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.
Alo
| Cinch Blazer Jacket in Black, Size: Medium
$248.00
Alo Yoga
Tagliatore
Cotton Blazer - Camel Brown
$452.41
Italist
Alo
| Cinch Blazer Jacket in Olive Tree, Size: Medium Brown
$248.00
Alo Yoga
Tagliatore
Wool Double-Breasted Blazer - Cream White
$484.09
Italist
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.
-43%
Ganni
Leopard Print T-Shirt Brown
$143.00
$249.00
Baltini
Anna Sui
Cotton Leopard Contrast Cardigan Top Black
$290.00
Anthropologie
Nili Lotan
Keelah Cashmere Leopard-Spot Cardigan Gray
$690.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Equipment
Leopard V-Neck Cardigan in Nutshell at Nordstrom, Size Medium
$138.00
Nordstrom
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.
Alo
| Mini Cable Sweater Cardigan Top in Ivory, Size: Medium White
$148.00
Alo Yoga
Pilcro
Textured Cardigan Pink
$128.00
Anthropologie
Alo
| Mini Cable Sweater Cardigan Top in Warm Butter, Size: Medium
$148.00
Alo Yoga
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.
Ganni
Oversized Cotton Jacket - Olive Brown
$507.85
Italist
Alo
| Quilted Skyline Long Coat in Black, Size: Medium/Large
$358.00
Alo Yoga
Vince
Double-breasted wool-blend coat Gray
$1,000.00
Mytheresa
Alo
| Quilted Skyline Long Coat in Green Olive, Size: Medium/Large
$358.00
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.
-29%
Maeve
Tailored Blazer Jacket Purple
$119.95
$168.00
Anthropologie
Sportmax
Arco Blazer - Black
$447.47
Italist
-29%
Maeve
Tailored Blazer Jacket Green
$119.95
$168.00
Anthropologie
By Malene Birger
Notched-Lapel Blazer - Grey Gray
$376.93
Italist
Peixoto
Clementine Smocked Tiered Maxi Dress
$218.00
Anthropologie
Self Portrait
Halter Jersey Dress - Black
$440.85
Italist
Mac Duggal
Square-Neck Scarf Maxi Dress
$458.00
Anthropologie
Solace London
Nalani Maxi Dress - Red
$333.33
Italist
Mac Duggal
Trapeze Halter Gown Green
$498.00
Anthropologie
Ganni
Ruched Poplin Dress - Blue
$403.06
Italist
Ramy Brook
Delilah Chevron Halter Maxi Dress
$345.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Rotate
Cascading Ruffle Halter Maxi Dress - Pink
$419.35
Italist
Splendid
Sutton Floral Maxi Dress Pink
$42.99
Rue La La
Isabel Marant
Floral-Printed Viscose Dress - Beige
$467.94
Italist
Peixoto
Audrey Maxi Dress Green
$198.00
Anthropologie
Ami
Sleeveless Fluid Satin Dress - Black
$363.48
Italist
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
