Winterizing my Summer Maxi Dress

I bought this maxi dress at the end of summer knowing I’d get more wear out of it during fall and winter with sweaters layered over top.

Re-styling last summer’s maxi for this fall/winter

Re-styling summery maxi dresses for fall/winter is my favorite–it’s just so cozy and the additional layers add this cool factor that’s impossible to nail when it’s hot out. I’m forever a midwest, cold-weather preferring person.

This dress is pretty low cut so I prefer to layer over it and dress it down. Last time I wore it, it was for a wedding and I styled it more classic–but I much prefer to toughen up a pretty dress. You can dress down a maxi dress with a cropped sweater or top (tying it as a crop), a chunky oversized turtleneck, oversized cardigans or a tied up t-shirt with a leather jacket layered on top. For shoes, I chose flat leather boots instead of something heeled to keep with the goal of styling it more casually. Combat boots, simple Chelsea boots or slip-on sneakers are all shoes that would work great with a maxi dress transitioning to cooler weather.

Recreating this Look

Leopard print dress: This leopard print dress I’m wearing is sold out everywhere, but some other great options include this $99 leopard wrap dress–it’s flowy and maxi length and perfect for holiday occasions. Or this midi-length dress has such a flattering silhouette. This satin slip dress version by & Other Stories has a silhouette very similar to mine, slightly shorter, but so cute and just $99.

Chunky sweaters: This cozy chunky sweater is the perfect everyday sweater, easy to layer on over a dress or wear with jeans. I think everyone needs that classic cream sweater like this in their closet. And I must say, I’ve been eyeing this Free People softly structured tunic sweater because I love the silhouette and the colors it’s available in AND it’s finally on sale, 30% off. I love it in every color, especially terracotta.

Black Boots: These chic black ankle boots are 20% off right now and these can be styled with virtually anything year round–especially fall/winter. And these classic black boots look similar to mine, but 1/4 the price. Sorel boots are always my favorite and these waterproof Chelsea boots are equally functional and cute–perfect for snow and rain. I couldn’t pick my favorite boots from the Nordstrom shoe sale section since all of them are so great from the over-the-knee boots to ankle boots.

Maxi dress by Line and Dot | sweater from Zara | boots c/o La Canadienne | bag by Chanel | sunglasses by Quay

Photography by Emily Mata