One of the questions I’m often asked by readers during the fall and winter months is how to stay warm while wearing a dress. I also get lots of questions about what coats to wear with dresses, especially when dressing up for work, church, or special occasions. In this post, I’m sharing a few of my favorite ways to add warmth to dresses without adding a lot of extra bulk. From lightweight layers and tights to coats, scarves, and wraps, these are simple ways to make your favorite dresses more comfortable to wear throughout the colder months.

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My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size, that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.

Add Lightweight Layers Under Your Dress

One of my favorite ways to make a dress warmer in winter is to add layers underneath instead of piling bulky pieces on top. Depending on the style of dress, you can add quite a bit of warmth without changing the overall look.

Lightweight Turtlenecks and Wool Tops

A thin, fitted turtleneck is a great layer to wear underneath a sleeveless dress. One of my personal favorites is the tissue turtleneck from J.Crew Factory. It’s thin and lightweight, so it’s easy to wear under a dress. You can wear it under a sweater dress or a collared dress.

For a little more warmth without bulk, I also like lightweight wool tops. You can opt for a crewneck if you prefer the top to not show under your dress.

For petites, I recommend choosing fitted base layers rather than loose ones. A close-fitting top will sit more smoothly underneath a dress and won’t create extra fabric around the waist or hips.

Turtleneck XXS | Dress Petite XXS | Tights XS | Boots | Belt

Tights for Extra Warmth

Tights are one of the easiest ways to make a dress more comfortable to wear in cold weather.

Depending on the weather and the dress, you can choose between sheer tights, opaque tights, or fleece-lined tights for extra warmth. Black tights are a classic option, but you can also go with skin tone or match your tights to your shoes for a more continuous look.

Tights XS | Dress XXS print is sold out | Shoes tts

Wear a Slip Over Your Tights

Here’s one of my favorite little tricks for wearing dresses with tights: add a slip over your tights and underneath your dress.

Depending on the fabric, tights can create friction that causes a dress to cling or bunch up around your legs as you walk. A lightweight, smooth slip creates a layer between the tights and the dress, helping the fabric glide instead of sticking.

You can choose a basic nylon slip, or if you prefer a 100% cotton slip works as well. If you’re curious about shapewear and slips I’m planning a comparison post next week – stay tuned!

Turtleneck XXS | Tights XS | Dress Petite XS | Bag small shoulder | Boots tts (full review of the boots here)

What Shoes to Wear with Tights?

For extra warmth, you can add knee-high boots, and even add socks over your tights in the boots. If you want the look to be dressier, tights also pair nicely with ballet flats and heels.

Turtleneck XXS | Tights XS | Shoes tts | dress is no longer available

Layer Your Dress With a Coat

I’m often asked if you need a special coat to wear over a dress, and my answer is always no. Instead, go for a classic tailored topcoat.

A tailored topcoat is one of my favorite options to wear over a dress in winter. Instead of a specifically dressy option like a faux fur coat or a lady jacket, a topcoat is one that wears beautifully with everything in your wardrobe and is still dressy enough for a dress. So you don’t have to buy something you’ll only wear once or twice.

Coat Petite 00 | Tights XS | Dress Petite XS | Bag small shoulder | Boots tts (full review of the boots here)

I especially love longer wool coats because they provide more coverage and warmth. They also pair nicely with dresses of different lengths, from shorter sweater dresses to midi styles.

Coat Petite 00 | Skirt Petite XS | Knee High Boots | Ribbed Top XS

For petites, I like coats that are well proportioned through the shoulders and sleeves. Even if the coat has an oversized fit, those details help keep the overall look balanced.

Tights XS | Coat Petite 00 | Dress XXS print is sold out | Shoes tts

You can find more coats for petites in this post.

Add Warmth With Scarves and Wraps

Scarves and wraps are another favorite way to make dresses warmer without adding a bulky sweater or cardigan.

They’re especially useful for dressier occasions when you want a little extra coverage over your shoulders but don’t necessarily want to cover up the entire dress.

Dress XS | Scarf | Boots | Bag similar

A smaller triangle scarf can be draped over the shoulders for a shawl-like look, or you can tie it in the front for a different style.

I personally prefer the look of a scarf draped over my shoulders. It adds a little softness to the outfit and gives me extra warmth without taking away from the dress.

Dress XXS | Scarf | Clutch | Shoes tts

You can also use a scarf to add a little color or texture to an outfit. For example, a neutral dress can be paired with a colorful cashmere scarf, while a printed dress might look best with a solid-colored wrap.

Use a scarf magnet to keep your scarves in place.

Dress 00 | Shawl | Scarf Magnet | Boots | Bag similar

As the holiday season approaches and dresses are on your radar, I hope this post gives you guidance on what to wear so you can stay warm and still look dressed up. Follow along this holiday season for outfit ideas for petites for all occasions: casual, work, parties, and more!