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.
-53%
Contemporaine
Womens Crest-button stretch crepe fitted Blazer Jacket Black
$139.95
$295.00
Simons
-30%
Faithfull The Brand
Enna blazer Grey
$469.00
$670.00
Mytheresa
-53%
Contemporaine
Womens Crest-button stretch crepe fitted Blazer Jacket Blue
$139.95
$295.00
Simons
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.
-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
-83%
Roberto Cavalli
Turtlenecks Black
$147.00
$850.00
Yoox
-26%
Ganni
Leopard Print T Shirt Brown
$215.00
$292.00
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.
Mango
Oversize V-Neck Cardigan in Brown at Nordstrom, Size Medium
$129.99
Nordstrom
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.
-30%
Dries Van Noten
Denim coat Blue
$774.00
$1,105.00
Mytheresa
Alo
| Quilted Skyline Long Coat in Green Olive, Size: Medium/Large
$358.00
Alo Yoga
-20%
Max Mara
Poldo wool coat Brown
$1,640.00
$2,050.00
Mytheresa
-50%
Maticevski
Sparkling cotton-blend coat White
$2,330.00
$4,659.00
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.
-20%
Frankie Shop
Bea twill blazer Black
$436.00
$545.00
Mytheresa
-53%
Contemporaine
Womens Crest-button stretch crepe fitted Blazer Jacket Black
$139.95
$295.00
Simons
-30%
Velvet
Salie blazer Brown
$438.00
$625.00
Mytheresa
-50%
Dorothee Schumacher
Colorful Lightness cotton and linen blazer Blue
$452.00
$903.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Self Portrait
Floral-appliqué satin maxi dress Purple
$487.00
$695.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Bananhot
Paloma gingham cotton poplin maxi dress Blue
$309.00
$515.00
Mytheresa
-20%
Juliet Dunn
Mosaic printed cotton midi dress Beige
$464.00
$580.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Rixo
Evie printed ruffled silk maxi dress White
$427.00
$610.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Rixo
Sandrine floral jacquard midi dress White
$360.00
$600.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Ganni
Floral satin maxi dress Pink
$487.00
$695.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Staud
Pleated ponte and grosgrain maxi dress Red
$487.00
$695.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Ganni
Velvet jersey midi dress Red
$361.00
$515.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Anna Kosturova
Tie-dye silk wrap dress Blue
$474.00
$790.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Bananhot
Sunny maxi dress Red
$291.00
$415.00
Mytheresa
-60%
Bananhot
Jules sequined knitted maxi dress Pink
$186.00
$465.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Max Mara
Romea cotton-blend poplin maxi dress Red
$375.00
$535.00
Mytheresa
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
