13 playful dresses that will make you forget winter is on the way

13 April 2022
By Fashion Quarterly

There's never been a better time to renounce a seasonal predilection for sombre shades. Be bold this winter and embrace a rainbow-inspired colour palette that will boost your mood.

Clockwise from top left: Christian Siriano SS22; Loewe SS22; Brandon Maxwell SS22; Valentino FW22; Stella McCartney S22; Stella McCartney S22; Marquies'Almeida SS22; Altuzarra SS22. Images: Imaxtree.

If the thought of putting your summer wardrobe into hibernation has you contemplating fleeing the country for the sun-dappled Amalfi Coast, you’re not alone. But lovers of colour need not fret: although dark and dreary skies might be imminent, it doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to follow suit.

While donning inky hues from head to toe tends to be the sartorial go-to once blustery weather arrives, there’s never been a better time to eschew sombre shades in favour of a kaleidoscopic colour palette.

From pops of electric blue to jolts of hot pink and sunshine yellow, designers have employed vivid hues to bring their autumn and winter collections to life. So go on, forgo that little black dress or that charcoal-grey coat and embrace a wondrous world of colour. It could be just what you need to lift your spirits this coming winter.

Think Pink

This head-turning number from homegrown favourite, Wynn Hamlyn, is the ultimate statement piece.

Wynn Hamlyn ‘Monica’ dress, $620.

Here Comes the Sun

There’s no need to fret about the weather forecast. Be your own ray of sunshine with a little help from Karen Walker.  

Karen Walker ‘Fielding’ organic cotton dress, $325.

Purple Reign

Not sure how to wear purple this season? This violet delight by Australian designer Matteau just answered the question for you.

Matteau ‘Channel Side Split’ dress, $749 from Sisters & Co. 

Sweet Like Candy

Candy-coloured knitwear is the perfect way to inject vibrance into your wardrobe once the temperature drops.

Paris Georgia ‘Elemental’ knit dress, $340.

Blue Sky Thinking

Slip into this Kate Sylvester piece while you manifest blue skies all winter long.

Kate Sylvester ‘Shalom’ dress, $379.

Seeing Red

Cute cut-outs, frill detailing, organic Fairtrade cotton all in the fiercest shade of red: what more could you ask for in a dress? 

Kowtow ‘Kiki’ dress, $349.

Hey, Sunshine!

Nothing beats the winter blues like dopamine dressing, and this cheerful shade of yellow is guaranteed to make you smile.

Kate Sylvester ‘Cara’ dress, $479.

Green Light

This endearing style in a lively shade of green gets the tick of approval from the FQ team. 

CO long-sleeve waist pleat dress, approx. $1420 from FWRD.

Peachy Keen

This floor-grazing Caitlin Crisp number will brighten gloomy days with its sugary-sweet shade of peach.

Caitlin Crisp ‘A Winters Tale’ dress, $650.

In the Limelight

If you’re after an investment piece you’ll cherish for years to come, this timeless silhouette from Emilia Wickstead ticks all the boxes. 

Emilia Wickstead ‘Magdalina’ dress, $2895 from Simon James.

Out of the Blue

Look no further for your seasonal party attire–you’re all sorted with this Aje number featuring cloud-like puff sleeves.

Aje ‘Fallingwater’ cut-out midi dress, $685.

Very Peri

If you thought Pantone’s colour of the year, Very Peri, was for warmer months only, think again.

Tibi ‘4 Ply Silk Balloon Skirt’ dress, $1450 from Muse Boutique. 

Tangerine Dream

Just add a similarly vibrant block-colour knit under this zesty Staud number, and you’re all set.

Staud ‘Ripley’ dress, approx. $660.

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Fashion Quarterly Winter 2023 Cover
Fashion Quarterly Winter 2023 Cover

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