Cute Winter Date Outfits: Mock Turtleneck or Dress?

Date night can mean a variety of things depending on who you ask, whether it's a simple movie, dinner at a fancy French restaurant or beer and wings at the local sports bar. Obviously, what you wear on a date is highly dependent on what you're doing, where you're going, the weather, how well you know your date, and how much you like your date. While some dates are more low-key, others are worth getting a little more dressed up for. And getting "dressed up" can mean a variety of things, whether it's a turtleneck and some nice jeans or a fail-safe little black dress. Trying to figure out what to wear on your next date night? Here's how to pick out cute winter date outfits for your next snowy outing.

Rock the Mock Turtleneck

A women's cotton turtleneck is nice because it can be worn in any season. And don't let the word, "turtleneck" fool you. It can be form-fitting enough to show off those curves while still letting you feel classy yet covered up. Even a sleeveless mock turtleneck can be appropriate for many dates, as it can be dressed up with a blazer over it or dressed down with a pair of shorts. Better yet, wearing one with a pencil skirt or even a leather skirt can really take it up a notch.

Impress With a Dress

With the wide variety of dresses out there, it's difficult to say that a dress is always a safe bet for date night. After all, there are maxi dresses, little black dresses, metallic dresses, lace dresses, dresses that make you look like you just came off the set of Little House on the Prairie … you get the idea. But if you're standing in your closet, torn about whether to go the dress route, chances are you like the dress enough to even considering wearing it out on the town. Make the decision easier by asking yourself these two questions:

Is it too dressy for this specific date? If the answer is yes, try dressing it down with a jean jacket over it or maybe minimizing your accessories. If the answer is no, perfect!
Is it appropriate for the season as well as for the event? For example, white dresses aren't appropriate for weddings, unless you're the bride. And just like an off-the-shoulder lace dress won't work in the wintertime, a sweater dress won't be too comfortable in the summertime.

Material Matters

What your outfit is made of, whether a mock turtleneck or a dress, can make all the difference in how it looks and how it feels. Of course, cashmere is the crème de la crème of wintertime fabrics. A women's cashmere turtleneck can stand its own against any cotton turtleneck. It may also make your date want to scooch in a little closer, too, as it is so soft to the touch. In contrast, a silk dress that drapes the body in all the right places can look amazing and add a bit of Hollywood glamour. In short, use materials you wouldn't normally consider to really bring the outfit up a notch.

Don't Forget About Footwear

How many times have you picked out the perfect outfit only to find that you have nothing for your feet? For this reason, many people even start from the bottom-up when choosing their date-night outfit. As mentioned before, the activity matters, and the season matters. Make sure comfort is considered too. Getting blisters or hobbling around in pain can ruin the night. Not only that but wearing heels in slippery, slushy winter conditions can spell disaster. If you're looking for an excuse to buy some new women's shoes, look for something that can be worn with most types of outfits. Even the right pair of boots are safe, as they can be worn with dresses or over skinny jeans or leggings.

Mock Turtlenecks Need Accessories

If you go the mock turtleneck route, a longer necklace will likely make it look a little more dressed up. In the absence of a necklace, some dangly or hoop earrings with your hair pulled back can make a classy statement. Just remember that since a turtleneck is sort of the "safe route" when compared to dresses, you shouldn't be afraid to style it up a bit with some jewelry.