How to style a cocktail dress in winter

I own a few staple cocktail dresses that I feel incredible in, every time I put them on. There’s nothing quite like a Julie Goodwin Couture dress to make you feel a million dollars and give you the confidence you need to walk into a room radiating.

There’s something special about a bespoke dress and the way it makes you feel. The perfect length, the right amount of ‘snugness’ around the waist, a flattering cut across the shoulders; it’s something you only achieve with a bespoke dress – it’s not something that exists off the shelf.

When it comes to investment dresses, too, they’re not something you should keep locked away for only once or twice a year. Getting a lot of wear out of your wardrobe is all about styling, and in winter, cocktail dresses can be worn just as often as in summer – with the right layers.

_{‘Peacock’ dress in silk/cotton/lurex with organza & crinoline underskirt. Silk Lurex tailored trouser}

Try pairing your hi-low hem cocktail dresses with cigarette pants and create a layered look. Keep it simple and stick with a monochrome palette to maintain a ‘less is more’ concept when layering.

_{‘Blackbird’ coat dress in silk moiré taffeta. White tulle skirt}

Every cocktail dress can be paired with the right coat too, and a ¾ length coat is a lifetime investment that can be worm with dresses, pants and skirts of all styles. Team your cocktail dress with a jacket and belt it for something a little dressier, or pin a brooch to your front lapel to bring out the colours of your dress.

_{Tuxedo style jacket with tails in textured silk crepe}

The same can be said for a white tailored jacket – it pairs perfectly with more formal dresses and skirts, and a bespoke jacket is a staple piece for multiples of looks. My tailored jacket works exceptionally well with tulle and white is a timeless colour for all styles of women.

_{‘Claire’ cocktail dress in duchess silk satin over silk organza blouse}

And, rather than layer over your dress, try a blouse or turtleneck under it to get more wear from your LBD. A simple collared shirt or knit says ‘office’, while an organza or chiffon blouse is more ‘after dark’ appropriate.

If you’re in need of a cocktail dress for year-round wear, or a tailored coat to team with it, pop into my Albert Park studio for a fitting.