How To Style A Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are a foundational piece that can fit any occasion. Whether you're running errands, road tripping to a festival or attending a wedding, a maxi dress offers endless styling possibilities.

Why We Love Maxi Dresses

Before we get into styling tips, let's first take a minute to appreciate boutique dresses - specifically why maxi dresses are an endlessly popular piece:

• Inclusive Style: Maxi dresses are designed to suit many body types, offering styles and cuts that cater to everyone.
• Effortless Style: With a maxi dress, a put-together look requires minimal effort. 
• Unmatched Versatility: The same maxi dress can be styled in countless ways, making it work for both casual and formal settings.
• Timeless Appeal: Maxi dresses have stood the test of time as a wardrobe staple, remaining relevant year after year for their practicality and style.

Styling Tips for Maxi Dresses

When it comes to styling maxi dresses, the devil is in the details. Elevating your look from ordinary to extraordinary often lies in the artful selection of accessories, the cinching of a belt, or the choice of the perfect pair of shoes.

Add Accessories

Accessories can elevate a maxi dress from simple to stunning. Add a straw hat, coordinating straw bag, and tortoise sunglasses for a chic daytime look. Statement jewelry and fun heels are all it takes your look from casual to elegant.

Cinch A Belt

Enhance the visual silhouette of your outfit by adding a belt to cinch at the waist. Whether you opt for a thin braided belt or a thicker standout style, adding a belt can transform the look of your maxi dress.

Layer with a Jacket or Blazer

For cooler spring or autumn days, layer your maxi dress with a jacket or blazer. A cropped denim jacket adds a casual vibe, while a structured blazer lends a polished touch. Choose jackets that hit your natural waist for the most flattering silhouette.

Choose the Right Shoes

Selecting the perfect pair of shoes is crucial when styling a maxi dress. Strappy sandals are ideal for a breezy summer look, while heels add elegance for formal occasions. Boots, trainers, and sandals are all great choices depending on the specific look you're going for.

Maxi Dress Outfit Ideas for Every Occasion

Maxi dresses are a versatile wardrobe staple that can handle almost any occasion. From a casual morning stroll in the local farmers market to a chic date night, there's a maxi dress outfit that suits the vibe.

Casual Maxi Dress Outfits

Pair your maxi dress with a denim jacket and sneakers for a laid-back daytime look. This is a timeless maxi dress outfit. 

Top your maxi dress with a cropped tee for a cool but comfortable layer that will keep your shoulders warm and add interest to your outfit. Footbed sandals are perfect for this look and the next.

A laidback look is as easy as tossing on a patterned button-up over a solid maxi dress. (If your dress is patterned, choose a solid shirt and vice versa.) Add a crossbody bag and sunglasses to complete the effortless chic vibe.

Maxi Dress Outfits for Work

Create a professional yet stylish outfit by pairing your maxi dress with a blazer and pumps. Go with neutral colors and minimal accessories for a polished office-appropriate ensemble.

Maxi Dress Outfits for Date Night

For the perfect romantic date night look, choose a form-fitting maxi dress layered with a leather jacket and accessorize with statement earrings and heels for a sophisticated and alluring ensemble.

Maxi Dress Outfits for Festivals

A tiered and flowy maxi dress in a bright pattern paired with comfortable sandals is a go-to stylish festival look. Add a wide-brimmed hat, tote bag, or belt bag and you’re not only stylish - but prepared with all your essentials.

Maxi Dress Outfits for Wedding Guests

A maxi dress in elegant fabrics like chiffon or silk paired with heels, a sparkly clutch, and delicate jewelry is a refined and timeless look that's perfect for celebrating. Add a cropped tailored jacket if the event is in cooler regions. 

Maxi Dress Outfit Ideas for Every Season

Maxi dresses are often reached for in the warm summer months but they can be worn year round. Throw on a maxi and sandals and you’re ready to beat the heat of summer while a few smart layers make a maxi work on even the chilliest winter days.

Styling a Maxi Dress for Spring

Lightweight layers like a denim jacket or linen cardigan offer just the right amount of warmth. Maxis in florals and pastels are a perfect addition to your spring outfits, fitting in with the season perfectly, especially when paired with espadrilles or embellished sandals. Accentuate your outfit with subtle accessories like a woven bag or hat to keep the look light.

Styling a Maxi Dress for Summer

A maxi and pair of sandals alone is a complete summer outfit but you can add a linen button-down or lightweight kimono for some coverage while also maintaining the breathability needed on hot summer days. Strappy sandals or wedges, oversized sunglasses, or a straw hat are easy ways to elevate the outfit.

Styling a Maxi Dress for Fall 

Transitioning your maxi dress into fall is a balance of comfort and style. Layer up with a cozy knit sweater or a tailored blazer for added warmth without sacrificing fashion. Rich hues and classic prints will resonate with the season's colors. A leather belt, felt hat, or suede boots will create the perfect autumnal aesthetic.  

Styling a Maxi Dress for Winter

Styling a maxi dress for winter isn't as challenging as it might seem. Add a few layers like a chunky cardigan, shacket, or an oversized crewneck sweater. If it’s really cold, add fleece leggings under your maxi to stay warm. A luxurious faux fur coat or a tailored wool jacket provides both warmth and sophistication. Chunky lug or military boots add contrast and keep your feet warm.

Tips For Styling A Maxi Dress

Whether you're dressing for a casual day out or a formal event, these styling tips and outfit ideas will help you look and feel confident and comfortable all year. Get creative in mixing and matching pieces with your maxi dresses and enjoy the new versatility of your wardrobe.