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
Veronica Beard
Ivory Tweed Blazer Size XXS White
$244.40
HEWI
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
SPRWMN
Leopard Cashmere Baby Cardigan
$495.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-83%
Roberto Cavalli
Turtlenecks Black
$147.00
$850.00
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.
-24%
Maeve
Chunky Open-Stitch Cardigan Green
$119.95
$158.00
Anthropologie
-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.
-53%
Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant Efezia Coat Beige
$845.00
$1,779.00
Balardi
Alo
| Quilted Skyline Long Coat in Green Olive, Size: Medium/Large
$358.00
Alo Yoga
-1%
Ami
Womens Wool Single-Breasted Coat Black
$1,190.00
$1,208.00
LUX LAIR
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%
Alice & Olivia
Be Still Breanna Printed Blazer
$375.00
$625.00
Neiman Marcus
HUGO BOSS
Jabinalah Wool Blazer Black
$148.99
Rue La La
Mare Mare
Emmy Satin Corset Maxi Dress Green
$295.00
Anthropologie
-59%
Farm Rio
Maxi dresses Orange
$127.00
$310.00
Yoox.com
Dress The Population
Laney Sleeveless Sequin Maxi Dress Silver
$368.00
Anthropologie
-51%
Aje
Soundscape Strapless Organza Maxi Dress Pink
$369.00
$755.00
Neiman Marcus
BHLDN
Long-Sleeve Mock-Neck Stretch Lace Maxi Dress White
$298.00
Anthropologie
-40%
Ganni
Denim maxi dress Green
$255.00
$425.00
Mytheresa
-29%
Mare Mare
Emmy Corset Jacquard Maxi Dress Pink
$209.95
$295.00
Anthropologie
-50%
Isabel Marant
Jelina gathered jersey maxi dress Black
$297.00
$595.00
Mytheresa
Mare Mare
Kassidy Cowl-Neck Stretch Sequin Maxi Dress Blue
$298.00
Anthropologie
Area Stars
Dreia Maxi Dress Blue
$57.99
Rue La La
BHLDN
The BHLDN Short-Sleeve Keyhole Maxi Dress White
$298.00
Anthropologie
-30%
Vince
Cotton jersey maxi dress Orange
$234.00
$335.00
Mytheresa
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
