By the time mid-January hits, most of us slip into outfit default mode. Every morning, we reach for the same down jacket, our ordinary sweaters, and the usual selection of jeans or trousers—and honestly, who’s to blame? When the Weather app reads 30 degrees and it’s windy and stormy, you deserve an award just for leaving the house.
*However* if you’re reading this in the first place it’s probably because you actually enjoy fashion. Putting together outfits is an act that you actually enjoyed before the grim weather hit. All this to say, if you’re getting sick of wearing the same sweater-and-jeans combination every day, we’re here to inform you there are other options out there.
Right now, our favorite way to make winter feel less gloomy is by teaming a dress with boots. Obviously, the frock in question needs to be appropriate for colder weather, so a sturdy fabric or long sleeves is a smart idea. Moving downward, a slew of boots ranging from Victorian lace-up iterations all the way to combat boots are solid options to finish the look. Add a pair of tights and your favorite coat and voila—a winter outfit you can get excited about. Ahead, shop our favorite dress and boot pairings to get you through the next few months.