Winter Dress Trends That Are Totally Outdated

Winter is arguably the one season of the year when we tend to lean on classic styles rather than trendy ones. In the cold, gloomy weather, who can blame anyone for reaching for the same trusty beanie, the cozy sweater you've had in your closet for three seasons, or the timeless trench you spent a fortune on? These are, after all, go-to pieces that comprise the best winter layering outfits. But while many winter staples can be worn endlessly, there are also those that can look a little old and worn. When it comes to winter dresses especially, some silhouettes just don't have the longevity to land well year after year.

To help us figure out which winter dress styles to leave in the closet this season — fashion is cyclical, so we never throw anything away just because the trends say so — we spoke to fashion stylist and lifestyle expert Joseph Katz, who brings fashion advice to the masses on his YouTube channel The Katz Walk. The fashion guru and master stylist, who also offers personalized sessions through his Skype Style program, reveals exclusively to Glam that the more distinct trends from years past have become dated. This isn't a great revelation for anyone still attached to the cold-shoulder dress or dramatic winter frocks with tulle underlays, but there are plenty of flattering and chic dress looks that are increasing in popularity instead. 

Bad news for anyone who's a fan of the cold-shoulder dress: This style is one way to let people know you're still living in the past. While this '90s trend had a revival in the early 2020s — we even told you how to style the cold-shoulder look during its 2023 comeback — Joseph Katz puts it firmly on the "been there, done that" list as we move toward 2025. We have no doubt it will come back in style eventually, so don't fret if you've got a beloved cold-shoulder dress that you're dying to wear again. But because this look is so recognizable and tends to be absolutely everywhere when it's trending, it's also harder to get away with wearing it when it's not. 

If you're going to obey the fashion gods and give the cold shoulder the flick, at least temporarily, Katz recommends opting for classic long sleeves, particularly on a midi or maxi dress along the lines of Kormei's Women Casual Boho Dress. "Designers are emphasizing soft, stretchy knits that drape effortlessly, catering to comfort and style," he tells Glam exclusively, adding that they offer "both timeless appeal and commercial versatility." While "high necklines, bold cutouts [though not in the shoulders!], and textured fabrics" are details to watch out for, according to Katz, you can really add your own unique style preferences, whether you prefer a tighter fit or something more billowy to wear to all those holiday dinners. As far as form-fitting dresses go, Katz loves the Reya Maxi Dress from Runaway the Label and the Johnson Dress from Cinq à Sept.

Sweater dresses have serious staying power; this comfy style was popular back in the 1950s and continued to enjoy bouts of being en vogue again throughout the following years. The sweater dress last came back in fall 2023, when we showed you how to wear it. Inevitably, any silhouette that's been around for that long is bound to have periods of being out of fashion, and we're currently going through one of those eras. As far as Joseph Katz is concerned, sweater dresses that are "overly chunky" are not where it's at for winter 2024/2025. Please accept our apologies, as there's nothing cozier than a huge sweater dress, but as Katz says, the days of all that excess material are gone for now. 

The good news is there are still fashionable ways to wear a dress version of your favorite top. Enter (or welcome back) the shirt dress, which Katz tells us is trending in the place of the sweater dress. "Defined waists steal the show, with independent belts, built-in ties, or bands creating a flattering silhouette," he reveals in our exclusive conversation, pointing to styles like the Women's Ruffle Maxi Shirt Dress from Dowerme. "Elongated sleeves add a touch of drama, while delicate details like bows and rouching at the hem bring a feminine and modern twist to this timeless wardrobe staple." He suggests going for something like The Janiyah Belted Shirt Dress from Ramy Brook if you like a satiny finish and midi length, the latter of which pairs nicely with knee-high boots.

In many ways, maximalist trends have moved in to replace the quiet-luxury-inspired minimalist energy that dominated the start of the 2020s; just look at summer 2024's premier preppy accessory trend: striped handbags. While we love a dramatic fashion statement, Joseph Katz explains that we're not carrying all of those bold styles over into our winter dresses this year. As he tells Glam exclusively, "... too much tulle and exaggerated ruffles" are out, adding that "[t]he focus is on clean, straight, or slightly tailored cuts, creating a sleek, timeless shape."

Now, that doesn't mean you have to seek out winter dresses that are void of personality. Katz says that some details and embellishments are still considered stylish, including strategically placed cutouts, mismatched materials, and even appliqués. In particular, we're seeing these intricate designs on minidresses, which can still be worn as part of your winter layering (or even on their own, depending on the occasion). "Short silhouettes in diverse designs — featuring short sleeves, thin straps, or even strapless styles — are dominating the season," he shares. "Materials like leather, synthetics, wool, and tweed bring texture and versatility ..." For a minidress that has an appropriate dash of "effortless edge and sophistication," Katz loves the Ysabel Dress from Paige. For those looking for a more affordable alternative, check out Nitzana's Women's Leopard Print Dress.

Okay, hear us out: Monochrome dresses will never truly be out of style, but the solid-color look has fallen out of the spotlight this winter in favor of color-blocking with the season's trending hues. This is another movement we're seeing in response to the quiet-luxury aesthetic, which left a lot of people feeling stifled and starved for a little color. On the fall/winter 2024 runways, it was clear that designers were unexpectedly blending popular shades, including olive, tangerine, navy, and tones of purple, like burgundy and eggplant. To mix two trends in one, you could go for something like the Kojooin Womens Corduroy Colorblock Button Down Shirt Dress, which comes in four different palettes. If you do want to stick with a classic solid-color dress, opt for pops of color in your accessories to keep the look fresh.

While the fashion world is currently color-blocking with saturated shades that don't seem to match at first glance, Joseph Katz points out that it's still okay to wear winter dresses with different colors from the same palette, especially where boho dresses are concerned. "Boho-inspired dresses are making a statement this fall with flowing silhouettes that exude effortless movement," he tells Glam exclusively. "Lightweight, voluminous sleeves and intricate finishes add a touch of whimsy, while earthy tones paired with black create a grounded yet chic palette." As far as bolder colors go, he suggests we brace ourselves for "prints inspired by paisleys, florals, and nature to take center stage, embodying the free-spirited essence of bohemian fashion." On that front, he loves Veronica Beard's Isra Silk Dress and the Pink Floral Glam Scarf Maxi Dress from Farm Rio.

As Joseph Katz explains, clean and timeless hemlines are coming out on top as 2024 comes to a close. So, it makes sense that bubble skirts and puff hemlines now seem a little tired. This is another specific design that is so recognizable and distinct that people not only end up focusing on it but also get tired of it pretty quickly. This noughties silhouette actually emerged as a trending style in summer 2024, but it looks like that fun, feminine energy is not going to last through the end of the year. 

Instead, Katz notes that flowing dresses with "graceful movement and versatile silhouettes — ranging from wide and breezy to sleek and straight" — are going to dominate instead; think along the lines of the Women's Long Sleeve Satin Maxi Dress from Pinupart. "Luxurious fabrics like muslin, crepes, and silk take center stage, elevating the designs," he shares in our exclusive conversation, giving us the heads up that bow detailings and layered overlays will help this sophisticated style to stand out. This is hardly surprising when you consider that bows, roses, and pinkish girlcore has been the go-to aesthetic for 2024. To fit this vibe, Katz loves the Dressy Dress in Magenta from Diane von Furstenberg.