Ways to wear dresses in winter while walking everywhere

[MarmaladeWhiskers]

I'm thinking of having a stab at wearing more dresses this winter. I do have a two long wool coats and one of those Seasalt rain coats that is calf length and very practical (dark green).

But I am out of practice and no idea how to style it now. I am not in a corporate or city environment, but not very rural either.

My potential 'problem' is that I no longer drive (eye issues) and walk everywhere. The plus sides - I am really bloody fit now and don't mind bad weather! So I need to be practical rather than 'fashion' if you see what I mean, whilst still wanting to look decent.
I work in a museum in a market town, so it either involves a quick train ride or a brisk walk.

Any ideas?

You just need some flat boots, ankle or knee length

Thick tights and suede ankle boots.

Oh, I mean the dress to coat puzzle. I don't have a lot of experience with dresses, which is my main issue! Sorry if that wasn't clear :)

Not too bad for footwear, although it is odd wearing opaques again!

I tried some dresses recently and found they looked odd with my winter coats. A bit thin or as if the material didn't fit. I can't describe it. If anyone wears dresses in winter I would love to hear how you pair them up with your outerwear.

I know what you mean and the easiest way round it is to have a coat that is longer than your dress. A slim fitting skirt is fine with a shorter coat but a full skirt can look a bit awkward sticking out underneath a coat . Alternatively a shorter coat (mid thigh) can work too - but obvs not so warm!

Hmm. I tend to go with what's practical and not care so much how it looks.

I've got a Didrikson's parka, a Didrikson's puffer and a double-breasted wool coat with a belt. All black. And a red Patagonia ski jacket.

I wear thick tights, boots, knee length skirts/dresses and long coats in winter! If walking, you can easily take a spare pair of tights in case you get wet. Much better than trousers in the rain.

I wear some lovely midi length fitted knitted dresses with dr martens and a short puffer jacket or cropped trench coat both which look good

I bought a really long coat! Ankle length

I wear dresses a lot in the winter with flat boots, thick tights and a long (ankle length) padded/puffer-type coat with a hood - I have 2 - one black and one khaki and they go with most of my dresses. I also have a long wool coat which I wear if I want to look smarter and it’s not raining

It’s the length of coat that causes the problem I find…can be a bit Mary poppins. https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2015/nov/27/what-i-wore-this-week-a-long-coat

As long as the cost is longer than the dress, you’re fine.

This is really helpful everyone, thank you!

Most people where I am are in wide jeans and big coats in winter, some do wear long skirts though.

I see tons of foot length, voluminous skirts coming into the shops right now for autumn, i am 5'5 and most would drag on the floor for me!

I bought an ankle length tweed coat last year. It is so warm. Any maxi dress and boots, with leggings or thick tights underneath on cold days. On milder days I wear a trench coat. It is just below knee length which people on here seem to think looks awkward with longer dresses, but Victorians had no problem with that combination and neither do I.

I think i agree. We get used to what 'rules' are acceptable an most are arbitrary and not particularly useful. I have no issue with a skirt peeping out (why ever not?). I think what bothers me is how modern dresses have very thin or twee jersey fabrics that look odd with a heavier coat.