While the autumn months offer us sheer sartorial bliss in the form of lightweight dresses, trench coats and bare legs, by the time winter rolls around many of us find it difficult to put together outfits that remain chic, sleek and – most importantly - unbeatably warm.
Some winter warriors might bundle up with thermal leggings under jeans and long-sleeve t-shirts under buttoned blouses, but many prefer to delve into the wintery world of knitted, woollen and cashmere dresses. From sky-high turtlenecks and billowy bell sleeves to floor-length fishtail hemlines, winter dresses offer the perfect stylish middle ground for commuters and night owls alike.
A chic woollen dress offers an “Oh this? I just threw this old thing on” attitude, while simultaneously delivering an incredibly put-together aesthetic when styled correctly. We’re talking knee-high boots, argyle tights and a dramatic camel-coloured overcoat. Swap out the boots for a pair of mules or kitten heels for an effortlessly high-end day-to-night look once your office hours are complete.
You’ve likely heard the iconic phrase uttered by fictional editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly, “Florals? For spring? Ground-breaking.” But who said we can’t wear florals throughout autumn and winter? Moodier, darker floral combinations including blooms such as poppies and roses are a brilliant way to transfer mood-boosting pastoral styles into the colder months.
This season, 70s-inspired colourways and ribbed fabrics continue to be all the rage, with mocha-coloured, wine, and burnt-orange hues reigning supreme on the runway and in high-street stores. Yet if your wardrobe is already filled to the brim with an unholy amount of dresses from the summer months, simply re-style them by stocking up on turtlenecks, statement tights and cosy cashmere jumpers.
For those who enjoy the flowy, easy-breezy feeling of wearing a dress with some knitted tights throughout the colder months, keep scrolling for a round-up of the best winter dresses to wear this season.
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Laura Ashley X Joanie - Bronwyn Black Velvet Midi Dress
Joanie’s recent collaboration with Laura Ashley consists of a range of prairie-inspired dresses designed to be worn all year round. Though the collection includes a beautiful selection of vintage floral prints from Laura Ashley’s archive, we think that this thick, velvety nighttime black number is the crown jewel. Crafted from sumptuously soft, sustainable and organic cotton, the Bronwyn dress is available in sizes 8-26.
Buy now £90.00, Joanie
By Iris Freya Tartan Dress- Green & Navy
Tartan? For winter? Groundbreaking. Jokes aside, we’re head over heels for this classic green and navy tartan dress by Iris, which features gorgeous seersucker detailing at the torso and some lovely ruching at the shoulders for an ever-so-slightly more dramatic silhouette.
Buy now £210.00, Iris
Uniqlo Boat Neck Long Sleeved Knitted Dress
Part of Clare Waight Keller’s collection for Uniqlo, this boat-neck knitted dress embodies the quiet luxury trend without the bank-breaking price tag. Woven using premium wool with a half-cardigan stitch, this flattering piece also features bell sleeves with a flattering yet practical slit at the wrist.
Buy now £49.90, Uniqlo
Albaray Long Sleeved Woven Mix Dress
This long-sleeved woven dress by Albaray is the perfect take on balletcore. With a full, circular skirt and a form-fitting top half which almost resembles a leotard, this lovely piece has been made from 100 per cent responsibly sourced premium Greek cotton.
Buy now £79.00, Albaray
Tommie Knit Dress
Sultry and sangria-like, the Tommie knit dress by Reformation is the ideal winter dress. Its medium-weighted nature, thanks to the soft stretch lyocell and spandex fabric blend, makes this long-sleeve number warming without causing you to overheat while on the move.
Buy now £198.00, Reformation
Mango turtle neck knit dress
We adore the idea of pairing this incredibly soft and cosy turtleneck knit dress with statement, contrasting tights and knee-high riding boots.
Buy now £35.99, Mango
Cross Front Gingham Seersucker Dress
This versatile, wrap-front gingham dress from Toast is a brilliant year-round staple for your capsule wardrobe. Wear it without layers during the warmer months, and pair it with a lightweight turtleneck as the weather gets colder.
Buy now £185.00, Toast
Cashmere Roll-Neck Dress
You can’t go wrong with an ankle-length cashmere turtleneck dress during the winter. It’s like wearing a cosy blanket all day long in the chicest possible way. This option from Arket is made from 75 per cent recycled cashmere and 25 per cent wool.
Buy now £229.00, Arket
Black Cord Floral Boston Mini Shift Dress
Who said winter means that we have to banish short shift dresses to the back of our wardrobes? Certainly not us. We love the collegiate feel of this floral corduroy mini from Nobody’s Child, styled perfectly with a white roll neck.
Buy now £65.00, Nobody’s Child
Free People Loren Sweater Maxi
Trend alert! Fossil brown is set to take over from chocolate and it is far more wearable than you may initially think. Free People’s delightful sweater maxi features a ribbed knit, a scooped neck and long sleeves for the most elegant of fits. An under-bust panel flatters the figure, while a contrast floor-skimming skirt promises easy, breezy movement.
Buy now £88.00, Free People
