Dressing for the office when the temperature starts to plummet can present a unique challenge. While a dress is typically a reliable choice for a summer work ensemble, its practicality may wane in autumn and winter.
Yet, discovering the ideal dress that embodies warmth, professionalism, and style can revolutionize your wardrobe. With such a garment, you’ll effortlessly navigate the season while exuding polish and sophistication.
Cooler weather can often feel uninspiring when it comes to styling, but having a good quality and timeless holy-grail cold-weather dress can streamline your morning routine and ignite your fashion creativity.
How to style dresses for autumn and winter?
This is the fun part! It’s relatively simple to style dresses during the cooler months. When buying a dress, it’s helpful to check the materials and consider how that will layer under coats and jackets.
You can always pair shorter dresses with tights or stockings and knee-high boots for added coverage, and the addition of a classy blazer will never go astray.
Below we’ve rounded up some of our favourite dresses that are just perfect for the coming seasons, from minis to maxis and everything in between – you’re guaranteed to find a winner.
2024’s Top 3 Winter Work Dresses
- & Other Stories Belted Knit Dress, $115 at ASOS
- Milla Long Sleeve Mini Dress, $59 (usually $349) at Saba
- Power Shoulder Midi Dress, $175 at COS
The best winter work dresses to add to your wardrobe in 2024
& Other Stories Belted Knit Dress
$115 at ASOS
A knit dress will always make for the ultimate winter dress, however the belting detail on this piece from & Other Stories helps create a more pulled-together silhouette that makes it ideal for the office. Style with dark brown or black tights and heeled boots for something cosy yet stylish and elegant.
Style notes:
- Available in tan, black and purple
- High neckline
- Made from a wool-mix for added warmth
Milla Long Sleeve Mini Dress
$59 (usually $349) at Saba
Investing in a high-quality, timeless piece is a worthy one if you’re after something that will last you year after year. We love this Saba mini dress (that is hugely discounted at the moment!) that makes for the perfect winter mini. Pair on its own or we love the styling with a printed turtleneck layered underneath with tights and boots.
Style notes:
- V neckline
- Side seam pocket details
- 3/4 length sleeves
Power Shoulder Midi Dress
$175 at COS
If you’re after something more edgy and fashion-forward, this 80s-esque midi dress with padded shoulders and an asymmetric hem is our pick. We love the styling over matching pinstripe pants or otherwise with knee-high slouchy boots for something extra chic.
Style notes:
- Gathered waist for added structure
- Made from Ecovero and recycled polyester blend
Check Bow Dress
$109.95 at MNG
Don’t stray from adding colour to your winter wardrobe this season. This adorable check mini dress is the perfect way to inject pattern and fun into a wardrobe that can feel monotonous. Compliment the cool tones in the dress with chunky silver jewellery and you have a winning look that feels office-appropriate yet fashion forward.
Style notes:
- Satin fabric
- Versatile between seasons
- Bow fastening on back
River Island Long Sleeve Jersey Sweater Dress
$74 at ASOS
Sometimes during winter, all we want is to feel rugged up and cosy but the office may not call for it. This mini dress strikes the perfect balance, offering exceptional comfort without feeling restrictive around the waist or bust. It effortlessly elevates your everyday office look.
Style notes:
- Made from a soft jersey material
- Wide blouson sleeves
- Tie detail on waist
Minima Esenciales Rhea Blazer Dress
$180 (usually $360) at The Iconic
A blazer dress is a great way to rug up come winter yet still keep it corporate-cool. Layering a turtleneck or thermal underneath, along with tights and knee-high boots, is perfect for icy days. This ensemble keeps the outfit professional, timeless, and stylish.
Style notes:
- Made from wool blend
- Wrap design that fastens at front
- Panelling throughout waist for added shaping
Tie Detail Satin Dress
$59.99 at H&M
With its flattering mid-calf length, soft draping, and stylish cowl neck, this stunning blue midi dress is perfect for a post-work outing at the bar.
Style notes:
- Light flare on skirt
- Keyhole opening and tie detail at back
Maddi Shiny Slip Dress
$180 at JAG
A slip dress is one of those pieces that you can make work no matter the season. Wear throughout summer with an oversized blazer and slides and seamlessly transition to autumn with a knit and boots.
Styles notes:
- Made from 100 per cent recycled polyester
- Low scoop neckline and back
- Designed in Australia
ASOS Design High Neck Sleeveless Midi Dress
$88 at ASOS
This midi dress adds sophistication and a pop of colour to your office wardrobe instantly. Despite its lack of long sleeves, it’s easy to layer and transitions seamlessly between seasons, ensuring you won’t feel constricted by excess fabric. For a bright and classy look, pair it with tan knee-high boots and a camel coat.
Style notes:
- Draped details across the chest and waist
- Available in orange and red
Rhianna Dress
$95 at Petal & Pup
Classic, timeless and simple this knitted black midi will become an everyday staple thanks to its flattering silhouette and easy-to-style design. Throw it on with some pumps and an oversized wrap coat and you’re set for the day!
Style notes:
- Made from stretch-knit fabric
- Elegant high neckline
- Detachable waist tie
LEAD IMAGE: Getty / Jeremy Moeller, Edward Berthelot
Svinge Knitted Dress
$259 at ELK The Label
Simple, stylish and timeless – a classic long-sleeve column dress makes for a winter essential in or out of the office. You can throw this on to look instantly put together and use accessories to make it your own. Pair with knee-high chunky boots and an oversized coat or go for sleek pumps and delicate jewellery, the options are endless.
Style notes:
- Classic a-line silhouette
- Made from a recycled viscose, nylon and polyester blend
- Side slits for movement
Is there such a thing as a winter dress?
Absolutely! To find the perfect winter dress look at things like materials and fabric, sleeve length, silhouette and how easy it is to style.
Knit dresses are a great option to go for when on the hunt for a winter dress. Otherwise, warm materials like wool, cotton and tweed are good too.
What kind of dresses are work-appropriate?
This really depends on your workplace, if you work in a corporate office you might be looking at longer hemlines like midi and maxi dresses, no cutouts and something that can be styled with a blazer or tailored jacket.
In creative industries, you may be a bit more free to experiment with silhouettes, colour and patterns.
Look for well-made dresses in durable fabrics that are classic and timeless enough to be worn time and time again!
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