Winter can be a tricky season to dress for, for many women. That’s because it’s tough putting together an outfit that looks great but keeps you warm too. And while warm trousers and a smart jumper might work well at the office, it’s not exactly an exciting combination for evening wear.

So it’s perhaps not surprising that winter-enduring women around the world have embraced the jumper dress, one of 2012-13’s most exciting trends. Also known as a sweater dress, the jumper dress pulls off the rare feat of being both cosy and fashionable. Not sure if it’s right for you? Read on to find out how you can look great in a jumper dress, while keeping your body wrapped up against the cold.

Picking the right jumper dress

Jumper dresses can be made from a range of different fabrics, from Merino wool to Jersey to a variety of woollen blends. Typically, they sport long or three-quarter length sleeves and fall down to the knee or mid-calf, depending on your height. Unlike many types of dresses, jumper dresses are unapologetically winter-friendly. And since they’re already made from thick material, they don’t usually require an extra outer layer to stay warm, though a faux-fur gilet will do the trick on exceptionally chilly days.

If you’re looking for a jumper dress to wear to work, stick to sober colours like grey, brown or black so as not to appear too casual. For weekend-wear, look for ones with a chunky cable-knit pattern or ruched detail. And if you’d like a jumper dress to wear on a relaxing evening out, search for one with a metallic trim or with a striking pattern knitted into it.

Accessorising your jumper dress

Jumper dresses are occasionally dismissed as dull by some fashionistas. However, this view ignores the versatility of this winter fashion item. If you’ve never owned one before, look for a black, knee-length long-sleeved jumper dress and experiment with a variety of accessories. Clip a wide leather belt over your middle to accentuate your waistline at the office, for instance, and replace with a brightly coloured scarf on your way to meet friends for after-work drinks.

The blank canvas presented by a typical jumper dress means it looks great with chunky jewellery, especially statement necklaces and bracelets. On a cold winter’s day, nothing will look or feel better than a jumper dress worn with knee-length boots and a shaggy circle scarf. And to make sure your figure isn’t lost in winter-wear, wear with cotton tights instead of woollen ones. With the right accessories, jumper dresses could be your new favourite clothing item throughout autumn and winter, not to mention the odd chilly spring day.