Best Winter Dresses: Styles, Brands & Sizing Tips for Cold-Weather Chic

Author: Tellar Style TeamPublished: July 2025Disclaimer: This content is honest, unbiased, and not sponsored. All recommendations are based on fit, fabric, and brand insights.

Winter fashion doesn't mean sacrificing elegance for warmth. With the right winter dress, you can stay stylish and insulated—whether you're layering up for frosty mornings, dressing for work, or heading out for festive occasions. From cosy knitted styles to structured wool silhouettes and velvet statement pieces, the options are endless. But finding your size across brands? That’s where Tellar.co.uk changes the game.

In this guide, we break down:

• Flattering winter dress styles for every body shape

• Recommended fabrics for cold weather

• The best high street, designer, and boutique brands for winter dresses

• How tellar.co.uk ensures your winter dress fits first time, every time

Why Winter Dresses Are a Wardrobe Essential

Unlike bulky separates, dresses in winter can be effortlessly styled with boots, tights, and coats—making them ideal for layering while still looking put together. Whether you're petite, tall, plus-size, or curvy, the right cut and fabric can flatter your figure while keeping you warm.

If you're unsure what dress suits your shape, read The Most Flattering Dress Styles for Every Body Shape on Tellar.co.uk.

Best Winter Dress Styles by Body Shape

1. Knitted Midi Dresses

Warm, breathable, and universally flattering, ribbed or cable-knit midi dresses suit hourglass, apple, and rectangle shapes alike. Look for belted versions to define the waist.

Try from brands like:

• Massimo Dutti – excellent quality knit styles with structure

• COS – known for minimalist, high-quality knits

2. Wool A-Line Dresses

Wool or wool-blend dresses in A-line shapes work well for pear and petite figures. They balance proportions while offering warmth and structure.

Explore in:

• Whistles – ideal for elevated casual dressing

• & Other Stories – often blends wool with sustainable materials

3. Velvet Wrap Dresses

For evening wear or festive styling, velvet dresses in wrap or fit-and-flare shapes suit curvier frames beautifully and provide natural insulation.

Try options from:

• Ghost London – luxurious velvet and satin winter styles

• Hobbs – classic British tailoring in winter-ready fabrics

Best Winter Dress Fabrics for Warmth

When it comes to insulation without bulk, these materials shine:

• Merino wool: Soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating

• Cashmere blends: Cosy and luxurious for knit styles

• Heavy jersey: Drapes well while offering coverage

• Velvet and velour: Perfect for occasionwear

• Corduroy: Textured and warm, ideal for shirt dresses

Not sure how fabric affects fit? See Best Breathable Material Clothes on Tellar.co.uk.

High Street Brands with Great Winter Dresses

1. Marks & Spencer

Reliable sizing and long-sleeve jersey or knit dresses dominate M&S’s winter lines. Great for layering or workwear staples.

• Marks & Spencer Sizing Guide

2. H&M

Budget-friendly and trend-led, H&M’s Conscious range includes recycled wool and organic cotton winter dresses.

• H&M Sizing Consistency Guide

3. ZARA

Known for unpredictable sizing, ZARA offers stunning winter styles—but it’s essential to check sizing.

• ZARA Size Runs Explained

Designer Brands for Winter Dresses

1. Karen Millen

With tailored, statement winter dresses in leather, velvet, and boucle, Karen Millen’s winter edit is flattering and premium.

• Karen Millen Sizing Guide

2. Max Mara

From camel wool dresses to structured crepe silhouettes, Max Mara defines cold-weather luxury.

• Max Mara Fit & Style Guide

3. L.K. Bennett

Refined and wearable dresses perfect for both office and occasions—often with long sleeves and lined skirts for warmth.

• L.K. Bennett Sizing

Boutique & Independent Brands for Unique Winter Looks

1. Kitri

Small-batch collections with standout shapes and rich fabrics. Their winter wrap and tiered midi dresses are cut to flatter with tailoring precision.

• Read more about Kitri fit at Tellar

2. Nobody’s Child

Affordable yet sustainable, offering recycled and eco-viscose winter dresses with flattering silhouettes.

• Nobody’s Child Size Breakdown

How Tellar.co.uk Makes Winter Dress Shopping Easy

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool, built to match your exact measurements with the correct dress size in over 1,500 brands.

Instead of guessing or decoding conflicting size charts, Tellar:

• Maps your measurements (chest, waist, hips) against real brand data

• Recommends your correct size instantly for each individual store

• Works with both high street and designer brands

• Eliminates returns and disappointment due to poor fit

🔗 Create your free profile today Print your free measuring tape

Still Not Sure About Size?

Winter dress sizing can be inconsistent across materials, cuts, and even lining. If you’re shopping velvet, stretch jersey, or structured wool—Tellar can tell you if your size differs between COS, Reiss, and Zara.

Read comparisons like:

• How & Other Stories Sizing Compares to Zara

• Whistles vs Reiss Sizing Fit Guide

Final Thoughts: Style Without the Guesswork

Whether you're after a long-sleeve midi for daily wear, a velvet dress for winter events, or a wool shift for the office, getting the right fit is key. The beauty of Tellar.co.uk lies in its unbiased, data-backed sizing system that puts you—not inconsistent brand charts—at the centre.

So this winter, shop smarter, not harder. Match your body to the right size in seconds. No more size chart spreadsheets, no more returns.

Stay Connected with Tellar

Instagram:@TellarsizingTwitter/X:@TellarSizingFacebook:Tellar SizingPinterest:TellarSizing