I Only Wear Dresses—Here's How I Style Them in Questionable Weather

As someone who avoids wearing trousers at all costs, I used to find spring relatively difficult to style myself for (particularly when we're in the midst of the coldest spring in decades). Dresses form 90% of my wardrobe, and over the years, I've worked out a few tricks for making them feel spring-like while remaining blissfully cosy, too. And it seems influencers also have discovered the knack for wearing frocks without freezing in the questionable weather we've been experiencing lately.

From simple layering tricks to the boots I always wear with midis and maxis, keep scrolling for six genius ways to style dresses in spring—until the temperatures start to rise at the very least. 

BUY INTO MATCHING SETS

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(Image credit: @joannalari)

Right now, there are plenty of dresses that come with the option of buying a matching cardigan or jacket. As someone who's continuously cold, I favour this two-part outfit in spring.

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LOOK FOR HIGH NECKLINES

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Springtime weather can change from blue skies to torrential rain in seconds, so high necklines are your friend when it comes to affording you extra protection from the elements. You can even layer a thermal vest underneath for extra warmth should you need it. Button-up styles always look sleek; we love Grece's sunny yellow option. 

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LAYER A ROLL-NECK UNDERNEATH

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(Image credit: @monikh)

It's the hack fashion girls use throughout the colder months. Layering a roll-neck (preferably a thermal one) under a short-sleeve dress will keep the chill at bay and will give even the fanciest attire an off-duty downplay. 

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THROW ON A BLAZER

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(Image credit: @eniswardrobe)

If 90% of my wardrobe consists of dresses, what of the other 10%? It's largely blazers. Handily enough, they look great when paired together. 

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STYLE IT OVER JEANS

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(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

That's right—my favourite jeans outfit is one that includes a dress. When worn over vintage-esque blues, dresses with splits to the front work best with this look.

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ACCESSORISE WITH WHITE BOOTS

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

I love black footwear, I really do, but I find it can look too harsh against some dresses. So until sandal season arrives, I'll swap out my black boots in favour of white or ecru tones for a fresher, springtime take. 

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

Next Up: Autumn/Winter 2021 Trends: The Only Fashion Looks You Need to Know

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.