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Is it just us or do we really come into our own style-wise when winter comes along? It seems like the cold temperatures really inspire us to refresh our wardrobes, and really innovate.

Nothing beats getting cozy in style with a turtleneck or jumper dresses. Winter is the perfect season for layering to look put together and sophisticated!

Playing with textures such as cashmere and leather looks elegant. Invest in key pieces that can take you all through winter but also last you years, think of it as building a capsule wardrobe.

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Bomber Jackets

Bomber jackets allow you to add an androgynous and sportswear-inspired touch to your outfits. Introduced in the 80s as a trend piece, it has gradually become a wardrobe must-have.

Quilted styles are perfect for wrapping up warm and reincarnating the aviator vibe they once embraced.

We love Kendall Jenner’s grungy twist with straight leg jeans and Doc Martens, perfect for anyone who loves to be playful with their styling!

Bohemian Babe

When you think of the Bohemian look, you think long flowy dresses, but how can you rock it in winter? Long shearling coats can be layered over peasant blouses to keep you warm all whilst embracing the look.

Fringed accessories pull the look together and give it a western vibe. Bring it into 2020 with a pair of skinny jeans and boots – keeping warm never had to compromise style!

Read: Bohemian Winter Outfits

The Power Suit

You don’t need to be on your way to the board room to rock the power suit. In the 80s, the trend was revolutionary – women were rocking tailoring, deemed masculine at the time, and enjoying puff sleeves and over-exaggerated shoulder pads.

Though in 2020, things seem to be more muted, you can still rock a suit! Crisp tailoring always enhances your wardrobe, both blazer and pants can be worn together or apart.

A truly 80s inspired look is to opt for a straight fit with bold shoulder pads like this combo! Layer a cashmere knit underneath to keep you snug in winter, and rock it in the warmer months with a cami top or dare to bare!

Read: How to Look and Feel Like a Boss: The Office Styles of the Eighties

Mom Jeans

Mom jeans are literally the reason why we are so grateful for 80s fashion trends!  Team Mom jeans with an oversized turtleneck knit and tuck the front in to highlight your waist.

We love this turned up pair of jeans with platform Converse for an easy yet timeless look. When the weather truly grows colder, stay warm by layering a stylish bomber jacket or long line coat.

Opt for a light wash for a retro kinda feel! The more faded the better!

Flare Up

If there is a piece to invest in, it’s denim! Flares are one of the most iconic pairs of jeans from the 80s, and they’re making their comeback. Once deemed cringy, more and more people have warmed to them, are you going to take the leap?

Flares elongate your legs and flatter your hips, clinging to your curves before flowing into a wide leg. Modernize the hippie-feel jean with a slogan tee and another winter must-have, the teddy bear jacket.

A pair of heeled boots will emphasize your legs all the more and make them look like they go on for days!

Loving Leopard

Take a walk on the wild side with a bold leopard print. It’s a print that was hugely popular in the 80s, and luckily for us, is still on-trend this year. It screams glam rock, and can be made edgy or girly.

We love leopard print suits as it is a classy take on an iconic print – although a leopard print midi skirt and Docs can also look amazing all year round!

In the 80s, other animal prints were popular – we’re not just stopping at leopard! Think snakeskin and zebra prints too!

Tartan Touch

Tartan is not just for those on the punk rock scene. It is a timeless print that can also make an impact when styled right. Tartan skirts can be worn for a preppy look, whilst tartan tailoring can be used to make simple outfits edgier.

This look is so 80s – not only does it feature tartan, but we have fallen for the daring print clash. Leopard and tartan print don’t work on paper, but in real life, they make a statement.

We love how simple the rest of the outfit is to allow the print clash to be the center of attention – you’ll be a fashionista before you know it!

Read: Best Plaid Skirt Outfits And How to Accessorise (Women’s Edition)

Flirty Skirts

In the 80s, puffball skirts were all the rage. Teamed with graffiti denim jackets and neon accessories, they certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

Nowadays, puffball skirts are still worn, and though this one is dramatic, what’s the harm in that? A tulle puffy skirt with a balloon sleeved sweater is not only cute but helps you feel glamorous, even when the weather isn’t.

The combination of textures is just dreamy! Ideal for an outdoor event, you will still be cozy in style. To edge the look up, we recommend finishing the look with a leather jacket.

Read: All The Best Types Of Skirts Inspired From the 80s (Women’s Edition)

Head-To-Toe Leather

Yes, head-to-toe leather – you may be skeptical, but look how awesome Olivia Newton-John looked! We know that leather may have you think more Ross from Friends than Sandy from Grease.

Before you raise your eyebrows, no fear, skintight leather is not compulsory! But you can still look sexy and stylish in looser fits. The leather shirt is a keeper and can be worn separately with a pair of denim jeans or with these leather pants for a trendy ensemble.

The kick flare pants elongate your legs and hug you at the waist, highlighting your frame. Opt for chocolate or black tones for a sophisticated and timeless take on the iconic Grease look!

This look can take you from desk to dinner with a change of accessories – a simple black handbag with silver hardware will have the dressy and wintery vibe you long for!

Layering more pieces of clothing in a way which is both functional and fashionable is possible and even easy. If you think that dresses should go back into your wardrobe when the cold season hits, we are ready to make you change your mind.

In fact, there are several ways you can layer your favourite dresses even in winter, to create fabulous and, more importantly, warm looks.

From turtlenecks to blazers, there are many ways to layer a dress in Winter. You must always make sure that your overall look is well balanced and that you use different lengths to create a dynamic and flattering outfit based on your own body shape.

What do you layer over a dress?

Depending on your style, there are several pieces you can layer over your dress. The exhaustive list includes jumpers, turtlenecks, blazers, sweatshirts and jackets of all kinds. You can even layer more than one piece if you want to stay all warm and cosy.

How do you wear a formal dress in the winter?

To wear a formal dress in winter you can start from a piece with long sleeves. Then, you can start layering your unique outfit with different pieces, including blazers and coats. Don’t forget that all pieces should be matching, but they don’t need to be all too formal.

How to Choose a Dress Based on Your Body Type

When buying a new dress, style and practicality are always the guidelines we tend to follow. However, we should also pay attention to our body type, as this is the best way to understand which styles are adequate to enhance our curves and our bodies. Here’s a quick guide you should take into account when shopping for your new dresses:

Apple Body Type

Wide shoulders, slim limbs and small arms are the most noticeable characteristics of apple body girls. You will see that your weight is usually concentrated around your chest, giving the impression of a large bust. Don’t worry, you can immediately improve your silhouette with our words of advice!

If your bust is bigger than your hips, then you should follow your bodyline and wear dresses with V-necks or long skirts. What you want is to avoid anything too fancy over the top part of your body, as you need to draw attention away from your waist and shoulder.

Pear Body Type

Pear body types have hips which are larger than the bust. In general, the behind of your body is significantly more noticeable, but this can be quickly concealed with the aim of the right dresses and accessories. This is the magic of fashion!

To make your hips look slimmer, you should wear pieces which accentuate your shoulder and chest. This means that you should avoid narrow and pencil skirts, and prefer bright jackets or tops. Avoid knee-high boots or other shoes which could make your lower body look unbalanced or too tight.

Rectangular Body Type

As the name suggests, rectangular body types are characterised by a waist which is about the same as hips and bust. This means that it is essential to conceal your shoulders to make them look less flat and more flattering.

Your aim should be to highlight your waist and your curves. For example, belt dresses are perfect, as well as ruffles, which add texture and volume to your silhouette. We recommend dresses with a lot of embellishment at the bust, or teddy jackets.

Hourglass Body

Hourglass body shapes tend to be defined as curvy, but it only takes the right pieces of clothing to make your silhouette look thinner.

Your waist should be the focal point of your body. To enhance it, you can use accessories such as belts and other pieces of embellishment. This will draw all the attention to the thinnest part of your body, making your curves standing out.

Void shapeless or drapery dresses, as they will over-focus on the bust, making your body shape too heavy. The key is to balance both the top and the lower parts of your body with clothes which follow and enhance your silhouette naturally.

Never Underestimate the Power of a Poncho

Ponchos aren’t just boring rainy-day attire. In fact, they are a great sweater alternative if you are looking for a cosy piece which can be worn either indoors and outdoors. The best way to style it is over a turtleneck pullover or a fitted dress. Just make sure the poncho is not too bulky.

Summer Dresses? Yes, Please!

Although the weather may be getting a bit too cold, you can still play with your favourite summer dresses. For the perfect look, outfit, go for:

  • A sleeveless dress in a bright colour or pattern
  • Layer it with a long-sleeved shirt or a cosy sweater
  • Keep your footwear and accessories simple and casual

Sweater Vests

Sweater vests are some of the cutest pieces you can wear when transitioning from fall to winter. They are particularly cosy and will give your look a contemporary and smarter twist. This is how we like to pair them:

  • A balloon or ruffle sleeve dress
  • Or a lightweight summer dress which complements the style of the vest.

Jumpers

Jumpers are the perfect pieces when it comes to layering your clothes. Our recommendations:

  • Wear a turtleneck or midi dress underneath.
  • Keep layering your outfit even further with a jacket
  • Always make sure you have enough room for movement when creating your look

Play with Your Outerwear

Coats and jackets are often underrated, although they are an essential part of your overall outfit. For example:

  • Layer a teddy bomber jacket over a summer dress.
  • Don’t be afraid of experimenting with larger jackets for a modern and dynamic look.

Blazers Make You Smarter

Blazers are indeed a cool piece to enhance your workwear but they can come in handy for your everyday looks, too. If the weather isn’t too cold, you can layer a woolly or cotton blazer over your dress for a business woman-inspired outfit, transforming every style in a timeless classic.

Embrace A New Colour Palette

Winter is coming but you miss autumn already? Then you can still bring your favourite season with you by wearing an inspired colour palette.

  • Prefer warmer shades, such as mustard yellow and brown.
  • Wear lightweight outerwear layered over heavier and warmer pieces.
  • Show your legs off or wear a pair of sheer thighs.

Show Your Blouse Off!

Blouses and shirts are smart and elegant pieces, which have recently made their debut as more informal clothes, too. You don’t need to be heading to the office to wear one, if you know how to layer it with other pieces, such as a cute flower dress. Add a matching bag and a pair of sandals or sneakers.

Different Patterns

Nothing can make a look more dynamic and contemporary than wearing two pieces in two different patterns. The secret is to choose complementary colours and different lengths, and to keep all the other accessories plain and simple (ideally, you should opt for black or nude shades).

Stay Warm, Stay Safe

If you want to keep yourself all warm and cosy, then we recommend the following outfit:

  • A highweight pair of leggings
  • A matching sweater or pullover
  • Add a velvet or cotton dress in a contrasting colour
  • Don’t forget your accessories and to match your shoes with your leggings!

Black and White Is Always a Must

Black and white is such a timeless and chic colour combination that you should definitely try it at least once in your career as a fashionista.

  • Wear a patterned top in white or in any other light shade
  • Layer over a black dress, short or midi.
  • Add a pair of high-knee boots and a matching bag.

Read:

How to Style Leather Jackets…

How to Style Leather Skirts…

What to Wear with An Overall Dress in Winter (Women’s Edition)

About The Author

May is totally crazy about the 80s and everything the decade inspired! Having grown up in a household that was totally taken over by 80s music and fashion its only natural that May lives and breathes the 80s!

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