March 28, 2024

We love an outfit repeat as much as the royals, but it’s easy to fall into a style rut amid bitter temps. That’s where winter dresses for women can help. Having an arsenal of low-effort pieces (looking at you, turtleneck sweater dress) is key if you want to keep your outfits fresh and your getting-ready process as easy as possible. 

Of course, there’s no need to overhaul your entire wardrobe. Start by taking stock of the fall options currently in your closet—or ones you wish had more of—like midis and knit dress styles. Not only can and should you keep these autumnal staples in your rotation, but both have endless styling potential—and pair well with most of your winter essentials, like tights, knee-length boots, and chunky scarves.  Meanwhile, seasonal favorites like sleeveless sequined minis and velvet midis are great to have on deck for the holiday party season, which is looking to be far less casual this year than last. 

Whether it’s a low-key shirtdress,  a color-block rib knit to amp up your everyday, a gown with a high neck, or the perfect party number, a great dress never fails to make you feel like your best self—so let this be the year you fill your wardrobe with some of the best winter dresses for women.

The Knit Dress

You know those 50-degree days when putting together a look seems like the biggest challenge in the world? Almost more so than when it’s 20-degrees out because you just can’t. figure. out. what to wear? A knit style is perfect for solving this oddly specific (yet crucial) sartorial dilemma. Equal parts stylish and comfy, this semi-casual dress looks good under a number of fall and winter jackets, with tons of variety to choose from—including bodycon dresses, colorful cardigan styles, and more ideal for teaming up with tights and chunky combat boots.

The Party Dress

We see your party dresses from 2019 and raise you these on-trend options, including a long-sleeve mini that’s waiting for your RSVP, an adorable short-sleeve plaid number available in straight and plus sizes, and a shimmering disco dress giving us major Audrey Hepburn in Two for the Road.

Wherever you’re headed for your loved ones’ nuptials this winter, consider your dress options sorted, starting with a ruched velvet number that’s perfect for the rehearsal dinner and main event, a cowl-neck slip for the after-party, and a cocktail blazer–slash–wrap dress Fallon Carrington would no doubt approve of.

The Tried-and-True Midi

No need to pack up your favorite smocked dresses and balloon-sleeve midis in order to survive winter’s biting windchill and subzero temps. A few switch-ups are all you need to create an outfit that’s both cute and cold-weather-ready, like the addition of a tissue turtleneck if it’s a V-neck dress, tights, and some knee-high or Chelsea booties. Oh, and you don’t have to stick to a black dress either—jewel tones and dark florals are a great way to add a pop of color on gloomy days.

The Dramatic Maxi 

Maxis may be your typical summer fare, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely off-limits for the winter, especially if you’re headed to a fancy event where a floor-kissing long-sleeve dress is on-point for making a grand entrance. The trick again is in how you layer, so apply the same dressing strategy of your favorite midi to the maxi and get ready to bundle up under a sweeping woolen coat, tall zip boots, and maybe even a cable-knit sweater during the day.