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
Alexander McQueen
Denim Blazer Size 38/91 Blue
$405.21
HEWI
Kobi Halperin
Jordi Twill Blazer
$89.99
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.
-43%
Ganni
Leopard Print T-Shirt Brown
$143.00
$249.00
Baltini
SPRWMN
Leopard Cashmere Baby Cardigan
$495.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-30%
Paige
Oberon Leopard Merino Wool Cardigan
$230.30
$329.00
Neiman Marcus
Lafayette 148 New York
Leopard Jacquard-Knit Cardigan
$1,398.00
Bergdorf Goodman
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 White
$158.00
Anthropologie
Reiss
Ariana Chunky Rib Linen-Blend Cardigan
$72.00
Rue La La
-50%
Mother
The Long Drop Cardigan
$212.50
$425.00
Neiman Marcus
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.
Elie Tahari
Brie Medium Coat Black
$119.99
Rue La La
-20%
Sportmax
Peplum virgin wool coat Black
$1,312.00
$1,640.00
Mytheresa
Cole Haan
Wool-Blend Coat
$60.00
Rue La La
Vince
Cashmere-Wool Single-Breasted Coat Brown
$998.00
Bergdorf Goodman
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.
Theory
Oversized Straight Linen-Blend Blazer White
$129.99
Rue La La
-40%
Alice & Olivia
Be Still Breanna Printed Blazer
$375.00
$625.00
Neiman Marcus
HUGO BOSS
Jabinalah Wool Blazer Black
$148.99
Rue La La
Cinq à Sept
Khloe Boucle Blazer
$395.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Hutch
Gabriella V-Neck Drop-Waist Maxi Dress Green
$319.00
Anthropologie
-40%
Ganni
Denim maxi dress Green
$255.00
$425.00
Mytheresa
Hutch
One-Shoulder Faux-Feather Trim Maxi Dress
$328.00
Anthropologie
A.L.C.
Lyra Maxi Dress White
$202.00
Rue La La
AFRM
McCall Off-the-Shoulder Stretch Mesh Maxi Dress Yellow
$128.00
Anthropologie
Aidan Mattox
Embroidered Floral Applique Gown Black
$460.00
Neiman Marcus
Mare Mare
Emmy Satin Corset Maxi Dress Gold
$295.00
Anthropologie
Splendid
Sutton Floral Maxi Dress Pink
$42.99
Rue La La
-29%
Mare Mare
Emmy Corset Jacquard Maxi Dress Pink
$209.95
$295.00
Anthropologie
Kaimilan
Maxi Dress
$139.99
Rue La La
-30%
BHLDN
Elena Ruffle Chiffon Maxi Dress
$209.95
$298.00
Anthropologie
CeCe by Cynthia Steffe
Maxi Tiered Shirtdress Blue
$49.99
Rue La La
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
