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.
-58%
Nanette Lepore
Blazer Pink
$53.99
$128.00
Rue La La
-44%
Sandro
Blazers Black
$325.00
$580.00
Yoox.com
WeWoreWhat
Cinched Waist Blazer Romper in Black at Nordstrom, Size 12
$218.00
Nordstrom
-55%
Andamane
Blazers Black
$269.00
$600.00
Yoox.com
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.
-20%
The Attico
leopard-intarsia knitted cardigan - women - Polyamide/Mohair/Wool - 42 - Yellow
$833.00
$1,041.00
FARFETCH
-39%
Ganni
Leopard Print T-Shirt Brown
$153.00
$249.00
Baltini
-75%
Alessia Zamattio
Mini dresses Beige
$197.00
$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.
-71%
Vince
Chunky Rib Wool & Cashmere-Blend Cardigan Beige
$145.99
$495.00
Rue La La
-41%
Free People
Bonfire Cable Knit Cardigan in Cowboy 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.
-47%
Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant Efezia Coat Beige
$934.00
$1,779.00
Balardi
-49%
Columbia
Puffers Blue
$173.00
$336.00
Yoox.com
-58%
Elie Tahari
Elliot Long Wool-Blend Coat Brown
$169.99
$400.00
Rue La La
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 Petite Cropped 3/4-Sleeve Blazer Black
$395.00
Bergdorf Goodman
AllSaints
Aleida Denim Blazer Black
$249.00
AllSaints
AllSaints
Aude Ruffle Maxi Skirt Black
$319.00
AllSaints
AllSaints
Alexia Sleeveless Maxi Dress Red
$499.00
AllSaints
AllSaints
Flora Maxi Dress Black
$429.00
AllSaints
-75%
Mac Duggal
Lace Long Sleeve V-Neck Embellished Gown in Vintage Lilac at Nordstrom, Size 14 Purple
$198.00
$798.00
Nordstrom
-78%
A.L.C.
Paige Maxi Dress Brown
$129.99
$595.00
Rue La La
AllSaints
Jax 2-In-1 Maxi Dress Brown
$459.00
AllSaints
AllSaints
Monica Evening Maxi Dress Black
$289.00
AllSaints
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
