How to style a dress for winter
Whatever the weather, a feel-good dress (or two) will see you through the season in style
Dresses used to be reserved solely for summer, but with the advent of more relaxed styles and being able to dress them down with trainers and clumpy boots, they’re a year-round staple.
Printed shirt dresses and those with tiered skirts are enjoying a moment this season. Versatile enough to see you through a day in the office (or a slew of Zoom meetings) and on to some after-hours fun, they’re easy to wear and styled the right way, will get you into spring. Find one that works for you and you’ll never be stuck for what to wear in the mornings. Here are the ones catching our eye, and how to wear them.
All about layering
The best winter dresses are the most adaptable ones. To add a new dimension – and an extra layer of warmth when needed – try wearing a fine knit underneath your chosen style. A roll neck works really well for this, seen above styled under an abstract-print dress. A chunky sweater over a floral dress with a pair of stompy boots is another solid seasonal option. Those harbouring a more vintage-inspired aesthetic should experiment with the cardigan or this season’s winning knit - the tank top. For a look that’s catwalk approved, try oversized shapes and neutral tones. Something with a sporty edge – a hoodie, for example – is a great way to up the comfort factor.
A step in the right direction
The beauty of the right winter dress is undoubtedly its versatility. Wear it with a pair of hiking boots and you’ve got the Sunday stroll outfit of your dreams. Add a pair of leather knee highs and you’ve got a look that’s approved by the style set. Is comfort key? Trainers remain very much on the agenda for this season. Have a pair with a heavy or structured sole in your arsenal and don’t feel limited to stark white styles only – slate grey, cream or even a contrasting print will work masterfully here.
To bare or not to bare?
For fair-weather tights wearers and those who begrudgingly reach for the 100 deniers when the chill really bites, there are limitless options this season – polka dots and diamante-encrusted deniers are part of a catwalk trend that has really taken hold. But with us all working from home more freqently, there’s an opportunity to experiment with socks too this season. A slub or cosy cashmere sock is the perfect accompaniment to a smock dress featuring a floral print. Add an ankle-length coat if you step outside.
