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.
-30%
Faithfull The Brand
Enna blazer Grey
$469.00
$670.00
Mytheresa
Alo
| First-Class Blazer Jacket in Black, Size: Medium
$248.00
Alo Yoga
-20%
Polo Ralph Lauren
Knit double-breasted blazer Blue
$496.00
$620.00
Mytheresa
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
-30%
Rixo
Peony leopard-print wool cardigan Red
$301.00
$430.00
Mytheresa
Ganni
Leopard-print Top Brown
$208.00
Eraldo
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.
-53%
Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant Efezia Coat Beige
$845.00
$1,779.00
Balardi
Rixo
Jacoba jacquard coat Red
$745.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Xu Zhi
Oversized coat White
$676.00
$965.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Isabel Marant
Horia wool-blend wrap coat Brown
$720.00
$1,200.00
Mytheresa
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.
-30%
Norma Kamali
Lamé blazer Black
$357.00
$510.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Max Mara
Odilia faux leather blazer Black
$368.00
$525.00
Mytheresa
-20%
Velvet
Salie blazer Brown
$500.00
$625.00
Mytheresa
-20%
Rotate
Sequined blazer Brown
$488.00
$610.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Norma Kamali
Velvet maxi dress Black
$238.00
$340.00
Mytheresa
-20%
Rotate
Floral embroidered mesh maxi dress Purple
$444.00
$555.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Rixo
Alondra patchwork silk maxi dress Blue
$357.00
$595.00
Mytheresa
-20%
Farm Rio
Floral pleated maxi dress Red
$460.00
$575.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Rixo
Kendra floral halterneck dress Green
$326.00
$466.00
Mytheresa
-50%
Self Portrait
Strappy floral lace gown White
$408.00
$815.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Ganni
Velvet jersey midi dress Red
$361.00
$515.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Farm Rio
Floral maxi dress Red
$321.00
$458.00
Mytheresa
-50%
Anna Kosturova
Silk maxi dress Red
$363.00
$725.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Max Mara
Romea cotton-blend poplin maxi dress Red
$375.00
$535.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Rotate
Sequined gown Black
$375.00
$625.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Norma Kamali
Draped gown Brown
$396.00
$565.00
Mytheresa
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli