Boho chic, animal prints, and ’60s mod styles are making waves in women’s fashion this season, and a stylish winter dress is the perfect way to embrace these trends. From easy-to-layer silhouettes to cozy fabrics, we’ve tapped three professional stylists to share their top picks for the best winter dresses to shop right now. Whether you’re looking to add texture, warmth, or a dash of style to your cold-weather wardrobe, these dresses are the ideal way to start experimenting with the season’s hottest looks. You can’t go wrong with their expert recommendations.
Best winter dresses
Tuckernuck Leopard Velvet Burnout Callahan Shirt Dress
“The burnout texture of this dress is very wintery and looks great paired with a sheer black tight and a bootie,” says stylist Katie Schuppler, adding that it’s also a fresh way to rock leopard print. “Animal prints are still on the prowl and are not leaving our wardrobes anytime soon,” adds personal shopper Katerina Kladis.
$198 at Tuckernuck
Lauren Ralph Lauren Denim Surplice Midi Dress
Shirt dresses are a fail-proof option for looking professional in the winter, according to the experts. Personal stylist Allison Berlin loves this silhouette “for its structure and ability to layer easily.” She recommends throwing “a cashmere sweater over your shoulders for added texture and pairing with a tall boot.”
$185 $139 at Zappos
Bali Cassia Maxi Dress
Boho styles are another big trend this winter, with Kladis recommending this hybrid style from Free People. The top part of the dress looks like a cozy hoodie, while the patterned maxi skirt is flowy and light. “This is a dress you can just throw on and go about your day,” she says.
$228 at Free People
Vici Marsella Tie Waist Mini Sweater Dress
Sweater dresses are another common theme among the stylists’ picks. Schuppler likes the flattering fit of this option, which comes in several versatile colors.
$64 at Vici
Farm Rio Ainika Tropical Splendor Puff-Sleeve Minidress
Even though it’s winter, minidresses are still totally appropriate according to the stylists. The key is proper layering with tights, boots and outerwear. Schuppler loves this minidress. “The pattern provides the boho look, but it’s more flirty and flouncy than many boho styles that tend to be much longer and flowy,” she says.
$230 at Anthropologie
$230 at Tuckernuck
SNDYS Maya Bubble Dress
Bubble hems made a comeback last year, and the puffy style is carrying into 2025, according to Schuppler. The stylist loves this short dress, explaining that it’s “an updated take on the bubble dress for 2025 … It is more fitted to the body than we have seen with this trend in the past.” Pair it with black tights and some pointy heels or booties for a modern look.
$98 at Revolve
Madewell Button-Up Mini Shirtdress
Circling back to shirt dresses, Berlin loves the utilitarian look of this option. Made from a heavyweight twill, it’s a piece that’s easy to layer. “I would layer a turtleneck under this and a chunky boot,” Berlin says.
$128 $40 at Madewell
What to Look for in a Winter Dress
“When choosing winter dresses, it’s all about balancing style and warmth,” says stylist Kladis. She and other experts agree that the best winter dresses should be easy to layer with tights or warm base layers like a turtleneck. “Opt for heavier fabrics like wool, suede, velvet, or thick cotton — they provide more warmth than lighter materials,” Kladis recommends.
However, stylist Schuppler points out that “the thickness or pattern of the fabric can impact how flattering the dress is on your body,” so it’s important to consider both comfort and fit when dress shopping.
For those looking to stay ahead of the trends, the stylists suggest embracing boho flair, animal prints, chunky knits, bubble hems, and ’60s mod vibes. Additionally, Kladis highlights colors such as burgundy, cinnamon spice, and Mocha Mousse — the Pantone Color of the Year — as shades to look out for this season.
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