When looking through fashion history, dresses are often one of the standout pieces for spotting that era’s style. Whether it’s the bustle of Victorian times, the 60s shift dress or the more modern micro mini, a dress can define decades of fashion.

Although not quite on the same scale, seasonal trends play into this too, and winter is awash with reimagined favourites. Combining sexy silhouettes with more modest cuts, the runway shows set the record for what we’ll be wearing for the next few months.

Taking inspiration from the top, the high street has followed in the footsteps of the fashion week stalwarts, changing necklines and raising hemlines to favour the fashionable new fits. And whether you prefer to bare your legs or like to keep it long, we’ve picked out the key trends to tackle no matter your style. 

Cut-outs caused a storm earlier last year, solidifying themselves yet again as a summer staple. But, proving they aren’t just to be reserved for warmer weather, knitted options and glossy colours are coming through to warm them up for winter. Micro minis are making a comeback, hiking up hemlines to the tops of the thighs, and halternecks have dominated the neckline trends, baring the shoulders for a subtly sexy style.

And there you have it, the five most fashionable trends this winter, and we’ve even found a few for you to buy now. 

The runway was rammed with cut-outs yet again this season, with the daring detail ranging in intensity from Alaïa’s baring-all body to Nensi Dojaka’s lace-up front. Cult Gaia is perhaps more for the brave, while Anthropologie and Nobody’s Child take the trend into easy everyday wear. Make them work for the cooler months by opting for thicker knit fabrics and longer hemlines. 

Yes, you’d think we would be warming up as the cooler temperatures come in, but it looks like we’re doing the opposite and hiking up the hemlines as far as we dare to go. Chanel and Valentino are leading the pack with the micro mini design, and countless brands have followed suit. And don’t worry, mini dresses look so good with tights and boots (and a cosy coat). 

The halterneck design has come through in tops, jumpsuits and dresses, playing up to the Y2K revival. Taking the trend and turning it slightly on its head, there’s now a huge variety of halterneck styles from the Jacquemus thick strap to Stella McCartney’s thin strap design. The below brands have their own variations too. These may not be your everyday styles during winter, but you’ll definitely wear them to upcoming weddings and soirées.

Sequins aren’t just for Christmas, people. Sparkles can be worn no matter the season you’re in: for a night out or just to liven up your daytime attire. Inspired by 16Arlington and Isabel Marant, we’re getting glam with these dresses well into 2023. 

On more of the everyday than the extra special side, dropped-waist dresses delicately add interest without the bells and whistles. Miu Miu and Sacai dominated the dropped-waist runway trend, and it wasn’t long before some of our favourite high street stalwarts followed suit. 

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands