5 Style Tips for Wearing Dresses This Winter

With the weather cooling down, it's time to start thinking about how your closet can keep you warm during the winter season.

08:20 14 November 2022

With the weather cooling down, it's time to start thinking about how your closet can keep you warm during the winter season. It always feels a little bittersweet having to put away your favorite warm-weather clothes but you can extend the life of your dresses with a few simple transition tips. Whether you want to hold onto your favorite short corset dress or can't bear to part with your much-loved satin midi dress, read on for 5 ways you can continue wearing your stunning dresses. 

1. Accessorize with Tights

One of the simplest ways to extend the life of a dress is to accessorize it with tights. You can maintain the same look you've been wearing during the warmer months with this addition of one layer. Choose tights in a color that matches your skin tone to keep the illusion of a summer look. This is a perfect way to wear a black-tie short corset dress to a winter wedding without freezing. 

If you need to give yourself some extra warmth and want to add a cozy appearance to your dress, slip into knitted tights. Insulated tights are going to be a great way to transition every dress in your closet while keeping you warm when the temperature is dropping. 

2. Layer with a Warm Cardigan or Sweater

Cardigans and sweaters are must-have closet items for the winter season. You likely stocked up on all kinds of cozy sweaters during the fall season that you can now pair with a summer dress for a winter weather-approved look. Throw a chunky knit cardigan over a short corset dress for a very warm and comfortable look. Add an open-front cardigan over any style of dress to stay warm. Pair a sweater with a bodycon dress and use the bra method to tuck it for a cropped sweater look. 

3. Pair with Tall Boots for Added Warmth

While you may have been wearing your dresses during the summer with a slingback heel or strappy sandal, you can transition a dress from summer to winter with a simple shoe change. Tall boots aren't just for utility during winter but can help you stay warm. Whether you choose a riding boot or a slouchy boot, the extra fabric around your legs will help protect your skin from the bitter cold winter air. 

To further keep your legs warm with a short corset dress styled with a tall boot, make sure you wear something underneath the boot. Tights are a perfect choice to wear before slipping on boots. You can add some tall socks (that are hidden when worn) for extra layers. Or, add a pair of leg warmers that peek over the boots for a stylish look that's also cozy. 

4. Throw on a Stylish Jacket

You can't go wrong with a stylish jacket as it's a quintessential layering piece. There are tons of jacket options you can choose from to find an item that closely matches your personal style from denim and leather to oversized blazers and trench coats. One of the great things about adding a jacket is that you can switch up the style of the dress for different occasions. A short corset dress with a leather moto jacket is a sexy look for date night while the same dress paired with an oversized blazer is office-approved. 

When it comes to wearing a stylish jacket during winter, you want to keep in mind how that jacket will keep you warm if you're spending a significant amount of time outdoors. You want to ensure your winter coat will fit over a jacket as an outfit piece. It's a good idea to purchase a winter coat that can accommodate layers of clothing so you don't have to worry about how to make your outfit work when wearing a coat.

5. Add Layers with Shirts

For a more lightweight option compared to layering with a jacket or cardigan, consider layering your dresses with shirts. Button-front tops make a great layering piece whether you choose to wear it underneath a dress for a professional appearance or style it over a dress with a cropped style tied front. Basic t-shirts also pair nicely with dresses and, similar to button-front tops, can be worn over or under a dress. 

Conclusion

Resist the urge to pack away your dresses until next spring. There is no reason you can't continue wearing dresses you are absolutely in love with this winter season. Try out any (or all) of these tips to elevate your dress for winter and look fabulous while doing it.