What coat to wear with a maxi dress?

Wearing a long dress in winter is definitely possible. Whether it's made of wool, styled like a sweater, or features fun patterns, long dresses are very trendy. To wear it comfortably in any situation without feeling the chill, it's important to choose the right coat to pair it with. Here are some tips.

Basic Rules

Balancing the Volumes

The golden rule for pairing a coat with your long dress is to pay special attention to proportions. Oversized jackets or puffer coats can make you look bulkier, so it's best to avoid them.

Your coat should be fitted and close to your body.

In terms of collars, you can choose from styles like a shirt collar, a V-neck with fur trim, or a round collar. You can accessorise with a scarf or shawl. A hooded coat is also practical and on-trend. If the hood is removable, make sure there's a flap to hide the zipper when you take it off.

Choosing the Right Accessories

In winter, certain accessories are a must-have when wearing a long dress. To combat the cold, tights are definitely essential. Alongside your coat, a scarf can really elevate your outfit. Go for oversized, classic, or checked patterns to add a splash of colour to your ensemble. Don't forget about the bohemian hat. It’s a trendy accessory that not only keeps you warm but also elongates your silhouette.

When it comes to footwear, high-heeled boots are always a reliable choice. You can also consider block-heeled ankle boots for a stylish alternative.

The Right Length

When wearing a long dress, avoid wearing a coat that falls to mid-thigh or knee length. It won't create a flattering silhouette.
Opt for a short coat that sits just below the hips, or a longer one that suits your body shape and the style you want to achieve.

The Short Coat

With a drop waist design, it's especially suited for slender and petite figures. You can wear it casually every day.

The Mid-Length Coat

The only mid-length style suitable for your long dress is one that falls just below the hips. A three-quarter coat should be avoided.

You can wear it for everyday or work situations with a casual vibe.

It can be styled belted or straight, depending on your body shape. For an H-shaped silhouette, a straight cut is ideal and offers a less formal touch. On the other hand, a belted style will accentuate the curves of other body shapes.

The Long Coat

It is more suitable for larger sizes. It falls down to the lower calf or ankles and can even brush against your heels.
The long coat is worn fitted and belted. This accentuates your waist and hips for a very chic look.
This is what you should wear for special occasions like weddings, dinners, receptions, and more.

Materials and Colours

Heat Comes First

The materials used for your coat should be warm and durable, while still maintaining enough flexibility to keep the garment comfortable.

Although it's not the most common fabric, you can opt for fur on a long dress. Just make sure that the cut of your coat is short and that the volume isn't too heavy.

The Wool Coat

This is a must-have piece for your winter outfits! Its classic style goes well with all the pieces in your wardrobe. It’s a warm, comfortable coat that’s easy to wear, perfect for any occasion.

It can be made from wool or cashmere blended with other synthetic materials.

The Chunky Knit Coat

It can also be referred to as a chunky knit vest. As the name suggests, it should be made of thick yarn. It is worn long and usually has pockets. You can use it to complete a casual bohemian look. However, be mindful that the knit is not too loose, so it doesn’t let the cold in.

The Shearling Coat

It's a suede coat with the leather side facing out and the wool side on the inside. This fabric is warm, soft, and comfortable, offering a relaxed and timeless style.

Colours and Patterns

If you choose patterns, there are several looks you can try: go for ethnic designs for a bohemian style, or opt for checks for a classic Scottish look.

If you prefer to wear a solid coat, neutral tones are always a safe bet, no matter what outfit you're wearing. Just make sure to select your solid colour based on your hair colour to avoid a matchy-matchy effect.

In neutral colours, black, grey, navy blue, beige, off-white, taupe… are the most common. But you can also choose powdery shades, or classic colours like denim, emerald, and burgundy.

If you're looking for a coat to wear casually, you can opt for brighter shades like crimson red, fuchsia, mustard yellow, or violet.

For an ultra chic style, go for a white coat. Although it can be hard to maintain, it's a trendy colour that brightens up your face and elevates your outfit.