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26 Winter Dresses You Won’t Have to Think Twice About Throwing On

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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.

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

Best winter dresses: A collage of ladies wearing winter dresses
Dasha Burobina for PureWow

The Best Winter Dresses at a Glance

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Best Mock-Neck Dress

1. Floerns Mock-Neck Dress

Floerns

  • 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.

Size range: XS to 4XL

Best Winter Midi Dress

2. Callahan Sami Dress

Callahan

  • 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.

Size range: XS to XL

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.

Size range: 00 to 16

Best Sweatshirt Dress

4. The Drop Sweatshirt Dress

The Drop

  • 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.

Size range: XXS to 5XL

Best Velvet Dress

5.  Let Me Be Velvet Dress

Anthropologie

  • 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."

Size range: XXS to XL

Best Silk Dress

6. Quince Silk Shirt Dress

Quince

  • 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.

Size range: XS to XL

Best Long Dress

7. Banana Republic Netta Dress

Banana Republic

  • 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.

Size range: XXS to XXL

Best Winter Sweater Dress

8. Pink Queen Sweater Dress

Pink Queen

  • 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!

Size range: S to 3XL

Best Belted Dress

& Other Stories

  • 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.

Size range: XS to L

Best Long-Sleeve

10. Reformation Belmont Dress

Reformation

  • 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.

Size range: XS to XL

Best Nap Dress

11. Hill House Louisa Dress

Hill House Home

  • 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.

Size range: XXS to XXL

Best Fuzzy Dress

12. Meenew Sweater Dress

Meenew

  • 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."

Size range: S to XL

Best Long Sweater Dress

13. Mango Turtleneck Dress

Mango

  • 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.

Size range: 0 to 12

Best Smocked Dress

14. Farm Rio Smocked Dress

Farm Rio

  • 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.

Size range: XS to L

Best Faux Leather Dress

15. Theory Faux Leather Dress

Theory

  • 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.

Size range: XS to XL

Best Wrap Dress

16. H&M Wrap Dress

h&m

  • 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.

Size range: XS to XXL

Best Layered Dress

17. Maje Raprisera Dress

Maje

  • 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.

Size range: 0 to 4

Best Black Winter Dress

18. H&M Pleated Dress

H&M

  • 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.

Size range: XS to XXL

Best Flowy Winter Dress

19. Free People Estella Dress

Free People

  • 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."

Best Winter Maternity Dress

20. Hello Miz Maternity Dress

Hello Miz

  • 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.

Size range: XS to XL

Best Winter Mini Dress

21. Abercrombie Mini Sweater Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

  • 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.

Size range: XXS to XXL

Best Ruffle Dress

22. Ulla Johnson Ottilie Dress

Ulla Johnson

  • 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.

Size range: 00 to 16

Best Winter Wedding Guest Dress

23. ASTR Marin Dress

ASTR

  • 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.

Size range: XS to XL

Best Flannel Dress

24. Faherty Legend Dress

Legend

  • 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).

Size range: XXS to XXL

Best Shirt Dress

25. Abercrombie Satin Shirt Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

  • 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.

Size range: XXS to XL

Best Patterned Dress

26. Diane Von Furstenberg Amarrah Dress

Diane von Furstenberg

  • 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.

Size range: XXS to L

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. 


ScreenShot2021 09 16at12.40.08AM

Freelance Writer

Avid coffee drinker, writer and dabbler in UX, Dagmara Cintron is an NYC native living in Los Angeles. She covers fashion, local LA stories, home decor and more for PureWow. She obtained her Fashion Marketing degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and has been a freelance copywriter in the fashion industry for more than two years as well as a freelance editorial writer. Her current obsessions outside of writing are Brazilian jiu-jitsu and good thrift finds.

Courtney Campbell

Freelance Writer

Courtney covers all things shopping and lifestyle at PureWow. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Elon University and has spent more than five years of her career writing and editing shopping content. She has also tested everything from kombucha kits to standing desks for product reviews. With a passion for service journalism, she loves covering food, lifestyle and home content. You can follow her on Instagram or see more of her experience on LinkedIn.