I don't know how current dresses became popular, unless it is an emperors new clothes situation, as they are almost all, without a doubt, cheap, thin and garishly ugly.
I felt similarly a while ago, had no luck whatsoever, and this look does suit me. All the dresses on the market, even the truly expensive ones were trendy polyester or viscose shit. No linings, thin, atrociously shaped sleeves, and not a winter fabric in sight.
Cord might be your best bet, but avoid fast fashion shops. Barbour and Brora do a decent dress, occasionally, but still a bit too expensive for what you get. I have noticed Jaeger selling polyester where they used to use silk and the dresses are much the same price! Utterly shameful.
Dresses seem to be created these days for the landfill market only. It's a shame, but not much we can do bar making our own or buying used and getting tailored to fit.
I did have a few decent cord dresses and had them cropped to the appropriate length. Most stores will presume you are clubbing if you want a mini dress. They are dire - going up in price won't really help here.
I would suggest scouring ebay and maybe having stuff altered to suit. I've had a few decent midi dresses in the past that looked much better shortened. Beware brands like Seasalt as the might do heavier fabrics but the colours are very murky and the shapes are definitely blockish.
Long tunics might be a good idea, too, so consider that.
And I'm sorry but most of the samples posted here are a bit thin, lurid and not remotely seasonal. If it doesn't work well with your winter coat, it isn't worth it.