Are you looking to add some flowy, feminine flair to your wardrobe? Look no further than the maxi dress! These versatile dresses can be dressed up or down for any occasion, but the sheer length can leave many wondering how to style them without looking frumpy or drowning in fabric.
Fear not, fashionistas – in this article, we’ll dive into the world of maxi dress styling, providing you with the ultimate guide to rocking this trendy and comfortable piece of clothing. From finding the perfect fit to accessorizing and occasion-specific styles, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to unleash your inner bohemian goddess and turn heads wherever you go with these top tips on how to style a maxi dress!
Table of Contents
What Is a Maxi Dress?
A maxi dress is a type of long dress that falls down to the ankle or floor. It is typically made of a lightweight, flowy fabric and can come in a variety of styles, including strapless, halter neck, or sleeves. Maxi dresses are often associated with warm weather and casual events, such as beach outings or summer parties. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Maxi dresses can also be worn with a variety of accessories, such as belts, jewelry, and hats, to complete the look.
Why Maxi Dresses are Popular?
The maxi dress is a classic, but it’s not just for grandmas anymore. Maxi dresses are all about freedom and comfort. They offer you the ability to be comfortable, while still looking stylish. You can wear a maxi dress with any type of footwear that you want, from heels to sneakers, which is what makes them perfect for multiple occasions. They’re long enough to keep you covered but short enough to feel comfortable, light, and breezy. They’re the perfect garment for warm weather, and they’re so easy to wear: just throw them on and go!
The Importance of Styling Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses are a great way to look stylish with minimal effort. They’re perfect for any occasion, from work to a night out with friends! Maxi dresses come in all different styles and colors, so I’m sure you will find the right one for you. There’s no need to worry about how you’ll match your shoes or simple accessories—you can wear any color shoe or handbag with any maxi dress! You can pair your maxi dress with anything from sneakers to heels, depending on the occasion. If you’re going out for dinner, try pairing your maxi dress styles with some strappy sandals; if you’re going to work, opt for flats instead!
Finding the Perfect Maxi Dress
Determine the Occasion
Knowing the occasion that you are about to attend and the level of formality is an important aspect that should not be overlooked when choosing your dress. Consider the following examples:
Wedding – a long, flowy dress is probably the right choice. You can’t go wrong with a classic look when it comes time to get married!
Party – something shorter and sexier might be more appropriate—you’ll want to show off your legs, after all!
Shopping – You want to wear something comfortable that keeps you cool in the summer heat. A short maxi dress will do just fine for this occasion as well.
Identify the Right Fit
Knowing what maxi dress styles suit you best can make a difference between a sloppy look and a gorgeous one:
Make sure the maxi dress fits in all the right places—this means it should be loose enough at the top but not too tight at the waist or hips.
Try your dress on while wearing the types of shoes that you plan on wearing. You don’t want to take a dress that is either too short or too long.
If you have curves, choose a maxi dress with a V-neck or other cutout detail that hits just high enough on your torso.
Choose the Right Fabric
Choosing the right fabric for your maxi dress is important and here is what you should take into account:
If you’re attending a summer wedding, a light, and airy cotton or linen maxi dress can be a comfortable and stylish option. Look for a fabric that is breathable and easy to move in.
For a more formal event, consider a maxi dress in silk or chiffon. These fabrics have a more elegant and luxurious feel and can be draped in a way that flatters your figure.
If you’re looking for a casual, bohemian-inspired maxi dress, consider a knit or jersey fabric. These fabrics are comfortable and easy to wear a maxi dress that can be dressed up or down depending on different occasions.
Consider Your Body Type
Not all dresses are for everyone, so remember to consider your body shape when choosing your dress styles:
If you have an hourglass figure, choose a maxi dress that emphasizes your waistline and hugs your curves. Look for a dress with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt that skims over your hips.
If you have a pear-shaped figure, consider a maxi dress with an A-line skirt that flares out from the waist down.
If you have a petite figure, choose a maxi dress that is not too long and overwhelms your frame. Look for a dress with a high waistline and a vertical pattern or print that elongates your silhouette.
What Shoes to Wear with a Maxi Dress?
Choose the right pair of shoes for your maxi dress according to the event that you are about to attend. However, if you are still stuck, here are some ideas:
Sandals – I love wearing heeled sandals with my maxi dresses, especially in the summer. They are chic, simple, and yet feminine enough to be worn even on a date or wear flip flops.
Heels – These shoes are perfect for a more formal or elegant look. I believe wedge heels work best with either long maxi dresses or midi-dresses.
Boots – If you want to add some edge to your look, try wearing boots with your maxi dress style instead of heels or sandals—you’ll be able to stand out from the crowd while still keeping things comfortable enough for all-day wear!
How to Accessorize a Maxi Dress
Jewelry
Who doesn’t love jewelry? They may be women’s favorite accessories, so it’s not a surprise that they go great with overalls as well:
To accessorize a maxi dress for a beach wedding or a bohemian-inspired event, pair it with some long, dangling earrings, a few stacked bangles, and a statement ring.
For a more formal occasion, pair your maxi dress with some elegant and refined jewelry, such as a delicate pendant necklace, a pair of drop earrings, and a simple bracelet.
If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your maxi dress, try layering some bright and playful jewelry. Pair your dress with some colorful statement earrings, a chunky necklace, and a few bold bracelets or bangles.
Bags
The reason why I love maxi dresses so much is that they are so versatile and can be combined with so many items. They can be worn with anything, from flip-flops to boots, and they go with so many dresses, no matter the color. If you don’t know what bag to choose with your maxi dress, consider the following examples:
A shoulder bag – This is a good option for when you want to look polished but still casual.
A crossbody bag – This is great for when you want to be hands-free.
A bucket bag or backpack – These are awesome if you’re going out for the night and need room for all your makeup and accessories!
Hats
Maxi dresses are so fun, offering you the opportunity to play with your items and create amazing outfits. Hats are a beloved and versatile accessory, so it is no wonder that they can also be paired with long dresses. If you don’t know what will work, here are some ideas:
A wide-brimmed hat with a wide ribbon – This is a classic look that will always be in style.
A headband with a bow in the back for a ruffled effect – You can also add flowers or feathers to this look for extra flair!
A fedora-style hat in black or brown leather – This is great for those who want something formal but still playful—it’s the perfect combination of sophistication and whimsy!
Belts
A belt can be the cherry on top of an already great look. It can emphasize your look and highlight your waist.
To add some shape to a flowy maxi dress, cinch it at the waist with a wide or skinny belt. A leather or suede belt in a neutral color will work well with any print or solid-color long dress.
For a bohemian-inspired look, try a braided or woven belt with a tassel accent.
If you’re looking for a more glamorous or formal look, choose a metallic or jeweled belt. This will add some sparkle and shine to your maxi dress, and make it appropriate for a dressier occasion like a wedding or cocktail party.
Styling Tips for Maxi Dresses
Layering
Maxi dresses are a great option for summer, but who says you can’t wear them in autumn or winter too? With the right layer on top, they will help you create a beautiful outfit:
- A jacket is a versatile layering piece of clothing that can add a casual and stylish touch to a maxi dress.
- A light cardigan is a cozy layering option that can add warmth to your maxi dress on cooler days.
- A blazer is a great layering piece of clothing for dressing up your long dress for a special occasion or work.
Mixing and Matching Patterns
Mixing patterns can be a little bit of a gamble, but with the right pieces, you can pull off some seriously chic combinations! Here are some tips for how to style your long dress:
Make sure your patterns are all different sizes. If they’re too similar in scale, it’ll look like an accident.
Don’t mix too many patterns at once. You want to keep things simple and elegant.
Stick to one color family per outfit—this gives your look some cohesion and helps keep it from looking too busy or over-the-top.
If you’re worried about mixing prints, stick to solids that have a similar color palette; this way they’ll feel confident like they belong together without being too matchy-matchy.
Adding a Denim Jacket
- The denim jacket is a great piece to add to your wardrobe in the summertime. Add it on top of your maxi dress and create a relaxed and laid-back look. Here’s how to do it:
- Put it over your shoulders for a more relaxed and laid-back look
- Choose an oversized denim jacket to keep the flowy look that the maxi dress already gives
- Choose a jacket in the opposite color to one of your dress styles.
Adding a Scarf
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your maxi dress, look no further than a scarf. You can use any scarf you like—whether it’s in your closet, or if you want to purchase one specifically for this look. Here are some ideas:
Wear a maxi dress with a scarf as a headband, wrapping it around your hair and tying it in the back.
Tie the scarf around your waist, letting it hang in front and behind you.
Tuck the scarf into the top of your dress, then wrap it around so that it hangs down over one shoulder, like a cape or shawl.
Choosing the Right Undergarments
Choosing the proper undergarments for your maxi dress isn’t as easy as it seems.
Think about what kind of maxi dress you’re wearing. You may have a strapless dress or one with spaghetti straps. If so, you’ll want something that will hold everything in place while still being comfortable enough to wear a maxi dress all day long.
If your maxi dress is low-cut or has a deep v-neckline, then you’ll want something that will show off your chest without showing too much cleavage.
If you’re wearing a maxi dress with an empire waistline, then consider choosing undergarments that are cut high on the waist to help minimize any bulges around the stomach area.
Occasion-specific Maxi Dress Styles
Beach
When it comes to styling a maxi dress for the beach, comfort and practicality are key. Opt for a lightweight and breathable fabric such as cotton or linen, and choose a relaxed, flowy silhouette that allows for movement and ventilation. Pair with some flat sandals or espadrilles, and accessorize with a straw hat, oversized sunglasses, and a woven beach bag to carry your essentials. You can also add a pop of color with some statement jewelry or a bright beach cover-up for a playful and beachy look.
Evening
When it comes to evening wear, the dress you wear can make or break your entire look, so choose wisely. Maxi dresses are perfect for an evening event because they’re feminine and flattering, but still offer a little mystery. They’re also easy to wear—you don’t have to worry about how much skin you’re showing or whether or not your outfit is too revealing. And best of all? You won’t be overheating in a maxi dress during the summer months!
Work
A maxi dress is the perfect outfit for a busy day at work. It’s comfortable, easy to wear, and looks great on just about any body type. Maxi dresses are a great choice if you want to look professional without being stuffy. If your dress is ankle length you can get away with wearing flats or sneakers for a casual appearance that’s still professional enough for work.
Casual
What I usually do is aim for a laid-back yet polished look. Choose a dress in a soft, comfortable fabric such as a jersey or modal, and opt for a muted color or a simple print. Pair with some white sneakers or ankle boots for a casual vibe, and accessorize with a moto jacket or a cozy cardigan. You can also add some interest with a necklace or some layered bracelets for a touch of personality.
Formal events
Whether we are talking about a dinner party or a date, you have to choose a dress in a luxe fabric such as silk or chiffon and opt for a solid color or a subtle print. Pair with some strappy heels or elegant pumps, and accessorize with some statement earrings or a clutch. You can also add some interest with a statement necklace or a delicate bracelet. Consider wearing your hair in an updo or a sleek maxi dress to complete the formal look.
Final Thoughts about How to Style a Maxi Dress
Knowing the occasion and the time of the event will make a huge difference in the accessories that you choose, from jewelry, hats, bags, and shoes. You must take all of these into consideration and you must also take into account the maxi style of your maxi dress. All of these aspects will dictate your entire look.
Importance of personal style when you wear maxi dresses
When it comes to how to style a maxi dress, it’s important to remember that they should be the ones that fit your personal style, not the other way around. This means that your personal tastes are going to be your most important guide when choosing what goes with your outfit.
Final Tips on How to Style a Maxi Dress
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your maxi dress, and don’t let the word “dress” trick you into thinking that this item can be worn only on elegant occasions. Add some sneakers and a moto jacket for a day out shopping and a pair of heels and a necklace for a dinner party. You just need to keep in mind the event that you are going to attend.
This element will be very important when deciding how to best style your maxi dress. Maxi dresses come in a variety of prints and colors, so have fun experimenting with different patterns and hues that complement your skin tone and personal style.
