Tulle, Velvet, and Modern Layers: How We Style Statement Dresses This Winter

Winter 2026 is all about statement winter dresses—pieces that stand out, empower, and transition effortlessly from day to night. This season, we’re seeing an expressive mix of pistachio-green dresses, feather embellishments, vintage-inspired slips, elevated sweaterdresses, and blouson shapes. 

The move toward bolder, more expressive winter dress styles is confirmed by leading industry trend reports, with Who What Wear identifying these as the season’s five must-have looks.

Explore our dresses collection to discover the standout pieces that define this winter’s style.

The Rule: One Statement, One Structure

There’s a simple styling principle we swear by: let one piece make the statement, and build the rest of your outfit around structure and polish. Statement winter dresses—whether defined by bold color, unique silhouette, or dramatic fabric—shine brightest when paired with tailored outerwear or clean-lined accessories. 

Just as velvet, once reserved for royalty, is now a winter essential, a single standout piece can elevate any cold-weather look.

Balance is everything: let the dress do the talking, and support it with crisp, structured layers.

This approach keeps your outfit modern and wearable, never costume-like. For inspiration on this rule in action, browse our latest here

Texture Pairing: Tulle with Knit, Tweed, or Tailoring

Tulle is making a sophisticated return to winter wardrobes. Since tulle is both delicate and prone to static in dry conditions, we recommend layering over natural fiber slips or pairing with knits to ensure comfort and reduce static cling.

Mixing tulle with heavier materials like knits or tweed keeps the look intentional and grounded.

Try pairing a tulle overlay dress with a chunky knit or a tailored blazer for depth and warmth. This method isn't just runway-ready—it’s a practical way to wear delicate tulle dresses throughout the colder months, keeping your style both bold and functional.

Outerwear Pairings That Work

How do you keep a statement dress feeling fresh and season-appropriate? The answer is outerwear that complements, not competes. Modern layering is about smart combinations—think a crisp tailored coat, an oversized blazer, or even a down jacket for contrast.

Jenna Ortega recently demonstrated this principle, layering an oversized crewneck top beneath a pinstripe suit set at a Netflix event in November 2025. Her look echoed the "Base Layer" trend, showing how a structured dress or suit can be elevated with thoughtful, functional underlayers.

Japanese brands like ours are renowned for mastering these proportions, marrying structure and femininity in every look. Pair your favorite statement dress with a tailored coat or structured outer layer to create balance and warmth. 

Shoe Choices That Change the Mood

The right footwear can completely shift the mood of your winter dress outfit. Boots, especially heeled styles, are a go-to this season for pairing with statement dresses. Fashion analysis highlights the impact of this pairing—for example, Cat Deeley wore an olive green knitted midi dress with burgundy LK Bennett boots, creating a rich, sophisticated winter palette.

Swap in our Heeled Long Boots for instant polish, or experiment with ankle boots for a slightly more relaxed effect. Pointed-toe boots, in particular, can lengthen the line of your dress, lending a clean, modern profile.

Whether you choose boots or elegant pumps, your shoes set the tone for the entire ensemble—making them a key part of mastering winter dress outfits.

Accessories and Hair Details

Accessories are the finishing touch that elevates your winter statement look. While a direct trend quote on velvet ribbons’ comeback was unavailable, the resurgence of velvet in winter fashion is undeniable, with editors praising its lush texture and ability to add depth to even minimalist outfits.

Incorporate velvet ribbons as belts, hair ties, or subtle accents alongside statement earrings or sculptural hair clips. This season’s holiday collections across leading brands are also highlighting vintage accents such as brooches and velvet bows. The key is to choose one standout accessory—like a velvet ribbon tied at the waist or in your hair—to keep the overall look refined and intentional.

For elegant finishing touches, explore our accessories collection.

After-Hours Version of the Look

Transitioning your statement dress from day to night is simpler than it seems. Picture a vintage-inspired slip dress with lace details and slender straps—a major trend this winter. For daytime, layer it with a chunky knit cardigan and ankle boots.

As evening falls, swap the cardigan for a sharp blazer, add bold jewelry, and opt for heeled boots or pumps. This hybrid dressing approach—endorsed by many designers in 2026—ensures every statement dress is both versatile and investment-worthy.

Conclusion: Your Winter Statement, Styled

The secret to mastering statement winter dresses this season lies in bold choices, thoughtful layering, and attention to detail. Whether you’re drawn to tulle overlays, velvet accents, or modern tailoring, our collection of Japanese fashion brands offers countless ways to express your individuality.

Our roots in Japanese mode mean every dress blends delicacy with polish—so your statement is always unmistakably refined. Ready to redefine your winter wardrobe? Shop our dresses collection and make your own statement this season.

 

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