How to style a maxi dress when it’s cold outside
Depending on your feelings towards colder weather, the winter months are either a time of sartorial celebration thanks to endless coats and boots, or a semi-depressing time in which you must bid adieu to the midi and maxi dresses that dotted your summer wardrobe.
As any northern inhabitant will testify, every cold-weather wardrobe requires a good coat or two (or three, four, or ten…). Blazer, trench, or puffer — a coat will not only keep you warm, but the right style can instantly glam up your outfit.
This winter, don’t be so quick to abandon your favourite midi and maxi dresses; rather, try out one of these cold weather-friendly ideas to keep warm (and cool) in your long summer dress.
1. Style it like a maxi skirt
To get more life out of your summer maxi, try styling it as you would an ankle-grazing skirt: layer it with warm pieces like thermals and blazers, and cinch your waist with a belt. We love this outfit idea with an ’80s-structured blazer and boots.
-47%
Sandro
Blazers Black
$305.00
$580.00
Yoox.com
-30%
Nordstrom
The Ingrid Classic Fit Blazer in Navy Night at Nordstrom, Size Xx-Small Blue
$118.30
$169.00
Nordstrom
-83%
Tommy Hilfiger
Blazers Brown
$96.00
$564.00
Yoox.com
Alexia Admor
Classic Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Blazer Brown
$99.99
Rue La La
2. Clash patterns
We’re kind of obsessed with this pattern-clashing winter look. Topping your dress with a fun sweater makes for a unique yet chic look while keeping you toasty as ever.
-10%
The Attico
leopard-intarsia knitted cardigan - women - Polyamide/Mohair/Wool - 40 - Yellow
$965.00
$1,072.00
FARFETCH
-39%
Ganni
Leopard Print T-Shirt Brown
$153.00
$249.00
Baltini
-83%
Alessia Zamattio
Mini dresses Beige
$137.00
$800.00
Yoox.com
3. With a chunky cardigan
If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably figured out that layering your maxi dress is the key to wearing it after mid-September. A chunky-knit cardigan is another perfect layering piece for your maxi: it’ll give your fit a cozy, romantic vibe.
Maeve
Chunky Open-Stitch Cardigan Green
$158.00
Anthropologie
-41%
Free People
Bonfire Cable Knit Cardigan in Boardwalk Blue at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
$87.97
$148.00
Nordstrom
4. Floor-length coat
It’s true—we love a floor-length coat. Elegant, classic, and most importantly, weather-smart, a floor-length coat is a must-have for any winter maxi dress outfit.
-44%
Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant Efezia Coat Beige
$1,001.00
$1,779.00
Balardi
Maeve
Wool Blend Plaid Long Coat Jacket
$258.00
Anthropologie
5. Top it with a blazer
If you don’t already own a high-quality blazer, this is the time of year to treat yourself to one. This work-appropriate staple is perfect to elevate your maxi dress + sneakers combo and you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again.
Naked Wardrobe
Fitted Blazer in Leopard at Nordstrom, Size X-Small
$148.00
Nordstrom
Cinq à Sept
Khloe Boucle Blazer
$395.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-33%
Tahari by ASL
One-Button Blazer in Emerald at Nordstrom, Size 10 Green
$106.53
$159.00
Nordstrom
-69%
Circolo 1901
Blazers Brown
$175.00
$571.00
Yoox.com
Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman
Beaded Floral Gown Orange
$323.99
Rue La La
Mare Mare
Emmy Satin Corset Maxi Dress Green
$295.00
Anthropologie
-75%
Mac Duggal
Lace Long Sleeve V-Neck Embellished Gown in Vintage Lilac at Nordstrom, Size 14 Purple
$198.00
$798.00
Nordstrom
Isabel Marant
Nadela gathered cotton maxi dress
$490.00
Mytheresa
-63%
Mac Duggal
Sequined High Neck Puff Long Sleeve Column Gown in Copper at Nordstrom, Size 10
$148.00
$398.00
Nordstrom
Adrianna Papell
Floral Embroidered Godet Gown Brown
$99.99
Rue La La
Alice & Olivia
Delora Maxi Dress Black
$175.99
Rue La La
-25%
Adrianna Papell
Beaded Floral Godet Gown in Navy/Pink Multi at Nordstrom, Size 16
$276.75
$369.00
Nordstrom
AFRM
Long-Sleeve Off-The-Shoulder Mesh Maxi Dress Brown
$128.00
Anthropologie
Mare Mare
Mimi Satin Corset Dress Green
$328.00
Anthropologie
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
