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.
-37%
Reiss
Black Petite Double-breasted Suit Blazer, 12
£138.00
£220.00
Reiss
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
-42%
Fat Face
FatFace Bonnie Black Sparkle Wrap Cardigan
£40.00
£69.00
FatFace
-41%
Courrèges
Reedition Knit Short Sleeve Jumper Black
£230.00
£390.00
Labels
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.
-32%
Fat Face
FatFace Blanche Green Oversized Sparkle Knitted Cardigan
£44.00
£65.00
FatFace
-50%
Ganni
Beige Cardigan in Cable Wool
£205.00
£410.00
GANNI
-39%
Fat Face
FatFace Faye Chalk White Cable Crew Neck Knitted Cardigan
£38.00
£62.00
FatFace
-40%
Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Girl Wool Blend Cable Knit Relaxed Cardigan White
£90.00
£150.00
Tommy Hilfiger
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
-49%
Reiss
Mink Wool-blend Belted Blindseam Coat, 12
£198.00
£390.00
Reiss
-55%
Frenken
Water Mens Peacoat Brown
£385.00
£849.00
Labels
-66%
Karen Millen
Womens Stripe Wool Double Breasted Tailored Maxi Coat - Pink - Size 12 UK
£146.20
£429.00
Secret Sales
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.
-66%
-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
-50%
Ganni
Mixed Leopard Print Maxi Dress - Size 32 Viscose
£142.50
£285.00
GANNI
-50%
Sandro
Maxi dress with lace details
£219.50
£439.00
Sandro
-50%
Self Portrait
Rhinestone lace-trimmed gown Black
£297.00
£595.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Sandro
Floral jacquard maxi dress Green
£215.40
£359.00
Sandro
-50%
Ganni
Blue Seersucker Check Smock Maxi Dress
£172.50
£345.00
GANNI
Ulla Johnson
Adora Sky Blue Silk Maxi Dress Size XXS
£359.55
HEWI
-50%
Ganni
Red Orange Floral Printed Satin Maxi Dress - Size 32 Viscose
£172.50
£345.00
GANNI
-40%
Sandro
Embroidered linen maxi dress Blue
£215.40
£359.00
Sandro
-30%
Self Portrait
Floral-applique satin slip dress Red
£252.00
£360.00
Mytheresa
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
