In the summer, it’s wonderfully simple—just slip on a dress, put on your shoes, and off you go. I’m crazy about dresses simply because they’re so practical. And of course, I don’t give up my favorite pieces even in the winter.
You don't have to, because you canstyle almostany dress so that you can wear it in the freezing cold without getting cold. Even short dresses are a great choice with the right accessories—despite the ice and snow. I’ve put together a few tips for you on how to style your favorite dress.
1. Layering Principle: Underneath
It goes without saying: You can’t get through winter without warm tights. When temperatures drop below freezing, thermal tights and thermal underwear work wonders. You can’t see them, and you don’t have to dress like someone living at the North Pole. In general, “more is more” is the motto: Under your dress, you can wear undershirts, tops, and long-sleeve shirts. A blouse is nice, but not as warm. Leggings are an alternative to tights.
Fine-knit top under a strapless dress, opaque tights in a contrasting color: warmth you can show off. @AI illustration
2. Layering: On top
Winter is the perfect time for sophisticated layered outfits. Mixing styles always looks good: In the fall, pair a dress with a casual leather jacket; when it gets colder, opt for one with a lambskin lining. You can also wear a cardigan, which often gives the look a more casual vibe. If you want to create a new look, throw an oversized sweater over the dress and wear the dress as a skirt, so to speak. An important tip when choosing a coat: It should definitely be at least as long as the dress. With the super-long maxi coats that are currently all the rage, you certainly won’t have any trouble with that.
An oversized knit over a dress—and suddenly the dress becomes a skirt. @AI illustration
3. Dress Over Pants
Nowadays, people are wearing dresses over pants. The basic idea?A pair of pants that you slip your dress over.When it comes to choosing pants, pretty much anything goes: from wide-leg Marlene pants to patent leather pants to jeans. It depends on the style of your dress and the direction you want to take your outfit. Slim-leg styles are ideal for anyone who wants to ease into this combination. Pros go straight for wide silhouettes.
Dress Over Pants: The layering trend that gives every summer dress a winter look. @AI Illustration
4. Total Look – An Eye-Catcher
A brand-new trend this season makes dresses wearable in winter. Even if it’s certainly not an everyday look: the head-to-toe look, where you pair a dress with pants or a dress with over-the-knee boots in the same design. The long boots protect your legs from wind and weather, and when you’re dressed head-to-toe in an eye-catching pattern—such asanimal print, a scarf print, glen check, or houndstooth—you’re guaranteed to turn heads.
A dress and over-the-knee boots in the same print—a look that speaks for itself. @KI-Illustration
5. Boots—the be-all and end-all
Warm feet make all the difference and help us feel comfortable. That’s why boots—especially lined ones—are essential when wearing a dress. Depending on the shaft height, you can also pull leg warmers inside your boots or, with ankle boots, wear them visibly over the tops of your calves. I especially recommend a warming insole for over-the-knee boots.
Warm feet make all the difference—and patent leather over-the-knee boots turn that into a statement. @KI-Illustration
6. Accessories for That Special Touch
As we all know, accessories are what really complete a look. In winter, they also have the pleasant side effect of keeping us warm. And they usually do so in a very stylish way. With a hat, headband, scarf, and gloves, you can add the finishing touches to your outfit. And you can make a statement with XXL scarves, for example.
XXL scarf, hat, gloves: Accessories keep you warm—and add the finishing touch that completes the look. @AI illustration
7. Choose warm materials
It's not just about quality—the fabric also makes a difference when it comes to keeping out the cold: undershirts, sweaters, and anything else you pair with the dress should be made of cashmere, merino, angora, or other warm wool fabrics.
Cashmere, merino, faux fur: Four textures side by side—that’s how warmth becomes a stylistic element. @AI illustration
Discover dresses for cold days
You Ask, We Answer – Frequently Asked Questions About "Preparing Clothes for Winter"
What kind of tights go well with winter dresses?
Opaque tights with a denier of 60 or higher, or thermal tights, keep you especially warm while also giving you a put-together look.
How do I wear a dress in winter without getting cold?
Follow the layering principle: tights, a slip, a cardigan or blazer, and a warm coat will provide plenty of protection from the cold.
What shoes go well with dresses in winter?
Ankle boots, knee-high boots, or over-the-knee boots are the perfect choices. They keep you warm and add a wintery touch to your outfit.
Can I wear a sweater over a dress?
Yes. Wearing a sweater over a dress makes it look like a skirt and keeps you warmer at the same time.
Which jacket goes best with dresses in the winter?
Wool coats, quilted coats, or elegant down coats pair especially well with dresses and keep you reliably warm.
Is it a good idea to wear thermal leggings under dresses?
On very cold days in particular, thermal leggings offer extra protection and remain virtually invisible under longer dresses.
What styling trick instantly makes dresses winter-ready?
The combination of opaque tights, boots, and knit layers is the easiest way to make almost any dress winter-ready.
Christine Schmitz
My love for fashion and communication led me to Ana Alcazar—having cut my teeth as a copywriter and concept developer in traditional advertising, I’ve been writing for our Munich-based designer label for over 10 years. On the editorial team, I’m responsible for all corporate topics, and I also focus on current trends and my passion: gender equality.
Between Image and History
Sometimes a story needs more than a photo can convey. That’s why some of the images in this article were created using artificial intelligence (AI)—curated, inspiring, and always in the spirit of “Wear your Story.” The AI-generated images are clearly labeled next to each photo.
