Winter can be a tricky time for fashion, especially when it comes to wearing light colored dresses. While darker, richer tones tend to dominate cold weather wardrobes, you don’t have to pack away your pretty pastels until spring. With the right styling, you can definitely wear a light colored dress all winter long.
Layering is Key
The key to wearing light colors in winter is layering. Building up layers creates warmth while also allowing you to show off your favorite light colored pieces. Start with thermal undergarments and opaque tights in complementary colors. Then add sweaters, cardigans and jackets in darker or neutral hues on top. Heavier coats and booties can pull the look together while keeping you toasty. Here are some easy layering ideas for light dresses in winter:
| Dress Color | Layering Pieces |
|---|---|
| Baby blue | Navy cardigan and tights with black boots and coat |
| Mint green | Forest green sweater and brown booties with black opaque tights |
| Blush pink | Burgundy coat and burnt orange scarf over black tights |
| Butter yellow | Mustard or olive cardigan and tights with grey coat and booties |
| Lavender | Eggplant sweater and plum booties with black coat and tights |
Accessorize for Warmth
Accessories like scarves, gloves and hats can add another layer of warmth while complementing your light colored dress. Look for accent pieces in wool, cashmere or alpaca to get soft, cozy texture.Infinity scarves are easy to style and provide extra insulation for your neck. Big, chunky knit scarves can also dress up a simple light dress.
Leather or wool gloves will protect your hands without sacrificing style. And a fun winter hat like a beret or faux fur pom pom beanie can infuse playfulness into your cold weather outfit.Jewelry is another great way to accessorize light dresses in the winter. Look for darker metals like gold, bronze and gunmetal paired with rich gemstones like emerald, sapphire and ruby to create contrast. You can also choose pieces with more textural elements like carved wood or hammered metal details for visual interest.
Choose the Right Fabrics
Sticking to light dresses made from warmer, thicker fabrics will help you stay stylish and comfortable in winter. Look for materials like:
- Wool – Naturally insulating and moisture wicking, wool knits are perfect for cold weatherwear. Choose medium to heavy weight constructions.
- Cashmere – Soft, luxurious cashmere provides serious warmth in a lightweight package.
- Velvet – The plush pile of velvet is perfect for dressing up without freezing.
- Corduroy – The cozy thickness and texture of corduroy makes it a great winter option.
- Sweater knits – Chunky sweater knit fabrics lend eye-catching texture and warmth.
- Faux fur – For special occasions, a fuzzy faux fur dress makes a glamorous winter statement.
Look for heftier fabric weights and constructions – things like double knits and tightly woven cottons hold up better against the elements than flimsier fabrics like jersey. Stick to higher deniers for opaque tights and leggings to wear under dresses – 50 denier and above is ideal.
Play with Proportions
Oversized and mini silhouettes can both work well for light dresses in winter when styled properly. Go for an oversized, cocoon-shaped sweater dress in a soft chenille knit or brushed cotton to balance the voluminous shape. Add sleek tall boots and a belt at the waist define the shape.
Mini dress options like skater or fit and flare styles should hit no higher than mid-thigh. Look for short sleeve or long sleeve options and add black opaque tights. Pair with tall boots or heeled booties and a moto jacket or longline cardigan coat to keep warm from thighs to neck.
Consider Color Theory
Some shades of light colors inherently work better in cold weather than others. Dusty, muted and earthy pastels read warmer and more seasonal. Delicate icy pastels and bright summery shades can be trickier to style for winter.
If you’re wearing an icy pink, pale blue or neon yellow dress, choose layers in cream, tan, grey and taupe for a more harmonious balance. Deep berry reds, forest greens and cobalt blues also pair elegantly with icy pastels.
For cheerier citrus brights, go for contrast with dark neutrals like charcoal, navy and chocolate brown. A bright lemon yellow dress could look very chic with a chocolate wool coat and camel booties, for example. Having a neutral or two in your layers helps bright colors feel more at home in winter.
Play with Tone and Texture
Juxtaposing light fabrics in winter with tactile wools and furs can create stylish visual contrast. Consider mixing elements like:
- A fuzzy mohair cardigan over a silky slip dress
- A lightweight chiffon dress with a chunky knit coat
- Delicate lace tights under a heavy woolen dress
- Suede booties with a satin cocktail dress
- A faux fur stole over a crepe sheath
These types of pairings work well because the lighter piece remains visible through the heavier layer. The interplay between softness and structure makes for an interesting tactile combination while maximizing warmth.
Conclusion
With creative layering, thoughtful fabric choices and smart styling, light colored dresses can absolutely be part of your winter wardrobe. Use color, texture and proportion to your advantage when planning an outfit. Seek out warmer materials in draped, cocoon and oversized shapes for chic coziness. Accessorize for both style and insulation. Most importantly, embrace the chance to have fun with self-expression all year round. Your favorite pink party dress deserves a night out even in January!
