AJE
Cold Weather Style: My 5 Tips To Layer A Dress For Winter
Starting to look for ways on how how to layer a dress for winter? The one thing I always look forward to when winter rolls around is finding creative ways to stay warm and stylish. As someone who practically lives in dresses, I could never ditch them just because the temperature drops. This season, my favorite layering techniques are the kind that add warmth while enhancing your look—from cozy base layers to statement outerwear. Winter may be cold, but your outfits don’t have to be.
1. Wear Long Sleeves As A Base Layer
My favorite? Turtlenecks! But before you think the combination isn’t worth your while, try it first. A mock neck is always an option if you’re not into turtlenecks, and a good old crew long sleeve will do the trick just fine. The idea is to find your favorite long sleeve base layer and wear it with a piece like the Black Halo Roanna sheath dress. While you can pair a top with practically any dress, I find that strappy or low-cut styles work best. Anthropologie is stocked with tons of styles made to layer.
DÔEN Charleston Dress
BLACK HALO Roanna Sheath Dress
The Layering Options Are Endless
2. Throw On A Knit Sweater Or Cardigan
One of my favorite ways to layer a dress for winter is with a chunky sweater or oversized cardigan. Layered over a piece like this sweater dress by Current Air, a cropped knit can create a balanced silhouette, especially with mini dresses. However, I’d also reach for an oversized cardigan to bring a relaxed boho vibe. Although not a common style trick, layering knits over your dresses can allow you to mix and match styles. Pro tip: choose a sweater in a contrasting color or pattern to make the outfit visually interesting.
3. Top It Off With A Statement Coat
This one is a no-brainer. The statement coat is a must when you layer a dress for winter—it’s not just practical, but it’s also the perfect finishing touch. A tailored wool coat over my favorite velvet maxi from Maygel Coronel creates an elevated look, while a long puffer could add a cool, casual edge. This season, I’m drawn to plaid or houndstooth patterns to give any outfit that high-fashion appeal. Although, I could never forget the classic camel or black coat.
The Best Dresses To Layer This Fall & Winter
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DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Trent Slip Dress
$418 -
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Sonoya Dress
$418 -
THE ROW Angeline Belted Wool Dress
$2,750 -
ENGLISH FACTORY Embroidered Swiss Dot Maxi Dress
$160 -
SAINT LAURENT Open Back Velvet Skater Mini Dress
$4,250 -
ISABEL MARANT Hadley Midi Dress in Gathered Velvet
$770 -
ISABEL MARANT Elidia Dress in Plain-Colored Crepe with English Embroidery
$825 -
PRADA Pinstripe Silk Back Wool Mini Dress
$2,600 -
VALENTINO GARAVANI Long-Sleeve Pleated-Skirt Midi Dress
$9,500 -
CURRENT AIR Laraline Paisley Jacquard Midi Dress
$155 -
CURRENT AIR Ruffled Mini Sweater Dress
$138 -
BLACK HALO Roanna Sheath Dress
$415 -
ANTHROPOLOGIE Velvet Column Midi Dress
$158 -
MAEVE Short-Sleeve Collared Slim Midi Dress
$168 -
VERONICA BEARD Bixie Stretch-Silk Slip Dress
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VERONICA BEARD Nami Sweater Dress
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KIKA VARGAS Haidiri Strapless Appliquéd Embroidered Cotton Mini Dress
$824 -
MAYGEL CORONEL Fragola Open-Back Stretch-Velvet Maxi Dress
$660 -
MAGDA BUTRYM Appliqued Stretch-Wool Crepe Midi Dress
$2,130 -
MAYGEL CORONEL Ricaurte Draped Stretch-Velvet Mini Dress
$480 -
SHUSHU/TONG Off-the-Shoulder Gathered Woven Mini Dress
$560 -
HELMUT LANG Layered Halterneck Maxi Dress
$845 -
DÔEN Charleston Dress
$248 -
AJE Arris Fringed Maxi Dress
$595
The Smallest Details Matter
4. Pull Out the Tights
In case you haven’t heard, tights aren’t ever retiring—at least in my book. Winter layering is all about those small, often-overlooked details, and tights are one of the simplest ways to add warmth and texture. When you layer a dress for winter, consider thermal tights or even sheer styles for a touch of personality. I’ve been loving the boldness of the Kika Vargas Haidiri mini to pair with black tights. Just be sure to also get your hands on closed-toed pumps or boots to finish off your look.
5. Layer With Knee-High Boots
Looking to layer in a different way? Layering doesn’t always have to include clothing layers. In fact, one of my favorite ways to style dresses for fall and winter is with boots—specifically knee-highs. The two seasons are practically the only time of year you can bring them out, so you already know I had to add the Saint Laurent Vendome boots to my cart. Boots like these are perfect for pairing with winter mini dresses and even midis or maxis. Playing with various lengths is a great way to add dimension.
Shop The Latest Dresses
CURRENT AIR Ruffled Mini Sweater Dress
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