Sorry to My Trousers—These Easy, Throw-On Winter Dresses Have My Full Attention Right Now

The temperatures are dropping, the days are getting shorter and just as the arrival of winter is inevitable, so is my rapid slip into an outfit rotation of jeans and jumpers. This year, I'm determined to get myself out of this cycle, and make this the winter that I finally find dresses that are just as easy to style as my beloved denim and knitwear. Thankfully, this year it seems that brands of every variety, from high street favourites to designer stars, are really stepping up their game when it comes to winter dresses. The odds are in my favour.

To meet my definition of "perfect winter dress," the style needs to deliver on a few fronts. As someone who leans more towards minimalist styles, it needs to look understatedly chic, in classic hues that ensure I'll be able to pull the dress out for future cold seasons. It needs to be versatile, so that I can style it with a mix of my jackets, coats, footwear and accessories to make it feel fresh and to make it work for a number of different situations and occasions. And finally, it needs to be practical, whether that means its a cosy knit dress or a style that can be layered with jumpers when it gets especially crisp.

Whatever your budget, and whatever your personal style, I'm confident you'll find your perfect winter dress this season. From Mango's simple knit midis to Khaite's striped style, Zara's cord minis to Doen's vintage-inspired designs, there's plenty to choose from—and this is my pick of the very vest.

BEST HIGH-STREET WINTER DRESSES 2024 UNDER £120:

Mango

Asymmetrical dress with gathered details

£50

Perfect for evening wear, but you could easily make it work appropriate by styling with an oversized blazer.

COS

Asymmetric Merino Wool Dress

£115

A chunky turtleneck dress is such an easy throw-on style, but this asymmetric hem really sets it apart.

Warehouse

Cord Tie Back Smock Midi Dress

£62

This entire outfit is just perfect for when you don't know what to wear!

ZARA

100% Wool Midi Dress

£119

Red is the colour of the season, and this wool midi is such a chic way to boldly embrace the trend.

H&M

Draped Bodycon Dress

£28

A fantastic price.

Mango

Knitted dress with contrasting trims

£50

The contrast trim is such a great touch.

Nobodys Child

Leopard Print Cord Flossie Midi Dress

£99

Leopard is a huge print trend this season.

ZARA

Midi Dress With Belt

£30

Is there anything more elevated than a cream knit?

COS

Tie-Detail Satin Midi Dress

£110

The drape of this dress is stunning—and you could easily style it for day or night.

M&S Collection

Air-Yarn Knitted Roll Neck Sweater Dress

£30

Yes to this whole outfit.

COS

Cowl-Neck Long-Sleeved Maxi Dress

£85

Such a versatile dress that you could style for so many occasions.

M&S Collection

Satin Lace Insert Midaxi Slip Dress

£45

I'm a sucker for a slinky slip dress.

& Other Stories

Draped Knotted Midi Dress

£77

What a colour!

ALIGNE

Gabriella Denim Dress

£119

A denim dress is such a cool style. I'd pair this with loafers or lug-sole boots.

BEST MID-RANGE WINTER DRESSES 2024

Reformation

Tommie Knit Dress

£198

I've already spotted so many influencers in this exact dress.

By Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Sleeveless Mock-Neck Maxi Dress

£168

Add knee high boots and a leather jacket and you're set.

Whistles

Willow Ribbed Knit Dress

£139

Stunning.

Reformation

Micah Knit Dress

£198

The kind of mini you could wear to work and date night.

Reiss

Winnie Knitted Open Collar Midi Dress

£198

I plan on making this my go-to professional dress.

Damson Madder

Dakota Bow Midi Dress

£120

I'm a huge fan of Damson Madder's vintage-inspired prints.

ME+EM

Crepe Pintuck Detail Maxi Dress

£275

A very on-trend colour this season.

Reformation

Azure Knit Dress

£198

Cosy and chic.

GANNI

Dark Blue Floral Printed Mini Dress

£245

Style with tights and boots when the temperatures really drop.

Reiss

Winslet Wool Blend Blouson Sleeve Midi Dress

£188

Ultimate cosiness.

Reformation

Bell Cashmere Mini Dress

£298

A cashmere mini is so luxe.

Ba-sh

Dress Armia

£315

Brown is one of my all-time favourite colours.

FLORERE

Florere A-Line Midi Dress, Chocolate

£198

In case you missed it, chocolate brown is big news this winter.

Free People

Feeling Groovy Maxi Dress

£140

This floral midi looks great with moto boots as proven above.

BEST DESIGNER WINTER DRESSES 2024

DÔEN

Marielle Checked Organic Cotton-Flannel Midi Dress

£332

This gingham dress will carry you through all seasons.

houseofdagmar

Faded Cable Dress

£530

House of Dagmar is one of my favourite destinations for wardrobe heroes that I'll love and wear forever.

TOTEME

Asymmetric Gathered Jersey Midi Dress

£500

The kind of effortless sophistication you can always expect from Toteme.

DÔEN

Beatriz Dress

£478

The prettiest print ofr winter.

ÉTERNE

Ribbed Stretch-Jersey Turtleneck Maxi Dress

£325

The perfect balance of sexy and sleek.

GABRIELA HEARST

Amor Ribbed Silk and Cashmere-Blend Maxi Dress

£1350

A silk and cashmere blend dress? Oh, yes.

KHAITE

Helen Striped Brushed Silk and Cashmere-Blend Midi Dress

£1380

A Breton stripe will always be in fashion.

LESET

Barb Satin Maxi Dress

£440

Layer exactly like this with a knit that you could pull on when the wind picks up.

Rohe

Silk Scarf Dress | Earth

£760

The most beautiful hue.

LESET

Lauren Stretch-Jersey Maxi Dress

£220

The kind of dress you'll find endless ways to style.

GIVENCHY

Voyou Belted Satin-Jersey Midi Dress

£1750

Undeniably elegant.

JOSEPH

Brushed Cashmere-Blend Midi Dress

£695

Joseph always delivers stunning cashmere pieces.

ULLA JOHNSON

Kassia Pointelle-Knit Alpaca-Blend Turtleneck Maxi Dress

£750

A winter dream. Pair yours with this season's trending outerwear—the suede jacket.

DÔEN

Wilmina Dress -- Buttercup Bouquet

£428

Another DÔEN number that I am very tempted by...