What Shoes to Wear with a Maxi Dress in Winter

Dressing for winter means toeing a fine line between style and functionality when you do not want to sacrifice one for the other, and you might frequently find yourself asking how you are meant to dress for the weather without compromising your overall look. Just because the temperatures are dropping for the next few months does not mean that your maxi dresses are put into retirement until next Spring - let them pull double duty as winter wear by styling them smartly with clever layers and stylish shoes, giving you so many more options to choose from even in the coldest time of the year.

Understanding Our Different Styles

If you are ready to revamp your winter shoe selection, Mavette has you covered. Made in Italy from supple leathers and suedes, every option is as versatile as it is timeless, and there are options in black, brown, and ivory neutrals.

The Loreto is a knee-high stretch suede boot with sharp lines and tonal piping. The 3" stacked heel is offset by a hidden platform at the toe box, allowing for all-day comfort with our proprietary comfort technology and arch support. Sleek enough to be easily dressed up, these boots pair well with structured looks and all hemlines.

The Aria is a pointed-toe Chelsea boot cut from pebbled leather with elastic gore side gussets, classic back pull tab, and tonal piping details throughout. Perfect for dressing up or down, the cushioned insole and 2" stacked leather heel are comfortable enough to wear all day.

The Alberta is a knee-high water-resistant suede lug boot  with a side-zip closure that allows for easy entry and enough stretch to fit any calf. Its timeless, minimal design can be worn with everything from leather leggings to tights and dresses and will take you comfortably through winter with its cushioned insoles.

The Aida is a casual throw-on-and-go boot to wear everywhere, cut from pebbled leather with a padded sole. The slim silhouette pairs well with everything from leather trousers and wide-leg denim to your most feminine dress or maxi skirt.

 

The Genova is a mixed material stretch bootie with a leather toe box and heel, front zip closure, and playful ring detail. Its sleek fit and sharp lines offer any outfit an elevated look, while the cushioned insole and 2.5" stacked heel make them comfortable enough for all-day, everyday wear.

The Vivian is our take on the perfect leather mid-calf boot. Designed to hit at the perfect height, the silhouette and ruching are flattering on any leg, while the generous calf accommodates many different sizes.

Based on our best-selling loafer, our Fiona boot has subtle piping to create elegant lines that are both flattering and eye-catching. Handmade in Italy from buttery soft calfskin, this is a craftsman piece made to last for years to come and get more comfortable with every wear.

10 Ways to Style Maxi Dresses in Winter

Here are 10 expert tips on how to maximize style and elegance in a maxi dress with the right shoe collection:

#1 Elegance in Noir

Have a winter soirée that calls for something elegant? The Loreto knee-high boot would be a perfect option. With knee-high beautiful lines and a comfortable heel, the lush suede would be a beautiful juxtaposition to a black maxi dress - especially if the skirt has a slit to show off more boot. A monochrome look is always a good call, and the boots will add a sleek structure to your maxi dress outfit.

#2 Cashmere Whispers

Winter is the time for indulgence in textures like cashmere. Slip into your most indulgent knit maxi dress, ideally in a shade of brown or tan, and a tonal pair of tights. For shoes, you can really go one of three ways, all in a luxurious brown suede: the Alberta, for some additional covert warmth; the Vivian high-heel boots, for some added textural intrigue with its slouchy silhouette; or the Aria for a clean pointed-toe and Chelsea boot detailing. Whichever you choose, our options offer warmth, comfort, and style.

#3 A Tailored Cinch

If your style leans toward tailored elegance, grab your maxi dress and a leather belt and cinch it the long dress in at your natural waist. Whatever color your belt is, your shoes should match. Black? Choose the Genova or Fiona. Brown? The Alberta if you want a flat boot, the Aria if you want a bit of lift.

#4 Velvet Dream 

For those with a luxurious velvet maxi dress, contrasting leather boots are a stylish choice. Hopefully, it’s a jewel tone, but a neutral will work just as well. Playing off the opulent texture of the fabric, choose a well-matched leather boot for a nice visual contrast. Velvet is simple to dress up for a night on the town, so save this one for a cold night when you have plans.

#5 Urban Legend

Grab your edgiest black maxi - maybe it is backless, has side cutouts, or leather accents. If it’s feeling a little plain, a wide black leather obi-style waist belt or a leather jacket would be a stylish addition to this outfit. You already know what we need next (black leather boots). Choose the Fiona.

#6 A Play on Patterns

A maxi dress with a fun pattern is the perfect piece to reach for when the winter doldrums hit. Choose your boot based on the vibe of the pattern. Brown and classic? The Alberta or the Aria are perfect. A little more neutral? The Fiona in ivory if you want some lift, otherwise go for the Aida. Need to pair it with a black shoe? Choose based on what texture you’d prefer, and opt for the Fiona or Aida if you want leather, the Alberta or Loreto if you want suede, or the Genova if you want something a bit more playful.

#7 A Play on Patterns, Continued

If the pattern is more subdued and can stand up to some additional visual interest, you must pick the Vivian. Available in black leather, as well as brown and tan suedes, the slouchy silhouette is an impossibly chic option when paired with a quiet print or a flowy maxi dress.

#8 Balletcore

 A knit wrap maxi dress in a dove grey is a whimsical nod to the current balletcore trend. Slick your hair back into your best ballerina bun, a pink cheek, and either the black suede Alberta or Loreto gives a very chic, winter-perfect look that almost mimics the simplicity of a traditional ballet flat 

#9 Winter Whites

A white maxi dress and overcoat combo is stunning on its own. Add in some simple jewelry and the Fiona in white, this is winter whites at their finest.

#10 Leather Luxe

Style a black leather trench-inspired dress with either the slouchy Vivian, the heeled Loreto, or the flat Alberta. This style is the perfect edgy-chic look that seems much harder to pull off than it actually is. Throw on a bold lip - you’re set.

Maximizing Your Maxi Dress Style for the Winter

Maxi dresses can easily be worn all winter long with the proper styling. Our last style tips? Layer up, choose luxe natural fabrics that will really keep you warm, and pick the perfect shoe from our collection to complete your look. Whether it's knee-high boots, combat boots, or chunky heels for indoor events, Mavette has the right shoe for your winter maxi dress.

Boots from Mavette provide more than warmth, though: they bring you Italian-made, timeless style that will carry you season after season, year after year.

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