Flimsy party dresses won’t keep you warm on chilly nights. Long dresses might help, but a coat is the real solution. Dressy trenches and structured winter coats are ideal. You’ll achieve the longest and leanest looking line with coats that are the same length as your dress, or longer. The same holds true for coats worn on top of skirts. Coats that fall shorter than the hem of your skirt or dress are not quite as flattering. While we can’t always buy separate coats for separate outfits, you should be be mindful of this if you happen to be looking for a new coat and you wear lots of skirts and dresses in winter.

Max Studio demonstrates a good line for coats worn over dresses.