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.
-40%
Alice & Olivia
Be Still Breanna Printed Blazer
$375.00
$625.00
Neiman Marcus
-30%
Nordstrom
The Ingrid Classic Fit Blazer in Navy Night at Nordstrom, Size Xx-Small Blue
$118.30
$169.00
Nordstrom
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
-43%
Ganni
Leopard Print T-Shirt Brown
$143.00
$249.00
Baltini
CeCe by Cynthia Steffe
Leopard Jacquard Wool-Blend Cardigan Yellow
$39.99
Rue La La
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.
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.
-60%
AllSaints
Mabel Double Breasted Oversized Coat
$234.00
$585.00
AllSaints
-40%
AllSaints
Augusta Cashmere Wool Blend Coat
$395.00
$659.00
AllSaints
Alo
| Rain Or Shine Long Coat in Black, Size: Medium
$348.00
Alo Yoga
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.
Cinq à Sept
Khloe Boucle Blazer
$395.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-40%
Cinq à Sept
Sequin Floral Scrunched Sleeve Blazer in Black/multi at Nordstrom, Size 10
$417.00
$695.00
Nordstrom
Reiss
Jade Wool-Blend Blazer
$148.99
Rue La La
-50%
Avec Les Filles
Plaid Double Breasted Blazer in Brownbeige Plaid at Nordstrom, Size Medium
$68.97
$139.00
Nordstrom
Mare Mare
Emmy Satin Corset Maxi Dress Green
$295.00
Anthropologie
Vince Camuto
Maxi Dress Black
$59.99
Rue La La
Mare Mare
Piper Strapless Fit & Flare Maxi Dress Pink
$298.00
Anthropologie
London Times
Maxi Dress Blue
$46.99
Rue La La
AFRM
McCall Off-the-Shoulder Stretch Mesh Maxi Dress Green
$188.00
Anthropologie
Adrianna Papell
Floral Embroidered Godet Gown Brown
$99.99
Rue La La
A.L.C.
Bianca Pleated Strapless Gown Black
$417.00
Bergdorf Goodman
BHLDN
Long-Sleeve Mock-Neck Stretch Lace Maxi Dress White
$298.00
Anthropologie
Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman
Beaded Floral Gown Orange
$323.99
Rue La La
-18%
Bardot
Yve V-Neck Halter Open-Back Front-Slit Silky Slip Maxi Dress Green
$129.95
$159.00
Anthropologie
AllSaints
Arlea Tulle Maxi Skirt Black
$319.00
AllSaints
Mare Mare
Emmy Satin Corset Maxi Dress Blue
$295.00
Anthropologie
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
