When you think of your winter wardrobe, a dress is hardly the first piece of clothing that comes to mind.
Typically, we reserve our frocks for the summertime, adorned with florals and paired with bare legs, sandals or more controversially, white trainers.
Our cold weather rotation is dominated by cosy jumpers, stompy boots and layers upon layers but you don’t need to swear off floaty styles until the sun finally rears its elusive head.
As the cold approaches, I, for one, am unwilling to let go of the ease of the one-and-done dress. Throwing on a frock streamlines the entire getting-ready process and minimises last-minute morning indecision.
With a dress, you need only think about one item when you throw on your clothes in the AM, a time of day that’s usually rushed. After that, the rest of your look falls into place. Pair yours with tights, a cardigan, coat and boots and you’re ready to brave whatever the delightful British winter has in store. So, practicality-wise, it’s a win but what’s more, on a comfort level, they are unrivalled.
Winter dresses take a different sartorial cachet from those you’ll wear in double-digit warmth. Instead of those ‘groundbreaking’ botanical patterns, they’ll come in pared-back colourways – traditionally black, navy or grey but also jewel-tones of purples, blues and even red, nicely in line with the festive season. You will find that they eschew lightweight fabrics for those sumptuous knits and introduce plush materials like velvet or cord into the mix.
During the autumn/winter 2024, party dress specialists 16Arlington sent all manner of festive frocks down the runway in typical tones of black but also shimmering gold, while Altuzarra proved that knit constructions need not be frumpy with button fastenings down the length of the frock worn open and seductive.
See our edit of the 22 best winter dresses, from Reformation to Rixo and & Other Stories to New Look.
Shop below
& Other Stories Draped Knotted Midi Dress
This pretty plum midi has an asymmetric draped silhouette marked by knotted detailing.
Buy now £77.00, & Other Stories
Reformation Blaire Knit Dress
Reformation’s classic ribbed knit dress is given a sophisticated touch with a collar that gives it all occasion appeal.
Buy now £198.00, Reformation
Ganni Blue Jacquard A-Line Mini Dress
Perfectly styled with knee-high boots, this jacquard print dress has a romantic feel with the rose print and soft blue hue.
Buy now £285.00, Ganni
Omnes Rosie Velvet Dress in Red
Sustainable label Omnes has created this dress from recycled polyester. It has a festive red hue and back tie detail.
Buy now £95.00, Omnes
Cos Asymmetric Merino Wool Dress
Throw on this wool dress from Cos to ease the sartorial blues and be cosy and warm at the same time. It is cut from premium merino wool with a high roll neck.
Buy now £115.00, Cos
H&M Rib-Knit Turtleneck Dress
An easy win when the temperatures plummet, this knit dress will be a work horse in your winter wardrobe.
Buy now £34.99, H&M
Rixo Tillie Jersey Dress
You don’t need to steer far from your monochrome palette to inject interesting prints into your dress rotation - look to Rixo and this retro-inspired wave print piece.
Buy now £225.00, Liberty
Reformation Miara Dress
For a frock that will work for the Christmas party as well as the pub, the Miara is the versatile LBD you have been missing.
Buy now £198.00, Reformation
ME+EM Tulip Print Midi Dress in Jacquard Crepe
Winter clothing is typically dark and pared-back but the Tulip Print Midi Dress in Jacquard Crepe breaks away from that with the lively print. It also has a ruched side to flatter the figure.
Buy now, ME+EM
Never Fully Dressed Zig Zag Gaia Plisse Dress
Never Fully Dressed has reissued one of its most popular pieces in a vibrant zig-zag print with pops of blue, green and pink.
Buy now £99.00, Never Fully Dressed
Ganni Red Sheer Midi Strap Smock Dress
That gingham Ganni dress that was ubiquitous a few years back has been given a bold makeover in red. The piece has a smocked bodice with ruching and a ruffle hemline. Wear with a rolltop underlayer for extra warmth come January.
Buy now £285.00, Ganni
& Other Stories Bow-Detailed Merino Mini Dress
& Other Stories has added a bow tie to its wool dress. It is made from merino and has ribbed cuffs.
Buy now £115.00, & Other Stories
Reformation Quinne Velvet Dress
In a sumptuous velvet and rich blue hue, Reformation’s Quinne dress is ripe for winter wedding guest dressing.
Buy now £348.00, Reformation
New Look Brown Leopard Print Tie Detail Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
The leopard revolution shows no signs of wavering with this dress from New Look that is embellished with plush velvet ties.
Buy now £29.99, New Look
ME+EM Soft Cord Maxi Dress + Belt Cotton Cord
A fabric synonymous with this time of year, ME+EM has crafted this office-ready dress. It oozes autumnal vibes with the brown colourway and corduroy construction.
Buy now £275.00, ME+EM
Nobody's Child Purple Velvet Tie Back Jolene Mini Dress
From the deep purple hue to the open tie back, this dress from Nobody’s Child has earned a place in your party wardrobe. The 70s-inspired fit will suit work functions as it’s covered up enough to be around your colleagues but remains feminine and fun.
Buy now £79.00, Nobody's Child
Rixo Mika Merino Wool Dress
Leopard trims transform an otherwise classic silhouette into a striking, retro-inspired party piece. The Mika from Rixo has a scoop neck and a thick merino wool material.
Buy now £285.00, Rixo
Damson Madder Dakota Bow Midi Dress - tartan
Prepare to see this dress everywhere this season, Damson Madder’s twee Dakota dress has an all-over tartan print and a velvet bow detail. It comes in six colours.
Buy now £120.00, Damson Madder
Aligne Fern Bow Satin Mini Dress
This party frock is a fun and feminine piece, ready for the Champagne-soaked season. Aligne’s Fern has bows on the shoulder and an A-line silhouette.
Buy now £145.00, Aligne
Reformation Stella Silk Dress
Part of Reformation’s collaboration with country star Kacey Musgraves, this burgundy dress has tie sleeves and lace inserts.
Buy now £348.00, Reformation
Kitri Harlow Black Tiled Floral Mini Dress
Inspired by the Cheongsam silhouette, a traditional Chinese dress, Kitri’s Halow style has a standing collar and faux ties that bring sophistication to the proceedings. Choose from three patterns including the high-impact, minimum-vibrancy black floral print that will suit even the most pared-back of aesthetics.
Buy now £140.00, Kitri
OMNES Nova Tie Back Dress
Seeking the perfect bridesmaid or wedding guest dress? Look no further. This V-neck, tie-back dress comes in nine different colours and is the ideal low-effort show-stopper.
Buy now £89.00, OMNES
