Knitted, Draped, or Sequinned—How to Style the Best Dresses of Winter

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Photo: Courtesy of Toteme

Winter dressing is often framed as a compromise, but the best cold weather dresses prove otherwise. This season, warmth and grace aren’t opposing forces—they’re collaborators. Think substantial knits that graze rather than adhere, bias and draped cuts that move effortlessly under a coat, and long sleeves that do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

Vogue’s Favorite Winter Dresses

The Party Dress
Zara sequin lace dress
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The Turtleneck Dress
Toteme double-sleeve turtleneck dress
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The Thick Knit
Lisa Yang Nyla midi dress
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A winter dress isn’t just about staying warm while looking stylish; it’s about embracing texture, proportion, and elegance, depending on the occasion, of course. Whether layered or worn alone, it serves as the understated hero of the season. This single, thoughtfully chosen piece transitions seamlessly from daytime errands to candlelit evenings without missing a beat.

Naturally, no winter dress curation is complete without a sweater dress, or two. We’re fond of thick, cable-knit styles that can be worn with tall, flat boots, or suede accessories. Since party doesn’t end after January 1st—it’s just renamed—you can’t go wrong by adding a few statement-making fête dresses to your rotation, like Zara’s sequinned, lace-trimmed midi. Go full festive with a beaded bag, cropped furry jacket, and textural pumps. Lean into the classics with a sleek, black turtleneck dress from Toteme, The Row, or Allude—the results are cozy, yet put together. Any of these complements our top-shopped handbags, be it Miu Miu’s Aventure bag, or Chloé’s Paddington bag for a nostalgic touch.

Whichever way you go, there’s a chic winter dress waiting for you, ahead.

The Sparkling Party Dress With a Cropped Faux Fur

The current season calls for a little glimmer and shine! This lace-trimmed number from Zara is designed for grand entrances, and nights that stretch past last call. Wear it this winter with some of our favorite cold-weather accessories: a cropped faux fur, beaded bag, and velvet pumps.

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By Malene Birger

Jacquie jacket

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Zara

sequin lace dress

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Kallmeyer

Imogen beaded purse

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Aeyde

Tillie pumps

The Sleek Turtleneck Dress With a Pony Hair Car Coat

Sleek, versatile, and endlessly elegant, turtleneck dresses frame the face while skimming the body. This one from Toteme includes an extra set of sleeves—to be wrapped around the waist for definition. Style with a pony hair car coat for texture, and ankle boots for height.

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Nour Hammour

paneled coat

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Toteme

double-sleeve turtleneck dress

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DeMellier

The Hudson bag

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Tory Burch

Pierced ankle boots

The Wear-Anywhere Shirt Dress With a Long Faux Fur

If you think a shirtdress is exclusive to the office, think again! The right one can carry you from office to after hours, with a few key accessories. Wear this plaid style from Zara with a faux fur coat, and layer a thin black turtleneck underneath for additional warmth.

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Loulou de Saison

Moore faux fur coat

Zara

plaid shirt dress

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Everlane

The Luxe rib turtleneck

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Black Suede Studio

Arrow loafers

The Oversized Cable-Knit Dress With Knee-High Boots

When in doubt, go the cozy route! Subzero forecasts call for comfort, and we can’t think of anything more comfortable than an oversized, cable-knit dress. Tie a matching sweater around your neck for added interest and texture—then, have fun with the accessories. We love it with merlot shoulder bag and knee-high, chocolate brown boots for subtle pops of color.

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Lisa Yang

Signe sweater

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Lisa Yang

Nyla midi dress

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St. Agni

90s shoulder bag

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Toteme

knee boots

The Draped Maxi Dress With a Trench Coat and Pillbox Hat

Searching for winter’s answer to effortless elegance? A draped maxi dress is it! Fluid yet substantial, this favorite from Cos skims the body with soft folds that are both cocooning and refined. It layers seamlessly under a tailored coat (or trench!), and stands on its own with a pillbox hat and leopard-print bag.

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Leset

Kyoto trench coat

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Chloé

The Chloé toque hat

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Cos

ruffled draped midi dress

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Hunting Season

leopard-print clutch

Shop More Winter Dresses:
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The Row

Melani dress

Allude

turtleneck maxi dress

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Maria McManus

pleated wool maxi dress

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Zara

wrinkled pleated midi dress

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Banana Republic

sculpted sweater maxi dress

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Dôen

Marielle midi dress

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Leset

Lauren dress

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J.Crew

cable-knit sweater-dress