Formal occasions falling within the icy depths of the winter months require an elevated level of effort.
Not only must we summon the willpower to leave the warm, cosy surrounds of home, we must find a winter-proof cocktail dress glamorous enough that we don’t instantly regret changing out of our loungewear.
With the short, strappy and slinky go-tos we often turn to in summer safely off the table, finding a cocktail dress suitable for the cold weather can feel infinitely more challenging.
Finding a frock with sleeves or crafted from heavier (read: warmer) materials is a no-brainer, but you may also want to consider how well your chosen dress works with a coat or jacket for easy layering as you travel to and from your destination.
Below, we round up the best winter cocktail dresses to don to your next event.
14 Best Winter Cocktail Dresses To Shop In Australia
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100895/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143644952.jpg)
Dancer Tie Neck Midi Dress, $950 at Zimmermann
![winter-cocktail0dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100887/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143929205.jpg)
Pilgrim Orrin Mini Dress, $179.95 at THE ICONIC
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100893/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143757239.jpg)
16Arlington Odessa Cutout Feather-Trim Dress, $1,380 at FARFETCH
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100890/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143847699.jpg)
Gloriana Silk Dress, $560 at Reformation
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100892/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143814623.jpg)
Juniper Sequin Wrap Mini Dress, $179.99 at Forever New
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100899/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143533918.jpg)
Self-Portrait Cutout Pleated Crepe Halterneck Midi Dress, $510 now $306 at Net-A-Porter
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100897/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143611366.jpg)
Be You Dress, $890 at Sass & Bide
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100888/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143915131.jpg)
Houdini Midi Dress, $420 at SIR
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100886/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143946261.jpg)
Torannce Edie Dress, $459 at THE ICONIC
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100896/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143626809.jpg)
By Johnny. Audra Sleeve Full Length Dress, $400 at THE ICONIC
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100889/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143900548.jpg)
Ginger Snaps Offshoulder Mini Dress, $499 at Manning Cartell
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100894/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143741056.jpg)
Split Quartz Ruched Long Sleeve Dress, $740 at Christopher Esber
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100891/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143831392.jpg)
Mônot Cut-Out Mini Dress, $1,881 at FARFETCH
![winter-cocktail-dress](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/100898/pac-portrait-2022-06-14t143550250.jpg)