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Summer dresses are cool, breezy, and fun additions to any warm-weather outfit—but what happens when winter arrives? Before you pack away your summer wardrobe, consider styling your dresses so they'll still work for colder days. Adding layers and warm accessories can easily help you turn your summer dresses into winter outfits.

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    Wear a warm sweater over your dress for an easy solution. Don't forsake winter clothing staples like sweatshirts just because your summer dress is light and breezy! Cover your dress with a sweater so it looks like you're wearing a skirt. When you combine the warmth of a cozy sweatshirt with a lighter skirt, you get the best of both worlds. Try to use more than one material in your ensemble so that your outfit doesn't look too heavy.[1]

    • For instance, if your dress is made out of cotton, consider wearing a sweater made out of merino or cable-knit wool.[2]
    • Layer a thick sweatshirt or sweater over a shirt with a visible collar. These two articles of clothing combined with a summer dress can add a fun flair to your look! Play around with different combinations of jackets and shirts until you find a style that you like.

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    Use a turtleneck to provide a base color beneath your dress. Wear a neutral-toned turtleneck to display a sharp contrast with the brighter colors of your summer dress. The pencil shape and solid tones of a shift dress can be an especially stunning when combined with a turtleneck.[3]

    • A summer dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves also works well.[4] If you wear a dress that leaves your shoulders bare, accessorize with long, elbow-length gloves and a brimmed cloth hat.

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    Try on a button-down flannel for a casual, cozy vibe. Add multiple colors to your outfit by including a button-down flannel over your summer dress. The dress doesn't make the ensemble look overtly casual, and it also doesn't give off formal vibes, either. Wearing a button-down flannel with a dress can help you tow the line between comfortable and professional in a work environment.[5]

    • You can also pair a button-down flannel with a long skirt and a bright pair of heels.

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    Put on a vest over your dress if you want a fun, relaxed look. Add an accent to your outfit in the form of a vest. While your summer dress may look fashionable on its own, the addition of a vest can provide a fun contrast to the color or pattern of the dress. Consider changing up the texture of your outfit by trying on a faux fur vest.[6]

    • Wear a solid black vest over a plaid, knee-length dress, and a gray coat.

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    Slip a coat over the rest of your outfit to keep yourself warm. This may go without saying, but coats are one of the most efficient ways you can stay warm without having to layer excessively. Select a coat that complements both your dress and your personal style.[7]

    • If you want to go for an eclectic look, consider wearing a faux fur jacket over a hoodie.
    • Choose a peacoat if you want to add elegance to your outfit.
    • Opt for a bomber jacket to create an edgy vibe.
    • Select a trenchcoat for a chic option.

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    Slip on a pair of skinny jeans or pants for a casual look. Wear a pair of jeans or slim pants beneath your dress to provide a fun and relaxed layer to your outfit. This lets you wear your dress as you normally would, while also keeping your legs warm. Playing around with different pant colors can also add a lot of personality to your daily look.[8]

    • Try pairing skinny jeans with ankle-high boots, a button-up dress shirt and a suit jacket for a relaxed, professional look.[9]

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    Pull on some patterned tights to cover your legs. Put on some tights beneath your dress to keep your legs warm throughout the day. As stylish as your summer dress may be, you won't be able to enjoy wearing it if your knees are knocking together from the cold.[10] While solid colors are always an option, tights come in a variety of patterns, like fishnet, ribbed, and floral.[11] Whether you're going for a cute or a feminine look, tights can help take your outfit to the next level![12]

    • Add some zing to your outfit by wearing some fun color combinations. For instance, wear a dark summer dress with black and purple ombré tights.

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    Add some long socks to keep your legs insulated. Slip into some knee-length socks made out of a warm material, like wool. Warm socks, especially long ones, feel like sweaters for your ankles and legs, and will make it much more tolerable to go out on a cold winter day.[13] Wool socks also tend to be less smelly than materials like cotton, so you don't need to clean them as often![14]

    • Wool is one of the most recycled fibers in the fabric industry. When you wear wool, you're also helping the environment!

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    Wear long boots to keep your feet and legs toasty. Tug on a pair of knee-length boots to cover your feet and lower calves. In addition to tights, jeans, or any other leg covering, boots that reach or go over your knees can help lock warmth into your lower legs and feet.[15]

    • Depending on your own style, consider wearing boots with chunky or stiletto heels.

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    Try on some low heels for a less formal vibe. [16] Wear a pair of low pumps instead of boots to keep your feet warm. While pumps don't provide the same amount of coverage and insulation as boots, they keep the majority of your feet covered from the cold. Try shoes in a neutral color tone if the rest of your outfit contains many bright colors.[17]

    • Combine a pair of low pumps with a brightly colored blouse, a seam skirt, and slim dress pants for a fun, on-the-go outfit.

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    Opt for a pair of flats if you don't want to worry about heels. Try on a pair of flats if you want a quicker option when you're getting ready to head out. Consider flats that are solid colors but have accessories sewn over the front of the shoe, as this can add a bit of elegance to your daily look. Additionally, think about buying flats that mimic slippers and don't constrict your heel.[18]

    • Contrast the lack of elevation in your flats with a long skirt to create an outfit that prioritizes comfort.

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    Test out some combat boots for a casual and comfortable look. Add some height and style to your outfit with a pair of combat boots.[19] These shoes offer great support in the winter weather, and the lacing provides you with the freedom to make your shoes as tight or as loose as you please.

    • Combat boots are also great to pair with warm socks.

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    Wrap a scarf around your neck to add a fun burst of color to your outfit. Add a scarf to incorporate a versatile and colorful accessory into your ensemble. Depending on how cold it is, you can opt for a faux fur option or a traditional, knitted option.[20]

    • Don't be afraid to embrace a variety of colors! Many scarves come in bright and funky patterns, like stripes and blocks. Play around with different combinations until you find something that you like!

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    Try on a bucket hat for a fun look. Finish off your outfit with a bucket hat to stay fashionable while keeping your head warm. Although the rounded appearance of the bucket hat may not appeal to everyone, this accessory can be a fun highlight to the rest of your outfit. Consider wearing one in neutral tones like tan or black if you want to incorporate more color into the rest of your ensemble.[21]

    • To change things up, consider getting a bucket hat made out of vinyl material or faux fur.

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    Wear a trapper hat to give off a cozy winter vibe. Switch to a soft, insulated trapper hat to add some rustic charm to your ensemble. Trapper hats transform the smooth, simple layout of a beanie into a hat that is as cute as it is practical.[22]

    • Get a trapper hat with a Pom-Pom on top to make your look extra adorable.

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    Tie a belt around your waist to split your dress in half. Incorporate a belt into your daily outfit to add a new dimension to your dress.[23] While belts are often associated with buckles and loopholes, they can come in many varieties, like rope. Rope belts can add a dash of professionalism or casualness to your look, depending on the color and style that you choose. Experiment until you find something that fits your aesthetic![24]

    • If you're wearing a brightly colored dress, consider using a black rope belt to contrast.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    How should I style colorful tights with a dress?

    Susan Kim

    Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

    Susan Kim

    Professional Stylist

    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Picking which part of your outfit you want to emphasize would be a good place to start. If you want to show off the tights, go with a more subtle dress. This will show them off and ensure your outfit won't be too overwhelming.

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