Winter is right on the horizon. It can feel difficult to put together a feminine outfit that will keep you warm, while still looking chic. That’s where a long sleeve dress comes in. They’re the perfect closet staple to help you layer up against the cold without having to opt for mountains of knitwear.
An elegant long sleeve dress works for any occasion, whether you’re heading to the office or celebrating with friends. The beauty of a long sleeve dress is that it’s one of the most versatile staples that you can add to your closet. You can style them with everything from woolly tights to a chunky knit cardigan or a faux fur jacket. It’s all about the styling.
We’re helping you update your closet for winter by sharing 10 of our favourite styling tips to help you create a myriad of outfits – all with a long sleeve dress.
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Faux fur is your best friend
A faux fur jacket is like a warm hug on a winter’s day. If you want to take your long sleeve dress out for a night on the town but don’t want to catch a chill, a faux fur jacket is a perfect solution. It’s worth investing in a faux fur jacket that comes with comfortable silk or wool lining for added comfort.
A faux fur jacket can also help to elevate your long sleeve dress and take it to the next level – especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion. If you’re not a fan of a jacket, you can always try a faux fur wrap or shawl instead for a more versatile look. Another faux fur option that you can wear during the daytime is a gilet, which lets you show off the long sleeves of your dress.
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Style with knee-high boots
You’ll find that most long sleeve dresses come with a shorter hemline – balancing the modest length of the sleeve with a more seductive length. If you’re not a fan of woolly tights, you can keep your legs warm with a sexier option. Knee-high boots will keep away the chill and give you a more seductive look without compromising on warmth.
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Incorporate a shawl or scarf
Winter can be a difficult time for styling eveningwear – especially if you’re heading out on the town. You might not want to carry a jacket or coat around with you all night. A shawl or scarf is a more practical alternative. You can wrap it around your shoulders when you’re outside in the cold and store it away while you’re indoors.
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Add a chunky knit or maxi cardigan
While we often think of blazers as the go-to outerwear for a long sleeve dress, a chunky knit or maxi cardigan is a softer option. If you want to bundle up against the cold, a knitwear cardigan will lay seamlessly against your full-length sleeves so that you can keep a sleek silhouette.
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Play with neutrals
It’s easy to think that your winter closet has to be full of little black dresses and jewel-tone accessories. Winter whites are amongst some of our favourite colour palettes for the season. Look out for neutral hues that have warm undertones, such as camel, cream, and chocolate brown. You can easily incorporate these hues alongside a long sleeve dress when you’re layering up against the cold. Sticking to neutral hues can instantly elevate your long sleeve dress and give you an effortlessly chic look.
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Experiment with a shacket
If you’re a fan of sweater dresses, this is the styling tip for you. Shackets are one of the biggest trends for winter 2021. They’re essentially the love child of your favourite button-up shirt and casual jacket, blending the two to create a transitional staple that is easy to style with all your winter favourites.
A shacket is a go-to for comfortable outfits with a long sleeve dress. Throw on a shacket, your favourite ballet flats, and grab a scarf on your way out. This outfit gives you winter style, without compromising on comfort.
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A teddy coat and over-the-knee boots
Another one of our favourite winter outfits includes styling a long sleeve dress with a teddy coat and over-the-knee boots. This outfit works for any length of the dress but is for a long sleeve midi or mini dress.
A teddy coat is a more casual alternative to a faux fur jacket and gives your look a vintage 70s-inspired feel. You can play with textures by adding suede over-the-knee boots to finish off your look.
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Just boots
What we love about long sleeve dresses is that they’re often warm up enough to keep you comfortable without needing to add extra layers. If you catch an unexpected ray of sunshine, you can step out without a coat.
We don’t recommend going back into your closet for your summer shoes. Instead, style your long sleeve dress with your signature boots. This dress style will work with every type of boots, from Chelsea boots to a classic point-toe knee high boot.
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Grab a sweater
When in doubt, grab a sweater. Depending on the silhouette of your long sleeve dress, you might find that adding a sweater gives you the illusion of a two-piece look. Sweaters are always great to have on hand to style over a long sleeve dress, whether you’re commuting to the office or working from home.
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Add a camel coat
If you want to give your long sleeve dress a more casual – but elevated – look, consider adding a statement coat. A camel coat is a staple that you want to have in your winter closet. It’ll give your long sleeve dress a polished finish and the coat is easy to style with any type of long sleeve dress.
Read More
How To Stay Warm And Still Look Cute And Stylish
Make a Sweater Dress the Focus of Your Winter Capsule Closet