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
Ichi
Womens Supple cinched Blazer Jacket Blue
$79.00
Simons
-29%
Icone
Womens Cinched waist loose jacquard knit Blazer Jacket Black
$69.95
$99.00
Simons
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
-39%
Ganni
Leopard Print T-Shirt Brown
$153.00
$249.00
Baltini
-38%
Allude
Allude Leopard Print Wool And Cashmere Cardigan Red
$358.00
$575.00
Balardi
-65%
Alessia Zamattio
Mini dresses Beige
$279.00
$800.00
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.
Alo
| Quilted Skyline Long Coat in Black, Size: Medium/Large
$358.00
Alo Yoga
Columbia
Pike Lake III long quilted coat Black
$250.00
Simons
Alo
| Quilted Skyline Long Coat in Green Olive, Size: Medium/Large
$358.00
Alo Yoga
-26%
Max Mara
Zolfo Double Wool Drape Coat Black
$811.00
$1,100.00
Balardi
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%
Icone
Womens Cinched waist loose jacquard knit Blazer Jacket Black
$69.95
$99.00
Simons
-37%
Molliolli
Moli Faux Fur Jacket Grey
$404.00
$641.00
Balardi
-37%
Molliolli
Moli Faux Fur Jacket White
$404.00
$641.00
Balardi
-76%
Contemporaine
Womens Lace inserts button-up dress Black
$29.95
$125.00
Simons
-43%
Michael Kors
Viscose Long Dress Black
$372.00
$648.00
Balardi
-80%
Icone
Womens Soft velvet cowl-neck maxi dress Black
$19.99
$99.00
Simons
-44%
Icone
Womens Muted flowers Victorian collar maxi shirtdress Black
$88.95
$159.00
Simons
-56%
Inwear
Womens Averie abstract pattern chiffon dress Black
$99.95
$229.00
Simons
-53%
Twik
Womens Lace skirt maxi tube dress Brown
$69.95
$150.00
Simons
-60%
Contemporaine
Womens Ruched-waist maxi dress Red
$69.95
$175.00
Simons
-38%
Samsøe & Samsøe
Kalani sheer inserts velvet dress Black
$199.95
$320.00
Simons
-52%
Contemporaine
Womens Satiny wrinkled halter dress Grey
$59.95
$125.00
Simons
-36%
Contemporaine
Womens Responsibly sourced wool flared maxi skirt Black
$69.95
$110.00
Simons
Contemporaine
Womens Long fitted sequined dress Black
$150.00
Simons
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
