Okay, let's talk about something near and dear to my heart: wearing dresses in winter! I absolutely love dresses, and I refuse to give them up just because the temperature drops. But let's be real, it can be a challenge to stay warm and look chic at the same time. I've spent years experimenting and figuring out what works, and I'm excited to share my secrets with you.
For a long time, I felt like I had to choose between being warm and wearing dresses. I'd often default to pants and bulky sweaters, feeling like I was sacrificing my style for comfort. I usually stuck to my trusty fur jackets or a leather jacket/blazer combo layered over a trench coat. These were my go-to outfits since I always wore thermals underneath. I reserved my warmest coats for those truly frigid days when I knew I'd be spending a lot of time outdoors.
The problem was, I missed wearing dresses! I love the way they look and feel, and I didn't want to wait until spring to bring them back into my wardrobe. So, I started my quest to find ways to wear dresses comfortably and stylishly throughout the winter months.
First, let’s talk about legs. I discovered the magic of layering tights. I personally am not a huge fan of opaque black tights (although they definitely have their place!), so I found a great solution. I layer 20 denier black tights over 20-30 denier skin-colored tights. This gives a subtle, stylish look while adding an extra layer of warmth. My legs tend to run warm anyway, so this works perfectly for me. But there are other options if you need more warmth.
Then, I found fleece-lined tights! These are an absolute lifesaver. They're incredibly warm and cozy, and they make wearing dresses in colder weather so much more bearable. I highly recommend investing in a few pairs.
Another game-changer? Bodycon jersey dresses worn under normal dresses. Think of those dresses that are basically really long long-sleeve shirts. They add a layer of insulation without adding bulk, and they're super comfortable. I found some great options at ASOS, but you can find them at many retailers.
Living in a place where temperatures fluctuate wildly throughout the day, I also learned the importance of adaptable layers. I remember one time waiting for a bus in freezing temperatures (-20C!) and then going into a building that was a balmy +22C. The key was having removable layers. Indoors, I would wear my boots, pantyhose, skirt, and whatever top I wanted. For outerwear, I had a long coat, gloves, a hat, and long woolen socks to cover the gap between my boots and tights. This way, I could adjust my outfit to stay comfortable in any environment. You can find similar solutions online if you search around.
Finally, I started looking for dresses made from thicker, warmer materials. I discovered winter weight dresses made from thick cotton or wool. I prefer dresses with 3/4 or full sleeves for added warmth, and I often layer a cardigan on top. I pair these dresses with tights (usually black cotton) and thick wool socks inside boots with thermal inserts. I've found that my legs don't get too cold this way, but sometimes I'll still opt for sheer tights if the weather isn't too harsh.
One of my favorite ways to elevate my winter dress look is with a blazer. And I've been loving the tweed blazers from Gracequeens lately. They're so chic and versatile! I can wear them over a dress for a more polished look or pair them with jeans and a sweater for a casual vibe. I love how a blazer can instantly make an outfit feel more put-together.
I especially love the tweed women elegant blue blazers from Gracequeens. The vintage, loose fit is super stylish, and the tweed fabric adds a touch of warmth. It's perfect for both casual streetwear looks and more dressed-up occasions. I can't recommend it enough!
Here's a breakdown of my go-to strategies for wearing dresses in winter: