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.
-65%
Reiss
White Linen-blend Double-breasted Suit Jacket, 12
£98.00
£280.00
Reiss
-40%
Thom Krom
W B 2-0-3 11 Black
£220.00
£369.00
Labels
Veronica Beard
Ivory Tweed Blazer Size XXS White
£180.00
HEWI
-50%
Elisabetta Franchi
Blazers, female, Pink, XL, Rose Blazer with Metallic Details
£493.29
£986.59
Miinto
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.
-13%
Gaëlle Paris
KNITWEAR - Jumpers on YOOX.COM Brown
£112.00
£129.00
Yoox.com
Anine Bing
cotton sweatshirt - Brown
£180.00
FARFETCH
-41%
Courrèges
Reedition Knit Short Sleeve Jumper Black
£230.00
£390.00
Labels
-42%
Fat Face
FatFace Bonnie Black Sparkle Wrap Cardigan
£40.00
£69.00
FatFace
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.
-38%
Fat Face
FatFace Faye Teal Blue Ribbed Crew Neck Knitted Cardigan
£35.00
£56.00
FatFace
-50%
Ganni
Beige Cardigan in Cable Wool
£205.00
£410.00
GANNI
-32%
Fat Face
FatFace Blanche Green Oversized Sparkle Knitted Cardigan
£44.00
£65.00
FatFace
-32%
Kocca
Stylish Cardigans for a Chic Look White
£78.30
£115.71
Miinto
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
-55%
Frenken
Water Mens Peacoat Brown
£385.00
£849.00
Labels
-49%
Reiss
Mink Wool-blend Belted Blindseam Coat, 12
£198.00
£390.00
Reiss
-15%
Desigual
Single-Breasted Coats, female, Pink, XS, Pink Check Coat
£154.34
£181.74
Miinto
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%
Ralph Lauren
Blazers, female, Blue, 3XS, Ryen Blazer
£369.75
£492.42
Miinto
-15%
Desigual
Blazers, female, Multicolor, L, Artistic Floral Blazer
£107.80
£126.93
Miinto
-30%
Self Portrait
Floral lace midi dress Red
£311.00
£445.00
Mytheresa
-50%
Ganni
Mixed Leopard Cotton Poplin V-neck Maxi Dress - Size 32 Organic
£117.50
£235.00
GANNI
Sandro
Rhinestone knit maxi dress Gold
£409.00
Sandro
-40%
Self Portrait
Belted lace midi dress Purple
£249.00
£415.00
Mytheresa
-50%
Ganni
Mixed Leopard Print Maxi Dress - Size 32 Viscose
£142.50
£285.00
GANNI
-50%
Self Portrait
Rhinestone lace-trimmed gown Black
£297.00
£595.00
Mytheresa
-70%
Loewe
Tube Dress
£390.00
£1,300.00
Labels
Sandro
Rhinestone knit maxi skirt Blue
£299.00
Sandro
-50%
Ganni
Red Orange Floral Printed Satin Maxi Dress - Size 32 Viscose
£172.50
£345.00
GANNI
Sandro
Embroidered linen maxi dress Blue
£359.00
Sandro
-30%
Victoria Beckham
Asymmetric gathered jersey midi dress Blue
£451.00
£645.00
Mytheresa
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli