Don’t Sleep On Winter Dresses: Here's 30 Good Ones for Cozy, Unrestrictive Layering

The unsung hero of winter layering.

written by

Alyssa Coscarelli

updated Jan 11, 2021

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woman in winter dress — Hanifa

Cozy, long-sleeved, and layerable—there are many elements winter dresses can and should have. They may not be the first category you think to flesh out for winter, but they always end up being an unsung hero. Both less restrictive and more put-together than a pair of jeans, dresses make for an easy winter outfit over tights (or pants!) and under a coat.

In particular, cold-weather dresses play well with boots (ankle to tall), textures and fabrics that skew a bit heavier, and can easily be dressed up or kept casual. There are the knit dresses (because what’s better than wearing a giant, full-body sweater), the long-sleeved shirt-dresses, and the off-the-shoulder stunners (yes, even in winter). But, simultaneously, just because a dress is short or sleeveless doesn’t mean it can’t come out to play in the winter months. Remember, turtlenecks and tights are your friends and can easily make just about any dress seasonally appropriate.

So, don’t sleep on dresses over the next couple of months. Instead, get creative with the options ahead. Even if we’re staying home for the foreseeable future, we all need an excuse to dress up these days.

Selva Negra Thielma Dress

Buy on Selvanegra.us

This oversized collar gives this plaid number that vintage feel you can never quite find, as hard as you try.

Ganni Light Linen Shirt Dress

Buy on Ganni.com

Never met a studded pocket we didn’t like.

The Line By K Malcolm Belted Cutout Ribbed-Knit Turtleneck Midi Dress

Buy on Net-a-porter.com

Midi dress, but make it sexy.

La Réunion Patchwork Dress - Vibrant

Buy on Shoplcd.co

Upcycled and absolutely gorgeous. It’s a win, win.

Nanushka Pink Satin Kinsley Dress

Buy on Ssense.com

The pink, satin stunner you never knew you needed.

Norma Kamali Sweetheart-Neckline Floral-Print Jersey Dress

Buy on Matchesfashion.com

This flirty, daisy-printed dress hits in all the right places.

Baum Und Pferdgarten Jocelina Checked Midi Dress

Buy on Mytheresa.com

With a sheer dress, the layering possibilities are endless. Cardigan on top? Printed tights underneath?

Marc Jacobs The Leatherette

Buy on Marcjacobs.com

You simply cannot go wrong with red leather.

Eliza Faulkner Luella Sweater Dress

Buy on Elizafaulkner.com

Looks like a dress, feels like a sweatshirt. Dream. Come. True.

Mango Turtle Neck Knit Dress

Buy on Mango.com

A turtleneck knit dress is an absolute winter essential.

Eloquii Striped Cardigan Sweater Dress

Buy on Eloquii.com

Where has this cardigan-meets-dress been all our lives?

Tuesday of California TV Static Diner Dress

Buy on Shoptuesday.com

Basically made for layering over a long-sleeve striped tee.

ASOS Luxe Curve Velvet High Neck Blouson Mini Skater Dress

Buy on Asos.com

Dress up at home with some luxe, emerald velvet.

Wray Daria Dress

Buy on Wray.nyc

You haven’t seen zebra quite like this.

Nettle Super Wide Dress

Buy on Nettlestudios.com

Meet your new Zoom uniform.

Almost There Marilyn Mini Dress

Buy on Shopalmostthere.com

A dress that literally looks good on everyone.

Vincetta Column Dress

Buy on Vincettastudio.com

Simple, but never boring.

Mara Hoffman Extended Aranza Dress

Buy on Marahoffman.com

Smocking can be elegant.

Hanifa Miya Knit Cardigan Dress

Buy on Hanifa.co

It’ll basically feel like wearing your throw blanket—but 100x chicer.

Nikki Chasin Richter Dress

Buy on Nikkichasin.com

Will we ever not love a puff sleeve?

Petite Studio Sydney Dress

Buy on Petitestudionyc.com

Catch that winter breeze with a flowy skirt.

Paloma Wool no 694

Buy on Palomawool.com

You can always count on Paloma Wool for the coolest, most unique prints.

Fe Noel Black Essential Casual Gown

Buy on Fenoel.com

Gown—but make it casual.

Loud Bodies Rosalind Dress

Buy on Loudbodies.com

We’re here for an oversized bow at the back.

Cult Gaia Antonella Knit Dress

Buy on Cultgaia.com

It doesn’t get more effortless than this.

Selkie The Luxembourg Sunroom Dress

Buy on Selkiecollection.com

Yes, you did see this dress in your dreams.

Simonett Patent Leather Dress

Buy on Simonett.us

Leather and lace—a match made in sartorial heaven.

Simon Miller Stretch Mies Dress

Buy on Simonmillerusa.com

Stretchy is always a win in our book.

Beaufille Kubin Jacquard-Knit Dress

Buy on Shop-ta.com

The winter way to show a little skin.

Wynn Hamlyn Cross Over Ribbed Knit Dress

Buy on Wynnhamlyn.com

That neckline, though.

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