6 WINTER MAXI DRESSES & HOW TO STYLE THEM

Wool trousers and cable-knit sweaters are go-to winter looks for a reason—they’re warm. But with the right combination of layers, accessories, and imagination, summer’s favorite pieces give cold-weather classics a new purpose.

Wearing maxi dresses in winter is arguably more fun than in hot weather, thanks to the endless possibilities of outerwear and accessories. Luxury brands have leaped at the challenge of revitalizing winter wardrobes, designing long winter dresses in rich wool blends, cashmere, silk, cotton, and other fabrics that are as warm as they are luxurious. 

But even lightweight summer dresses can be adapted to protect against the elements. And with a bit of know-how, wearing maxi dresses in winter might just become your new cold-weather favorite.

6 OF THE BEST MAXI DRESSES FOR WINTER

Any dress, from a polished wool A-line style to a flowing cotton variation, can become a winter staple. When choosing a design, consider how its silhouette will interact with layers and accessories to provide a sense of seamless coordination or a drastic contrast.

The following designers have fresh takes on dresses, offering minimalists and maximalists alike diverse options to choose from:

THE ROW

THE ROW creates elegant long-sleeve maxi dresses using fine wool, silk, and viscose. Some styles feature elongated sleeves, turtlenecks, or ruching, giving the simple silhouettes a subtle twist. Luxe faux fur or wool coats are good options to match the sophistication of these maxi dresses.

A.W.A.K.E. MODE

A.W.A.K.E. MODE’s maxi dresses are constructed with dynamic accents and distinctive cuts. A gathered maxi dress works well for winter fashion, as the overlapping fabric looks exquisite layered beneath an oversized wool trench coat and chunky knit scarf.

Johanna Ortiz

Johanna Ortiz’s bold prints are the perfect choice to add a punch of color to gloomy overcast days. The floral wool and silk maxi dresses add a refreshing twist that livens up otherwise simple attire.

Khaite

The godet hems, ruffles, and pleats of Khaite dresses make them a particularly fun style to work into winter looks. The sophisticated earth-tone, white, and black dresses pair well with long leather jackets and wool coats.

Cara Cara

Cara Cara’s tiered floral dresses layer beautifully with denim, leather, and bomber jackets. These brightly colored summer dresses transition easily into fall or winter outfits with creative styling and the right outerwear.

Emporio Armani

Emporio Armani designs chic long dresses with beautiful gathers and delicate details. The collection includes deep V-neck jersey-knit and pleated-velvet dresses in bold, black shades. These styles look excellent with long leather coats and sequin blazers and can be layered with long gloves and skinny scarves.

HOW TO STYLE A MAXI DRESS IN WINTER

Sunshine may be in short supply in winter, but creativity doesn’t have to be. Having a few maxi dress outfits ready on rotation makes getting dressed simple in even the harshest weather. 

Try these styling tips for layering up or down to stay warm:

Puffer coat + cashmere dress + boots

Learning how to wear a summer dress in winter all comes down to having a good supply of options for layering. Down-insulated puffer coats and boots are designed to battle cold weather, making them an optimal choice to pair with dresses. Go bold with a vibrant-colored dress or understated with a muted shade. Complete the outfit with cashmere gloves and fluffy earmuffs.

Patterned faux-fur coat + maxi dress + ankle boots

Contrasting colorful prints is a fun way to combat the winter blues. Sometimes even the most dissimilar patterns and colors can create the perfect match. Although there are no rules, pairing complementary shades can be a great place to start. Pair a faux-fur coat with a dress made from a loose, flowing, pleated fabric. Finish this look with neutral leather ankle boots to allow the garments to make a statement.

Oversized bomber jacket + floral-print dress + chunky sneakers

This outfit embraces opposing elements with the nylon bomber’s sporty nature and the graceful essence of the floral-print dress. Styling utilitarian garments with florals can shift the print from ultra-feminine to edgy in minutes. Complete the look with chunky designer sneakers or heels, a structured handbag, and sunglasses.

Mock-neck sweater + long dress + statement boots

This outfit is great for temperate winters when the weather is cool but not cold enough to warrant a jacket or coat. Choose a loose-fitting maxi dress with an asymmetrical or paneled hem, topping it with an oversized alpaca mock neck in a brightly contrasting shade. Finish off the look with bold statement boots in an original pattern or metallic material.

Long leather jacket + turtleneck dress + platform boots

Sleek leather jackets and rich knit dresses pair exceptionally well together. Stick to simple shades and accessorize with a bright plaid scarf and leather or wool gloves.

Blazer + cardigan + sleeveless dress + boots

If the dress is sleeveless, wear a light cardigan sweater beneath a blazer for added warmth. Choose a sophisticated black velvet or checkered wool blazer and layer it over simple black or white dresses. Wear the blazer open in mild winter climates, or for crisper weather, cinch it with a corset belt, topping off the look with a scarf.

Trench coat + pullover + casual dress + boots

A playfully printed casual dress peeking out from beneath a patterned sweater is a go-to look for fall and winter fits. When the weather cools, wrap up in a patterned wool trench coat and a colorful scarf. Long dresses can easily cover leggings or tights to add extra comfort to this look.

Wool coat + sweater dress + loafers

Sweater dresses are designed with comfort and chilly weather in mind, with thick fabrics and generous silhouettes. The textured and knit fabrics pair well with wool coats, a combination that’s equally fashionable in monochromatic or contrasting colors. Add smart leather loafers with metal hardware and bold jewelry to complete the look.

MAKE EVERY SEASON COUNT

Regardless of the weather, designer clothing, handbags, and accessories bring a touch of luxury to any wardrobe. Book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor for help finding and styling trendy maxi dresses for winter.