How to Wear a Dressy Dress When It’s Cold (2024)

How to Wear a Dressy Dress When It’s Cold (1)

When the cooler weather arrives, don’t get the blues about formal winter dress options. Simply follow the 5 tips below on how to wear dressy dresses in the winter, and you won’t have to sacrifice style for warmth.

How to Wear a Dressy Dress When It’s Cold (2)

1. Think Sleeves.

Dresses with sleeves are ideal for winter events. Whether you choose cute cap sleeves, trendy three-quarter-length sleeves, or comfortable long sleeves on your dressy dresses, the additional coverage will add some warmth to your winter wardrobe.

2. Choose Heavier Fabrics.

Wearing fancy dresses when it’s cold outside is much more enjoyable when you pick your fabrics wisely. Shop for formal winter dresses crafted in figure-flattering jersey, crisp taffeta, or soft, glistening sateen. Velvet is another great option for keeping the chill away, and makes for an on-point, festive style for holiday parties. Be sure to look for linings, too! Formal dresses with layers of linings provide additional insulation at cold-weather events.

How to Wear a Dressy Dress When It’s Cold (3)

How to Wear a Dressy Dress When It’s Cold (4)

3. Consider Dress Lengths.

Wearing long dresses to winter formals is a long-established conventional pick for keeping cozy. However, you don’t necessarily have to let the weather dictate your personal style. There are short, midi, and tea-length formal dresses with features and designs to keep you warm at cold venues or events. Or, maybe you’re not feeling the dress at all. Slip into a fashion-forward long jumpsuit for your winter formal and showcase your fashion savvy in carefree comfort.

4. Layer Accordingly.

Find relief from the cold temps when you layer your look for winter formals.

  1. Under the Dress: The much dreaded, but sometimes essential, body shaper can pull double duty beneath your winter dress. Once you maneuver into one of these pesky little fashion helpers, it will smooth the curves and keep heat from escaping. You can also add nylons, knee-highs, or tights under your dress to keep the chill away.
  2. Over the Dress: Ideal for your cold weather look, a shawl, sweater, jacket, or bolero ensures versatility. Pair your winter dress with a trendy leather or denim jacket for an edgy vibe or a glamorous satin shawl for a sophisticated style. You’ll stay warm and cozy. Once you defrost and start to warm up, easily remove the jacket or sweater and continue celebrating in style. It’s just that simple.

How to Wear a Dressy Dress When It’s Cold (5)

How to Wear a Dressy Dress When It’s Cold (6)

5. Remember Shoes.

Let’s be honest. Frostbite on your feet would be the worst! While you may have just gotten a pedicure or a fabulous new pair of heels, winter formal events aren’t the time to show off your feet. Opt for a cute pair of ankle boots rather than open-toe shoes. Chic and stylish, knee-high boots or above-the-knee boots paired with a short formal dress will keep the chill off your calves while commanding attention. Whatever shoes you choose, just remember to keep those toasty toes in mind.

The old cliché, “the temperature's rising” is welcomed in more ways than one when it comes to wearing dresses when it’s cold. Figuratively, it means your sizzling style is heating up not only the dance floor, but the whole room. Literally, it could mean you’ve followed the advice above and have planned accordingly to keep warm and toasty in your winter dressy dress.

So, don’t stress about the winter weather! Follow these tips and look flawlessly fashionable in a formal dress for winter. Remember, shiver-free is the way to be when it comes to a flattering and comfortable winter dress.

As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with extensive knowledge in dressing for various seasons, including winter formals, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts mentioned in the article. My expertise stems from years of personal experience, keeping up with fashion trends, and understanding the practical aspects of staying stylish in colder weather.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article on how to wear dressy dresses in the winter:

  1. Think Sleeves: Winter events call for dresses with sleeves, offering additional coverage for warmth. The article suggests options like cute cap sleeves, trendy three-quarter-length sleeves, or comfortable long sleeves. This concept is grounded in the practicality of staying warm while maintaining a stylish look during colder seasons.

  2. Choose Heavier Fabrics: Selecting appropriate fabrics is crucial for winter formal dresses. The article recommends figure-flattering jersey, crisp taffeta, soft sateen, and velvet. These fabrics not only provide warmth but also contribute to a festive style for holiday parties. Additionally, the mention of linings emphasizes the importance of insulation in cold-weather events.

  3. Consider Dress Lengths: While long dresses are a conventional choice for winter formals, the article encourages flexibility in personal style. It suggests short, midi, and tea-length formal dresses with features designed to keep you warm. The unconventional option of a long jumpsuit is also presented as a fashion-forward and comfortable choice for winter formals.

  4. Layer Accordingly: Layering is a key strategy for combating cold temperatures. The article recommends layering both under and over the dress. Under the dress, body shapers, nylons, knee-highs, or tights provide additional insulation. Over the dress, options like shawls, sweaters, jackets, or boleros add versatility to the winter look, ensuring both style and warmth.

  5. Remember Shoes: Footwear is a crucial aspect of winter formal dressing. The article advises against open-toe shoes and suggests opting for cute ankle boots, knee-high boots, or above-the-knee boots to keep the chill off. The emphasis is on maintaining warmth while still showcasing chic and stylish footwear.

In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive guidance on dressing for winter formals, combining practicality and style. These tips cover various aspects, from dress styles and fabrics to layering techniques and footwear choices, ensuring individuals can confidently navigate winter events with flair and comfort.

How to Wear a Dressy Dress When It’s Cold (2024)

FAQs

How to Wear a Dressy Dress When It’s Cold? ›

Add Layers

Layering is key when it comes to styling a formal dress for a winter wedding. You can add a fur stole or a jacket to your dress for added warmth and style. These accessories also add an extra element of glamour to your look.

What to wear with a fancy dress when it's cold? ›

For formal attire, look for fur, satin, leather, or wool.
  • Fur Wraps. A fur wrap can create a very chic look when paired with a shimmery dress. ...
  • Jackets. ...
  • Shrugs. ...
  • Coats. ...
  • Swap the Bare Legs for Sheer Coverage. ...
  • Under Additional Undergarment Layers. ...
  • Get the Right Gloves. ...
  • Add a Hat.
Mar 15, 2022

How do you wear a formal dress in cold weather? ›

Add Layers

Layering is key when it comes to styling a formal dress for a winter wedding. You can add a fur stole or a jacket to your dress for added warmth and style. These accessories also add an extra element of glamour to your look.

How do you dress elegantly in cold weather? ›

Heavy-duty jeans or trousers – Jeans and trousers made from thicker fabrics offer superior heat retention, ensuring comfort while lending a sophisticated edge. Winter dresses – Dresses in heavier fabrics like knit or wool lend themselves to stylish pairings with tights or leggings, creating warm and elegant ensembles.

What to wear over a co*cktail dress to keep warm? ›

What To Wear Over a co*cktail Dress
  1. Dress Coats. While it may seem counterintuitive to wear a coat over a dress, the winter months are nothing to mess with. ...
  2. Jackets. Depending on the material, a jacket can be a nice alternative to a full coat. ...
  3. Shawls. ...
  4. Wraps. ...
  5. Shrugs.

How do you stay warm in a fancy dress? ›

What to Wear Over a Formal Dress When Cold for a Chic Look
  1. Faux Fur Shawl. If a full-on faux fur coat feels too heavy, consider a faux fur shawl instead. ...
  2. Black Short Jacket. ...
  3. Nude Coat. ...
  4. Sweater. ...
  5. Black Coat. ...
  6. Plaid Coat.
Mar 26, 2023

What to wear over summer dress when cold? ›

Instead of adding an item such as a blazer to a summer dress, she suggests layering coats or jackets made from similar fabrics – think a trench over a cotton dress, or a cashmere coat over a woollen one. Then add depth by playing with accessories such as shoes and bags.

Is it okay to wear a dress in the cold? ›

A dress with long sleeves feels more appropriate for winter and having some fabric to keep the cold off the skin always helps. If you need an extra bit of warmth but don't want to deal with layering more sleeves, I love a sweater vest (like this one or this one) over a dress.

How do you wear a dress in 50 degree weather? ›

50-degree days are cold, but they're also not that cold. You could still get away with wearing a mini skirt or a shorter dress with a few smart layers up top, such as a turtleneck and a blazer. Just make sure to consider the addition of tights to keep those goosebumps away.

How do you add warmth to a dress? ›

Layer up for warmth

A jacket, blazer or coat will not only keep you warm but also add an extra element to your outfit. When it's really chilly, you might like to layer a sweater or turtleneck underneath your dress too. Play with different textures and colours to create a cohesive, considered look.

What is co*cktail attire for cold weather? ›

What is Winter co*cktail Attire? Winter co*cktail attire consists of dressing in subdued tones, wearing long sleeves and layers, and accessorizing with shawls.

What coat do you wear over a formal dress? ›

Ideally the coat would be in a more formal color (black, grey, burgundy, or winter white — for some reason camel doesn't seem to do it for me) but don't rule out a fun color. Red is festive for the holidays. I like the more feminine coats with a fitted silhouette, but the cocoon coats are trending and can work too.

How to stay warm while wearing a dress? ›

Add Leggings or Tights: Choose thick, opaque leggings or thermal tights to wear under your dress. They provide extra warmth and can be a style statement in themselves, especially when chosen in bold colors or patterns. Incorporate Cardigans or Sweaters: Layer your dress with a chic cardigan or a pullover sweater.

How do you dress cool and classy? ›

Avoid bright colors or bold patterns – go for gentle tones and delicate patterns. Bright colors and bold patterns can be fine, per se. However, they can be, at times, overpowering and even distracting. It's better to stick with delicate or simple patterns and gentle tones.

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