It’s all fun and games when shopping for holiday dresses featuring the season’s trendy cut out or crop top detailing. But it’s still winter. This means leaving the house in those skin-baring getups will have to involve some serious winter jackets. 

Now, there’s nothing worse than covering up pretty winter dresses with less-than-fabulous outerwear. Because not all jackets are equally flattering, or worthy of arrivals for festive gatherings. So, from Sherpa coats to actually-flattering puffer jackets and more, here are the best ladies’ winter coats of the season—and the perfect holiday dresses with which to pair them!

While so much of holiday dressing revolves around a Christmas color palette or classic black and white combos, there’s something very fresh and now about rocking head-to-toe earth tones at this time of year. 

Looking for a winning combination? Start with the unexpected silhouette on this bodice cutout, figure hugging Skye dress from Revolve. The ribbed-knit rayon construction adds a lovely textural element to the design, while the pull-on styling and elastic waistband maximize the ease of dress and comfort. 

Now, thanks to the longer hemline and body-con silhouette, it’s ok to pair a dress like this one with winter jackets that have a bit more volume to them. Try sticking with the camel code in this oh-so-yummy Steve Madden faux fur coat, made from 100% poly with a fuzzy finish and relaxed cut that provides the perfect contrast to sleek holiday dresses. 

Prefer more polished ladies’ winter coats? Not a problem. Try this tan and ivory Bubish Teddy Jacket instead. The mix of fuzzy and smooth finishing, combined with the subtle faux fur trim at the collar and cuffs, make for a more refined combination, while still offering a nice contrast of volumes and silhouettes.

There’s just something feminine and perfect about picking out rose-colored holiday dresses. Less attention grabbing than bold patterns, and less basic than a little black dress, this soft color choice is a great one for holiday parties at home or in more intimate settings. 

The off-the-shoulder, fold over neckline on this Elliatt X Revolve Tinsley Knit dress adds sophistication to the girly coloring. Make pink a very grown up dress choice with the sexy peekaboo design of this Mel Cut Out Midi Dress by Michael Costello. Or serve up major cozy winter vibes in Line & Dot’s Dorothy Sweater Dress, made from a midweight cable knit fabric that still offers an opportunity to show some skin, thanks to some unexpected side seam slit action. 

What winter jackets work well with these girly-girl holiday dresses?  One option is to stick with tone-on-tone styling, and pair a pink dress with this Mars Longline Puffer Jacket from Toast Society—a great pick because it offers so much warmth, without adding too much bulk to the outfit.  Looking for something luxe and uber feminine? This Majorelle Tatiana Faux Fur coat would raise the bar on soft, elegant styling, making it the perfect ladies winter coat to pair with any pink party dress.

When the weather outside is frightful, an all-white color palette is so delightful. Dressing in monochrome is always a sophisticated choice, but head-to-toe white outfits are especially elegant—as long as dressers can steer clear of red wines or other dangerous holiday party offerings. 

Try spinning the notion of angelic whites on its head with this Anthea Sweater Dress from Lovers and Friends. Between the thin knit, micro-mini hemline, deep vee zipper neckline and second-skin silhouette, it’s a daring choice. But these holiday dresses like this one are still demure enough for family gatherings, thanks to their subtle colorings.

Prefer a bit more coverage? The mock turtleneck on this BB Dakota by Steve Madden Talking Body shift dress tones down the sexy vibes on this sweater dress. But it’s still flirty and playful, thanks to a shorter hemline and subtle side slits. 

Looking for the perfect winter jackets to wear with white holiday dresses? This is a great time to strive for contrast and choose a darker hue for your outerwear.  For pairing with a bodycon dress, this Izzy Wrap Teddy Jacket—a more fitted play on popular Sherpa coats—would land perfectly at the hips, allowing for playful volume while still highlighting a nipped-in waistline. 

Now, for a really fun pairing, throw this Penny Lane Coat (from Show Me Your Mumu) over a white mini dress. Thanks to the varying hemlines, the outerwear can give the appearance of a coat dress, a trend that’s both warm and fashion forward.

Not looking for coat and sweater dress pairings? Here are three winter jackets that will work with pretty much any piece in the closet. 

First up, a long and luxurious puffer coat from Rag & Bone. In cold climates like Chicago’s, full-length coverage is pretty much mandatory in any ladies’ winter coats. But what’s special about this particular design is that it maximizes warmth while remaining cognizant of fashion, as is clearly evident in its embellished collar and the playful option to unbutton some side slits. 

Of course, in warmer climates, or when seeking a coat to transition between seasons, a Classic Trench like this one from Bardot is always a winner. Elegant and figure flattering, easy to dress up or down, it’s a style that never goes out of fashion—and for good reason. 

Finally, when on the hunt for winter jackets with a shorter hemline, there’s no need to sacrifice warmth. Or fashion forward design elements, for that matter. Pieces like this Griffin Sherpa Coat from Tularosa hit all the right notes for practicality and esthetics. Faux fur lining and trim dial up the warmth on the 100% poly construction, while a zip front closure prevents chills from sneaking in between button gaps. And extra details like an asymmetric collar and a belted waist with buckle closure help it stand out from a sea of other Sherpa coats sure to be hitting the streets this winter.

What winter jackets and holiday dresses do you have your eye on this year? Comment below!