We Try Before You Buy: 9 Dresses to Wear With Tights, Boots and Coats

Our We Try Before You Buy series aims to take the stress out of shopping and eliminate the number of post office visits you make each month to return failed online orders. We test new-season buys and styling ideas so you don’t have to. Here, we’re letting you know what’s actually worth investing in.

It’s easy to get into a bit of a style rut over winter. Throwing on a pair of jeans, boots and your cosiest jumper almost becomes an autopilot reaction in the morning as a desperate attempt to stay warm. It’s simple, unfussy and a completely foolproof winter outfit formula for those unbearable days when all you’re thinking about is how to retain heat. 

Though, here at Who What Wear, we’re always looking for ways to add interest to our outfits, and since winter requires a little thought, we’re determined not to let it take the enthusiasm out of dressing. With this in mind, the team set out to find winter dress options that would not only keep your outfits interesting but also pair well with tights, boots and all your favourite coats. From feathers to polka dots and power shoulders, these dresses have personality aplenty and can easily be layered over a roll-neck for those arctic mornings or paired with your favourite jumper for added warmth. Just because it might look bleak outside doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to match. 

Including a few items in warm winter fabrics like wool, cashmere and leather, these dresses can take you from office to occasion. Keep scrolling to find a few of our favourite winter dresses.

1. Ghost Dress

Style Notes: This Ghost dress is perfect for those winter events when you need a little extra oomph but don't want to compromise on warmth or comfort. Add a pair of tights underneath and a cropped knit on top, and you're good to go. 

2. Topshop Knitted Dress

Style Notes: The ultimate everyday dress, Topshop's longline knit tunic is so easy to throw on for any occasion. Finish with flat knee-high boots for day or heeled sock boots for evening. 

3. Kitri Leopard-Print Dress

Style Notes: Give your winter wardrobe an injection of fun with this Kitri dress. Featuring both a leopard print and feather-trimmed sleeves, this look is the perfect antidote to sad winter mornings. 

4. Isabel Marant Cashmere-Blend Dress

Style Notes: Talk about a power shoulder. This cashmere-and-wool Isabel Marant dress will not only keep you warm, but it will also make you feel like you can take on the world. Trust me! 

5. Ghost Polka-Dot Dress

Style Notes: A nice way to break up the habitual reliance on neutral tones during winter is to opt for a pattern. Finding a polka-dot dress with a white base is a great way to add a lighter shade to your wardrobe. 

6. Topshop Rose-Print Dress

Style Notes: A printed dress with a slit at the front might not typically go with tights and boots, but the dark red rose print looks great with darker colours. 

7. ASOS Knit Dress

Style Notes: A jumper dress is a timeless winter classic and simple enough to be worn time and again. Paired with boots, it's perfect for work or the weekend. 

8. Ganni Leather Dress

Style Notes: Trust Ganni to create the perfect winter dress—the snug fit of this mini leather dress makes it a warm option for winter, and again it looks amazing with tights and boots. 

9. Topshop Navy Oversize Dress

Style Notes: On the hanger, this looks like quite a dramatic option, but it actually is more approachable than you might think. It also comes in shimmery green-khaki. 

Next up, see our favourite winter outfits featuring jeans, jumpers, coats and boots.