Do you feel the cold front coming on? Like it or not, winter is coming. While some may relish the idea of colder temperatures, I can’t relate. Don’t get me wrong. Some things about this season are wonderful—the start of the gifting season, the prospect of new trends, and even all the chic coat options. But just because winter is coming doesn’t mean I’m ready to part ways with my dresses. As much as I know I “should” want to slip into a pair of trendy jeans or leggings, I just don’t have the desire to deal with them. I find the whole process of putting on pants daunting, so I try to circumvent it as much as possible. You could say I’m in denial, especially considering the cold temperatures, but I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.
If you clicked on this article, you, too, aren’t looking forward to the potential prospect of packing away your favorite frocks. Frankly, I don’t blame you. There’s an ease that comes with just throwing on a dress and heading out the door, and it’s hard to part ways with them, even if the weather tells us otherwise. It’s why I’ve spent so many years dedicated to figuring out how to wear dresses in the winter without sacrificing warmth. One way to pull off this seeming “impractical” look is by choosing the right types of dresses (e.g., leather or sweaterdress options) and being intentional with styling. Knowing how to layer correctly is half the battle of making any dress winter ready—it’s an art form. While it takes a great deal of expertise to make dresses work in the winter, you can learn it.
In an effort to share some of my knowledge, I’ve done hours of research to create a comprehensive blueprint on how to wear a dress in the winter. Ahead, you’ll find 24 winter dress outfit ideas, styling tips, and shopping recommendations to make you less weary about wearing them in the winter. Consider this your permission slip to skip out on pants this winter.