The COS Guide to Winter Dresses

Dresses are among the most versatile pieces in the cold-weather wardrobe, offering endless styling possibilities. The COS winter dresses collection spotlights premium fabrics, such as merino, cashmere and wool. 

Discover how to wear dresses in winter and make these pieces the essential building blocks of your wardrobe this season.  

EVERYDAY CLASSIC

Knitted dresses are ideal for relaxed, everyday styling – pair them with minimalist trainers for a casual mood or flat leather boots for a more polished look. Sleeveless styles provide the perfect layering opportunity: wear them with a fine merino wool turtleneck, tights and ankle boots to create interest through contrasting volumes and textures. Opt for neutral, tonal palettes that integrate seamlessly with your existing wardrobe for versatile styling throughout the season and beyond. 

DRESS CODE: PROFESSIONAL

Tailored wool dresses create a polished foundation for winter office looks – layer them under a blazer or structured wool coat. Point-toe ankle boots maintain the streamlined aesthetic, while knee-high boots offer additional warmth on colder days. For an extra layer and visual texture, tie a mohair-blend jumper or scarf around the shoulders.  

WINTER EVENINGS

Long-sleeved dresses in wool or jersey offer warmth in cold weather while maintaining a refined shape. Opt for belted styles that define the waist and create an interesting silhouette.  Add a minimal leather shoulder bag and heeled leather boots. Finish the look with statement jewellery in gold or silver, such as a cuff bracelet or drop earrings.  

ELEVATED OCCASIONWEAR 

Dresses in textured knits or velvet provide understated elegance, while tailored dresses offer a polished take on occasion dressing. Pair with heeled ankle boots or heeled pumps and tights. Accessories should remain minimal and intentional, allowing the dress to take centre stage. Leather gloves and merino or cashmere scarves add the finishing touch. 

Unlike separates that require coordination, dresses provide a foundation for any winter look. Style dresses with base layers, textured knitwear and sculptural outerwear for warmth. 

COS winter dresses are crafted from exceptional fabrics that keep you comfortable in cold weather. Wool provides natural insulation and breathability, while jersey and cotton are lightweight yet structured.  

Layering is essential when styling winter dresses: consider your base, mid and outer layers when creating outfits.  

Base layers form the foundation of any winter look. Fine-knit tops or lightweight roll-necks in neutral tones style effortlessly under dresses and provide insulation. Opaque tights in seasonal shades keep you warm and add tonal dimension. 

Mid-layers lend texture – consider printed or sculptural knitwear that creates interesting proportions when layered over a dress. For a lighter mid-layer, style a button-down shirt under a V-neck dress, with collars and cuffs providing subtle detail.  

Outerwear is an important consideration when styling dresses in winter. Padded jackets in nylon add volume and texture while protecting you from the elements. Structured blazers and tailored wool coats bridge the gap between formal and relaxed styling, making them ideal for any occasion. 

Accessories are an essential final layer. Slim scarves in neutral shades add subtle warmth, while chunky mohair scarves in seasonal colours and prints offer contrast. Leather gloves lend a sophisticated finishing touch. 

The COS collection features ladies’ winter dresses in a range of silhouettes and fabrics for timeless looks you’ll revisit season after season.  

Fabric matters when curating dresses for your winter wardrobe. Knitted dresses offer warmth and texture with minimal layering required. Their casual appeal lends them to off-duty moments, but they work equally well for evenings and occasions when paired with elevated jewellery, shoes and accessories.  

Midi dresses offer versatility, falling between the knee and the ankle to accommodate a range of footwear, from kitten heels to boots. Maxi dresses and mini dresses are perfect for evenings and occasions, depending on your mood. 

When styling winter dresses, footwear is key. Leather ankle boots pair well with midi and maxi dresses, while knee-high boots create striking proportions with mini and midi dresses.  

Loafers are a polished alternative to boots, particularly when styled with knitted dresses and opaque tights. Minimal leather or suede trainers complement the relaxed feel of knitted or jersey dresses.  

The COS autumn-winter colour palette celebrates depth and richness. Darker neutrals – such as black, charcoal, navy and chocolate – provide a versatile foundation for every look and integrate seamlessly with existing pieces. Light neutrals such as cream and oatmeal contrast with darker hues. Jewel tones add subtle, seasonal colour to neutral looks from deep burgundy and forest green to midnight blue.  

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