As a mom of two, few outfits make me feel as confident and comfortable as a maxi dress. Don’t get me wrong: I love the cozy knits and jackets of fall and winter. But at the end of the day, it’s hard to beat the effortless summer style of a throw-on-and-go maxi dress that immediately makes you feel put together. And bonus points must be awarded for the fact that maxi dresses are long enough that you don’t have to worry about any toddler pulling up a shorter skirt in public (true story), or fret about a too-short dress when you’re on the ground with a baby (also accurate).
I spent the first few years of motherhood in Florida, so I was used to a maxi dress being a perfectly reasonable year-round uniform. But after a move to the Northeast, we’re prepping for far cooler autumn days ahead, which means I’m switching tactics on what my fall style will look like. However, that doesn’t mean I’m giving up on my maxi dresses entirely. Instead, I’m finding clever ways to transition my summer maxi dress into the fall season.
Why maxi dresses are the perfect fall outfit for moms
I am just barely over five feet tall, so when I tell people my favorite silhouette to wear is a maxi dress, I often get met with raised eyebrows. But, hear me out! As I’ve gone through pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood, maxi dresses have become one of my most reliable staples. Typically, they’re a comfortable style that can easily be dressed for any occasion, whether it’s with sneakers for school drop-off or worn with heels for a nicer event.
For me, they’re also a way to feel put together when I am very much not, a feeling I think any mom can relate to. If I only have five minutes in the morning to get ready, I find throwing on a maxi dress immediately makes me look like I put a little more time and thought into my look than I already did. (Bonus points for those very real times I haven’t been able to shave my legs).
With a longer skirt that provides added warmth, they are also an easier piece to transition into fall. There are a plethora of ways you can make this typical summer staple appropriate for sweater weather.
How to style maxi dresses for fall
From layering knits and jackets to adding fall accessories, there are several ways you can make your summer maxi dress perfect for cooler weather. Being able to transition your warmer-weather clothes to cooler days and nights has the added benefit of using what’s already in your closet. No need to buy an entirely new set of dresses for the season. You can shop your existing wardrobe to make for the perfect seasonal transition.
Add a leather or denim jacket
The easiest way to make a warm-weather outfit cold-weather appropriate? Layers! A great option is to add a jacket, whether that’s denim, leather, or even a barn jacket. I love the juxtaposition of an edgier jacket with summer patterns, topped off with some knee-high boots for more autumnal flair.
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Accessorize with fall staples
Adding fall accessories to a summer dress is another way to bring your look into PSL season. Pop a cardigan on top of a sleeveless dress like this, and pair it with more fall-friendly patterns and accessories, such as a paisley scarf (which can be worn on your neck, in your hair, on your bag, or even as a belt!).
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Add a short-sleeve denim top
While a sweater on top may be more appropriate for truly cool weather, before you get to that point, you can go with a lighter layer like this short-sleeve denim shirt. The maxi skirt of the dress looks great with a bit of texture, adding just enough coverage to keep you warm on those first crisp days of fall.
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Layer with an oversized crewneck sweater
Nothing makes me feel more like I stepped out of a Practical Magic scene than a maxi skirt and chunky sweater on top. While this can be achieved with a skirt and sweater, I have always loved the hack of adding a comfy knit on top of my favorite summer maxi dress. A boxy crew sweater hangs perfectly over the maxi skirt of this dress. Pairing it with some fall accessories, like red sneakers, helps to bring it into the next season.
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Wear with western-inspired boots
Western-inspired boots are another easy add-on to bring your summer look into fall. This smocked dress is one of my most-worn summer items, with breathable fabric and sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulder. To warm things up, an easy addition would be some tall boots underneath, like these suede heels. For cooler days, layer a jacket, such as these gorgeous denim trench.
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The classic black maxi dress is a summer staple, and you can easily bring it into autumn by pairing it with a striped button-up for extra warmth. Wear it with a simple gold necklace for some added accessories, along with some suede boat shoes.
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Morgan Flaherty, Contributing Writer
Morgan is full-time writer, editor, and mom. Along with her work as a contributing writer for The Everymom on all things Disney World, beauty products, and the latest fashion trends, her writing has appeared in Well + Good, InStyle, Scary Mommy, Byrdie, and Baby Chick.
