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.
Frankie Shop
Doyer blazer Brown
$465.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Faithfull The Brand
Enna blazer Grey
$469.00
$670.00
Mytheresa
Alo
| Cinch Blazer Jacket in Black, Size: Medium
$248.00
Alo Yoga
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
-45%
Allude
Allude Leopard Print Wool And Cashmere Cardigan Red
$315.00
$575.00
Balardi
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
-40%
Isabel Marant
Horia wool-blend wrap coat Brown
$720.00
$1,200.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Frankie Shop
Matera coat Brown
$390.00
$650.00
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
-30%
Velvet
Salie blazer Brown
$438.00
$625.00
Mytheresa
Frankie Shop
Doyer blazer Brown
$465.00
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
-50%
Rixo
Evie floral silk maxi dress Blue
$345.00
$690.00
Mytheresa
-20%
Rotate
Floral mesh maxi dress White
$448.00
$560.00
Mytheresa
-50%
Rixo
Delicia floral maxi dress Red
$250.00
$500.00
Mytheresa
-20%
Faithfull The Brand
Hedy draped linen maxi dress Brown
$368.00
$460.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Rotate
Sequined puff-sleeve maxi dress Pink
$469.00
$670.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Norma Kamali
Ruched lamé gown Black
$396.00
$565.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Max Mara
Romea cotton-blend poplin maxi dress Red
$375.00
$535.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Self Portrait
Beaded fishnet maxi dress Green
$441.00
$735.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Rotate
Sequined gown Black
$375.00
$625.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Staud
Millie maxi dress Blue
$392.00
$560.00
Mytheresa
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
