Winter is the time of year when you turn to dress up in a range of warm clothes and layers, and this is perfect for allowing you to experiment with a wide range of styles, outfits, and clothing types.
Too many of us assume that winter has to automatically equal bulky jeans and jackets and that we must put our cute dresses to one side – but this is not the case.
To help you make the most of winter style, we have put together the ultimate guide to styling your dresses in winter, allowing you to look sleek and stylish while remaining cozy and warm
How To Style Dresses In Winter
1. Pair Dresses With Tights And Leggings
If you are looking for a way to stay warm while rocking a cute dress, then thermal tights or leggings are a must-have.
They will keep you warm as they wick away moisture from your skin, whilst also keeping your legs nice and toasty!
As an added bonus, a pair of bold black tights can add a dramatic statement to any outfit, especially when paired with bright, bold colors.
Try adding a slip or extra thin layer under your dress – thermals can be great and often smooth out your silhouette, leaving you feeling warm and looking great.
Layers can also be added in the other direction; a simple black cardigan can be worn under any outfit, adding an extra layer of warmth without being too heavy.
A cardigan or jumper over a dress can also be a great way to achieve a more casual feel, whilst still maintaining your sense of style and keeping you warm and cozy!
Alternatively, why not try a classic, tailored blazer; this allows you to combine the comfort of a dress with a smart, classic look, and is perfect if you need your outfit to take you from the coffee shop to work!
3. Get Creative With Accessories
Accessorizing is key when it comes to dressing in cold weather, so why not go all out? A scarf, hat, gloves, or even a beanie will take your outfit from basic to fabulous.
The best thing about these accessories is that they can be easily swapped around to suit whatever outfit you’re wearing, and can be just what you need to set off the details in your dress.
Accessories are the icing on the cake – and what better way to finish off your outfit during the dreary winter months than by adding some sparkle?
From glittery scarves to metallic jewelry, there are endless ways to accessorize your outfits and create some extra oomph.
This is especially true during the darker months, when you may want to wear more muted colors and stick to neutrals, but the addition of a pop of color can really lift your look.
If you want to keep things chic and cool, then opt for a single piece of jewelry such as a chunky necklace or bracelet.
This will give your outfit some oomph, whilst keeping it simple and elegant.
Try and work with the details of your dress; a high neckline will work well with statement earrings or a scarf, while a lower cut neckline is a great chance to show off a stunning necklace.
4. Add A Pop Of Color
When it comes to dressing in the colder months, it is tempting to opt for blacks and grays – but this only makes winter more depressing!
If you want to stand out in a crowd, then choose a vibrant shade like red, orange, or yellow, and give yourself a chance to cheer up, even when the weather is miserable.
5. Try Turtlenecks Under Dresses
Turtlenecks are a classic staple of winter fashion, and they can be worn underneath almost everything.
Whether you opt for a plain white turtleneck, or a patterned one, they can transform a spring or summer dress into something suitable for winter; not only does this keep you warm, but it is also a great way to make your outfits work harder, and allow you to get multiple looks out of a single dress!
6. Choose Sweater Dresses
Sweater dresses are perfect for those long, chilly days, as they provide plenty of coverage and warmth.
For maximum comfort, opt for a warm material such as wool or cashmere, and team with knee-high boots to keep you warm, and pull your look together. Which brings us to the next point…
7. Choose Your Shoes Wisely
One of the key tricks to rocking a winter dress is choosing the right shoes – and most of the time, you cannot go wrong with a good pair of boots.
Boots come in many different styles and shapes, so try to find ones that fit comfortably, and have a heel height that suits your personal style.
Opting for a flat shoe will help you to avoid slipping if you decide to venture outside in the snow and ice, and knee-high boots add instant glamor, while still keeping your legs warm and toasty.
As an alternative, why not opt for chunky black ankle boots with a knee-length dress for a rock-chick look; this can be a great way to make a serious statement, and looks incredible paired with bold black tights.
8. Have A Strong Coat Game
The old adage goes that if you give a woman the right pair of shoes, she will be able to take on the world – and the same applies to coats.
Your coat or jacket is one of the most important factors in your outfit, and needs to be warm, comfortable, and practical, while still helping you feel great – and if you feel great, you will look incredible.
When shopping for a new coat, always remember that you don’t necessarily need to spend thousands of pounds; instead, invest in quality materials, and select a design that fits your body shape perfectly.
For the best results, choose a coat that comes to just above the hem of your dresses – this will help you to look tailored, polished, and together, and opt for a material that compliments your outfit, and will last for years to come.
A great coat is an investment, so have fun exploring and enjoying the process.
9. Make The Most Of Scarves
Scarves are another essential piece of winter clothing, and there are so many ways to wear them. Scarves can be used to cover your neck, or wrapped around your shoulders, and can be worn over a top, or tucked inside a blouse.
They can be worn alone, or combined with other accessories, and can easily be styled up or down depending on what you are wearing.
The trick to styling scarves is to ensure that they complement your outfit, so take some time to consider the color, material, and structure of your dress, ensuring that your scarf is a perfect fit.
In addition to being stylish, scarves can also be useful when it comes to staying warm and cozy and adding extra layers to your outfit.
10. Add Some Sparkle
Winter is all about dressing up, but sometimes we forget how much fun it can be to play with our outfits.
Adding a little bit of glitter, sequins or studs can transform any simple outfit into something special, and this can be a great way to jazz up a plain dress during the cooler months when the weather tends to be darker and less cheerful.
Whether you want to add a pop of color to your look, or simply add a hint of glamor, having a few pieces of jewelry on display is a fantastic way to jazz up your look.
How To Choose The Right Dress
There are so many things to consider when buying a dress, and whether you’re looking for a formal occasion or a more casual day out, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the choices available.
However, if you know what you want, then you’ll be able to narrow down your options quickly and easily and find exactly what you’re after.
Here are ten tips to help you pick the perfect dress:
Think About Where You Plan To Wear It
The first thing to consider is where you are going to wear the dress; this will have the largest impact on the style and color that you opt for.
If you’re planning on wearing a dress at work, you might not want to go for a bright red, strapless number, as this is unlikely to fit in with the dress code – but the same outfit will give you the wow factor on a girls night out.
Take care to make sure that the dress fits the occasion; for work or formal settings, stick to neutral colors like black, white, or gray, or even pastel shades such as pink or lilac.
These colors won’t draw attention away from your face and will blend in well with your office environment.
For a wedding or celebration, you can go for something looser and more elegant, while they look for a casual get-together or a beach holiday will be different yet again.
By taking the time to consider the nature of your event, you will make sure that you look amazing no matter the occasion – and trust us, there is absolutely a dress for any setting!
Consider Your Body Type
The next consideration when choosing the right dress is to consider your body type and shape – we are all different in this category.
Some of the main types of body shapes include:
Hourglass
If you have an hourglass figure, you may want to avoid dresses that are too tight across the chest area, as these will accentuate your bustline.
Other than this, you should opt for a dress that nips in at the waist, and allows you to show off your sleek hourglass shape – if you are self-conscious or worried that this may look too informal, opt for a floatier material or size up to ensure that the result is not too skin tight.
Rectangle
This is the most common body shape and is usually associated with a curvy figure. A dress that is fitted through the hips and thighs will flatter a woman who has a larger frame.
Avoid dresses that are too short, as they are likely to highlight your legs rather than your upper half.
Apple
A pear-shaped figure is often associated with a smaller bustline, and a fuller bottom half. This means that you need to choose a dress that sits higher on the hip line, and that hits just below the knee.
You don’t want to go for something too tight around the waist, as this could emphasize your tummy area.
Petite
As its name suggests, a petite figure is small in stature, and therefore requires a dress that is shorter in length.
The ideal length for a dress would be mid-thigh, which will allow you to show off your legs, without worrying about the garment drowning a more petite frame.
You should also avoid anything overly baggy, as this can make you look swamped and messy – not the ideal look for a business casual vibe.
Choose A Color Palette
Once you’ve decided what kind of dress you want, it’s time to think about the color scheme. There are two main schools of thought regarding color choices for winter outfits: neutrals and bold hues.
Neutrals
For a simple, classic look, try going for a dress in a neutral shade of gray, brown, cream, or tan.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with a darker tone – this can add a touch of elegance or sophistication, and so can be perfect for more formal events.
Bold Hues
For a statement look, you can opt for a bright color – reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows are all great options that can really help to cheer up a drab and dreary winter’s day and help you to look and feel your very best.
The most important thing when choosing a color palette is to opt for a shade that really suits you, and brings out your best attributes and assets.
If you have no idea where to start, consider booking an appointment with a personal shopper to help you find your perfect shades.
Go For Accessories
Never underestimate the power of accessories in creating the ideal look; they play an important role in making any outfit look complete.
They can transform a plain black dress into a chic ensemble, and give a basic white sweater dress some interest and personality.
Look out for interesting patterns, textures, and colors, and pair them with other items from the same collection.
When choosing necklaces and earrings, consider the neckline of your dress.
For example, if you plan to wear a plunging neckline, then you’ll probably want to stick with delicate pieces such as chokers and pearl necklaces.
However, if you’re planning to wear a high neck, then you may want to opt for a focus on the earrings.
Final Thoughts
When styled correctly, the right dress can be a must-have element of your winter wardrobe; and with our ultimate guide, you have everything you need to create a stunning style every time.
Hi, my name is Jenna Reign and I have teamed up with my best friend, Sam, to deliver you all of the style secrets to help you stay ahead of the trends. We both met in fashion school and have been inseparable ever since!
Despite our deep love for fashion, even we found it difficult navigating our closets when trying to leave the house for the first time since the pandemic was announced. Were the trends still evolving, or did they get put on hold like the rest of the world?
