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
| First-Class Blazer Jacket in Black, Size: Medium
$248.00
Alo Yoga
-44%
Emporio Armani
Cotton Single Breasted Jacket Purple
$358.00
$641.00
Balardi
-22%
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Womens Navy gold-button double-breasted jacket Blue
$339.95
$435.00
Simons
-13%
Weekend by Max Mara
Messina Black Single Breasted Blazer
$455.00
$520.00
Balardi
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.
-20%
The Attico
leopard-intarsia knitted cardigan - women - Polyamide/Mohair/Wool - 42 - Yellow
$833.00
$1,041.00
FARFETCH
-39%
Ganni
Leopard Print T-Shirt Brown
$153.00
$249.00
Baltini
-22%
Allude
Allude Leopard Print Wool And Cashmere Cardigan Red
$448.00
$575.00
Balardi
-68%
8pm
Mini dresses Beige
$96.00
$297.00
Yoox
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.
-33%
Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant Efezia Coat Beige
$1,188.00
$1,779.00
Balardi
Alo
| Quilted Skyline Long Coat in Green Olive, Size: Medium/Large
$358.00
Alo Yoga
-38%
Max Mara
Esturia Wool Coat Black
$946.00
$1,538.00
Balardi
Alo
| Quilted Skyline Long Coat in Black, 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.
-57%
Le Twins
Como Double Breasted Blazer Green
$394.00
$920.00
Balardi
-34%
Molliolli
Moli Faux Fur Jacket White
$421.00
$641.00
Balardi
-34%
Molliolli
Moli Faux Fur Jacket Grey
$421.00
$641.00
Balardi
-57%
Msgm
Navy Virgin Wool Crop Blazer Blue
$384.00
$894.00
Balardi
-29%
Forte_Forte
Forte Forte Brown
$438.00
$615.00
Balardi
-41%
Harris Wharf London
Black Sleeveless Long Dress
$411.00
$701.00
Balardi
-33%
Rotate
Polka Dot Maxi Dress White
$375.00
$558.00
Balardi
-47%
By Malene Birger
Lilo Dress
$401.00
$761.00
Balardi
-34%
Diesel
Maxi Dress Black
$318.00
$485.00
Balardi
-20%
The Garment
Dresses Black
$322.00
$402.00
Balardi
-30%
Jean Paul Gaultier
Wide Neck Dress Black
$408.00
$581.00
Balardi
-39%
Solace London
Ilona Maxi Dress Red
$484.00
$788.00
Balardi
-14%
Rotate
Sleeveless Midi Dress Black
$381.00
$444.00
Balardi
-43%
Michael Kors
Viscose Long Dress Black
$372.00
$648.00
Balardi
A.P.C.
Black Satin Junia Dress
$321.00
Balardi
-3%
Essentiel
Midi Ilana Black Rock
$474.00
$491.00
Balardi
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
