Long dresses are a gorgeous and versatile clothing choice that can be worn for many occasions. However, when the cold weather hits, it can be tricky to stay warm while still looking stylish. Thankfully, there are many ways to layer over a long dress to keep yourself cozy and fashionable.
Cardigans
Styles and Materials
Cardigans are a timeless layering piece that complements various outfits beautifully. They come in a spectrum of colors and styles, making it easy to find one that matches your dress. When selecting a cardigan, look for one made from a warm material like wool, cashmere, or angora. You may also want to consider a cardigan with extra warming features like a hood, collar, or front pocket detail.
Chunky knit cardigans in neutral tones like black, gray, ivory, or blush pink are perfect for layering over maxi dresses. For embellished gowns, a solid cardigan in a coordinating shade prevents clashing. Go for a draped style if your dress has an A-line silhouette or a boxy oversized fit if your dress is more sleek and form-fitting.
Length and Fit
Pay attention to cardigan length and fit. For tea length or midi dresses, choose a cardigan that hits at hip level or slightly below. For floor length maxis and gowns, opt for a longline cardigan that finishes below the waist or at mid thigh.
In terms of fit, select a cardigan that is slightly loose and roomy to accommodate thicker dresses and allow for easy layering. However, it should not overwhelm your frame or dress silhouette completely. The ideal cardigan skims your shape while still providing ample coziness.
Jackets
Material and Style Options
Jackets make for fabulous dress toppers when you need extra insulation. Denim jackets never go out of style and supply a casual vibe. Leather or faux leather jackets especially those with a biker aestheticcomplement fancier dresses wonderfully. Blazers offer sharp tailoring that works well professional events.
For chilly outdoor weddings or gatherings, bring along a dressy coatigan (a coat-cardigan hybrid) or a bolero style cropped jacket. These supply warmth without detracting from the beauty of your gown. For harsh wintry conditions, a thick wool coat or long puffer coat is your best bet.
Correct Length and Fit
Choosing outerwear the right length and silhouette for your dress is key. Cropped moto jackets suit flowy maxi styles, while a longer trench hits nicely at the shins for midi lengths. Most coats and wool jackets work for full length dresses provided they are not overly bulky through the hips.
In terms of fit, pick layers that nip in mildly at the waist if you want to showcase your figure while still appearing neat and streamlined. Avoid coats and jackets that are excessively oversized -- these hide your shape rather than flatter it.
Coats
Warmest Choices
When frigid weather strikes, coats deliver unmatched shielding from the cold while looking polished. Wool coats, whether single or double breasted, supply exceptional heat retention properties. For more extreme environments, a knee-length puffer coat or fur coat offers superior coziness thanks to thick insulation and luxe materials.
Down coats work wonderfully so long as you pick a lengthier style. Look for ones with a water resistant shell to combat snow, rain and wind. If ecologically sourced and ethically manufactured, fur coats (both real and faux) provide toasty comfort.
Style and Fit Notes
Pay attention to coat shape and cut when matching one with your dress. Choose coats that cinch slightly at the waist with a streamlined silhouette -- this flatters your frame rather than drowning it out. For mermaid and trumpet style dresses, coats with subtle flares or pleats allow the skirt to shine through.
In terms of length, mid-thigh or maxi coats align nicely with equally long hemlines without obscuring too much of the dress itself. Cropped coats hitting at hip or waist level complement knee-length cocktail and tea length dresses more attractively.
Shawls and Scarves
Fabrics and Patterns
Scarves and shawls add stylish coziness in cooler weather. Luxurious fabrics like cashmere, wool, silk, or pashmina deliver remarkable warmth despite their airy construction. When selecting scarves and shawls, consider ones with check, plaid, striped or floral patterns that pick out colors from your dress.
Alternatively, go for solids in shades that seamlessly match or subtly contrast your dress’s hue. Scarves in mustard, ruby, emerald and sapphire inject welcome pops of color. For dresses with lots of embellishments, stick to simple solid shawls to avoid clashing aesthetics.
Drape and Style Ideas
Get creative with ways to style shawls and scarves over your dress. Drape larger shawls over both shoulders to emulate a vest or cape. Silk and cashmere scarves looped multiple times around the neck supply a cozy neck warmer.
For outdoor events, try draping a blanket scarf across your back and shoulders as a trendy substitute for a standard coat. Or knot the scarf artfully at either hip to mimic an obi belt. Shawl wraps secured with decorative brooches over one shoulder add bohemian flair. The options are endless!
Tights and Leggings
Materials and Patterns
Slipping on a pair of leggings or tights under your dress instantly amps up the coziness factor. Made from stretchy fabrics like Lycra, spandex cotton blends, they hug your shape for a polished finished ensemble. For additional insulation, pick leggings and tights made using warm materials like wool, velvet or cashmere.
Play around with different patterns and textures cable knits, faux leather, lace and more for visual interest. Retro polka dot tights combined with floral dresses channel a funky modern pin-up vibe. Leggings with mesh paneling at the calves prevent overheating. Have fun mixing and matching!
Style Pointers
Make sure your tights and leggings complement rather than compete with your dress. For fancy evening gowns or heavily embellished numbers, basic black or neutral toned leggings work best. Save the colorful and adventurously patterned pairs for casual daytime dresses.
Consider layering textures for additional depth. Pair velvet leggings with chiffon dresses or lace tights with satin slips. Leggings peeking out from under voluminous maxi skirts supply an alluring peek-a-boo effect. Most importantly, rock your tights and leggings with confidence no matter your style!
Boots and Booties
Winter Ready Materials
Boots and booties deliver cozy foot insulation you can rely on during cold snaps. Natural shearling lining or synthetic faux fur elevates standard leather and suede boots into ultra-cozy statements. Waterproof rubber rain boots and trusty snow boots handle wet, icy and slushy conditions with aplomb to keep your toes dry and toasty.
For dressier events demanding heels, look for booties made from insulation technologies that retain warmth. Several companies use 3M Thinsulate an ultra thin, moisture resistant fabric common in winter coats or PrimaLoft fibers typically found in ski gear to line dress boots.
Style and Height Factors
Choose boot and bootie shapes/heights that complement your dress length. Over-the-knee statement boots help elongate the frame for shorter dresses. Ankle booties peeking out from under tea length hems emit a flirty vibe. Cowboy inspired mid-calf booties toughen up billowy peasant and babydoll dresses.
When deciding on heel heights, consider practicality and comfort too. While stilettos pair gorgeously with bodycon dresses, the steep incline makes navigating slick terrain difficult. Save ultra high heels for indoor soirees and go for a block heel or slight platform when outdoor mobility is key.
Conclusion
With so many ways to creatively layer over long dresses, cold weather no longer limits your ability to rock stunning maxi and midi styles. Next time temperatures drop, don't stash away your showstopping gowns and dress just yet. By incorporating cardigans, coats, jackets, scarves and more into your look, you can stay toasty warm while still serving up major seasonal style.
