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
-22%
Contemporaine
Womens Crest-button stretch crepe fitted Blazer Jacket Black
$229.95
$295.00
Simons
-30%
Faithfull The Brand
Enna blazer Grey
$469.00
$670.00
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.
-20%
The Attico
leopard-intarsia knitted cardigan - women - Polyamide/Mohair/Wool - 40 - Yellow
$979.00
$1,224.00
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
-83%
Roberto Cavalli
Turtlenecks Black
$147.00
$850.00
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.
-53%
Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant Efezia Coat Beige
$845.00
$1,779.00
Balardi
-20%
Max Mara
Poldo wool coat Brown
$1,640.00
$2,050.00
Mytheresa
Max Mara
Roseto alpaca and wool coat Beige
$2,390.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Isabel Marant
Gameia cotton and linen coat Beige
$1,446.00
$2,065.00
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%
Ganni
Twill blazer Brown
$301.00
$430.00
Mytheresa
-75%
Versace
Blazers Pink
$205.00
$824.00
Yoox
-30%
Velvet
Salie blazer Brown
$438.00
$625.00
Mytheresa
-22%
Contemporaine
Womens Crest-button stretch crepe fitted Blazer Jacket Black
$229.95
$295.00
Simons
-60%
Staud
Harrington chino and poplin maxi dress Blue
$236.00
$590.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Anna Kosturova
Tie-dye silk wrap dress Blue
$474.00
$790.00
Mytheresa
-50%
Staud
Obsidian maxi dress Black
$345.00
$690.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Staud
Pleated ponte and grosgrain maxi dress Red
$487.00
$695.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Diane Von Fürstenberg
Tori printed crêpe wrap dress Black
$384.00
$640.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Poupette St Barth
Mabelle satin maxi dress Red
$372.00
$620.00
Mytheresa
Bananhot
Rey crochet cotton-blend maxi dress Brown
$400.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Staud
Calluna floral organza maxi dress Blue
$487.00
$695.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Staud
Millie maxi dress Blue
$392.00
$560.00
Mytheresa
-60%
Solace London
Milly cutout crêpe maxi dress Pink
$338.00
$845.00
Mytheresa
-20%
Rixo
Layla tie-neck polka-dot midi dress Blue
$468.00
$585.00
Mytheresa
-20%
Possé
Lori polka-dot linen maxi dress Red
$480.00
$600.00
Mytheresa
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
