Don’t put away your summer dresses yet!
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you need to give up your cute dresses. Your summer dresses are still salvageable!
The key to wearing them in the winter is to layer, but do you know how to do it right? Keep reading for stylish ways on how to wear a summer dress in winter.
Disclosure: Vain Affair is reader-supported. When you buy through affiliate links on our website, we’ll make a small commission, without impacting your price. Thank you. Learn more.
In This Post ➜
- How to Wear Summer Dresses in Winter
- Tip 1: Wear Tights & Leggings
- Tip 2: Layer A Long Sleeve Underneath
- Tip 3: Put A Chunky Knit Over It
- Tip 4: A Jacket Never Fails
- Tip 5: Throw A Blazer On
- Tip 6: Slip Into A Long Duster Cardigan
- Tip 7: Wear A Long Wool Coat
- Tip 8: Use Over-The-Knee Boots
- Tip 9: Don’t Forget Ankle Boots
- Tip 10: Wrap A Wool Scarf
- Frequently Asked Questions
How To Wear Summer Dresses In Winter
It’s a hassle to keep a separate closet for the summer and winter. Who says summer clothes can’t be transitional pieces too?
It’s time to give your sweater and pants outfit a break and bring back our summer dresses. I’ll teach you how to style dresses in winter!
You’ll learn tips and tricks on ways to layer tights, leggings, sweaters, coats, and more, so that you can keep wearing your summer dresses year-round. Let’s get started!
Tip 1: Wear Tights & Leggings
I hope you have tights and leggings because you’re going to need them if you want to learn how to wear a summer dress in winter.! Leggings or tights are some of the best ways to keep your legs warm in the winter.
The two staple colors you should have are black and one that matches closely to your skin-tone. Both these colors will pair well with a dress, without being distracting.
Depending on the temperature, you’ll want to experiment with different thicknesses. Tights tend to be thin and sheer compared to leggings. Play around with both and see what works best.
For extremely cold temperatures, I love to wear thermal leggings or leggings lined with fleece. These keep your legs extra toasty!
You can also pair fleece lined leggings in a color that closely matches your skin tone and layer sheer tights over them. This gives the illusion that you’re wearing tights.
If your winter temperatures are mild, you can probably get away with sheer tights and boots. No matter what you choose, you’ll be stylish and practical!
Tip 2: Layer A Long Sleeve Underneath
Layering a long sleeve shirt will not only add sleeves to an otherwise sleeveless dress, but it also keeps you cozy. This trick works well with spaghetti strap dresses and slip dresses!
My favorite long sleeve layer is a fitted turtleneck sweater underneath. Keep the sweater material lightweight, so that you don’t add too much bulk under your dress.
Thin knits, such as merino wool, are great at trapping warmth and keeping you warm in winter.
Another fun long sleeve layer is the white button down. Layer a white button down underneath to dress up a casual summer dress. This works especially well with simple dresses, in neutral colors.
Tip 3: Put A Chunky Knit Over It
Throw a chunky knit sweater over a summer dress in the winter to instantly make it weather appropriate. I particularly like cropped knit sweaters because they don’t hide the waistline. This essentially turns your dress into a skirt.
If your chunky knit isn’t cropped, visually crop it with a belt. Just wear the belt over the sweater where you want the crop to be. Then, pull some of the sweater fabric over the belt to hide it.
Choose chunky knits in a neutral color, so that they will match your dress no matter what!
Tip 4: A Jacket Never Fails
Layering a jacket over a summer dress is one of those infallible ways to stay warm and look cute. My favorites include denim, faux fur, and leather jackets.
The length of your jacket matters too. For instance, a waist-length jacket will complement and emphasize the shape of a knee-length A-line dress.
A jacket that ends at the hips will highlight your figure with longer dresses, such as midi and maxi dresses.
Tip 5: Throw A Blazer On
Blazers instantly add class and elegance to any dress. If your summer dress is made of a fabric that looks luxurious, such as velvet, silk, or satin, adding a blazer on will elevate it.
A blazer is a great way to dress up a casual summer dress. Just add some heels and some minimal gold jewelry to finish the look.
Tip 6: Slip Into A Long Duster Cardigan
Incorporate long lines into your outfit with a duster cardigan. A duster cardigan has the potential of elongating your body and making you seem taller. It’s an easy layer to throw on if you’re trying to figure out how to wear a summer dress in winter.
They complement long dresses, such maxi dresses, because both create long lines in the silhouette.
Tip 7: Wear A Long Wool Coat
You can’t go wrong with a long, classy wool coat. Not only do they make you look more sophisticated, but their long length will keep you warmer too.
Pair your summer dress with leggings and boots. Layer a sweater with your dress if you need the extra layers too.
Tip 8: Use Over-The-Knee Boots
Over-the-knee boots, especially thigh high boots, are a great way to cover up your legs and look extra stylish too. Plus, they pair so well with a mini dress.
These boots will cover up most of your legs, but I would still recommend layering tights or leggings underneath. Not only do they help your boots stay up, but they will also cover up any exposed skin.
Tip 9: Don’t Forget Ankle Boots
Speaking of boots, I also recommend black ankle boots with a heel. They will pair well with your summer dresses, no matter what length they are.
Plus, they are perfect for the weather and it’s my favorite go-to winter shoe. I particularly love ankle boots with a pointed toe shape and block heel.
The pointed toe helps elongate the legs and the block heel makes it easier to walk in. Match made in heaven!
Tip 10: Wrap A Wool Scarf
One of my favorite winter accessories is the wool scarf! I chose wool in particular because they trap warmth better than a typical cotton scarf.
Wool is also more durable, breathable, and water-resistant. Moreover, it wicks away moisture. If you’re looking for a scarf, choose a high-quality wool scarf and you won’t regret it.
If you want your wool scarf to be more versatile, get one that can also be a shawl. That way you can wear it around your shoulders too!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Wear Under A Dress In The Winter?
There are a couple of options to wear under a dress in the winter to keep you toasty warm. My favorite way is to layer tights or leggings underneath.
This option works with pretty much any dress and it’s a great way to protect your legs from the cold air. For extra cold winters, wear fleece lined leggings or thermal leggings.
If your winters are mild, then sheer tights will work great and look super cute with your summer dresses too!
Another option is to wear a fitted turtleneck sweater under the dress. This works especially well with slip dresses or spaghetti strap dresses.
You can even combine the turtleneck with leggings or tights for a foolproof summer dress outfit in the winter.
What Can I Wear With A Sleeveless Dress In Winter?
Just because your summer dress doesn’t come with sleeves, doesn’t mean you can’t wear it in the winter. Again, the key here is to layer!
One of the easiest ways is to add a long sleeve layer over the sleeveless dress. A jacket, cardigan, or chunky knit will work perfectly with your summer dress.
Another way is to wear a fitted turtleneck underneath the dress. This is one of my favorite ways to layer with spaghetti strap or slip dresses.
Can You Wear A Dress In Winter Without Tights?
Wearing a dress in the winter without tights really comes down to personal preference. Some people can go without tights as long as they bundle up their upper half. I personally start considering tights if the temperature falls below 50 degrees.
If you’re sensitive to the cold, you should consider wearing tights or leggings to cover up your exposed skin. You can wear tights in a color that closely matches your skin tone, so that it looks like you’re not wearing tights.
In addition, you can wear over-the-knee or thigh high boots. These boots will cover up your legs past your knees. If you’re wearing a mini dress, there might be a small skin gap between the top of your boots and hem of your dress.
As long as you can tolerate the cold and cover up your upper half, it really comes down to personal preference on whether you want to wear a dress in winter without tights.
How Do You Wear A Summer Maxi Dress Or Midi Dress In The Winter?
A summer maxi dress can easily be brought into the winter with the right layers. Start with tights or leggings to cover up your legs.
Then, you can wear a fitted turtleneck under your dress or layer a chunky knit over the dress. This will provide extra warmth to your upper half.
Finish off your summer maxi dress outfit in the winter with a long wool coat for maximum insulation. Don’t forget to wear a pair of stylish ankle boots to finish off this look!
I hope this helps you figure out how to wear a summer dress in winter. Remember, It’s all about the layers!
Disclosure: Vain Affair is reader-supported. When you buy through affiliate links on our website, we’ll make a small commission, without impacting your price. Thank you. Learn more.
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