How To Wear Dresses In Winter

Come colder weather, dress loving girls are faced with quite a few questions:

How do I wear a dress in winter and stay warm?

How do I wear a short sleeve or sleeveless dress in winter?

Can I wear a summer dress in winter?

What's with this dress-over-pants trend?

What shoes do I wear with a dress in winter?

There are several aspects to wearing a dress in winter, from getting the outer layers right to finishing off with the appropriate footwear. So without further ado, here's your complete guide to wearing dresses in winter and staying warm and toasty.

What Coat To Wear Over A Dress In Fall & Mild Winter

How To Wear A Wool Coat With A Dress

A wool coat is a classic outerwear option for chillier weather. It can be worn with any dress at any event. Don't fuss over matching the hemlines of your dress and your coat. In fact, mismatched hemlines (e.g. a mid-thigh coat over a maxi dress) can create an incredibly stylish and contemporary look. That said, a mid-length coat will work well with most dresses, from short to maxi.

As far as the color of your coat goes, neutral colors are traditionally most easy to match. So invest in a camel, nude, grey or black coat to complement any dress you have or may have in your wardrobe.

If wearing a dress alone is not enough to get all eyes on you, opt for a colored wool coat to wear over it. It can be a bright color, such as scarlet red or electric blue, or pastels, such as pale pink or baby blue. Though white is a neutral color, it is an unconventional choice for fall and winter, so go for it if you're looking to stand out in your coat and dress combination.

Women's Light Blue Coat, Black Wool Sheath Dress, Light Blue Suede Ankle Boots, Black Tights
Prove that nobody does smart like you by wearing a light blue coat and a black wool sheath dress. For maximum style points, complete your ensemble with a pair of light blue suede ankle boots.View Details
Women's Blue Coat, Burgundy Print Bodycon Dress, Black Suede Pumps, Black Wool Tights
This combination of a blue coat and a burgundy print bodycon dress is perfect if you want to feel confident in your getup. Give this outfit a hint of refinement by rocking black suede pumps.View Details
Women's Green Coat, Red Casual Dress, Black Fair Isle Scarf, Beige Sunglasses
This laid-back combination of a green coat and a red casual dress is very easy to pull together without a second thought, helping you look chic and ready for anything without spending a ton of time rummaging through your wardrobe.View Details
Women's Mustard Coat, Navy Knit Sweater Dress, Grey Suede Over The Knee Boots, Mustard Leather Satchel Bag
A mustard coat and a navy knit sweater dress are true essentials if you're planning a casual wardrobe that matches up to the highest style standards. Grey suede over the knee boots are a safe footwear style here that's full of character.View Details

What Coat To Wear Over A Dress In Winter

When wool coats no longer cut it in extreme winter weather, we resort to heavier options, such as puffers and shearling coats.

How To Wear A Dress With A Parka

For many young women, a down filled parka is a winter go-to coat. It's warm, practical and actually quite versatile. You can wear it with sweater dresses for an extra warm casual look or create a trendy contrast by combining a sporty parka with a lace or flowing silky dress.

How To Wear A Dress With A Puffer

At first glance, technical puffers and dresses do not go together. However, personal style and current fashion are all about unexpected pairings. So a down-filled jacket, whether it's lightweight or oversized, can create a stylish contrast and look beautifully and very on-trend when paired with a dress.

Women's Purple Puffer Coat, Blue Sweater Dress, Red Leather Ankle Boots, Black Print Leather Backpack
If you're on the lookout for a laid-back but also absolutely stylish ensemble, opt for a purple puffer coat and a blue sweater dress. Complement this look with red leather ankle boots for an instant style fix.View Details

How To Wear A Dress With A Fur Coat

If you prefer refined style from head to toe, you'll love the classic winter pairing of a dress and a fur coat. For smart occasions, such as going to the theatre or opera, there's no better and more appropriate look. For a more casual setting, the same look can be dressed down if completed with a winter-ready pair of sneakers or military boots.

Women's Beige Fur Jacket, Navy Silk Shift Dress, Black Leather Leggings, Silver Leather Loafers
One of our favorite ways to style a beige fur jacket is to team it with black leather leggings for a laid-back outfit. And if you need to effortlesslly ramp up your outfit with one single piece, why not complete your look with silver leather loafers?View Details

How To Wear A Dress With A Shearling Coat

A shearling coat balances between a parka and a fur coat in elegance and practicality. There are smart looking shearling coats and more casual, biker jackets on the market, but both types can be worn with dresses for a warm winter look.

Uma Thurman wearing Dark Brown Shearling Coat, White Maxi Dress, Beige Elastic Heeled Sandals
If you're searching for a casual but also totaly stylish ensemble, marry a dark brown shearling coat with a white maxi dress. Let your sartorial credentials truly shine by completing this getup with a pair of beige elastic heeled sandals.View Details
Women's Black and White Shearling Jacket, Charcoal Sweater Dress, Black Suede Over The Knee Boots, Olive Leather Crossbody Bag
You'll be amazed at how easy it is to pull together this laid-back look. Just a black and white shearling jacket worn with a charcoal sweater dress. When it comes to shoes, introduce a pair of black suede over the knee boots to this ensemble.View Details
Women's Black Shearling Jacket, Black Wool Maxi Dress, White Leather Low Top Sneakers
This combo of a black shearling jacket and a black wool maxi dress is great for casual situations. Finishing off with white leather low top sneakers is the simplest way to introduce a touch of casualness to your ensemble.View Details
Women's Black and White Shearling Jacket, Burgundy Shift Dress, Black Leather Over The Knee Boots
This combination of a black and white shearling jacket and a burgundy shift dress is hard proof that a simple casual ensemble can still look seriously chic. Our favorite of a countless number of ways to complete this getup is with a pair of black leather over the knee boots.View Details

How To Layer A Dress In Winter

What sets apart a true fashionista from other girls is her layering game. And in winter, there's plenty of room to show it off. Hone your layering skills and bring extra warmth to your winter dress by wearing one more item under or over it.

How To Layer A Shirt Under Your Dress

A classic shirt worn under a loose-fitting sweater dress makes for a great casual look with an elegant overtone. For an office environment, swap the chunky dress for a slim-fitted knit dress, and the same combo will work fine.

An even cooler way to smarten up your winter knitted dress is to wear a shirt dress with a longer hemline under it.

How To Style A Cardigan Over Your Dress

The easiest and most obvious way to make any dress winter-ready is to simply throw on a cardigan over it. After all, that's what the cardigan is designed for. Opt for a thin classic cut cardigan with buttoned front to wear over pencil dresses in a more formal workplace. Chunky open front cardigans, on the other hand, are great to finish off practically any dress in a casual look, from printed summer frocks to sexy bodycon dresses.

Women's Black Fluffy Open Cardigan, White and Black Horizontal Striped Bodycon Dress, Black Leather Oxford Shoes
If the situation allows a laid-back getup, you can rock a black fluffy open cardigan and a white and black horizontal striped bodycon dress. Finishing with a pair of black leather oxford shoes is a fail-safe way to infuse an extra touch of refinement into this ensemble.View Details
Sarah Jessica Parker wearing White and Black Check Cardigan, Black and White Polka Dot Fit and Flare Dress, Hot Pink Suede Pumps
A classic and casual combo of a white and black check cardigan and a black and white polka dot fit and flare dress is relevant in many different circumstances. Hot pink suede pumps work spectacularly well with this look.View Details
Women's Red Fair Isle Cardigan, Black Sequin Skater Dress, Beige Beanie
You're looking at the solid proof that a red fair isle cardigan and a black sequin skater dress are amazing when married together in an off-duty outfit.View Details

How To Wear A Sweater Over Your Dress

Cardigans are great, but if a cardigan over a dress becomes too basic for you, try the cool girl's way of layering a dress and throw on a pullover over it. This layering move is much easier than trying to find the right sweater to work under your dress, but the effect is no less impressing. A cable knit sweater layered over a satin cami dress or a chiffon maxi dress looks incredibly chic and makes your summer dresses that much more versatile.

How To Layer A Turtleneck or Pullover Under Your Dress

Say you don't like the sweater over the dress look for some reason. No problem, you can always make your dress warmer by wearing a sweater under it. In this case, some part of the sweater (the neckline, the sleeves, or the hem) should show from under the dress. That's why the most sensible combinations are turtlenecks paired with larger necklines or long sleeve pullovers paired with short sleeve dresses.

Women's Brown Fur Vest, White and Black Horizontal Striped Turtleneck, White Knit Sweater Dress, Burgundy Leather Knee High Boots
For a safe off-duty option, you can't go wrong with this pairing of a brown fur vest and a white and black horizontal striped turtleneck. To give this getup a dressier aesthetic, add a pair of burgundy leather knee high boots to the mix.View Details

How To Wear A Sleeveless or Short Sleeve Dress In Winter

Wearing a sleeveless or short sleeve dress in winter may seem a tricky task, but in reality the simple answer to this challenge is still layering. Amp up your look and winterize your sleeveless dress in a single style move, by adding a sweater to the mix. It can be a lightweight pullover, a thin turtleneck or a chunky knit sweater, layered over or under your dress.

What To Wear With An Overall Dress In Winter

The pinafore dress you loved to pair with tees and crop tops in the summer doesn't have to wait out the winter in the back of your closet. Wear it over turtlenecks and cable knit sweaters all winter long!

Women's Burgundy Turtleneck, Black Overall Dress, Burgundy Velvet Ankle Boots
Reach for a burgundy turtleneck and a black overall dress for a laid-back and stylish outfit. In the shoe department, go for something on the smarter end of the spectrum by slipping into burgundy velvet ankle boots.View Details
Women's White Knit Wool Turtleneck, Black Leather Overall Dress, Black Fur Heeled Sandals
If you're looking for a laid-back and at the same time seriously chic outfit, opt for a white knit wool turtleneck and a black leather overall dress. For something more on the sophisticated side to finish off your look, complete this outfit with a pair of black fur heeled sandals.View Details
Women's Navy Denim Overall Dress, White and Black Horizontal Striped Long Sleeve T-shirt, Tan Suede Ankle Boots, Black Leather Crossbody Bag
If you appreciate comfort above all, this combination of a navy denim overall dress and a white and black horizontal striped long sleeve t-shirt is for you. If you need to easily amp up your look with a pair of shoes, complete this ensemble with a pair of tan suede ankle boots.View Details

How To Wear A Cami Dress In Winter

A cami dress looks great as a layering piece in winter. Wear it over turtlenecks and long sleeve tops to add a flirty touch to your warm outfits.

Women's Red Velvet Cami Dress, Black Ruffle Long Sleeve Blouse, Black Suede Knee High Boots, Red Beaded Pendant
This off-duty pairing of a red velvet cami dress and a black ruffle long sleeve blouse can take on different nuances depending on how you style it. Black suede knee high boots are a winning footwear option that's also full of character.View Details
Women's Grey Cable Sweater, Black Tank Dress, Black Leather Ankle Boots, Beige Leather Satchel Bag
This casual pairing of a grey cable sweater and a black tank dress is extremely easy to pull together without a second thought, helping you look chic and prepared for anything without spending too much time going through your wardrobe. A cool pair of black leather ankle boots is the simplest way to add an extra touch of chic to this look.View Details
Women's White and Navy Horizontal Striped Crew-neck Sweater, Navy Cami Dress, White and Black Slip-on Sneakers, Black Sunglasses
Wear a white and navy horizontal striped crew-neck sweater and a navy cami dress to assemble an incredibly stylish and modern-looking laid-back ensemble. Get a little creative on the shoe front and dial down your look by rocking a pair of white and black slip-on sneakers.View Details
Women's Yellow Turtleneck, Dark Brown Leather Cami Dress, Olive Leather Clutch
A yellow turtleneck and a dark brown leather cami dress? This ensemble will make jaws drop and hearts stop.View Details

How To Pair A Sleeveless or Short Sleeve Dress With A Classic Shirt

A shirt is not as warm a layer as a sweater, but it looks great all year long and especially stylish when layered under a dress. Depending on the dress, you can rock the shirt-under-the-dress combo to work or play.

If you too have one of those weird short sleeve sweater dresses (seriously, what weather are they designed for?), you now know what to wear it with - a classic long sleeve collared shirt.

How To Wear A Shirtdress In Winter

A shirtdress is usually associated with summer. It doesn't mean, however, that you can't adapt it to winter. The same layering tricks apply. Wear a cardigan, a pullover, a cropped sweater or even a sweatshirt over the dress. Otherwise, layer a thin turtleneck under it. Take cues from street style stars and complement with jeans for maximum warmth!

Women's White and Black Horizontal Striped Turtleneck, Navy Plaid Shirtdress, Black Suede Mules, Grey Socks
This relaxed casual combination of a white and black horizontal striped turtleneck and a navy plaid shirtdress is extremely easy to pull together in no time, helping you look awesome and ready for anything without spending too much time going through your closet. Finishing with a pair of black suede mules is the simplest way to introduce some extra oomph to this ensemble.View Details
Women's Olive Trenchcoat, Dark Purple Open Cardigan, White Dress Shirt, Dark Brown Leather Leggings
You'll be amazed at how extremely easy it is to get dressed like this. Just an olive trenchcoat and dark brown leather leggings. Rounding off with burgundy suede over the knee boots is an effective way to bring a bit of glam to your outfit.View Details

How To Wear A Lace Dress In Winter

A lace dress is usually saved for special occasions and warmer months. Well, the ladies below prove that a lace dress can actually be a part of your casual winter wardrobe. Pair your dress with sweaters and pants because lace won't provide much warmth. What it will provide is texture and a new dimension to your winter looks.

How To Wear A Floral Dress In Winter

A rule of thumb to incorporating a floral dress into your winter lineup, is to go with darker colors, such as black, navy or burgundy, and stay away from traditionally summery colors, such as white, yellow or pastel shades.

Women's Beige Cable Sweater, Grey Floral Tulle Maxi Skirt, Black Leather Ankle Boots, Black Suede Fanny Pack
Go for a beige cable sweater and a grey floral tulle maxi skirt if you're on a mission for a look option for when you want to look laid-back and cool. As for the shoes, stick to a more classic route with black leather ankle boots.View Details
Women's Black Floral Shift Dress, Brown Suede Over The Knee Boots, Tan Leather Bucket Bag
Consider wearing a black floral shift dress for a comfortable outfit that's also put together. Go for a pair of brown suede over the knee boots and you're all done and looking fabulous.View Details

What To Wear With A Long Dress In Winter

If you're looking to get maximum wear out of your long evening dress or your maxi sundress, you can actually wear it in winter. Throw a sweater over your maxi dress to make it warmer and dress it down at the same time.

Women's Yellow Oversized Sweater, Gold Maxi Dress, Red Athletic Shoes
A yellow oversized sweater and a gold maxi dress matched together are an ultra covetable look for fashionistas who love ultra-cool looks. Complete this outfit with a pair of red athletic shoes to make a classic look feel suddenly fun and fresh.View Details
Miroslava Duma wearing Camel Coat, Grey Sweater Dress, Grey Suede Knee High Boots, Dark Brown Leather Satchel Bag
Combining a camel coat with a grey sweater dress is an amazing option for a cool and casual ensemble. On the footwear front, this ensemble is rounded off really well with grey suede knee high boots.View Details

How To Wear A Dress With Leggings & Pants

By teaming a dress with a pair of trousers you can get the best of both worlds - the comfort of trousers and the stylish flair and femininity of a dress. Plus, you automatically get the street style pro status and an added layer of warmth! This look can become a real gem for generally jeans-and-a-tee type of girls who are looking to mix up their winter style.

There are no strict rules to choosing the pant to team with your dress. Skinny jeans or leggings will be a safe first choice. Experienced fashionistas will wear their dresses with everything from leather trousers and ripped denim to flared hems and wide leg pants.

What Shoes To Wear With A Dress In Winter

Your legs get extra attention if your wear a dress. That's why it's even more important to finish off your look with the right footwear to look stylish and not freeze your toes off in winter.

How To Wear A Dress With Over The Knee Boots In Winter

When styled the right way, over the knee boots can be your warmest and most elegant footwear option for winter. If you don't mind showing some leg, wear your thigh high boots with a mini dress. Consider the combination of a chunky sweater dress and the high boots. We love it because of how a cozy cable knit dress offsets the sexy boot. It's a great option for women who fear that the over the knee boot gives off a vulgar vibe.

Women's Light Blue Coat, Charcoal Knit Sweater Dress, Grey Suede Over The Knee Boots, Gold Leather Belt
Demonstrate that you do off-duty like a style pro by opting for a light blue coat and a charcoal knit sweater dress. A pair of grey suede over the knee boots completes this outfit quite well.View Details
Women's Black Leather Coat, Burgundy Sweater Dress, Black Suede Over The Knee Boots
A black leather coat and a burgundy sweater dress? This is easily a wearable outfit that anyone could rock a version of on a day-to-day basis. Let your sartorial expertise really shine by rounding off your ensemble with a pair of black suede over the knee boots.View Details

Another great option for modest girls is to wear a dress that goes below the knee. Yes, wearing over the knee boots doesn't mean you must always show them off. You can wear them with long dresses too, for a safe and extra warm look.

How To Wear A Dress With Knee High Boots In Winter

If over the knee boots are too risqué for you, pair your dress with the good old knee high boots. They are warm and just the right amount of stylish to get you through the cold.

How To Wear A Dress With Combat Boots In Winter

Pairing an inherently feminine piece of clothing, such as a dress, with menswear-inspired items is a tested style move. So if you like eclectic looks, team your winter dress with military flat lace-up boots. As you can see below, the combination works with any type of dress - sweater dress, lace dress, shirtdress, bodycon, you name it.

How To Wear A Dress With Ankle Boots In Winter

The least warm from this list, ankle boots are most versatile and easy-to-style. For obvious reasons, ankle boots are rarely worn with dresses if it's very cold, but there are several ways you can pair your dress with ankle boots in winter.

Wearing ankle boots with a long dress will help cover your legs when it's cold outside. Needless to say, warm tights are still required.

Women's Navy Knit Sweater Dress, Black Suede Chelsea Boots
This ensemble with a navy knit sweater dress isn't so hard to score and leaves room to more creative experimentation. Take an otherwise sober ensemble a more relaxed path with a pair of black suede chelsea boots.View Details
Women's Pink Sweater Dress, Olive Leather Lace-up Flat Boots
This getup with a pink sweater dress isn't hard to pull off and easy to adapt according to circumstances. Dial up the street cred of your getup by rounding off with olive leather lace-up flat boots.View Details

Ankle boots are the best option to finish off the dress-over-pants look that we covered above.

Women's Red Floral Swing Dress, Charcoal Ripped Skinny Jeans, Grey Cutout Leather Ankle Boots
A red floral swing dress and charcoal ripped skinny jeans are wonderful must-haves that will integrate perfectly within your current off-duty routine. Grey cutout leather ankle boots will bring a glamorous twist to an otherwise too-common ensemble.View Details

If you want to team a mini dress with ankle boots, you can try to make your outfit warmer with knee high socks. However, this look is extra tricky and if you do dare to try it, go for an effortless, casual vibe rather than the sexy one.

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