5 Winter Dress Trends Every Fashion Person Will Wear This Season

As the daily decision of going bare-legged and coat-free versus dusting off our trusty opaques and grabbing a cosy cover-up becomes ever more apparent (along with the contents of our handbag expanding to fit an umbrella, sunglasses and an extra emergency layer), it's no surprise that we all feel slightly confused during the autumn/winter season. This seems to be the case with dresses, too.

Can we still wear them? How do we wear them? And most importantly, which ones actually look good with tights? Now that our summer dresses are firmly in their vacuum bags, it's time to think about the ones that will tick all the boxes. With my help, you can find a frock that'll keep you feeling both chic and cosy during the chilly British winter. From COS's must-have knit dress to Aligne's leather number, these are the best winter dresses to buy now and wear until spring.

1. Knitted Dresses

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(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style Notes: If you're anything like me, the prospect of getting out of your bed in the morning is getting more unappealing by the day. Yes, we'd all like to stay wrapped up in our duvets, but, let me tell you, it's pretty hard to type when doing so. The next best thing? An oversized knitted dress, aka the hug of the frock world. 

2. Leather Dresses

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Style Notes: Be it real or faux, a leather dress is a winter style essential. Not only do they look elevated, even with the simplest styling, but the thicker fabrication will keep you warm on even the chilliest of days.

3. Long-Sleeve Minidresses

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Style Notes: Don't disregard minidresses just because it's winter—opt for styles with long sleeves (for obvious cosy purposes) and dark base colours that will pair more seamlessly with black tights. 

4. Velvet Dresses

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: Akin to leather, thicker velvet fabrics will keep you warmer than, say, cotton blends. This is why velvet dresses are always so rife in the winter months. Plus, they can double up as excellent party dresses with just a few accessories. For day, try chunky loafers or knee boots. 

5. High-Neck Dresses

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(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)

Style Notes: The common theme of this article is finding ways to stay warm and look stylish in dresses this winter, which brings me to my next and final point: high necklines. Whether you choose ruffled, shirring or even a bow, a dress with a high neckline is going to keep you 100% warmer than a dress without one. That's just good sense. 

This piece was published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Next Up: We've Found the Best Affordable Boots to Wear With All Your Dresses This Autumn

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.