How to Style a Maxi Dress For Spring and Summer

How to style a maxi dress for spring & summer

From beach coverups to layered chiffon gowns, maxi dresses come in every style imaginable. And while they make a super convenient all-in-one outfit, this can sometimes make styling a little tricky. Keep reading to learn how to style a maxi dress for every season and occasion.

Are maxi dresses still in style?

Hemlines rise and fall with the seasons, so you might be wondering – are maxi dresses still in style? If the SS24 runways are any indication, very much so! To keep your maxi dress outfits current, look for options that embrace the latest trends.

Goddess-like drapery, see-through mesh, and feather accents are everywhere this year. There’s also a return to crisp, elegant neutrals, plus shades of white and oatmeal are easy to style. 

Outfit ideas for maxi dresses

If you’re wondering what to wear with a maxi dress, look no further. Here are five go-to outfit ideas to get you started.

1. With a statement belt and cowboy boots

Maxi dresses are often quite voluminous and flowy, which means your figure can get lost in them. The easy way around this is to add a belt! Create a cinched-in waist to flatter your figure while adding structure and style. Choose from thin braided options or thicker leather belts with a statement buckle. Then, give it a rustic vibe with a pair of cowboy boots and coordinating leather purse. 

2. With a button-up shirt

You can wear a cotton button-up shirt either under or over your maxi dress, depending on its fit. Wear a tailored white shirt underneath a cami-style maxi, or leave an oversized linen top undone over your column dress.

3. With a sweater vest

For a sweet alternative to a belt, cinch in your silhouette with a knitted tank top or sweater vest. This works best over a maxi dress with long sleeves, so you can mix and match colors and patterns for a cool visual contrast.

4. With a cropped jacket

For an effortless look in any season, add structure to your outfit by slipping into a cropped jacket that hits your natural waistline. This gets the proportions of your outfit just right. A denim jacket looks great in spring and summer, combined with white sneakers for running around town. For an edgier look, choose a biker jacket and boots instead.

5. With a blazer

While a cropped denim jacket will tone down your maxi dress, a blazer has the opposite effect. It can make the simplest style look a little more formal, while serving as a polished layering piece with a silk strappy number. For formal occasions and date night, add a pair of heels and dangling statement earrings.

Styling tips for maxi dresses

Covering you from shoulder to ankle, maxi dresses don’t leave a lot of wiggle room for styling. Here’s how to style a maxi dress and get it just right.

1. Dress it down for daytime.

Due to their dramatic length, maxi dresses can often look more elegant or formal than shorter dresses. When you want to dress down your look for daytime outings, look to super laid-back accessories like bucket hats, fanny packs and sneakers.

2. Try contrasting with mixed prints.

Don’t be afraid to mix prints to create a bold, youthful statement. This is the time to let your accessories shine and accentuate the pattern of your dress – team an animal printed shoe with a contrasting polka dot sock.

3. Coordinate your accessories.

An easy way to create a cohesive look is by matching your headband to your shoes. This frames your dress neatly.

How to wear a maxi dress in the winter

Now that you know how to style a maxi dress for summer, what about making the transition to the colder months?

This is where layering is your best friend. Add a turtleneck underneath, or a blazer on top to elevate your look while adding warmth. Wear your dress with leggings, opaque tights, and boots, or toss a puffy coat over your outfit. Longer lengths tend to work better in the winter.

What shoes should you wear with a maxi dress?

The right shoes will depend on your hemline. If the dress hits right at your ankle, try something like stacked loafers or platform Mary Janes to show off your footwear. Longer lengths look better with flatform sandals or sneakers. However, if your dress is overly long, you can wear heels to give it a little lift.

When in doubt, sandals are the best choice for summery maxi dresses. They keep the attention where it belongs – your dress.

Ready to put these tips into action? Explore the latest maxi dresses for spring, summer, and beyond at ModeSens.