Best winter dresses to buy in Australia in 2024
A winter wardrobe might be about keeping warm and cosy but that doesn't mean you can't stay cool and on-trend at the same time.
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If you’re missing the days of summer and the ease of just throwing on a dress, fear not. You can still rock a dress in the winter, it’s just about finding the right kind of material and knowing how to style it for the cooler weather.
Winter dressing is all about layers so when you nail the base layer with a perfect winter dress, the rest of the outfit becomes so much easier – simply throw on a jacket, accessorise with stockings or scarfs, and you’re out the door.
According to Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC, “winter dresses can be worn for just about any occasion”.
For work, she says winter dresses look great styled with a blazer or trench and some loafers. If you’re heading to brunch, pair with a knit vest and some boots, and for date night dress it up with a trench coat and boots. Winter dresses can even be worn casually to run errands – just style with your favourite white sneakers and a leather jacket or a knit sweater over top.
“The options are endless,” Adolphe tells news.com.au checkout.
One pick we've got our eye on is the Ruched Long Sleeve Dress from Target. Comments on TikToker @heysavvyau's video of the dress include "INSANE!!" and "Omg I need". Plus, at only $40, this dress looks way more expensive than it really is.
Another great option we love is the Aere Cotton Blend Knit Dress. At $160, it is a little bit more expensive but the neutral cream colourway is so chic and it is definitely something we think will stay in style for a long time to come.
To help you find the best winter dress for your personal style, we’ve curated a collection of the best figure-hugging, knitted and tie-waist numbers, long-sleeve maxi and mini styles and winter dresses perfect for when you’ve got a special occasion to attend
Happy shopping!
TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS
Lily Loves Ruched Long Sleeve Dress, $40 at Target
Why we love it: Stylish going-out dress
What to consider: Viscose fabric isn't the highest quality
Material: Viscose/elastane | Colour: Mocha | Size: XXS to XXXL
What You Need To Know
Crafted from a viscose blend, this rich mocha dress will quickly become your go-to for all winter events. In a flattering slim-fit design, the dress features ruched detailing on the sides as well as a sleek boat neckline for extra detailing. Plus, not only is it super lightweight so great for packing but it's also soft and comfy too making it great for all-day or all-night wear.
Aere Organic Cotton Blend Knit Dress, $160 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Muted neutral tones
What to consider: Lighter colours are more risky with stains
Material: Main: 50 per cent Organic Cotton, 40 per cent tencel lyocell, 9 per cent nylon, 1 per cent elastane | Colour: Neutral brown | Size: 6 to 18
What You Need To Know
You can’t beat the winter chill without a classic knitted dress – it provides an instant, no-fuss style injection while providing daylong comfort.
The knitted material offers some stretch, so it’s designed to give you a flattering fit while still feeling super comfortable and wearable.
Pocket Detail Denim Dress, $249 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Chic take on the classic shirt dress
What to consider: Depending on styling could look aged/daggy
Material: Cotton | Colour: Indigo Rise | Size: 4 to 16
What You Need To Know
You can't go wrong with a classic denim shirt dress and this one from Country Road is a cut above the rest. Made from rigid blue denim in a flared silhouette, the flattering design is sure to suit everyone. Other features include a button-through front, contrast stitch detailing, chest patch pockets and branded shank buttons.
Madison The Label Lily Knit Dress, $139 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Will keep you warm no matter how cold
What to consider: Small size range
Material: 80 per cent viscose, 20 per cent nylon | Colour: Coffee, Natural | Size: XS to XL
What You Need To Know
When it comes to a winter dress, you really can't go wrong with a long-sleeved knit option. This one from Madison The Label features a flattering v neckline, wide rib pattern and a straight sleek silhouette, making it perfect for any occasion from work to the weekend.
The stretch knit fabric is also super comfortable too so you can wear it all day with no dramas. Plus, it's a design that is going to be in style for many years to come. A great investment.
BEST KNIT WINTER DRESSES
Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Dress, $164 at Skims
Why we love it: Super comfortable
What to consider: Reviewers say sizing can be tricky
Material: 91 per cent modal, 9 per cent spandex | Colour: Black and grey | Size: XXS to 4XL
What You Need To Know
The iconic Soft Lounge dress you know and love is now available with sleeves, perfect for the cooler weather. The slinky, soft and ultra-flattering fabric is designed to shape your curves and show off your silhouette.
Pick it up in classic shades like grey and black, or you might be able to get your hands on some of the fabulous seasonal colours, although these do sell out quite fast.
It’s been described on TikTok as the ”most perfect dress” and has racked up over 1000 five-star ratings on the Skims website. Five-star rating customers have called it the “most comfortable dress” and have said it “fits like a dream” and “feels like butter”.
Preview Long Sleeve Collared Rib Polo Dress, $60 at Target
Why we love it: Easy to throw on no matter the event
What to consider: Target products often sell out
Material: Viscose, nylon | Colour: Mocha | Size: XS to XXL
What You Need To Know
If you’re sick of wearing black and dark colours all winter long, try out this dress from Target. We love the polo neck style and how it brings a point of difference to an otherwise pretty standard dress style.
It’s made from a ribbed knit material, so you know it’s going to be comfy all day long. Plus, the a-line skirt and long sleeves are sure to make a flattering fit.
AnotherChill Women’s Casual Lounge Slip Long Dress, $26.50 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Great dupe for Skims
What to consider: Some reviewers say the quality isn't as great as the original
Material: 95 per cent polyester, 5 per cent spandex | Colour: 21 including back, pink and grey | Size: XXS to XL
What You Need To Know
If you’re hesitant to drop over $100 on the Skims dress (and we don’t blame you), we know how you can get the look for less – in fact, way less. Available at Amazon, this very similar dress is priced at just $21, meaning you’re saving $70.
It’s racked up over 2600 five-star ratings, with one Amazon customer even calling it a “Skims dupe”.
Another happy reviewer said, “the dress is such a soft buttery material, it is stretchy but fits like a glove.”
Ripe Maternity Sloane Knit Dress, $119.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: A ribbed skirt is great for a growing mum-to-be
What to consider: Cold hand wash only
Material: 44 per cemt viscose, 30 per cent cotton, 26 per cent nylon | Colour: Black | Size: XS to XL
What You Need To Know
Gone are the days when maternity wear meant baggy maxi dresses and overalls.
This seriously chic knit dress is perfect for expecting mums as well as anyone who might want a bit more room around the stomach area.
It features a ribbed skirt, batwing sleeves and is made from a viscose, cotton and nylon blend, meaning it has plenty of stretch – win!
BEST WRAP AND TIE WAIST WINTER DRESSES
Basque Belted Midi Dress in Navy, $79 (down from $149.95) at Myer
Why we love it: Great for work and play
What to consider: Not necessarily "on trend"
Material: Main: 57 per cent recycled polyester, 43 per cent polyester. Lining: 57 per cent recycled polyester, 43 per cent polyester | Colour: Navy | Size: 6 to 18
What You Need To Know
Universally flattering with its waist-highlighting design, the shirt dress is among the most popular of styles. A dress like this gives you some much-needed warmth in the winter, while also showing off your silhouette.
One five-star rating Myer customer wrote "Perfect fit for work or dinner dates, beautiful colour."
Belle & Bloom Current Mood Velvet Wrap Dress, $132.97 (down from $189.95) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Timeless style
What to consider: Velvet is potentially harder to clean
Material: 100 per cent polyester | Colour: Dark green and royal blue | Size: XS to XL
What You Need To Know
This deep green velvet wrap dress is sure to become your new winter date night outfit.
The plush velvet is not only incredibly comfortable but also super flattering too. It's also available in a rich royal blue if green isn't your thing.
BEST MINI WINTER DRESSES
Lux Roll Neck Knit Mini Dress, $49.99 at Cotton On
Why we love it: Turtle neck style will keep your neck warm too
What to consider: Probably not the best for super cold climates
Material: Main:52 per cent viscose (viscose rayon), 28 per cent polyester, 20 per cent polyamide | Colour: Black and white | Size: 2XS to 2XL
What You Need To Know
You don’t need to put away your favoured mini-length hem just because the weather has cooled. Invest in dresses with long sleeves, and silhouettes that allow for layering or are cut from thick and insulating fabrics – then throw on your favoured outer layer and pair of knee-high boots before heading out.
This pick from Cotton On is made from a knit blend, so it’s designed to feel really comfortable when you’re layering things over the top. Opt for this classic black or go for a chic winter white.
Brownhall Long Sleeve Mini Dress in Beige, $75 at Princess Polly
Why we love it: A fun, more going-out take on the classic knit dress
What to consider: Made from 75 per cent acrylic
Material: 75 per cent acrylic, 25 per cent nylon | Colour: Beige and black | Size: 4 to 16
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a party-ready knitted dress for the wintertime, look no further than Princess Polly. We love this gorgeous neutral beige colour, combined with the scoop neckline and open back detailing – this knitted dress is sure to turn heads.
BEST DESIGNER WINTER DRESSES
CAMILLA AND MARC Mackinley Blazer Dress, $750 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Chic, feminine take on the classic men's blazer
What to consider: Limited stock left
Material: Main: 75 per cent polyester, 20 per cent viscose rayon & 5 per cent elastane; Lining: 100 per cent recycled polyester | Colour: Black | Size: 6 to 14
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking to inject some style into your winter dress collection, look no further than this gorgeous dress from CAMILLA AND AMRC.
We love how effortlessly cool it is and can imagine it being worn at a moody bar for date night and even for work too.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A WINTER DRESS
When choosing winter dresses to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Fabric: Will the fabric keep you warm in the cooler weather? How breathable is it to wear inside and out?
Style and silhouette: Consider styles like a long-sleeved maxi knit dress to keep you not only on trend but also protected from the elements.
Versatility: Is this something you could wear to work and also on the weekend? Finding something that can be dressed up and down not only saves you money but also is better for the environment.
Care: How much time do you have to drop something off at the dry cleaner's or to gently hand wash it? Consider pieces that can be thrown in the machine along with the rest of your clothes if you are time-poor.
Colour: A black dress is always going to be a great idea and if you only going to have one winter dress in your wardrobe we'd suggest starting with a neutral tone like black. But if you're looking to build upon that then a pop of colour is sure to brighten any winter's day.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT STYLES OF DRESSES ARE TRENDING THIS WINTER?
This coming winter, Adolphe is expecting to see a lot of turtleneck and funnel neck dresses, as well as knit midi and maxi dresses.
She also says silk or satin bias-cut slip dresses are popular and are perfect for wearing under a coat or maximising wearability by adding a knit jumper on top so it’s worn like a skirt.
WHAT IS THE EASIEST WAY TO STAY WARM YET STYLISH IN WINTER?
“I love pairing my winter dresses with a puffer jacket, trench coat, leather biker jacket, or a blazer,” says Adolphe.
“These jackets are so versatile and can work with so many other outfits for winter too.”
To add an extra layer of warmth, she suggests styling your dress over some tights or even pop a knit jumper over the top.
“A cozy knit in alpaca or mohair in a neutral colour like tan is perfect to layer over a black dress especially if the dress is just above knee length and styled with knee-high boots,” according to Adolphe.
Finally, when it comes to winter shoes, Adolphe says to look for closed-toe options that you can wear socks with. Her top picks are ankle and knee-length boots, loafers and sneakers.
But she notes, “if you’re looking for a heel, pointy-toe heels have made a comeback and they look chic with trousers for work.”
WHAT MATERIALS WORK BEST FOR A WINTER DRESS?
When winter rolls around, it’s time to temporarily retire our linen and crochet dresses and opt for warmer options suggests Adolphe.
“I love knit dresses made from merino wool and cashmere. Other fabrics and materials that are great for winter include denim, flannel, hemp, corduroy and (believe it or not) silk.”
WHAT COLOURS SHOULD PEOPLE BE LOOKING FOR WHEN BUYING A WINTER DRESS?
Adolphe says choosing the colour of your winter dress depends entirely on the look and feel that you’re going for.
“For some people, wearing a colour can boost their mood, particularly in winter when people might be experiencing a bit of the winter blues.”
Her advice is to embrace brighter, more vibrant colours. We’ve been seeing a lot of gorgeous lavender and lilac, periwinkle, pink and green recently. You can always add a black jacket on top of a great colour.
On the other hand, for those looking to create a capsule wardrobe with more timeless colours, Adolphe recommends selecting dresses in black, white and neutral shades such as camel. According to her, “dresses in these shades will be easier to style, with more items and jackets already in your capsule wardrobe.”
WHAT ARE WINTER FASHION ESSENTIALS?
Trends come and go with the seasons, but there are some fashion essentials that have re-emerged every winter for years.
More Coverage
In addition to the knitted winter dress, knee-high boots – heeled or flat – are seen worn under dresses and over pants every time the temperature drops. A signature wool coat, in neutral camel or a statement pastel, never goes out of style; and lastly, a structured blazer, in monochromatic hues or a classic check, brings an architectural element when layered over soft sweaters.
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