How to Layer A Dress in Winter (Women's Edition)

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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.

Contents

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.