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.

woman walking in white maxi dress and brown belted blazer

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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

blonde woman wearing maxi dress with blue blazer and white handbag

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

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.

Polo Ralph Lauren

double-breasted knitted blazer - Blue

Delivery: £10.00

£327.00

FARFETCH

BESTSELLER

Polo Ralph Lauren

Logo-embroidered Cotton-blend Blazer - Navy - 12 (UK16 / XL) Blue

Delivery: £7.50

£375.00

Harvey Nichols

Manière De Voir

Claire suede-leather blazer - Brown

Delivery: £15.00

£200.00

FARFETCH

Emporio Armani

ICON Blue

Delivery: £9.00

£324.00

Yoox.com

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2. Clash patterns

woman wearing polka dot black maxi skirt and white and black striped sweater

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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.

Anine Bing

cotton sweatshirt - Brown

Delivery: £10.00

£180.00

FARFETCH

-30%

Perfect Moment

Aster wool turtleneck sweater Black

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

£206.00 ~~£295.00~~

Mytheresa

-77%

Off-white

Pre-owned Womens Off-White Arrow Print Hoodie in Black Cotton - Size 2XS

Delivery: £2.99

£105.00 ~~£457.00~~

Secret Sales

Ami Beige Cotton Contrasted Ami De Coeur Sweatshirt Beige - XL - for Women

-30%

Ami

Beige Cotton Contrasted Ami De Coeur Sweatshirt Beige - XL - for Women White

Delivery: £10.00

£161.00 ~~£230.00~~

Ami Paris

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3. With a chunky cardigan

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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.

Fat Face

FatFace Remi Black Knitted Cardigan

Delivery: £4.95

£56.00

FatFace

Roman

Fluffy Sparkle Cardigan Blue

Delivery: free

£40.00

Roman

-38%

Fat Face

FatFace Faye Teal Blue Ribbed Crew Neck Knitted Cardigan

Delivery: £4.95

£35.00 ~~£56.00~~

FatFace

-68%

AllSaints

Wool/Polyester Sabrina Metallic Relaxed Fit Tank Top, Size: L Black

Delivery: free

£38.40 ~~£119.00~~

AllSaints

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4. Floor-length coat

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

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%

Varley

Vermont faux shearling wrap coat Red

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

£150.00 ~~£215.00~~

Mytheresa

-60%

AllSaints

Wool Sellma Double Breasted Coat, Size: UK 14/US 10 Brown

Delivery: free

£159.20 ~~£399.00~~

AllSaints

-30%

Michael Michael Kors

leopard-print puffer coat - Black

Delivery: £10.00

£197.00 ~~£281.00~~

FARFETCH

-52%

AllSaints

Womens Wool Sidney Wool Cashmere Blend Tailored Coat, Size: UK 16/US 12 Black

Delivery: free

£157.60 ~~£329.00~~

AllSaints

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5. Top it with a blazer

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

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.