your part of the world is.

I live in Copenhagen, and have several pieces from Arc’teryx and Goldwin that I pull out for the winter months.

1930's double breasted, black, peak lapel, 6 button overcoat. Reaches well below the knee. About 1-2 cm thick, 100% wool. Best thing I've ever worn in my life.

I have a Dale of norway sweater, its a wool sweater with a bold statement to say the least 😬😬 its very warm tho

Camel hair greatcoat

I live in the UK and wear Patagonia Nano Puff, Barbour Duke, Ashby and Border, and adidas terrex gore-tex trainers in winter.

Oh, and perhaps most importantly Heat Holders hats and gloves.

Not particularly fashionable at all, but deffo keeps me warm.

Technical (wicking) base layer: cheap "cool pro" shirt from big box store $5. Sweat is the enemy.

Microfleece thermal layer: old navy fleece jacket $20.

Wind/water-proof shell: Columbia rain jacket on sale at TJ Maxx for $20

Wool hat: dunno, random thrift store find. $1

Wool convertible gloves/mittens: splurged and got these for $10 on amazon.

Wool scarf made by a friend.

Wool pea coat another thrift store find. $5

Wool "church" pants thrift store $2

Wool hiking socks (2 layers): $15

I've slept out in a field in below freezing with this get up and been pretty toasty.

Leather, Wool and polypro.

Leather wind break

Wool outers

Polypro inners

Sure it's heavier, but it lasts a damn lot longer even when ur rough on it

Layers and a carhartt jacket

CARHARTT INSULATED OVERALLS

It depends, wet cold or dry cold? Wet cold then synthetic (primaloft) filled jackets. Dry cold then down filled. Base layers of merino wool or synthetic. Always a wind proof layer as that's the real cold that kills you.

Colorful coats, ponchos and capes. Black coats have their place but, I’m much more of a fan of the colors and textures. On warmer colder days, I can get away with just wearing a poncho or cape instead of a full coat.

Cashmere sweaters. I wear them to work and around the house.

I also would say a stylish wool jacket for me, but I’m in the PNW so it doesn’t get quite as cold. I’m not sure if that’s a staple for where you are temperature wise.

Layering is essential! I swear by Uniqlo heattech as a base layer and then wool/cashmere sweaters. They aren't super bulky but keep you warm. Then a sleek wool coat (such as in camel, black, or grey) can make an outfit look put together along with a nice pair of boots (over the knee or knee high) and statement scarf!

I wear a cuddl duds bodysuit under almost every outfit. It really makes a difference and is sold at a reasonable price point.

I agree it’s hard to be fashionable up north! I don’t wanna expose my ankles!! Wide leg styles let too much cold air on my precious legs! Put a scarf on it!

It’s a combination I wear a lot in winter!

Lace trimmed camisoles under V neck sweaters, warm tights, and realizing that if you arent using public transportation you arent usually outside and trying to look cute for more than 5 minutes at a time. I stopped doing a lot of layering and just got a couple of coats for the various weather to put over things I like to wear inside. Being sweaty inside your coat is the worst.

Dressing to wait for the bus/train is a different story.

Im not sure what available in Europe, I’m sorry! I’m also in no means a cashmere expert. I just buy what looks good and cross my fingers.

I usually cheat and wear a cropped lace modesty panel thing from Amazon unless the sweater is itchy. Something like these. Soma used to sell bras with lace panel too to cover cleavage. Its definitely hard to find the high cut ones! If you want a little Edwardian glam search for "lace high neck dickie". Im not sure what I'd wear them with but they're kind of fabulous.

Not the original commenter, but I've gotten these gorgeous camis from ASOS with organza trim at the top as well as some with lace, they're sturdy, affordable, and they don't look too casual for the workplace! Kind of biased toward the organza ones for work though to be honest.

I have an Eddie Bauer winter coat that I've been wearing for 25+ years. I've also had good luck with LL Bean and Marmot.

Maybe instead of the brand look more for the materials of the garment. Cotton isnt gonna cut it. Merinowool or new wool doesnt itch and keeps you warm. A 50/50 mix of wool and some artificial material is a classic military approach for durability.

Dont forget about layering either. The air between insulating layers keeps you warmer than just a 'tshirt and heavy parka' approach.

My preference is Patagonia, but for construction, Carhartt would be better

https://wornwear.patagonia.com

https://www.thenorthfacerenewed.com

Links that I wish I new about sooner.

Carhartt.

I saw a meme the other day that made me laugh, it said "everybody wants to wear Carhartt, until its time to do Carhartt shit."

Try waxed cotton for jackets and coats! It's long lasting and less breathable than plain cotton. And it can be rewaxed years from now, if need be. Also waterproof/water resistant.

As for sweaters I try to buy second hand.

Layers of cotton and linen work fine. I'm vegan but use secondhand animal products as they do not encourage the industry and wools really work a charm, how would you feel about that?

I agree with others suggesting cotton flannel. Bonus points if it’s organic cotton! People are often surprised to discover that silk is incredibly warm. Of course, it isn’t vegan, but perhaps you’d be comfortable buying it secondhand?

I wish you good luck and a cozy winter!

Layers of cotton clothing work

Tencel or modal fleece and French terry - divine level softness and great heat regulation (still not level of wool, but good). Cotton flannel...I am not sure about brands in the EU.

I noticed you mention a dehumidifier- that’s a good option as they add heat too, as well as increasing your perception of warmth. I use one in the winter at home. I’d probably look for a small camping/van space heater, too, at least for some of the time. Otherwise you’re likely to be absolutely miserable and everything be cold and damp all the time.

Depending on the size of the van, look for a way to partition off the bed (maybe a curtain or bed tent or something) to make a smaller area to trap some warmth. Guess wouldn’t be needed in a really small van.

I believe there’s at least one subreddit for van living, so probably people there will have some good advice.

For your actual question - my thick thermal socks from M&S and cheap fleece hat, are the bees knees for feeling cosy. My “snuggy” wearable blanket thing is also super toasty, and being in a van you don’t have to be super lightweight right?

I have a couple of fleecy jackets from Mountain Warehouse i got in the sale. One is thin, for summer/autumn really but works great with layering. The other is sherpa lined like my snuggy and much warmer.

A foam mattress topper on top of whatever bed you have will probably help.

If you have EHU I find a heated throw is brilliant. Wrap it round your shoulders in the evening, throw it over the top of your sleeping bag at night

Honestly the issue of vans in winter is more awkward than appropriate clothing because over time everything gets cold, and damp from condensation which is the biggest issue.

However you are not asking for cheap ways to insulate vans or deal with living in them in the winter in the UK.

Personally I would want a 4 season bag, ample insulation for the bed you are on (if on a mattress), and insulation on the sides where you might come into contact with the metal of the van.

You will want fingerless gloves, hat(s), merino socks, thermal leggings and tops, likely a buff would be good too.

This way you can have a layer to keep you warm in addition to the sleeping bag.

The other approach is to use a liner in the bag and sleep with less on, but that's a personal choice.

You will want multiples of everything, because of the dampness, and you will want a way to dry out clothes.

Good luck (van life in winter unless you escape to south coast is not very fun if it is not setup for it).

Hot water bottles. Big ones for in your lap, small ones to carry around, long ones to warm the bed. Good luck.

Get a decent hat that will cover your ears, one that can breathe.

The mantra in outdoor activities is that cotton kills. It's heavy and sucks heat out of you when wet or sweaty...which is why it's a good summer fabric. Wool is really the best option if you need warmth.

Corduroy or cotton velveteen are nice, some have better drape than other so check before buying. Flannel comes in multiple weights and is good for dresses.

A knit fabric would be nice, I have one and it sits so nicely

I just made a dress in a French Terry that is nice and warm! A sweater knit would also be good :)