How to Wear Short Dresses in Winter

Skirt and dress lengths are the one constant change in fashion. Each season designers create a new length on the runway, influencing consumers, retailers and the fashion industry. Visual merchandisers design their window displays showcasing the new length. However, in the winter months, a short dress can seem impractical. By mixing the short dress with other garments and accessories, you will be able to stretch the life of your dress into the next fall and winter season.

Instructions

1. Wear your short dress with heavy-weight tights, such as wool blends or fleece-lined tights. This trendy accessory is available in many colors, textures such as rib, patterns such as herringbone or trendy prints. It is an easy way to update a solid colored dress. Interchange your knee-length boots with a pair of over-the-knee-length boots, as well as a pair of closed-toe wool tweed ballet shoes to complete the ensemble.

2. Wear your short dress over a pair of leggings in a monotone color or a patterned legging for a trendy look. Accessorize your dress by adding a wide hip belt or a skinny chain belt. You can add a pair of textured ankle boots or trendy patterned bordello platform shoes to finish the look.

3. Transform your short dress into a tunic by mixing it with flared pants. If your dress is sleeveless, you can wear a long-sleeve turtleneck underneath. The dress will appear as an added layer to the turtleneck and flared pant combination. Add a pair of closed-toe Mary Jane shoes to complete the style.

4. Add complementary hats such as fedoras, handbags, jewelry and scarves. By adding these pieces to your short dress ensembles, you can change the look again by adding a bright color, such as a bright turquoise scarf to an all-gray style, or make it into a classic-driven monotone style by pairing the same color hues together.

References

• "In Style: Instant Style (Your Season-By-Season Guide for Work and Weekend"; Kathleen Fifield, Melcher Media, Editors of In Style, and Studio Usher; 2006