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.

-60%

Reiss

White Double-breasted Twill Suit Blazer With Wool, 8

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

£118.00 ~~£298.00~~

Reiss

Veronica Beard

Ivory Tweed Blazer Size XXS White

Delivery: £5.00

£180.00

HEWI

-65%

Reiss

White Linen-blend Double-breasted Suit Jacket, 12

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

£98.00 ~~£280.00~~

Reiss

Burberry

Wool Single Button Black Blazer Size XXS

Delivery: £5.00

£382.50

HEWI

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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

-40%

AllSaints

Wool Bern V-Neck Wool Jumper, Size: XS White

Delivery: free

£83.70 ~~£139.00~~

AllSaints

Givenchy

Black Distressed Knitted Oversize Logo Jumper Size XS

Delivery: £5.00

£201.60

HEWI

AllSaints

Merino Wool Ridley Cropped Wool Jumper, Size: L White

Delivery: free

£119.00

AllSaints

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3. With a chunky cardigan

Streetstyleshooters/Getty Images

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.

-38%

Fat Face

FatFace Faye Teal Blue Ribbed Crew Neck Knitted Cardigan

Delivery: £4.95

£35.00 ~~£56.00~~

FatFace

-25%

Blugirl

Mouliné Knit Jacket Beige

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

£192.27 ~~£256.65~~

Miinto

-31%

Fat Face

FatFace Blanche Green Oversized Knitted Cardigan

Delivery: £4.95

£45.00 ~~£65.00~~

FatFace

-25%

Liu Jo

Wool Cardigan with Bejewelled Buttons Brown

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

£119.09 ~~£158.80~~

Miinto

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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

-46%

AllSaints

Womens Wool Sidney Wool Cashmere Blend Tailored Coat, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black

Delivery: free

£177.30 ~~£329.00~~

AllSaints

-40%

Sandro

Long double-breasted coat Brown

Delivery: free

£377.40 ~~£629.00~~

Sandro

-55%

AllSaints

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

Delivery: free

£179.10 ~~£399.00~~

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.