How to Style a Maxi Dress
Once warmer weather hits after months of scurrying indoors you can finally plan outdoor parties, meet at the park, and look forward to late-night strolls down the boulevard. This change in weather also brings much refreshment to your wardrobe. Cold-weather accessories go back into storage while seasonal favorites like T-shirts, shorts, and dresses return to the daily clothing rotation.
The maxi dress is a springtime favorite that makes frequent appearances because it’s perfect for fair weather. Its long length keeps you warm when there’s still a chill in the air, yet cool in the summer due to its loose, flowing fit. The short-sleeved, form-fitting top is just as versatile. Depending on the temps and season, wear the dress with or without a light jacket. There are many ways to style this on-trend dress to keep it in your wardrobe for most of the year. Here are just a few ideas.
Finding the Right Fit
Before you can proceed with styling maxi dresses for women, you need to find the kind of dress that fits your body and flatters you. First, make sure the dress is the right length. Do you want the hem to skim the floor or would you prefer some space between your ankles and the floor? The right skirt length will allow you to walk comfortably and safely through your day, and especially up and down stairways, preventing you from tripping or getting your skirt stuck under rolling chairs or your own feet.
However, for this to be a true maxi dress, the skirt should at least hit your ankles, and it can touch the top of your toes if you feel comfortable with a longer length. Maxi dresses can also float just above the feet to show off your sandals. Women who are taller or want to wear heels or wedges should look for tall maxi dresses to get the job done. Also, you'll need to decide if you want a halter top, sleeved, or sleeveless version. Some variations sit at the natural waist and some offer a loose fit from the bust to the floor. After trying on several dresses, you'll be sure to find the fit that resonates with you.
Wear a Cardigan or Jacket
Maxi dresses are popular items for the spring and fall because they have just enough length to keep you warm and stylish. Since they’re not as short as other staple summer items, they make a good transitional item to have on-hand to emit a springtime look without feeling too cold. And you can easily warm up by wearing cardigans or light jackets. The many different styles and materials out there make it fun to mix and match and ultimately complement your maxi dress. For example, if you have a floral print maxi dress, a solid-colored cardigan that matches the dress would create a balancing effect.
Belt Your Natural Waist
While one of the charms of a maxi dress is emulating the flowy and free look of a Greek goddess, there may be times when you want more of a form-fitting silhouette. When you have extra belts to play with, you can cinch your natural waist any time to create an entirely different effect. This is a great way to show off your figure and create beautiful curves in just seconds.
Have fun with your choice of belts, too. While neutral colors like black, white, and beige can universally match with most dresses, you can also create some stunning effects with bright pastels, bold patterns, and different textures. For some added flair, throw a cute tunic top over the maxi dress and then belt the waist for an attractive early spring outfit. This also extends your early spring and winter wardrobe into a new season and adds more versatility to your clothing choices.
Experiment with Solid Colors and Patterns
Maxi dresses come in so many great styles that it's very hard to pick just one. But if you were to pick just one, you could find multiple ways to wear it. A solid black maxi dress, for instance, is a great choice for dressing formally during the spring and summer. Getting a black dress in a jersey cotton material keeps you cool and offers even more of a feminine appeal when it moves freely with a gentle breeze. What a perfect warm-weather outfit that has so much replay value! Pair it with cute black ankle boots and a moto jacket in the early spring and wear it without any cover in the summer with your favorite sandals or heels. In the fall, an open flannel shirt, black maxi dress, and short open-toed boots are such a winning combination.
Maxi dresses made out of patterned materials also have great styling potential. Wear a solid white cardigan and spin belt in the spring and then switch gears in the summer by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and bold jewelry. Maxi dresses can be worn anywhere from formal weddings to backyard barbecues.
With a variety of styling options out there, you are sure to find the perfect maxi dress outfit for practically any occasion.