DECEMBER 2025
FINDING YOUR FESTIVE STYLE: HOW TO WEAR DRESSES IN WINTER WITH STYLIST, TATIANA DE NORMANN
If you’re exploring how to wear dresses in winter with style and confidence, London stylist and personal shopper Tatiana de Normann is the woman to ask. We caught up with her to discuss how to wear a dress in winter in a way that feels glamorous, modern, and effortlessly polished. From clever layering to how to style a dress in winter for every occasion, Tatiana shares simple, smart ideas that make cold-weather dressing feel exciting. Read on to learn more about Tatiana’s approach to winter styling advice.
1. Start with a dress or jumpsuit that does the hard work for you
When it comes to festive dressing, the key isn’t over-styling, it’s choosing a dress or jumpsuit that already has presence. If the piece does the talking, everything else can stay simple.
This is where NADINE MERABI really excels. Their dresses and jumpsuits are designed with structure, detail, and impact built in, which means you don’t need to rely on excess accessories or complicated layering to make them feel special.
When I’m choosing festive pieces for clients, I look for:
- Strong structure - structured bodices, tailored seams, and defined shoulders instantly elevate a look. They hold their shape, photograph beautifully, and feel intentional, exactly what you want during party season.
- Interesting detail - sequins, embellishment, dramatic sleeves, or statement cuts mean the outfit already feels “done.” You’re not adding sparkle for the sake of it, it’s already part of the design.
- Versatility - a great festive piece should work across multiple plans. That might mean styling it differently, but the base outfit stays the same.
A tailored jumpsuit is also an underrated festive hero. It gives you the same impact as a dress, with a little more ease and a lot more confidence if you’re not in the mood to fuss.
Tat’s pick: The GISELLE Black Jumpsuit
2. How to wear dresses in winter (without overthinking it)
Wearing dresses in winter isn’t about battling the weather - it’s about styling smartly. For midi dresses and maxi dresses, I keep things clean and streamlined. Let the dress lead and style around it rather than piling things on top. A sequinned or embellished dress doesn’t need much more than:
- Simple jewellery
- Sheer or semi-opaque black tights
- A simple bag / clutch
Mini dresses work brilliantly in winter too, especially when the fabric or detailing feels festive enough on its own. The key is proportion. Balance a shorter hemline with coverage elsewhere so it still feels polished rather than seasonal confusion.
The beauty of NADINE MERABI’s festive dresses is that they’re designed to stand alone. You don’t need to over-style them, if anything, doing less makes them feel more elevated.
Tat’s pick: LYDIA Red Dress
3. Jumpsuits: the effortless festive alternative
If you love the idea of dressing up but don’t want to think too hard about it, a jumpsuit is your answer. A well-cut jumpsuit instantly feels modern and confident. It’s a full outfit in one piece, which means no worrying about proportions, tucking, or coordinating separates.
For festive season, I suggest leaning into:
- Tailored silhouettes
- Statement shoulders or sleeves
- Luxe fabrics that feel evening-appropriate
Jumpsuits are also incredibly versatile across events. They work for work parties, dinners, and even New Year’s Eve with a simple switch in styling. And yes -they’re comfortable, which shouldn’t be underestimated during long festive evenings.
4. Layering into the outfit, not over it
Rather than piling heavy layers on top, I much prefer layering underneath or choosing pieces that allow for subtle additions. A sheer or embellished bodysuit layered under a dress or styled with tailoring is one of my go-to festive tricks. It adds depth, texture, and warmth without distracting from the main piece.
This pearl-embellished mesh bodysuit is a perfect example - romantic, delicate, and incredibly effective. Worn under a simple dress or teamed with a jumpsuit worn open at the neckline, it adds a festive edge while still feeling refined.
Tat’s pick: HETTIE Pearl Bodysuit
5. Where to wear what this festive season
If your diary is filling up quickly, this is how I’d break it down using key dresses and jumpsuits:
- Work parties - Go for structure and polish. A tailored jumpsuit or midi dress with strong detailing feels professional but still celebratory.
- Festive dinners - This is where embellishment, velvet, or satin really shine. A statement dress does the work, keep everything else understated.
- Christmas drinks & events - Mini or midi dresses with personality. Sequins, dramatic sleeves, or a bold silhouette feel exactly right here.
- New Year’s Eve - This is your moment for impact. If it moves, sparkles, or commands attention, it’s doing its job.
Festive dressing doesn’t need to be complicated. Choose a dress or jumpsuit that already feels special, trust the design, and let it do what it was made to do.
And remember it’s the holiday season so just wear the dress. Or the jumpsuit. It’s not the time of year to hold back.