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Fashion Challenge: Wear a Summer Dress in the Winter

Last Updated on November 19, 2020 by Chelsea - University of Oklahoma
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Styling a summer dress in winter

As you all know, we like to focus our Fashion Challenges on creatively combining pieces you already have in your closet. Finding new ways to wear things you already own is a fashion win-win — not only are you getting more from your existing wardrobe, but it forces you to think outside the box and develop a knack for creating new outfits. This week, our challenge for you is to take your favorite summer dress and make it work during the winter.

Dreary winter months can leave you feeling “blah,” especially in a sea of muted colors typically associated with chilly weather. A splash of color sometimes is all you need to brighten up your day. So dust off your box of summer clothes and find a dress you love — then read on for a guide on how to take this week’s challenge!

Tips and Tricks for Making  a Summery Dress Work for Winter

  • When selecting a dress for this challenge, look for bold colored frocks – they’ll make the biggest impact in winter.
  • Pastel colored dresses can work, too — pair one with dark accents to make it feel more wintery!
  • Wear a summer dress with tights or leggings. It’ll keep your legs warm and make the dress look more seasonally appropriate.
  • Consider the print of the fabric. Plaids and stripes will work nicely. Floral prints will work most of the time, but stay away from Hawaiian prints unless you’re sartorially fearless.
  • Try a summer dress on with a pair of boots to keep your feet warm and toughen up the look.
  • Throw on a jacket or cardigan on top of a dress for warmth and a touch of layering chic.
  • Another way to add warmth and change up the look of a dress is by layering a long sleeved top or turtleneck underneath a strapless dress.
  • One more way to update a dress is by pulling a sweater on top of it, transforming a dress into a skirt.
  • Accessories are probably the easiest way to transform a summer dress into a winter one. Add a beanie, knee or thigh high socks, or a scarf.

Outfit Inspiration

How to wear a summer dress in winter - outfit 1

Dress, Cardigan, Boots, Tights, Scarf

The deeper tones of this floral dress make it work for all four seasons of the year! Add interest by layering a cardigan on top and leggings beneath. This outfit will look great with a pair of lace up boots and an infinity scarf!

How to wear a summer dress in winter - outfit 2

Dress, Boots, Jacket, Tights, Earrings

A pastel dress can work in the winter as long as it’s paired with wintery elements. I love the contrast of a girly pink dress paired with a tough a leather biker jacket. Patterned tights and combat boots give this outfit a punky British fashion feel. Finish with chic earrings.

CF Reader Looks

Here are challenge outfits sent in by CF readers like you. If you want to see your look featured here, too, read the instructions below for sending in your outfit photos!

Kyrstin – York University

College Fashionista from York University

I’m wearing my favourite summer dress here, despite the fact that it is January. It’s a bit short, so I opted for leggings over tights. I belted a cardigan to accent my waist, and added my favourite tall boots to keep warm! I love wearing bright colours in the winter – it’s a change from the usual all-black uniform!

For more of Kyrstin’s fierce style, check out her blog here!

Laura – Elon University

Elon University fashion

This is one my favorite dresses I’ve ever worn. All the girly elements, the pink, the ruffles, the tulle, just called my name and I feel incredibly feminine while wearing it. I love it so much that I can’t just let it hang idly in my closet through all the cold months. Thank goodness for the invention of the cardigan- a dress lover’s best friend. Belting this cardigan keeps my waist defined and the heels add a little edge to an otherwise over-the-top girly ensemble. Tights were a must to battle the winds of Philadelphia and I kept the jewelry simple so that the focus of the outfit remains on the dress.

For more of Laura’s chic style, check out her blog here!

Took the Challenge? Send Us Your Look!

Did you dust off your favorite summer dress and make it work for the cold time of year? Before you change, take a couple pictures and send them to fashionchallenge AT collegefashion.net along with your name, school, a description of what you’re wearing, and your blog URL if you have one. We’ll feature your pictures here to inspire other CF readers (see examples here and here).

We can’t wait to see your outfits!

Thought?

What are you favorite dresses to wear year-round? What other summer pieces do you like to wear in the winter? What future fashion challenges would you like to see? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

Tags : Dresses, Fashion Challenge, Layering, Summer, Transitional Fashion, Winter

8 Comments
Originally published on January 27, 2011
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kimi says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:46 am

    This is a lovely idea!
    College, of course, is all about broke college students, so being able to reuse a dress year-round is marvelous!
    Thank you!
    And the ladies who tried it look lovely!

    Reply
  2. Laura says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:46 am

    Thank you so much for featuring me guys! This is still my favorite fashion blog so I am a happy girl today!

    Reply
  3. Leslie says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:46 am

    My roommate and I were just talking about how our winter wardrobe is basically just our summer wardrobe with a coat, scarf and boots! Love the first look!

    xo Leslie

    Reply
  4. Camila says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:46 am

    I love dresses! they’re so cute and feminine… and winter is very chic!
    so, it’s a great combination 🙂

    Reply
  5. Laura says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:46 am

    Deja- You should try pairing your maxidress with a sweater or your favorite flannel shirt.

    Reply
  6. Lydia says

    May 29, 2019 at 4:59 pm

    I’m liking the first photo but the second one looks a bit out of place for my taste. Pastels can be hard to transition into winter. Some summer dresses do work whereas some look strange, you just need to see and know what combination works.

    Reply
  7. Philicia says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:08 pm

    I love this trend! It is probably my favorite one to wear in winter and fall for that matter. I live in northern Minnesota and I hate dressing to look like a snowman when I go out and especially to work (I teach high school). This is the perfect way to stay warm and look chic:)

    Reply
  8. Reagen says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    OmG…I love this idea I have actually ordered a dress And it is very summerish…it is a short strapless black And white polka-dot with a red belt! I am planning on putting it with leggings And boots and a red long sleeve under!!! P.s please tell me if u have any ideas on what I could add or change to make it better! Thanks!!! 🙂

    Reply

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