Winter Maxi Dresses Are Officially a Thing

The phrase “winter maxi dresses” seems inherently oxymoronic. Because breezy silhouettes should be reserved for the calendar’s warmest months, right? Because summer is the only season where comfy-cute dressing is a priority, and winter is strictly for bundling up in chunky knits, scarves and coats, right?

Though this logic is commonly held, your favorite retailers have taken to challenging it. They’ve stocked up on maxi dresses en masse—in the middle of winter—leaving winter maxi dresses feeling less oxymoronic than they ever have before. One simple fact has become undeniable: Winter maxi dresses are here, and they promise to leave our winter wardrobes way more dynamic than they found them.

I first encountered a winter maxi dress in the wild in December, when a friend of mine wore one to dinner. The dress was floor-length, and its flowy cut screamed of summer. But its thick, forest-green fabric communicated otherwise; this maxi was strictly intended for cold weather. The piece perplexed—and then delighted—me. I’d never before seen a maxi dress look so at home in a genuinely chilly environment.

I spent the next few days perusing my go-to retailers for similar pieces, and I found them—in spades. Shopbop, Matches Fashion, Farfetch and ASOS had collectively embraced the winter maxi dress trend. I saw floor-length striped gowns, dark floral prints, elongated plaid button-downs and sweater dresses that grazed the ground.

The most astounding part of this discovery wasn’t just that winter maxi dresses existed—it was that they existed in truly diverse varieties. The winter maxi dress selection I came across was far more exciting than the ones I’d seen in the summer. It became clear to me that winter maxi dresses weren’t just redefining what winter fashion looked like—they were reimagining what maxi dresses looked like, too.

Ahead, you’ll find a visual (and shoppable) guide to the winter maxi dress in all its statement-making glory. And the best part of all of this? You can layer all kinds of tights, leggings and pants under most of these winter maxi dresses, so you can probably stay warmer in them than you can in your go-to trousers. Talk about a winter win.

Raey Gathered-Neck Velvet Maxi Dress, $767 at Matches Fashion

Nothing says winter like floor-length velvet.

Ann Demeulemeester Pleated Charmeuse Dress, $762 at Matches Fashion

Your favorite shirtdress just got a winter-appropriate makeover.

Colorblock Knit Dress, $69.90 at Zara

A sweater dress that promises to keep your entire body—your arms, your legs, your ankles—warm.

Y.A.S. Flocked Floral Asymmetric Midaxi Dress, $127 at ASOS

Not quite a maxi, but so cute—and winter-appropriate—that I couldn’t resist including it.

Lee Mathews Diana Satin Dress, $650 at Shopbop

The sleekest, most fashion-forward take on this trend imaginable.

Solace London Colorblock Maxi Dress, $258 at Farfetch

Your go-to ugly Christmas sweater got the maxi dress treatment.

Button-Through Floral Maxi Dress, $60 at ASOS

Fit for spring, summer, fall or winter, this versatile dress is practically begging to be added to your closet.

La DoubleJ Trapezio Dress, $895 at Farfetch

Because shift dresses don’t have to be short.

Ultimate T-Shirt Maxi Dress, $29 at ASOS

OK, you’ll definitely have to layer a cardigan (or something) over this one. But the cut and color feel so winter-appropriate I couldn’t help but include it.

Bordo de Nor Teodora Floral Print Maxi Dress, $299 at Farfetch

Florals rendered in black practically scream winter.

DVF Diane Von Furstenberg Striped Shirtdress, $299 at Farfetch

As if winter maxi dresses weren’t shocking enough already, this little number combines sports and stripes for next-level statement-making style.

La DoubleJ Maxi Shirtdress, $790 at Farfetch

I would live in this head-turner if I could.

Essentiel Antwerp Floral Maxi Dress, $441 at ASOS

Imagine all the likes you get if you uploaded a photo of yourself wearing this stunning white maxi in the snow.

The Vampire’s Wife Belle Padded Shoulder Maxi Dress, $777 at Farfetch

Work-appropriate, wedding-appropriate, party-appropriate—is there anything this dress can’t do?

Attico Checked Tie-Waist Shirtdress, $928 at Matches Fashion

Winter’s favorite print met summer’s favorite silhouette—and then they fell in love and produced this truly stunning shirtdress.

RIXO Lucy Dress, $420 at Shopbop

A turtleneck peasant dress is the ultimate encapsulation of the winter maxi dress trend.

Solace London Celina Ribbed Knit Dress, $238 at Farfetch

You’ve probably never wished for a floor-length, hot pink sweater dress. But now that it’s here, you want it, right?

Stine Goya Maxi Dress, $249 at Farfetch

So stunning I can’t stop staring at it.

Needle & Thread Painted Rose Gown, $469 at Shopbop

This is the stuff bohemian Instagram dreams are made of.

Nili Lotan Genevieve Dress, $450 at Shopbop

If my deep appreciation for velvet (and honestly, turtlenecks) wasn’t already obvious, I’m sure it is now.

Lost Ink Maxi Dress, $95 at ASOS

I honestly want to buy this just in case I get invited to a fancy event sometime soon. Because how badass would it be to show up in a floor-length animal print dress, paired with a really cool statement necklace (or something)? (And the best part? I could wear this to the office without attracting too many strange looks. This dress is that versatile.)

MSGM Chevron Maxi Dress, $422 at Farfetch

The stuff of statement-making sweater dress dreams. (I’m in love.)

Silk Jacquard Maxi Dress, $620 at Ganni

Sleek, understated and very winter in tone.

Free People Cozy Up Cardigan Dress, $117.50 at ASOS

So cozy you’ll probably want to wear it to sleep.

Lydia Floral Mesh Maxi Dress, $89 at Urban Outfitters

The floral maxi dress / chunky combat boot juxtaposition is just too much for my fashion-loving heart to handle.

Printed Georgette Wrap Dress, $270 at Ganni

Winter-facing in color and texture, this stunningly seasonal piece wants in on your closet now.

PushButton Floral Velvet Dress, $244 at Farfetch

Like I said, nothing says winter like floor-length velvet.

Kondo Your Home: 26 Home Storage Products That Are Equal Parts Cute and Practical

Each new year brings with it a handful of emotions: some level of excitement about the months that lie ahead, a renewed sense of ambition regarding the goals on my to-do list and an immense desire to purge literally everything I own. Home storage products—specifically, cute home storage products—offer me a way to feel like I’ve done so without actually making me do so. Which is pretty much the best thing a lazy minimalist, like me, could ask for.

Though receiving holiday gifts typically fills me with love, happiness and Christmas cheer—the practice also reminds me that I probably own too much stuff already, and that I could really benefit from some paring down. The new year is about new beginnings, after all, and who says my clean slate can’t start with a cleaner apartment? Wanting to Kondo my home and actually Kondoing my home are two different things, though. It’s super easy to idealize minimalism in theory; the practice of figuring out which material items I’m willing to part with is much, much harder.

But, as I said before, there’s a way around this: Home storage products let me cleanse my home of clutter without forcing me to break up with any of my favorite things.

Lesser-worn clothes find their way into rattan crates, which sit atop my closet shelf until I decide it’s time to pull them down. If I’m fishing an item of clothing out to wear, it stays; if I’m grabbing the basket because I haven’t touched it in literal months, all of its contents go to a nearby clothing donation center. Cozy blankets go into a woven basket that sits in my bedroom, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes; not only does the basket keep my room from feeling overrun with fluffy textiles, but it’s also cute enough to leave out even when it’s empty. And the myriad books I’ve stocked up on over the years get stored on every shelf I come across, where they serve as intellectual decor (until I decide it’s time for the least appreciated among them to meet the same fate as the lesser-worn clothing did).

These cute home storage products are absolutely magical—both because they make the transition to Kondoing my home a hell of a lot easier, and because they look good doing it. They’re a win for clean fiends and aesthetic-minded decorators, alike. Because try as we might, we can’t deny the sheer necessity of reorganizing our spaces periodically; we might as well do so in the chicest way possible.

As you go to draft your lineup of products that will help you kick absolute ass this new year, consider letting some of the following (veritably cute!) home storage products play point. They’re well worth the price of admission; as someone who’s actually purchased a handful of them, the feng shui ROI is straight-up invaluable.

Madras Rectangular Basket, $24.99 – $34.99 at World Market

Exciting? Not necessarily. But cute, versatile and practical—and really, what more do you need?

Corner Store Vinyl Storage Rack, $89 at Urban Outfitters

This one’s functionality isn’t restricted to records; store your files, magazines and coffee table books in this sleek shelving unit. (And throw in whatever other long, thin things you own, too.)

Alina Storage Ottoman, $149 at Urban Outfitters

Storage ottomans are never not cool.

Susie Metal Storage Cart, $99 at Urban Outfitters

Because we’re too old for traditional shower caddies. And if you have a fancy free-standing tub, this is pretty much your only option for getting organized.

Hanging Storage Cabinet, $228 at Anthropologie

A shelf so pretty you’ll actually look forward to filling it.

Louise Metal Basket (Set of 2), $79 at Urban Outfitters

Who said laundry baskets had to look like plastic crates?

Rustic Metal Side Table, $89 at Urban Outfitters

I bought this oh-so versatile shelving unit earlier this year, and I’ve never looked back. (It may be thin, but it can hold a ton of weight, y’all.)

Octagonal Tray Set, $40 at Anthropologie

Catchall trays are necessities for anyone who owns jewelry. And they’re cute enough to double as decor (with or without stuff on them).

Tasseled Pera Basket, $48 at Anthropologie

Perfect for blankets, throw pillows and other items that always seem to clutter your floor.

Alfa Fold Garment Rack, $228 at Anthropologie

Because clothing racks are a veritably cute way of expanding your closet into the rest of your space.

Aileen Jewelry Stand, $28 at Anthropologie

Perfect for the lipsticks, eyeshadows and bobby pins you’re always leaving all over the place.

Large Rattan Basket, $99.90 at Zara Home

The perfect solution to blanket bloat. (Big enough to hold your fluffiest textiles—transparent enough to show off how cute they are.)

Erin Metal Kitchen Cart, $99 at Urban Outfitters

Because apartment kitchens rarely have enough cabinet or pantry space—if they even have cabinets or pantries at all.

Burl Wood Hexagon Storage Boxes, $15.96 – $19.96 at CB2

Great for smaller items you don’t want on display 24/7.

Carson Magazine Rack, $88 – $118 at Anthropologie

Turn your favorite books and magazines into decor and fight clutter at the same time.

Asher 2-Tier Rolling Bar Cart, $199.99 at World Market

If you haven’t already hopped on the bar cart trend, now’s the time. Your alcohol deserves a clean slate, too.

Archer Rattan Basket, $99.95 at CB2

So cute it doesn’t even matter if you have stuff to put in it.

Hansa Hanging Letter Holder, $42 at Anthropologie

If your mail is piling up on your desk the same way mine is, this letter holder is a must-have.

Copper and Rope 3-Tier Hanging Basket, $$34.99 at World Market

I mean, you’re already in an organizing frenzy—why not organize your fruit, too?

Phoebe Three-Tiered Shelf, $348 at Anthropologie

The more pretty shelves, the merrier.

Mobile Hook Rack, $118 at Anthropologie

A coat rack for the person who doesn’t have room for an actual coat rack.

Olive Wood Salt Cellar, $19.99 at World Market

Technically intended for salt—but also great for holding earrings, rings and other trinkets.

Lexington Shelving Unit, $198 at Anthropologie

If your home is short on shelving, and your walls are sans decor, consider installing a couple chic-looking shelving units. You’re home will near-instantly get cleaner and cuter—a total win/win.

Gwendolyn Basket, $39 at Urban Outfitters

This basket is sitting currently sitting in my bedroom and holding all the blankets that aren’t on my bed.

Gold Pane Glass Jewelry Box, $24.99 at World Market

Jewelry boxes are a truly underrated way to keep track of your favorite baubles.

Mariella Bracket Wall Shelf, $34 at Urban Outfitters

This shelf is so cute you don’t even have to put something on it to appreciate it.

Glow Recipe’s New Budget-Friendly, K-Beauty Line Sweet Chef Is Launching At Target

Fifth Harmony’s Dinah Jane on Her Spicy Guilty Pleasure & Her on-Tour Health Secrets

Dinah Jane may be starting a solo career, but she’s no newcomer to the music industry. After six years with Fifth Harmony, three albums and several chart-topping singles, Jane—and her four Fifth Harmony members, Normani, Lauren Jauregui and Ally Brooke—went solo in March. And though their hiatus is indefinite, it doesn’t look like a reunion is coming any time soon.

For one, Jane recently released her first single as a solo artist, “Bottled Up,” a tropical-inspired R&B song with rappers Ty Dolla $ign and Marc E. Bassy, in September. Aware that her solo career wouldn’t have been possible without the success of Fifth Harmony, Jane is now using her platform to highlight rising artists, like herself, with Xfinity and Sofar Sounds’ “Future of Awesome” tour, a 12-city tour across the United States featuring artists hand-selected by Jane herself. (Fans can request tickets on Sofar’s website.) “I love that it’s a way for new artists to showcase their talent, and the list of artists I picked hits every genre of music,” Jane tells StyleCaster.

The tour has already kicked off in New York, but before Jane fully hit the road, she took some time to tell us about her on-tour health secrets and how she keeps a balanced diet and a steady fitness routine while traveling. Find out more about Jane on-the-road self-care regimen—and her spicy guilty-pleasure food—ahead.

Xfinity and Sofar Sounds.

For breakfast I had: I ate oatmeal and had a green tea for a little caffeinated boost to start my day. Oatmeal is a good breakfast option for me when I’m looking for something quick and easy yet healthy and filling.

For lunch I had: It was a busy day of press, so I had to eat on the go. For lunch today, I had a boiled egg for protein and a side of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, which is my weakness. When I have time to actually sit down for lunch, I do try to make sure I incorporate lots of protein and veggies into my meal.

Today I snacked on: BOOMCHICKAPOP popcorn is a snack that I can easily throw into my bag without any preparation before I head out the door for a shoot or rehearsal, and it won’t spoil during the day. I also really love raw carrots. The crunchiness of both these snacks is very satisfying to me.

My go-to healthy drink is: Aside from drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated during rehearsals and performances, I love the health benefits that kombucha (Synergy) offers. It’s full of antioxidants and probiotics that my body needs.

My favorite workout is: My favorite workout is running on the treadmill. I love it. It’s therapeutic for me and is a good way to prepare for or wind down from a busy day. Hiking is great too!

The top songs on my workout playlist right now are:  Right now, my go-to workout songs are “Bad Company” by A$AP Rocky featuring BlocBoy JB and “Watch n’ Learn” by Rihanna. For my cooldown after a workout, I listen to “6, 8, 12” by Brian McKnight. It’s my jam.

Making an effort to take time out for yourself—whether it’s working out or simply getting a good night’s rest—is definitely something I’d highly recommend for new artists. 

The one thing that always gets me motivated to work out is: I try and have a really positive outlook when I’m working out. It’s an important part of my self-care regimen. Running is actually something I look forward to doing no matter where I am in the world because it’s time I get to dedicate to myself. Making an effort to take time out for yourself—whether it’s working out or simply getting a good night’s rest—is definitely something I’d highly recommend for new artists.

My guilty pleasure food is: My guilty pleasure is XXTRA Flamin’ Hot Cheetos! Everyone knows they are my weakness! I grew up loving every spicy snack and meal that I came across.

Xfinity and Sofar Sounds.

My favorite healthy restaurant is:  When I’m in L.A., I try to make a trip to Tender Greens. I really enjoy their Caesar salad and adding steak and mashed potatoes on the side.

The three ingredients you’ll always find in my kitchen are: The three ingredients people will always find in my kitchen are Tapatío hot sauce, Sriracha and garlic powder.  I love food that is full of flavor and has a kick to it. These ingredients can really spice up the most basic recipes.

The best part of my job is: The best part about my job is that I get to travel the world and create music that I love. In addition to my single “Bottled Up,” I’m excited to share more new music I’ve been working on. Stay tuned!