The ease of throwing on a dress is a luxury everyone deserves—even on the chilliest of days. After all, any day spent sans pants is a good day in our book. We know what you're thinking: Dresses are too cold for winter. But gone are the days in which cold weather and dresses were mutually exclusive. Styles with long sleeves, thicker, velvety materials, ankle-grazing hemlines and layers are the hallmarks of great winter dresses that you can rock year round—and we've rounded up 26 of the best for the season.
26 Winter Dresses You Won’t Have to Think Twice About Throwing On
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How to Wear a Winter Dress
Winter is the perfect time to experiment with layering because if you get too toasty, you can just rip one off. On warmer days, opt for a T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt over a slip dress, like TikTok user @elsaibos demonstrates below.
When you get chilly, there’s always the option to toss on a = loose sweater over your dress or a leather jacket for a bit of edge. If you're wearing a long-sleeve dress, you can just toss it on with knee-high boots and call it a day.
Need some help updating your wardrobe? We’re rounding up some winter dresses that will be good for everything from snowy strolls to your next date night
The Best Winter Dresses at a Glance
- Best Mock-Neck Dress: Floerns Mock-Neck Dress
- Best Winter Midi Dress: Callahan Sami Dress
- Best Winter Cocktail Dress: Likely Marullo Dress
- Best Sweatshirt Dress: The Drop Sweatshirt Dress
- Best Velvet Dress: Let Me Be Velvet Dress
- Best Silk Dress: Quince Silk Shirt Dress
- Best Long Dress: Banana Republic Netta Dress
- Best Winter Sweater Dress: Pink Queen Sweater Dress
- Best Belted Dress: & Other Stories Belted Dress
- Best Long-Sleeve Dress: Reformation Belmont Dress
- Best Nap Dress: Hill House Louisa Dress
- Best Fuzzy Dress: Meenew Sweater Dress
- Best Long Sweater Dress: Mango Turtleneck Dress
- Best Smocked Dress: Farm Rio Smocked Dress
- Best Faux Leather Dress: Theory Faux Leather Dress
- Best Wrap Dress: H&M Wrap Dress
- Best Layered Dress: Maje Raprisera Dress
- Best Black Winter Dress: H&M Pleated Dress
- Best Flowy Winter Dress: Free People Estella Dress
- Best Winter Maternity Dress: Hello Miz Maternity Dress
- Best Winter Mini Dress: Abercrombie Mini Sweater Dress
- Best Ruffle Dress: Ulla Johnson Ottilie Dress
- Best Winter Wedding Dress: ASTR Marin Dress
- Best Flannel Dress: Faherty Legend Dress
- Best Shirt Dress: Abercrombie Satin Shirt Dress
- Best Patterned Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg Amarrah Dress
- Why We Love It: Multiple patterns, holds in heat, long sleeves
The cinched waist of this mock-neck dress paired with its ruffled detailing makes it especially intriguing to look at. Its 100 percent polyester material means it will hold in heat, and it comes in several pattern options, so you can throw multiple in your cart.
- Why We Love It: Elastic waist, chic subtle pattern, longer hem
This elegant number with a subtle geometric pattern is bound to be a wardrobe essential. The front-tie accent will nip in your waistline while the added elastic will still give you room to breathe. Pair this baby with your favorite winter boots and you'll be ready to go.
Best Winter Cocktail Dress
Likely
- Why We Love It: Feathered hem, holds in heat, added spandex for movement
We love the feathery fringe on this LBD. Despite its mini length, it's made of polyester, which means it will hold in your body heat, and it's got a touch of spandex in there, too, which will help you comfortably move about—just note that you'll want to dry clean this one to keep the feathers intact.
- Why We Love It: Cozy, breathable, machine washable
Needless to say, any dress made with sweatshirt materials is sure to feel nice and cozy, and this one is no exception. Several reviewers suggested wearing it over leggings for an added layer of warmth, and, just like your favorite sweatshirt, it's super easy to wash.
- Why We Love It: Handcrafted embroidery, romantic draping
There’s something magical about putting on velvet. This dress's soft material has handcrafted borders and an asymmetric hemline that make it drape like a dream. It's also lined for an added layer of warmth. According to reviewers, the workmanship is a cut above too: Wrote one buyer: "This dress is so well made. Good, quality fabric."
- Why We Love It: Washable, hypoallergenic,
Silk is notoriously hard to clean, but this long sleeve button-up dress makes it possible to (gasp!) throw it right into your machine. Its hypoallergenic and thermoregulating, too, to keep your body temp from dipping too low when it's chilly.
- Why We Love It: Timeless silhouette, renewable fabric, machine washable
This long dress with arm-covering sleeves and and a waist-cinching belt will keep you covered enough so that the winter breeze won’t be able to sneak through. Beyond that, it's made from an innovative fabric derived from renewable wood sources and produced using 50 percent less water than traditional methods, making it a score for Mother Earth, too.
- Why We Love It: Cozy, oversized, hand-warming pockets
An oversized sweater dress is a must-have for winter—especially when it's a particularly snuggly option. Available in numerous colors, this one falls right at mid-length for that Ariana Grande look, and Amazon shoppers have styled it with everything from knee-highs to black leggings for a bit of added coziness. It even has pockets to warm your hands!
- Why We Love It: Recycled material, super soft, colorful
Nothing says winter quite like a soft and cozy sweater material, and this dress is just the ticket. Its recycled polyester means you'll be staying toasty and doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint, too. Better yet, the festive red offers the perfect pop of color on a gray, dreary day.
- Why We Love It: Longe sleeve and comfy
Staying covered up doesn't equate to "frumpy." This knit design has a high boat neckline and and a longer length but showcases a single side slit that keeps it plenty sexy. It's sustainable thanks to its tencel composition, and because of its fitted body, you can easily layer it beneath sweaters.
- Why We Love It: Flannel-like feel, moody pattern
With its cotton material and breezy silhouette, you might mistake this one for a summer find at first glance, but don't be fooled: The 100 percent cotton is actually brushed in order to feel like a warm, cozy flannel. The darker pattern options are also moody enough to carry you through the season.
- Why We Love It: Fuzzy, multi-funcitional, pockets
Soft and fuzzy? Check. An oversized, relaxed fit that will slip right over your fleece-lined leggings? Double check. And the running thread among its reviewers? Comfortable with a capital "C." Wrote one: "I wear it as a dress and a long sweater. [It is] my go-to for comfort, fun and class."
- Why We Love It: Full-coverage, sultry fit, medium weight
With the sleeves of this design rolled down, you'll be nearly covered from head to toe, but its slim fit will still show off plenty of your figure. It's got a medium weight, so it won't be too hot or too cold, and there is a decorative seam at the waist that allows you to wear it with or without a belt.
- Why We Love It: Eye-catching, machine-washable
Bold florals, billowy sleeves sleeves and a smocked bodice makes this dress stand out from the pack. It's got longer sleeves and a hemline that will lend themselves to coziness on a nippy day and it will look killer over tights or even leggings when worn as a tunic-style top.
- Why We Love It: Edgy, stretchy, animal-friendly
A faux leather dress paired with combat boots = an edgy look that will slay on even the snowiest of days. While it won't be quite as warm as the real deal, faux leather still has a mid-weight heft that will insulate well besides.
- Why We Love It: Cool pattern, flattering fit, insulating
This striped wrap dress is ideal for making a statement in the cold. It's nice and insulating with a little bit of spandex for stretch. As for its features, there are gently dropped shoulders and long balloon sleeves for an elevated feel.
- Why We Love It: Layered design, nice construction
This grungy pullover style might come complete with all the layers you need, but there's still room for stockings underneath its skirt, should you need the added warmth. Customers say the top part runs small, but otherwise, it's a "fabulous" find.
- Why We Love It: Full coverage, romantic silhouette, warm polyester
Upgrade your little black dress situation for winter with this flowy option. A V-shaped opening at the front and a wide tie-belt at the waist adds simple detailing that will make it feel pulled together, even when you're rushing out the door. Its polyester fabric also makes it a great choice for staying toasty.
- Why We Love It: Velvety feel, easy to wash, relaxed fit
This velvety, rust-colored frock will be the perfect companion to evenings spent by a cozy fireplace. The relaxed fit practically begs for some layering, and it will feel nice to the touch, too—even after it comes out of the machine. Go figure that it has a perfect 5-star rating from Free People customers, who love its simple construction and comfy fit. Wrote one: "This dress is so stunning I want to be buried in it."
- Why We Love It: Stretchy, transitions from season to season, tons of colors
A form-fitting maternity dress will be the perfect thing to accentuate a baby bump, and this one's rayon fabric is blended with a stretchy spandex that will allow it to grow with you. It's a great transitional piece you can wear into spring and it can easily be dressed up or down, too.
- Why We Love It: Super soft, layers well, neutral colors
This basic mini sweater dress will be ideal for your next dinner night with the girls, since the chantilly yarn fabric is said to be incredibly soft. It also lends itself well to layering over a slip dress or tank—in fact, one reviewer encourages it, writing, "Due to the weight of the fabric and the holes down the front, its kind of see-through." It can get worn quickly without proper care, however, so be sure to lay it flat after a spin through the machine.
- Why We Love It: Breathable, longer length, wintery print
The dark navy background of this ruffled beauty gives its classic floral print a wintery take. And while it's constucted from a more breathable cotton, with the right layering tricks (we suggest a cozy pair of tights and a chic little jacket), it will be suitable for a night out in the cold.
- Why We Love It: Longer sleeves, longer hem, warm material
This little number will make just the kind of statement you want it to at a winter wedding—especially one where the dress code is elegant AF—thanks to its draped silhouette, long sleeves and mid-calf length. It will keep you plenty covered in the worst of weather, and the polyester fabric is great for wear in the more frigid months of the year, too.
- Why We Love It: Blanket-like feel, machine washable
While flannel can be made from a variety of materials, this one is comprised of a nice, warm polyester blend that will keep the chill out, yet washes easily. But don't take our word for it. One Faherty shopper compared it to cozy bedding, writing, "Tried it on and it fit perfectly and felt like a warm, soft blanket surrounding me." Another claims it only gets better with time, adding, "Even better after washing and drying." Chelsea boots not included (but strongly encouraged).
- Why We Love It: Easy to wear, holds in heat, good for layering
This has an easy, loose fit that will make it a breeze to layer on colder days. Even if you wear it solo, however, the fact that it's mostly polyester means it will hold in heat a little better than, say, cotton might. Despite its satiny finish, it's also machine washable—something that's always a plus in our books.
- Why We Love It: Cool pattern, warm, ribbed trim
This graphic sweater dress is not only eye-catching, it's made of a blend of acrylic and wool that will give you the best of both worlds: warmth with a great drape plus durability and wrinkle-resistance. The ribbed trim gives it a bit of shape, too, so it won't look like a too-big sack.
Best Material for Winter Dresses
Aside from having a longer length and sleeves that will keep your arms covered in chillier weather, there are a few dress materials you'll want to look for come wintertime. These fabrics are typically a bit warmer but still breathable, so you won't be completely sweltering under your North Face.
- Cotton: We all know and love her. Cotton is chemically organic, which means it doesn't contain any synthetic compounds. (Read: Unlike some fabrics—looking at you, cheap wool that will make you itch and scratch all day—cotton will be nice and comfy, even if you've got sensitive skin.) It's known to be water absorbent and dries quickly, making it a great pick should you get caught in a snowstorm. And, most importantly, due to its breathability, it will keep you from sweating on those days you're wearing too many layers.
- Polyester: One of the most popular synthetic fabrics for winter dresses is polyester. It's long-lasting and moisture-resistant, but it's particularly good for colder months because in addition to being lightweight (hello, easy layering), it's surprisingly warm. That's because it's less breathable than natural fabrics, ensuring your body heat will stay closer to you.
- Wool: Wool fabric is made from natural fibers from animals, like sheep, goats, rabbits, camels and more. Besides being naturally insulating, wool is a great choice for winter dresses because of its great ability to be draped. Wool garments hold their structure beautifully and follow the form of your body. As we mentioned above, however, they can be a little itchy on the skin—particularly the less expensive versions.
- Acrylic: When you want a wool-like vibe without the high price tag or animal hair, acrylic is a good way to go. It's more durable and wrinkle-resistant than wool, though it's less breathable and less resistant to moisture. It's also a great option for those with wool allergies.
- Velvet: Velvet makes you feel bougie for a reason. It has a great depth of color, and the appearance alters based on the lighting and angle you see it at, making it highly luxurious. Besides being soft to the touch and fabulous, velvet is known is to wrap the body, trapping heat in the process.
- Cashmere: There are few things better than the perfect cashmere garment in the winter. Derived from cashmere goats, cashmere yarn is finer than wool, making it softer to the touch and warmer to wear during the colder months, since it has fewer holes for air to pass through. Good quality cashmere garments can also last up to ten years with the proper care and storage.
- Silk: Don't rule out silk in the winter—it's an all-weather fabric (we swear). It actually provides an insulating layer of warm air against your skin that will keep you toasty. In addition, it's known to have great moisture-wicking properties.
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Dagmara Cintron is an avid coffee drinker, writer and dabbler in UX. Dagmara is an NYC native living out her sunny dreams in Los Angeles. She’s currently obsessed with Brazilian jiu-jitsu and good thrift finds.