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.
-40%
Tagliatore
Tweed Blazer Multi
£404.00
£668.00
Balardi
-40%
Thom Krom
W B 2 Black
£220.00
£369.00
Labels
-23%
Elisabetta Franchi
Jewel Strap Blazer Purple
£447.00
£580.00
Balardi
-23%
Tagliatore
Parigi Blazer Purple
£414.00
£536.00
Balardi
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.
Anine Bing
cotton sweatshirt - Brown
£180.00
FARFETCH
-15%
Pinko
Pinko Love Birds Knitwear In Viscose Blend Black
£146.00
£172.00
Balardi
-50%
Marc Jacobs
Striped Two-Tone Crew-neck Sweater size M
£209.38
£418.76
GLAMOOD
-15%
Pinko
Pinko Wool And Cashmere Turtle Neck Pullover White
£146.00
£172.00
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.
Roman
Fluffy Sparkle Cardigan Blue
£40.00
Roman
Fat Face
FatFace Faye Chalk White Flecked Knitted Cardigan
£56.00
FatFace
-20%
Nobody's Child
Cream Fair Isle Chunky Knit Cardigan White
£68.00
£85.00
Nobody's Child
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%
Varley
Vermont faux shearling wrap coat Red
£150.00
£215.00
Mytheresa
-33%
Pinko
Pinko Cerfoglio Coat White
£382.00
£571.00
Balardi
-29%
Max Mara
Bcollag Black
£477.00
£675.00
Balardi
-38%
Max Mara
Poldo Wool Coat Brown
£478.00
£777.00
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.
-25%
Max Mara
Ghiotto Blazer White
£481.00
£642.00
Balardi
-30%
Veronica Beard
Miller denim blazer Blue
£413.00
£590.00
Mytheresa
-63%
Saulina Milano
Antonia Single Breasted Velvet Jacket Red
£311.00
£842.00
Balardi
-50%
Ganni
Black Heavy Cotton Tailoring Blazer - Size 34 Elastane
£212.50
£425.00
GANNI
-43%
Solace London
Maci Maxi Dress Blue
£393.00
£694.00
Balardi
-40%
Ganni
White Floral Satin Maxi Dress - Size 32 Elastane
£237.00
£395.00
GANNI
-30%
Elisabetta Franchi
Red Carpet Dress Black
£427.00
£606.00
Balardi
-30%
AllSaints
Polyester Aude Ruffle Maxi Skirt, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black
£139.30
£199.00
AllSaints
-40%
Ganni
Leopard Chiffon Maxi Dress - Size 32 Mixed Multi
£141.00
£235.00
GANNI
-30%
AllSaints
Polyester Arlea Tulle Maxi Skirt, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black
£139.30
£199.00
AllSaints
-20%
Self Portrait
Embellished maxi dress Red
£476.00
£595.00
Mytheresa
-41%
Harris Wharf London
Black Sleeveless Long Dress
£220.00
£375.00
Balardi
-60%
Ganni
Velvet jersey midi dress Red
£130.00
£325.00
Mytheresa
-38%
Solace London
Adira Maxi Dress Green
£290.00
£470.00
Balardi
-50%
Solace London
Adley caped crepe gown Pink
£275.00
£550.00
Mytheresa
-35%
Diesel
Maxi Dress Black
£170.00
£260.00
Balardi
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli