Here’s Everything to Style with Winter Dresses

From knit styles to satin alternatives, you'll rely on them all season long.

collage of women wearing winter dresses
(Image credit: Getty, Launchmetrics)

Getting dressed in a cold-weather outfit to face ice-cold temperatures can be challenging. Multiple layers of clothing are often involved: Jeans shimmied over thermal pants or T-shirts and long-sleeve base layers shoved under sweaters. There's so much involved that you might need to pause and catch your breath after assembling your outfit. But there’s a more straightforward, streamlined solution to getting dressed for the elements. I’m talking about the best winter dresses that practically style themselves.

Style a great dress with the latest boot trends and a warm jacket or coat, and you will have a foolproof blueprint for a capsule wardrobe collection.

I’ve handpicked various street-style-inspired winter dress outfits, from casual knit styles that you can pair with teddy coats and sneakers to upscale satin dresses that look great with sleek blazers and heels. Scroll on to shop from brands like Theory, J.Crew, Banana Republic, and more.

Hiked-Up Hemlines

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woman wearing dress, leather trench coat, and thigh-high boots

Show off a pair of dramatic thigh-skimming boots with a winter dress that boasts a short hem.

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Yes, you can wear a mini dress in the dead of winter. Simply style it to offer enough coverage—thigh-high boots and a durable leather trench coat should suffice.

Oh So Sweet

woman wearing brown dress leather jacket and boots

Can you guess the new viral color of the season? Take one look at this outfit for clues.

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Chocolate brown will dominate the color trend cycle in 2025, so incorporate it into the look with a luxe winter dress in the shade. Add embellishments like a designer belt, slouchy boots, and an edgy, 80s-inspired bomber jacket.

A Winning Color Combination

woman wearing black dress and boots

Burgundy and black go exceptionally well together, and this look is proof.

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Are you looking for a way to elevate a classic black dress? Consider accessories drenched in warm shades of mulled wine. The black-and-burgundy color combo is unmatched.

The Cozy Agenda

woman wearing maxi dress, teddy coat, and sneakres

Copy and paste this look if you’re aiming for comfort.

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Although often worn for high-end occasions, a winter dress can totally lend itself to laid-back moments. For your next errand run, wear a snug slip-on dress with a fuzzy teddy coat and cushioned sneakers.

All Dressed Up

woman wearing red satin dress and black blazer

Whether you’re attending a wedding or a formal dinner, this sophisticated uniform will serve you well.

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Master the cocktail attire dress code with a sumptuous satin or crepe dress styled beneath a blazer. Wear a faux fur coat or even a Yeti coat that embodies the beloved mob wife aesthetic if you need an additional layer.

Follow the It-Girl Lead

woman wearing black coat, white dress, socks, and loafers

Everyone is wearing loafers with socks—now it’s your turn.

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The street-style scene champions the loafers-and-socks hack, great for pairing with dresses. It’s straightforward, and most importantly, it feels refreshingly versatile.

Living Large

woman wearing gray dress, leather trench coat and boots

Here’s how to say “stealth wealth” without uttering a word.

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There’s something about this style maven’s lustrous leather coat and luxe knit dress that radiates wealth, falling into the rich-looking outfits category. The polished sunglasses, gold jewelry, and designer handbags also feed into the expensive vibe.

A Fusion of Fabrics

woman wearing gray coat, mini dress, and boots

Stand out from the crowd with a mix of textures.

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Despite what some might say, you can still make a statement with neutral colors. The key is to blend in different fabrics like silk and wool. Take things a step further with a pair of knee-high boots plastered in suede.

Late-Night Look

woman wearing cream coat, grey turtleneck dress, and heels

Hit the town in a sultry bodycon knit dress.

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For your next evening outing, take a figure-hugging dress for a spin. Complete the look with a floor-sweeping cream coat and a pair of slingback heels, and this getup will become your new going-out outfit.

Nice and Toasty

woman wearing mini dress, cardigan, nlack boots

You’ll find yourself reaching for this outfit time and again.

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There’s a common notion that dressing up means sacrificing comfort for style—but it doesn't have to be that way. Pair a winter dress with an oversized cardigan that feels like a blanket. Then, swap your heels for a pair of flat moto boots that are made for walking.

Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.

When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.