Is there anything more joyful than wearing an item of clothing that's warm and comfortable but still manages to look chic? That, my friends, is the winter dress. It is usually longer and heavier than its summer sister, in sumptuous and tactile fabrics such as velvet and satin. They often come in darker, more mysterious hues—from deep blacks and navy to sparkling metallics. Shorter hems don't require much effort either—you can throw on a pair of 40 deniers and be done with it. No messing about. I know what you're thinking: I'm going a little overboard on my love for the winter dress, however, it really is the greatest gift to us all during the colder months.
When it gets really freezing, you just simply layer a great roll-neck underneath (preferably a black or white version) add tights, a coat and boots and you're warm yet look great. While dark florals are definitely the most talked-about trend of the autumn/winter 2019 season, there are plenty of other styles from more inexpensive labels to the high-end fashion houses.
My personal favourites include a long-sleeved dress from Rixo's new '70s-style prints collection, a dark checked prairie dress from Mango and an incredible dark floral dress from ASOS that comes with bold puffed sleeves—ideal if you don't want to wear something too twee. Finally, my preferred boots of choice are black bikers, but it's all about comfort here, so any pair that you can walk a lot in are ideal. Keep scrolling for my edit of the best winter dresses.
Paco Rabanne
Crystal-Button Star-Print Velvet Dress
For work, parties or Christmas day. This dress will and can be worn for literally every event you have in winter.
Rixo
Daisy Bunch Shadow Floral Black Pink
A great all-rounder from Rixo, but maybe one to save for a night out with friends.
H&M
Jacquard-Weave Dress
H&M's dress collection right now is brilliant.
Lee Mathews
Talulah Polka-Dot Silk-Satin Dress
The shorter sleeves will be too cold come full winter, but layer a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath and you're all set.
Elinor Block was one of the earliest team members ofBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
UK, starting her tenure working across bothBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
and Byrdie, which were owned by the original parent company, Clique, at the time. Her specialism in fashion and beauty established her multifaceted role as Assistant Editor, which she developed over six years from 2016 to 2022 to become Deputy Editor. She is now the Head of Editorial at fashion tech company Drest.