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.

Alo

| First-Class Blazer Jacket in Black, Size: Medium

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$248.00

Alo Yoga

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Lauren Ralph Lauren

Womens Navy gold-button double-breasted jacket Blue

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$339.95 ~~$435.00~~

Simons

-56%

HUGO BOSS

Womens Concealed button belted jacket Black

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$239.95 ~~$549.00~~

Simons

Ichi

Womens Mini-crystal supple cinched Blazer Jacket Black

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

$99.00

Simons

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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.

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Frame Denim

The Cashmere Cardigan Beige

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Neiman Marcus

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The Attico

leopard-intarsia knitted cardigan - women - Polyamide/Mohair/Wool - 42 - Yellow

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FARFETCH

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Ganni

Leopard Print T-Shirt Brown

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$153.00 ~~$249.00~~

Baltini

-50%

Emporio Armani

Wool Blend Cardigan Black

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$570.00 ~~$1,133.00~~

Balardi

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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.

Princess Polly

Edern Blouson Cotton Blend Cardigan in Cream at Nordstrom, Size 12 White

Delivery: International

$68.00

Nordstrom

Alo

| Cable Knit Winter Bliss Cardigan Top in Ivory White, Size: Medium

Delivery: free

$178.00

Alo Yoga

-75%

Antonino Valenti

Maglioni Blu-Donna

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

$243.00 ~~$958.00~~

Wanan Luxury

Alo

| Cable Knit Winter Bliss Cardigan Top in Dark Heather Grey, Size: XS

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$178.00

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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.

-47%

Isabel Marant

Isabel Marant Efezia Coat Beige

Delivery: International

$934.00 ~~$1,779.00~~

Balardi

Alo

| Quilted Skyline Long Coat in Green Olive, Size: Medium/Large

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$358.00

Alo Yoga

Columbia

Pike Lake III long quilted coat Black

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$250.00

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Alo

| Quilted Skyline Long Coat in Black, Size: Medium/Large

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$358.00

Alo Yoga

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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.