8 Easy Ways on How To Wear Dresses in Winter

The holiday season is right around the corner!

You may be tempted to completely change out your wardrobe for the wintertime, but I promise you that there is no need for that. There are simple swaps you can make to restyle your favorite dresses for winter that are both practical and fashionable. 

There are so many different ways to restyle your wardrobe for cold weather, but today I’ll just give you eight of my favorite easy ways to wear dresses in the wintertime. I’ll share some hot picks and garments you probably already have.

Let’s go: 

8 Best Easy Ways To Restyle Dresses for Winter

Go Retro With a Spaghetti Strap 

It’s time to pay homage to 90s fashion: A simple and easy way to style a dress for winter is by, first off, layering and, second, embracing a retro style. A classic version of this look includes a long sleeve turtleneck layered under a midi spaghetti strap dress.

Pair this look with some tights or leggings underneath. Add in your favorite boots and a wool newsie cap for a nostalgic vibe that’s ready for a day of cooler weather. PS: Don’t forget your favorite fuzzy coat! 

Change Up Your Shoe Game 

You can easily dress up or down any dress outfit by simply swapping out the type of shoes you are wearing, and this is especially a great style tip for the wintertime.

Swap out your favorite sandals and flats for some chunky boots or your favorite pair of loafers. This helps keep your feet warm and sturdy for winter adventures. When choosing a color or material for your shoes, I rely on high-quality leather and details like studs, chains, and detailed stitching. 

Play With Texture

One of the best ways to switch it up for winter is by adding or incorporating some new textures with your dresses. One of my favorite textures to utilize for winter is velvet. 

There is just something so cozy and classy about velvet that makes it the perfect choice for a dress in the wintertime. Velvet works for dresses of any length or style as well, and a variety of winter colors to really bring your entire outfit together. 

Grab a Sweater

A super easy and absolutely cozy way to wear your favorite dress in the winter is by simply wearing a sweater over it. Choose a material that is going to keep you warm, like a cable knit sweater.

For this ensemble, go a size or two up from your go-to size when settling on which sweater to wear. Sporting an oversized sweater helps keep the look comfortable and confident. Overall, it’s a flawless look for winter and whatever activities you have planned. 

If you want to add one piece to your wardrobe over two, try a sweater dress. A sweater dress is a one-piece dress, generally long-sleeved and knee-length. Since the material is already a sweater (like cashmere or wool), you don’t have to add a single piece to your outfit.

This is a wonderful option if you are trying to downsize your closet or dress and pack light to a wintery destination. Wherever you are heading, sweater dresses are cozy and cute and will never go out of style. 

Consider Subtle Accessories for Upscale Events

While in the spring and summer, you are probably looking to make your accessories pop with color or design — winter accessorizing is all about complimenting the overall outfit in a subtle way.

The winter is generally more known for its moody weather and color scheme, and usually, the accessories you wear complement this. Instead of picking a bright-colored piece of jewelry to make a statement, opt for a cream-colored beanie or simple pearls. This will bring the entire outfit together in a classy and subtle way to ring in the wintertime. 

Try Out Leather Leggings

One of the most simple, versatile, and stunning pieces of clothing you could ever own is a solid pair of leather leggings. Leather leggings are a perfect article of clothing to build an outfit around.

Leather leggings are the perfect place to start building your moody wintertime outfit. Naturally, leather leggings come in black (like Sandy from Greece), but maybe you want to really think out of the box. Go for leather leggings in bright neutrals like beige, eggshell, or cream. 

To get it started, slip on your leather leggings (in any color) and pair them with a sweater dress that compliments it, like a white, brown, or dark green. Now is the time to really match your boots to your bottoms — brown with brown and black with black and green with green — to create the appearance of mile-long legs. 

So, if you have brown leggings, pull out your favorite brown ankle boots, and grab your favorite over-the-shoulder tote, plaid coat, and hat to keep you warm. You instantly have a simple, accessible, and fashionable outfit for brunch and your late-day work meeting.

From holiday shopping to ice skating to time with family and friends, a solid pair of leather leggings is perfect for versatility and adventures. 

Incorporate Faux Fur Statements

Stay warm and stay on trend with some faux fur. Faux fur is one of the best materials to keep yourself warm while you are out and about. There is just something so classy about it too. While you can always incorporate faux fur into some smaller details with your outfit (purse, shoes, etc.) 

I recommend getting a big faux fur coat that will make you feel cozy all around and like an absolute diva. Faux fur looks excellent with any longer style dress that feels like a warm hug on the red carpet.

High-quality faux fur is durable — but when it comes to care, dry-cleaning or hand-washing is a must. If you opt to hand wash, grab a gentle detergent and cool water, then proceed carefully as you wash faux fur. 

I can’t recommend this more.

Rely on Leggings or Thermal Tights

This detail seems like an easy answer, but it can be one that is overlooked. One of the easiest ways to style a dress for winter is by simply adding some leggings or tights underneath.

Leg warmers keep your legs from getting exposed to the bitter cold while also incorporating that same moody feel that is also a nod to the style of the 80s. You can also layer tights on top of one another if it's really cold outside. Then, don’t forget to add some leg warmers on top of your lights (or leggings) — trust me on this one! 

Totally retro and effortlessly charming, leg warmers are one of the best things you can wear on your body in the wintertime. You can pick a pair that is a neutral or light color to combine with any dresses and tights combo to keep you warm and stylish all winter long.

Pull out your favorite dress, add some thinner black or brown tights underneath, and some chunky leg warmers on top of that. Pair it all with your go-to white winter booties, and voila! You have an easy and flawless winter outfit that is versatile and cute. 

Sources: 

How to Wear a Dress in Winter and Stay Warm | LiveAbout

How to Wear Dresses in the Winter, According to 5 Fashion Experts | InStyle

How to Wash Faux Fur Coats and Jacket Trim | The Spruce

How to Wear the Leg Warmer Trend | L’OFFICIEL USA