Given that the summer months, wardrobe-wise, are all about carefree, throw-on-and-go dresses, winter can feel like hard work in comparison, what with all the hats, scarves and bulky coats. January is just lacking in opportunities to waft around in cheesecloth or organic cotton, at least without a long-haul flight. A long-haul flight or some clever layering. Because of course a dress can be a year-round proposition, you simply need to adjust your outfit planning.
Shop the best dresses, according to Vogue
For starters, in winter a dress needs to be at least somewhat practical. Less whisper-thin silk or airy linen, more heavier-gauge fabrics – think brushed cotton, denim, cashmere or merino wool. Colour is also key in winter, and neutrals just make sense when you’re going to be layering up. Black will always be chic no matter the season, but it’s also a great time of year for charcoal grey, coffee brown or midnight blue – all of which you can lift with a flash of colour elsewhere (try a red bonnet or a chartreuse knee-length sock).
When it comes to maximising on warmth, Uniqlo’s thermal long-sleeved tops and turtlenecks are ideal for layering. Choose one in either a neutral or contrasting shade, before layering your dress, a fine-gauge cardigan or crew-neck knit, and a 100 per cent wool coat on top. Shop some of Vogue’s favourite dresses to wear all year round, below.
