Best winter dresses for a hit of cosy chic

The temperatures are leaving a lot to be desired, hence the need for some winter style inspiration. 

No longer can we throw on whichever dress takes our fancy and waltz out the door. Instead a careful calculation of potential warmth is proving to be the style deliberation of the moment.

 This season we're looking to curate a series of wearable dress-focused 'fits that feel simultaneously stylish and warm, to be teamed alongside plush coats, patterned tights, cool-girl knits and buttery leather boots.

MORE: The best winter coat trends to invest in for 2024

How we chose:

• Style and season-appropriate: Naturally, a super flattering dress silhouette is essential. When combing through the internet's top fashion sites for the best winter dresses, we made sure that each of our picks were either bang on trend or had a certain classic appeal for maximum wearability. 
• Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a piece in your price range. We've selected this season's best winter dresses, ranging from affordable high street and mid-level brands to luxe designer labels.

 Hello! Fashion shares the winter dresses we're lusting after this season:

How to style a dress in winter

Stuck for go-to dress outfit formulas? This season we're taking inspiration from the street style set. Consider base layers like cosy polo knits for a sense of depth, or throw a knitted tank over your dress for a hit of boxy warmth. 

With a polo base layer

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Get some extra winter wear out of your go-to shirt dress by layering it over a fine polo knit. A stark colour contrast works well, and then you can dial up the warmth even further with a quilted jacket and a fluffy coat, should the weather demand.

With this season's hottest hue 

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Fiery red is having a moment this season, but if you're in the mood for something more muted, wine and crimson feel categorically luxe. Consider layering a sheer glittery maxi under a shearling jacket to make your journey home from the party that bit more tolerable.

READ: Best winter gloves for a stylish hit of warmth

MORE: How to style an oversized jumper and the best knits to shop this season

With an oversized bomber

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The bomber is a piece that transcends the trend cycle, but there's no denying the fact that it is dominating on the street style circuit this season. Oversized fits feel slouchy and cool, and I personally love utilitarian pocket detailing juxtaposed alongside the intricacy of an ultra-femme lace trim.

 With a knitted vest

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For layering obsessives, the knitted vest is utterly indispensable. Those in neutral tones feel chic and wearable – Arket, Cos and Jigsaw are your high-street go-tos – and the absence of sleeves means that overheating is out of the question, even if you're on the go.

With a statement coat

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We haven't forgotten that winter spells party season, not for a second. H&M x Rabanne is the collab of the moment, and if you're looking to make a serious entrance, team a disc sequin mini with a fuzzy-to-the-touch animal print coat.

With patterned tights 

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This look delivers on interest – each piece is individually fresh, and the overall combination feels harmonious. Patterned tights are a great way of infusing your look with a sense of texture, and this footless pair delivers a dose of Y2K cool.

With leather boots

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The fluffy jacket is always a guaranteed winner, but we love the pairing of a clean, knitted midi dress and buttery leather boots. The relaxed fit feels unfussy, and yet the high-shine finish adds a dose of polish.

With a padded jacket

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Take double denim to new, more elevated heights by combining different tones. This look fuses an unexpected jacket design in classic blue with figure-skimming cool-girl cream.

With a belted maxi coat

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Reenergise the neutral coat that you reach for every winter – a longline dove grey or biscuit piece – with a pop of colour underneath. Ribbed midi dresses are worth their weight in style gold, especially in a draughty office, and this orangey-red packs a punch.

With a glossy jacket

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A playful geometric print is a super easy way to make a head-to-toe impact. If you're leaning into monochrome, opt for a boxy vinyl jacket and the chunky platform boots that are still doing the street style rounds.

Why you should trust me: 

Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It's not just a job; it's a personal quest to unearth noteworthy pieces that resonate with style and beauty enthusiasts.

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