When I say that winter is my favourite season to dress for, it comes with a caveat, and that's when I have the time to do it justice. If the mornings are slower, I revel in layering up merino tops and cashmere finishes, mixing and matching knitwear and satins and indulging in playful accessories of cosy mittens and sleek scarves. But as the busiest time of the year, those languid mornings are few and far between, and getting dressed for the winter months can feel like an added task that our extensive to-do lists simply don't need. My solution? The winter maxi dress.
Easy to throw on and even easier to style, it's a piece that will consistently serve your wardrobe when the temperatures drop. Whether facing a day in the office, a stroll to your favourite coffee shop or even an evening out, simply let a maxi dress do all the heavy lifting this winter.
The elegance of the silhouette speaks for itself, meaning you don't have to do much to form a seriously put-together look when there are only 5 minutes to get ready. For day, slip on boots or flats with a dash of classic jewellery and you're all set, and for evening swap in mules or heeled boots for a more elevated appeal. Finally, call upon your trusted winter coat to pull the ensemble together and you're all set to take on the day, come rain, shine or snow.
At this time of year, our dresses deviate from the linens of summer or light cottons of autumn and spring, honing in on soft knits for the day, and elegant silks for evenings. Taking inspiration from some of our favourite fashion people, I've separated the best winter maxi dresses into four categories, covering the most popular, wearable and timeless styles around.
Keep scrolling to explore the best winter maxi dresses now.
Shop the Best Winter Maxi Dresses:
1. The Best Knit Winter Maxi Dresses
Style Notes: For those who want to be cosy, a knit dress is ideal, and with an elegant silhouette, these can easily transform to evening as needed.
Shop the best knit winter maxi dresses:
If cosy and chic is what you're looking for, meet COS's brushed cashmere maxi dress.
I adore everything about this dress.
Simple and refined.
From the bold shoulders to the softly draped pleats, there's a lot to love about this dress.
For a more affordable option, look to Mango's classic knitted turtleneck dress.
Made from 100% cashmere.
2. The Best Evening Winter Maxi Dresses
Style Notes: With plenty of parties, drinks events and celebrations on the horizon, I've pulled together a selection of compliment-inducing evening dresses in maxi form that you're sure to re-wear come 2025.
Shop the best evening winter maxi dresses:
This also comes in deep red and classic black.
You'll wear this every season.
Just wait until you see the back.
I can't believe this is still in stock.
Sometimes simple ruching is all that's needed for a highly elegant look.
Reformation always excels in the dress department.
I have a feeling this will become a new Toteme icon.
3. The Best Black Winter Maxi Dresses
Style Notes: The Little Black Dress can take a break, as the Long Black Dress steps in. Find the best black maxi dresses for winter below.
Shop the best black winter maxi dresses:
A black maxi dress with black accessories is so elegant.
Off-the-shoulder necklines are trending right now.
A style you'll wear all year round.
It's hard to believe this is from the high street.
Well done, Rixo.
For evening, I'd add oversized gold jewellery and a gold chain belt.
4. The Best Patterned Winter Maxi Dresses
Style Notes: If monochromatic palettes just won't do, there's an array of playful prints ready to join your winter wardrobe immediately. From florals to stripes, these contenders are sure to be favourites through 2025 too.
Shop the best pattern winter maxi dresses:
Just add brown knee high boots.
The burgundy tone brings this dress into winter.
This dress is destined to turn heads.
I can see this selling out quickly.
I've had my eye on this dress since it first launched.
A day to night marvel.
The back is so beautiful.
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