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There are a few items we’re not willing to part with in the Vogue offices come winter. Fashion-forward coats (in addition to those essential heavy-hitters like puffer jackets and shearling styles), and dresses, are two of them. The best dresses for winter can be worn in the day, or at night, and transcend drastic temperature shifts thanks to their versatile nature. But, with all there is on the market today, how do you choose which styles are worth the purchase? That’s where we come in with a catalog of dresses waiting to be discovered this winter.
Vogue’s Best Dresses for Winter List:
- The Dotted Maxi: Favorite Daughter The Nita polka dot pleated maxi dress, $298
- The Striped Knit: Ulla Johnson Evangeline striped knit maxi, $790
- The Velvet Midi: Sea Alia devoré-velvet midi dress, $395
- The New Shirtdress: Loewe belted dress, $2,500
- The High-Neck Find: Banana Republic silk tie-neck midi dress, $400
- The Artistic Drape: Helmut Lang draped knit protection dress, $395
- The Pop of Color: Zara wool midi dress, $170
- The Dramatic Twist: JW Anderson front drape dress, $850
- The Animal Print: Zimmermann Crush tie-neck pleated leopard-print dress, $1,450
- The Classic Black: Norma Kamali turtleneck gown, $150
Just like your favorite breezy maxidress during the summer, an arsenal of weightier dresses will become your new go-to this season. The updated knit dress will easily become a one-and-done savior for those chilly mornings when you’d rather stay beneath the comforter. There are styles that lean more minimalist, like Guest in Residence’s classic grey cashmere turtleneck midi, and Altuzarra’s Cuddy dress with its pleated hemline and allover ribbing. Both are the ideal blank canvas for accessorizing, or layering. Then, think beyond the holiday season for velvet: the luxe fabric is as winter-appropriate as it is festive—and we’re taking everyday preciousness seriously. Make a statement at a party, or a dinner gathering, with a crushed velvet turtleneck dress from Alaïa, or Saloni’s floral-print option.
Wondering how to style a lighter winter dress for the office? Easy—look to the modernized shirtdress. These aren’t the basic A-line silhouettes of yesteryear, though. The new crop of shirtdresses have unique details to give them a stylized update. Check out Salon 1884’s Anais dress, which is cut to resemble a trench coat. Proenza Schouler’s take comes in a striking blue fit-and-flare silhouette, great for teaming with black accessories like knee-high boots and oversized wool coats. But wait, there’s more. Some of our favorites include animal-print finds from Zimmermann, high-neck details from Banana Republic and Bottega Veneta, and liquid-like draping seen on the likes of JW Anderson, Toteme, and Brandon Maxwell. Complete your chicest cold-weather rotation yet with these winter dresses, ahead.
The Updated Knit
Dresses, particularly knitted dresses, are one of those unique wardrobe essentials that combine comfort with sophistication. Beyond their endless wearability (they can complement literally everything), sweater dresses pack a lot of versatility. Wear a pared-back one with smoking loafers or kitten-heel boots, or contrast into a striped style—from Ulla Johnson or Zankov—with something suede.
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A Little Lustrous
These days, the velvet dress isn’t exclusive to the holiday season, although we love to rely on its festive sensibilities for occasions surrounding the season. Now, thanks to fresh brands giving the fabric a modern look, like a ruched bodice, cut-out waist, mock-neck, and added lace details, the velvet dress can be worn before, after, or during, the celebrations.
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The Modern Shirtdress
As far as everyday dressing is concerned, no wardrobe is complete without at least one or two shirtdresses. A must-have for workweeks and beyond, think of it as your foundational silhouette. Whether you’re investing in The Row’s white cotton maxi (perfect for layering over turtlenecks), or playing with the season’s checked and plaid prints, you can’t go wrong.
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High-End, High Necklines
Few styles are quite as chic, and as comforting, as a high-neck winter dress. For the season, it’s the perfect time to pile on those foundational basics—you know, those tees, tanks, and long-sleeved knits for layering. There are classic turtleneck styles in poppy red from Zara, and traditional black from Norma Kamali. And then, there are those with fresh flair, from Banana Republic’s scarf-neck dress to Bottega Veneta’s color-blocked style.
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An Artful Twist
Beautifully draped and liquid-like artful tops are still trending, and we’re taking the interpretation into the winter with fluid dresses punctuated by shrouded layers and wrapped details. Take, for example, JW Anderson’s twisted and flowing red dress, or, Brandon Maxwell’s grey cape-like maxi.
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Prints, Please
Step aside, minimalists! For those who prefer to stand out with bold colors and maximalist details (like animal print, florals, and polka-dot’s), look no further. There’s a winter floral print from Ulla Johnson, a gathered and checked option from Dries Van Noten, and a bold leopard in a boho-inspired silhouette from Zimmermann.
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