For those of you who are joyously recalling summer throwbacks, pining for your pimms and hoping for a heatwave - we feel you. Not ready to put your favourite summer dresses away for winter storage? With our styling hacks there’s no need; every piece of clothing can have its day once again!
Even the floatiest of florals can be made winter-worthy by following a few key steps; coats, layers, tights and boots.
Whether you prefer to stick to a classic, feminine silhouette or play with masculine cuts for a more fashion-forward look, there’s always a way to dress for winter and still let your dresses take centre stage.
Read on for our top tips on how to wear a dress in winter.
Embrace the Layering Trend
Cast your mind back to the winters of your earlier years and you’ll almost certainly have been advised to “wrap up warm”. The key to wearing your favourite dresses in winter is layering up. Contrast with a baggy knit or charm with a simple cardigan - but stay warm!
Layers are everything, and believe it or not there is actually a simple formula to follow to ensure you can layer up without overheating or worrying about restricting movement! We’ve got you covered; learn how here.
Bold & Beautiful
Accentuate a simple, plain dress with a brightly coloured or patterned jumper.
Bold might not be your forte, but once you master the art of layering, you will be looking at ways in which you can change-up every outfit. A cropped jumper compliments both a long floaty dress and a tight ankle grazer, all the while creating the illusion of height.
Where to begin if you’re wondering how to wear long dresses in winter? Find that staple dress, make it a statement piece and build an outfit around it for an eye-catching look to combat the winter blues. Don’t forget the accessories!
Chic Cardigan
Bold and eclectic not your style? There’s no harm in reaching for a classic. A charming, feminine cotton cardigan is a great piece to have to hand to add a delicate finishing touch to your look.
Oversized cardigans have been welcomed in recent years and can be worn with a belt too, to hug your figure. Don’t worry; these looks are anything but frumpy!
Choosing a shorter cardigan with a longer dress, or a longer cardigan with a shorter dress gives a great variety but also highlights your figure. Plain block coloured cardi’s work beautifully with a patterned dress, and similarly a bold coloured cardigan will bring to life a muted, more plain dress.
Belt Up
Speaking of accessorising with a belt, accentuate your waist by adding a decorative belt to an oversized dress too.
You can team with a high neck dress, or add a cosy touch to a pencil or bodycon dress; this versatile piece is a handy addition to your wardrobe.
If you’re wondering how to wear a midi dress in winter, we absolutely love the midi dress and belt combo - perfect for the cooler months! Choosing a consistent block colour will elongate your figure, and the contrast of the belt will draw the eye in. Incorporate some colour through accessories and choose mid length boots to finish the look.
Choose the Right Winter Coat for your Dress
Winter (and even Spring) weather can be very unpredictable, so finishing your look with the right coat means you can be on-trend and comfortable at the same time.
What length of coat should I wear with my dress?
It’s traditionally been accepted that you should try and choose a coat the same length, or longer, than your choice of dress - and this is an easy rule to follow when choosing a coat.
However, modern trends play with the length of coat and jacket lines to contrast and highlight hemmed dresses and skirts; for example, a ruffled edge peeking out from under a trench coat. Not forgetting that a cropped jacket or blazer can lend a completely different twist to a dress (though you may want to save these for warmer months!)
The point is - your dress, your rules. Wear your coat to cover your dress or make it a statement, the choice is yours.
Classic Trench
A classic mac trench coat is a piece everyone should have in their wardrobe.
The ideal winter-to-summer coat, wearing your best winter dresses with a trench coat means you can layer up underneath during cooler weather and if you pick a waterproof design, look chic even during those endless showers.
Experiment with a variety of lengths of dresses and add boots to give you that extra protection if the weather turns.
Furry Friend
Floaty, feminine outfits can be finished perfectly with a touch of texture. Suede, denim and cord all work well when paired with lighter dress fabrics and are a great choice for autumn months. As we progress into cooler months you might find yourself craving deeper texture for a cosy feel.
Choosing a jacket like this Teddy coat with a dress provides a soft and snuggly layer for warmth and style. When it comes to nailing that luxe winter dress style, you simply can’t go wrong with this look.
And who doesn’t want to look this cute?
Sports Luxe
Ok, so a padded jacket may not be the first thing you think of when you picture your pretty dress - but hear us out; the Athleisure trend gives your smarter items a more casual feel. Plus, you’ll always be warm (and smug). You’re welcome.
You can mix and match your look even further by adding a sporty hat and mixing a patterned dress with block neutral colours.
Blazer Coat
Stylish, sophisticated, and subtle; every woman needs a traditional double-breasted coat in their collection.
Smart and warm at the same time, it’s the perfect coat to wear with a formal dress. The slight masculine cut to these coats works beautifully in contrast with a dress for a polished look.
Consider the length and weight when choosing a blazer. Some blazers can be sheer and light material whereas a wool mix or tweed style is perfect for the cooler days. Blazer patterns such as houndstooth, check or pinstripe really compliment a neutral dress, whereas a velvet monotone blazer crowns a patterned dress in the classiest of finishes.
Protect your Legs from the Cold with the Right Pair of Tights
Bare legs in winter is never a good look, do we all agree? Goose pimples need no longer be a winter fashion accessory now there are so many dresses to wear with tights.
Tights can really make a fashion statement, with bold designs, responsible fabrics and various levels of thickness to warm up an outfit in the winter months.
Choosing which tights and dresses to pair is all about balance - considering how much skin is on show in comparison to the weight or density of the tights.
Colour Block
Investing in a few pairs of vibrant opaque tights means you can easily transform any dress into a winter look. You want to go for tights that are a reasonable thickness. Add a gorgeous pop of colour under a knee length or midi dress to enhance a wintery look.
Available in a range of colours, these tights add a bold and bright touch to your style. They’re anything but boring!
Sheer Nude
Some dresses, however much you’d like to pair them with a warm winter tight, just work better with the bare-leg effect. This style of tights works well when you want to emerge from the layers and expose a bit more skin without freezing! Great if you’re set on a glitzy number for the Christmas party
Choosing a pair of nude tights protects your pins from cooler temperatures while preserving that ‘barely-there’ look.
Always aim to match the colour of the tights with the skin tone of your legs for a seamless look, and wear with a closed toe pair of shoes.
Pretty Polkas
Tights don’t have to be boring. Choosing a pair with a pattern or design works beautifully to enhance a simpler dress. Polka dots are such a cute design, and stand out the best when worn under a plain dress rather than layering the pattern. When the polka dots are smaller in design they can offer a slimming, lengthening effect on the leg!
Add a touch of fun and put a pair in your handbag to change daytime casual to night-time style.
Sexy Stockings
Tights might make your outfit look great, but they aren’t the sexiest item in your wardrobe. Make yourself feel a little bit special by swapping tights for hold-ups. Nobody else will know, but you’ll feel like a sultry siren.
Don’t just leave these for a special occasion; opting for hold-ups with a neutral colour and plain finish is ideal for an office look, or choose a cheeky pair with a seam detail on the rear for date night.
Pick Practical Winter Shoes
“What shoes do I wear with dresses in winter” we hear you ask? You can turn almost any dress into a winter look by adding a pair of boots. Winter dresses with boots symbolise the perfect blend of femininity and practicality.
Choose one of these classic styles to turn your summer stunners into winter wonders.
Cowboy Heel
It’s a well-known fact that cowboy boots make every summer dress look adorable - even in the winter.
A simple black design gives you maximum outfit choices and looks great when paired with a pair of tights.
Or if you prefer more earthy tones, choose a patterned dress and brown classic boots combo. Boho accessories such as large earrings and a chunky necklace add a warm and artistic look.
Biker Beauties
Adding a touch of grunge to your look is a great way to extend your summer dresses into the winter season.
A pair of comfy biker boots look best when worn with a floral or floaty summer dress - the contrast just works. Trust us.
Don’t forget your tights!
Chunky Chelsea’s
Everyone loves a chunky pair of boots in the winter, and a black pair of Chelsea’s work with any dress. Because of their versatility, you needn’t look far when searching for dresses to wear with boots and tights.
Sling a cardi over a floral dress and add your trusty Chelsea’s for a casual look. Or for our personal favourite, choose a slim fitting jumper dress and accessorise with a wide brimmed hat and some high top black chelsea boots. This girl’s got somewhere to be!
You don’t have to wait for summer, or even spring, to show off your favourite dresses. With the right layering and accessories, you can make any dress a winter favourite.
You won’t need to go off in search of warm winter dresses. We don’t know about you, but suddenly our wardrobes feel full of new outfit ideas. So go on, get playful and wear your dress in winter for a cosy and feminine upgrade to your collection.
Put your look together with our wide range of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories.
