The temperatures are dropping, the days are getting shorter and just as the arrival of winter is inevitable, so is my rapid slip into an outfit rotation of jeans and jumpers. This year, I’m determined to get myself out of this cycle, and make this the winter that I finally find dresses that are just as easy to style as my beloved denim and knitwear. Thankfully, this year it seems that brands of every variety, from high street favourites to designer stars, are really stepping up their game when it comes to winter dresses. The odds are in my favour.
To meet my definition of “perfect winter dress,” the style needs to deliver on a few fronts. As someone who leans more towards minimalist styles, it needs to look understatedly chic, in classic hues that ensure I’ll be able to pull the dress out for future cold seasons. It needs to be versatile, so that I can style it with a mix of my jackets, coats, footwear and accessories to make it feel fresh and to make it work for a number of different situations and occasions. And finally, it needs to be practical, whether that means its a cosy knit dress or a style that can be layered with jumpers when it gets especially crisp.
Whatever your budget, and whatever your personal style, I’m confident you’ll find your perfect winter dress this season. From Mango’s simple knit midis to Khaite’s striped style, Zara’s cord minis to Doen’s vintage-inspired designs, there’s plenty to choose from—and this is my pick of the very vest.
BEST HIGH-STREET WINTER DRESSES 2024 UNDER £120:
M&S Collection
Air-Yarn Knitted Roll Neck Sweater Dress
Yes to this whole outfit.
Mango
Asymmetrical dress with gathered details
Perfect for evening wear, but you could easily make it work appropriate by styling with an oversized blazer.
COS
Asymmetric Merino Wool Dress
A chunky turtleneck dress is such an easy throw-on style, but this asymmetric hem really sets it apart.
Warehouse
Cord Tie Back Smock Midi Dress
This entire outfit is just perfect for when you don’t know what to wear!
ZARA
100% Wool Midi Dress
Red is the colour of the season, and this wool midi is such a chic way to boldly embrace the trend.
Mango
Knitted dress with contrasting trims
The contrast trim is such a great touch.
Nobodys Child
Leopard Print Cord Flossie Midi Dress
Leopard is a huge print trend this season.
ZARA
Midi Dress With Belt
Is there anything more elevated than a cream knit?
COS
Tie-Detail Satin Midi Dress
The drape of this dress is stunning—and you could easily style it for day or night.
COS
Cowl-Neck Long-Sleeved Maxi Dress
Such a versatile dress that you could style for so many occasions.
M&S Collection
Satin Lace Insert Midaxi Slip Dress
I’m a sucker for a slinky slip dress.
& Other Stories
Draped Knotted Midi Dress
ALIGNE
Gabriella Denim Dress
A denim dress is such a cool style. I’d pair this with loafers or lug-sole boots.
BEST MID-RANGE WINTER DRESSES 2024
Reformation
Tommie Knit Dress
I’ve already spotted so many influencers in this exact dress.
By Anthropologie
By Anthropologie Sleeveless Mock-Neck Maxi Dress
Add knee high boots and a leather jacket and you’re set.
Whistles
Willow Ribbed Knit Dress
Reformation
Micah Knit Dress
The kind of mini you could wear to work and date night.
Reiss
Winnie Knitted Open Collar Midi Dress
I plan on making this my go-to professional dress.
Damson Madder
Dakota Bow Midi Dress
I’m a huge fan of Damson Madder’s vintage-inspired prints.
ME+EM
Crepe Pintuck Detail Maxi Dress
A very on-trend colour this season.
Reformation
Azure Knit Dress
GANNI
Dark Blue Floral Printed Mini Dress
Style with tights and boots when the temperatures really drop.
Reiss
Winslet Wool Blend Blouson Sleeve Midi Dress
Reformation
Bell Cashmere Mini Dress
A cashmere mini is so luxe.
Brown is one of my all-time favourite colours.
FLORERE
Florere A-Line Midi Dress, Chocolate
In case you missed it, chocolate brown is big news this winter.
Free People
Feeling Groovy Maxi Dress
This floral midi looks great with moto boots as proven above.
BEST DESIGNER WINTER DRESSES 2024
DÔEN
Marielle Checked Organic Cotton-Flannel Midi Dress
This gingham dress will carry you through all seasons.
houseofdagmar
Faded Cable Dress
House of Dagmar is one of my favourite destinations for wardrobe heroes that I’ll love and wear forever.
TOTEME
Asymmetric Gathered Jersey Midi Dress
The kind of effortless sophistication you can always expect from Toteme.
The prettiest print ofr winter.
ÉTERNE
Ribbed Stretch-Jersey Turtleneck Maxi Dress
The perfect balance of sexy and sleek.
GABRIELA HEARST
Amor Ribbed Silk and Cashmere-Blend Maxi Dress
A silk and cashmere blend dress? Oh, yes.
KHAITE
Helen Striped Brushed Silk and Cashmere-Blend Midi Dress
A Breton stripe will always be in fashion.
LESET
Barb Satin Maxi Dress
Layer exactly like this with a knit that you could pull on when the wind picks up.
Rohe
Silk Scarf Dress | Earth
LESET
Lauren Stretch-Jersey Maxi Dress
The kind of dress you’ll find endless ways to style.
GIVENCHY
Voyou Belted Satin-Jersey Midi Dress
JOSEPH
Brushed Cashmere-Blend Midi Dress
Joseph always delivers stunning cashmere pieces.
ULLA JOHNSON
Kassia Pointelle-Knit Alpaca-Blend Turtleneck Maxi Dress
A winter dream. Pair yours with this season’s trending outerwear—the suede jacket.
DÔEN
Wilmina Dress — Buttercup Bouquet
Another DÔEN number that I am very tempted by…
