At Ba&Sh, the winter dress is short. That's often when you think fashion is all very well, but not always built for real life: freezing your thighs at -5°C on the 7am commute isn't the nicest way to start the day. For the record, though, winter trends do include leggings — classic or tregging (that legging/skinny hybrid with a Catwoman-ish PVC edge, or something like that) — as well as opaque tights, wool leggings and knee-high socks. Need we remind you that boots are still at the top? In short, it's a whole kit to master if you want to keep legs and feet warm even in a mini dress.

But the winter dress isn't just a rescue piece; it's also a way to build a look. The autumn/winter collections confirm it: the dress is back in force, worn in layers, in fabrics designed for both transitional weather and proper cold snaps.

A woman walking down the street in a short winter dress, opaque tights, knee-high boots and an open wool coat
Short dress, opaque tights and boots: the cold-weather formula

In practice, it slips easily over a fine roll-neck, a poplin shirt or a technical T-shirt. Underneath, go for opaque tights, thermal leggings or ultra-fine long johns that stay invisible under straight cuts.

Close-up of a layering detail: a fine wool roll-neck worn under a fluid dress

On the fabric front, thick jersey, bouclé knit or wool-polyester blends offer warmth, shape and easy care. Long, enveloping jumper dresses sit alongside corduroy shirt dresses, boiled-wool wrap dresses and thick-jersey styles.

Samples of merino wool, alpaca, corduroy and lined satin laid out on a linen tablecloth

Finally, at Ba&Sh as elsewhere, woolly hats, gloves and big knitted scarves keep coming back — again, enough to wrap up even when you're dressed up, and a good way to add colour to your outfits. The accessory hasn't had its last word, but it is modernising: lined touchscreen gloves let you check your phone without baring your fingers, chunky knitted scarves are worn XXL, and snoods sometimes replace the classic scarf.

Young woman in a dark coat, oversized chunky-knit scarf and touchscreen gloves on a winter street

At Ba&Sh, retro bohemian style is a favourite, but chic with it, obviously. So small floral or multicoloured-print blouses work with a pair of boots and a fur jacket — another winter must, best chosen in faux fur if you'd rather not wear the real thing. A little fringe over the eyes and a smoky charcoal eye look: everything is considered for a flattering, individual look that isn't too complicated.

That's what we like about this new collection: the simplicity of lovely pieces whose understated feel opens the door to plenty of possibilities. Dress them up with sharp stilettos, well-chosen long pendant necklaces and designer bags; go casual with just a scarf, woolly hat and tights so you don't shiver all day; or try a trend-led version with leggings, ankle boots and so on... Here are three little dresses with a clean look, ready to be styled however you like.

Young woman adjusting the drape of a short, clean-cut thick-jersey dress in a fitting room
Simple cut, sharp drape: the pared-back little dress does it its own way

Also worth noting is the belt's trend-led, functional side. You could already tie it high on the waist — almost under the bust, but in that case choose a thin style — to create an empire line with any jumper, dress or top, or place it on the hips to give structure to a blouse or loose dress. And this season the belt is with us again: braided leather, knitted or graphic-buckle styles let you vary the effect without changing your outfit. A simple detail, an instant result.

A braided leather belt tied high on the waist over a fluid fine-wool dress
The braided belt, tied high, redraws the dress's waist

Finally, when it comes to cut, it's up to you: shirt dress or jumper dress, loose or fitted, short or knee-length pencil style... you choose.

From the catwalks to the shops and the trend pages of our magazines, the little dress is everywhere, and it's fair to say it looks glamorous! More short than long, in shirt, knit or fitted little-dress form, accessorised with a belt, a very 60s sleeveless fur jacket, a small cape, wool leggings, ankle boots or knee-high boots... Everyone will wear it their own way, for day or evening!

So the winter dress is no longer a risky bet! With the right layers, it sails through the season without shivering and without giving up what makes it charming: a simple look that's easy to reinvent according to your mood and the weather.

Young woman in a short knit dress and sleeveless faux-fur jacket at dusk
Day or evening: the short dress plays both parts

Budget

Expect to pay around £35 to £50 for a simple winter dress from a high-street store, and more like £70 to £130 for a piece in a wool blend or good-quality knit. Boiled-wool or corduroy styles can easily reach £100 to £220. For layers, budget roughly £15 to £25 for thermal long johns and £18 to £45 for opaque tights that last. Braided or graphic-buckle belts generally sit between £18 and £50. Prices vary according to fabric, brand and timing: late December and January remain the best moments to kit yourself out without blowing your budget.