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The Maxi Dress Styling Guide
It’s time to embrace the maxi dress in all its ankle-skimming glory. Here’s everything you need to know about styling this versatile wardrobe staple, year-round.
Maxi dresses come in all shapes and styles – from the ultra-feminine to the pared back and minimalistic. Flowy floral numbers provide the perfect pretty summer aesthetic, while ankle-length jumper dresses offer simple winter comfort. But how to wear this full-length style for a polished, flattering overall look? Which shoes and jackets go best with maxi dresses – and how can they be dressed up and dressed down?
Good news – the maxi dress can be paired with almost any type of shoe, depending on the look you want to go for. Chunky stomper boots, laid-back trainers, glamorous wedges and platforms; pretty much anything goes. Jackets can be a little trickier to get right. It’s important to wear something that complements the maxi look, which usually involves committing to either a full-length coat or jacket – or a short one. Opt for something in-between and your maxi may lose its dramatic floor-length appeal thanks to being cut off awkwardly in the wrong place.
Accessories will depend on the specific style and cut of the dress. Ethereal summer chiffon numbers may lend themselves well to a pair of glinting, gold-rimmed sunglasses and delicate jewellery. While warm winter maxis can be layered up with chunky-knit scarves and woolly hats.
We’re only skimming the surface here. Keep reading to learn all you need to know.
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How to Style Maxi Dresses
Most maxi dress designs are incredibly versatile, so you can have a lot of fun playing around when it comes to styling them. Below, we cover which shoes and jackets to wear with maxi dresses. But first, here are some general styling tips to get you feeling inspired:
Layering Up: In the winter, try layering a slouchy jumper over your favourite maxis to create a stylish two-piece look. Alternatively, wear a fine-knit polo neck under a sleeveless maxi dress for a cosy layered-up style. In the summer, pair your favourite maxis with cute cropped cardigans. Or, wear a cropped, knit tank top over your dresses for an added element of interest.
Bold Jewellery: Start by experimenting with accessories – stacked bracelets, layered necklaces, and boho earrings can all complement the floaty, ‘70s vibe of the summer maxi really well.
Other Accessories: From wide-brimmed sun hats in summer to cosy beanies in winter – playing around with hats can be a great way to take your maxi-dress looks to new heights. Likewise, a pair of oversized sunglasses (for summer or winter sun) is sure to give that maxi an ultra-glam feel. Finally, why not cinch in the waist of your maxi dress with a chic belt? This can work particularly well with looser, flowy designs.
What Shoes Do You Wear with a Maxi Dress?
Flat sandals: Strappy and gladiator sandal designs both work well with the maxi dress look. As do simple sliders – try a pair of slider flatforms for an added bit of height. Or, for an on-trend look, pair your summer maxis with a pair of style-meets-comfort utility sandals
Platforms and wedges: Platform heels and wedges both complement the maxi dress look, perfect for all those summer barbecues and weddings.
Ballet pumps: Ballet pumps look really chic and understated with long summer dresses – try a pair in a blush pink tone or a subtle metallic shade.
Mules: Slip-on mules can also work well with summer maxi dresses – try a pair in a loafer design, or a stylish suede mule clog.
To get you feeling inspired, here are some ideas of which shoes to wear with different types of maxi dresses.
Flowy summer maxi dresses: Try a pair of bold wedges or platforms for a hippyish, party look. Or, pair your feminine dress with some juxtaposing flat, chunky boots for a more casual style. There’s nothing to say you can’t take your summer dress into winter with a pair of supple knee-high boots and a cosy jumper, either. Not forgetting your favourite trainers, which can look cool and casual peeking out from beneath your dress’s hem.
Beach maxi dresses: Your favourite sliders and flat strappy sandals are sure to complement those beautiful, floaty beach dresses this summer.
Knit winter maxi dresses: Knit maxi dresses look great with most boots – from knee-high designs, to heeled, biker and Chelsea styles. For milder days, pair your knit dress with a pair of trainers or loafers. Wear loafers or another type of winter shoe (brogues could work well) with sheer tights or even cute ankle socks for a chic, preppy look.
Special occasion maxi dresses: Nothing quite says glamour like a dramatic, floor-length gown. Pair your occasion maxi dress with barely-there strappy heels, or make a statement with a pair of platforms. For a simpler but equally as stylish look, opt for a pair of slingback or slip-on kitten heels.
How to wear boots with maxi dresses
- For dramatic, full-skirted maxi dresses, go for a chunky boot that doesn’t get drowned out by all the fabric.
- For more subtle, figure-hugging maxi dresses, try a pair of slim-fit boots with a block or kitten heel
- For floor-skimming maxi dresses, wear a boot with a pointed toe – chunky boots may look a little awkward and bulky poking out from the dress’s hem.
How to wear Maxi Dresses in Winter?
Maxi dresses look great with short jackets that emphasise the waist and show off the full length dress’s skirt. In the winter, full-length coats can look just as chic. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Experiment with boot and shoe styles: Maxi dresses look great with lots of different boot styles – from heeled ankle boots to pared-back flat boots and knee-high designs. Likewise, they can work well with a chunky pair of loafers or winter shoes. The takeaway? When styling your winter maxis, don’t be afraid to experiment with footwear.
Layer with cardigans and jumpers: Winter provides the perfect opportunity to layer up your maxi dresses with some heavy knit jumpers and cardigans. Aim to keep them hip-length or shorter to avoid an unflattering layered look.
Wear long coats: Maxi dresses work well with longer coats – opt for a chic wool design or keep it casual with a full-length puffer.
Pair a leather jacket with an oversized scarf: If you don’t want to go for the full-length coat look, opt for a leather jacket instead, paired with an oversized, snuggly scarf for warmth.
FAQs
Are maxi dresses supposed to touch the floor?
While some maxi dresses do touch the floor, there’s no hard and fast rule that says they have to. Dresses that fall to ankle length are also classed as maxi dresses.
Are maxi dresses casual?
Maxi dresses come in a huge array of styles, spanning from the ultra-casual to the very formal. Like any other type of dress, you can shop around for a maxi dress that suits your needs to a tee.
What to wear under maxi dresses?
What you choose to wear under your maxi dresses will all depend on the dress’s style. For satin maxi dresses, especially slips, shapewear underwear can help keep things feeling smooth and sleek. For loose, flowy maxi dresses, you might choose to wear a microfiber slip dress for a bit of extra coverage.
Are maxi dresses in fashion?
Maxi dresses are definitely in fashion! Each season, brands and designers release an abundance of new styles to try – from ankle-grazing jumper dresses to strappy summer designs and show-stopping occasion wear.
Styling maxi dresses your way
If you’re feeling uncertain about whether to expand your wardrobe with a brand-new maxi dress, rest assured – this design is most definitely still on-trend. Although this full-length style is often associated with hippyish, summer designs, there is an abundance of winter styles to try too, including soft knit dresses and smart shirt dresses.
Your summer maxis can be worn with everything from strappy sandals to ballet pumps to statement platforms. And your winter maxis pair perfectly with most boot designs. Whatever the season, keep things looking polished with a cropped, short or full-length coat or jacket. Try to avoid coats and jackets that fall anywhere between the upper thigh and mid-calf, as this length can look awkward with the maxi dress style.
