How to Style a Maxi Dress

Before we get too far, let me state for the record that these are NOT new photos! These were taken in LA, before I had a baby, and toward the end of summer when my skin has an (albeit uneven) tan tone to it! Nevertheless, as someone who tries to limit their closet size, I love to embrace all the ways I’ve learned how to style a maxi dress (or any dress for that matter).

Maxi dresses are a quintessential closet staple. Once you find a style that feels comfortable and flattering, a maxi dress can become one of the hardest-working pieces in your closet. They can be styled casually for everyday wear or dressed up for events, making them one of the most versatile pieces in a wardrobe. And while you may only think of a maxi dress in summer, with the right layers, you can make a maxi dress work nearly year round!

How to Style a Maxi Dress

I have a few summer dresses, some shorter (still knee length) and some longer, that I turn to time and again once it really heats up in summer. The heat in Sacramento hits a point of pure survival mode. It’s how I forced myself to find the only shorts I like and it’s why you’ll see me in the same bearable outfits over and over again.

Not surprisingly, this black maxi dress – fairly standard and super comfortable – is one of them. It doesn’t require a bra, it’s pretty universally flattering top to bottom, and, well, that’s enough for me.

For me, a simple black maxi dress is one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable during Sacramento summers while still feeling put together. They’re great on their own and with just a few simple additions, they can be dressed up quite a bit.

You can also try wearing a shirt dress as a jacket over maxi dresses to add some classic chic style without too much bulk!

This big floppy hat is the same one I wore in this off the shoulder dress outfit. It’s been my go-to hat for all just about all my summer dresses for a few seasons now. It’s cute, cool, and keeps my head and face wonderfully shaded.

Are Maxi Dresses in Style?

Can I tell you a secret? I’m starting not to care about trends as much since a trend doesn’t necessarily suit my body and my style. Maxi dresses, however, always seem to be in style. The cuts and fabrics change, but yes, they are always a closet staple.

What to Wear Over a Maxi Dress

Denim Jacket

Denim jackets are always my go to for layering over a maxi dress for a casual but still pulled together look. Since you aren’t pairing with jeans, the denim color isn’t as important – every wash is versatile.

I’ve actually found that I like a slightly oversized denim jacket over one that’s fitted. It layers over whatever I have on more easily and I just find it more comfortable.

Cardigan

A cardigan is always a classic. While a lightweight sweater is fine, try a chunky knit as well to add some texture and depth to your maxi dress outfits.

Blazer

Maxi dresses can very easily be dressed up to be work appropriate with a blazer. It can be structured, oversized, and even a cropped jacket. The structure of a blazer is a great balance to the long silhouette of a maxi dress, whether it’s flowy or fitted.

Leather Jacket

A favorite of mine – a leather jacket can add the perfect edgy contrast to a maxi dress. Since dresses are flowy and often very feminine, the leather jacket balances the look with something that’s more androgynous in nature.

How to Dress Up a Maxi Dress

Add Structure with a Blazer

A blazer is great way to dress up a maxi dress to be more professional. A similarly structured jacket can be used to dress up for something more formal or even fun like a date night.

Elevate Your Outfit with Heels

The quintessential shoe to dress up anything is to add some height to a dress. While wedges are great, a true heeled shoe elevates your look even more. Reminder that a chunky heel is a safer bet with a long dress.

Accessorize with Jewelry

Elevate any look with the right jewelry. Whether it’s chunkier or elevated with something shiny, jewelry is a great way to dress up your ensemble.

Add Shape with a Belt

A belt defines your waist and adds structure to a maxi dress. The right belt can make your outfit do whatever you need – no matter the occasion. I have a braided belt that’s about 3 inches wide that is versatile for wearing over dresses. It doesn’t have a prong or holes, so I can adjust it to wherever I want to wear it on my waist and over any dress.

How to Wear a Hat with a Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are often worn with hats, but they don’t have to be. Wide-brim straw hats are a classic choice for summer, while fedoras and packable travel hats work well for vacations and transitional seasons. It doesn’t need to be as broad of a brim as I have here – you do what works best for you!

Casual Maxi Dress Outfit Ideas

Maxi Dress with Sneakers

Sneakers are a great option for a maxi dress. Just like with jeans, I’d recommend a dress that doesn’t hit just at your sneakers. I either like a space between my dress and the top of my shoes or to have my dress hit my shoes and sort of flow together. White sneakers tend to be the most versatile, but you can make anything work!

Maxi Dress with Denim Jacket

A denim jacket adds structure and makes a maxi dress feel more casual. This combination works well for running errands, casual lunches, or cooler summer evenings.

Maxi Dress with Straw Tote

Straw totes and hats are the epitome of summer and casual. A straw tote adds texture, elevates the ensemble, and still keeps it feeling casual. It’s my go to for farmers markets, coffee dates, and day trips!

Maxi Dress with Baseball Cap

It’s baseball season, so show your team with a baseball cap. Depending on the color of your hat, you’ll want to asses the color of your dress. A neutral-toned hat will pair well with just about any dress, but a particular vibrant or distinct color is best with a neutral, solid dress (perhaps some simple stripes).

Maxi Dress Accessories

My solution to styling a maxi dress and hat outfit? Adding a few pieces of favorite sustainable jewelry and a fun straw tote bag. This is an ensemble you can wear to a coffee date (check out my other go to coffee date outfit) or to a casual workplace (with a jean jacket or sweater over it). Nobody needs to know just how comfortable you are!

Maxi Dress and Jewelry

Jewelry is always a good final touch to any ensemble, but it can really help dictate the vibe of your outfit to the event. Beads, string, and very delicate pieces are great for a casual event. Metals and delicate pieces are good for dressed up but not fancy events. And to really dress it up, you want metals and stones of some kind.

Maxi Dress with a Scarf

You could also do a small or thin neck scarf for some warmth as well as some color (if you don’t do black). For outdoor evening get-togethers, I like to loosely drape my scarf around my neck and then use it as a shawl as the air cools. You can also do an elegant tie like one of these ideas for silk scarf styling.

Shoes to Wear with Maxi Dresses

Deciding which shoes to wear with maxi dresses is dependent totally on look and length of the dress. I can’t stand picking up my dress or having it drag on the floor (or close to it), so I tend to only buy dresses that hit above my ankle. Because of that, these practically-flat sandals are usually my go to. I can also, however, wear wedges with the dress if I want.

Wedges

If you need the height, wedges are absolutely preferable to high heels. On the off chance that you step on your dress, a heel is very likely to put a hole in your dress. If you do a heel, opt for a chunky heel (see my Sarah Flint Shoes & discount code for a great option). The chunky heel will be more like a wedge!

Ankle Boots

You can also do ankle boots. They’re a stylish way to wear a closed toed shoe with your maxi dress – and ideal when you’re outdoors or the weather is cooling down.

Here’s a bit more on cute shoes to wear with dresses of all lengths!

Maxi Dress FAQs

What body type looks best in a maxi dress?

Maxi dresses can work for virtually every body type. The key is choosing a silhouette that feels comfortable and creates balance, whether that’s a fitted waist, wrap style, tiered skirt, or straight column shape.

Can petite women wear maxi dresses?

Yes. Look for styles that hit at or just above the ankle and pair them with sandals, wedges, or a slight heel if needed. If a petite section isn’t giving you what you want, you can search for midi length as they’ll be 6-10″ shorter than most maxi dresses.

What shoes look best with a maxi dress?

Flat sandals, wedges, ankle boots, sneakers, and chunky heels all work well with maxi dresses. The best choice depends on the season, occasion, and length of your dress.

Can you wear a maxi dress year round?

Yes. Add layers like denim jackets, cardigans, blazers, boots, and scarves to transition a maxi dress through multiple seasons. I often do thermal tights, knee high boots, and long sleeves in winter to keep myself warm. And then a lovely coat over it all, of course!

Maxi Dress Outfit Details

Peach Dress (see more black dresses) | Eric Javits Straw Purse
Nine West Slides (similar black slides) | Burberry Aviators
LAGOS X Ring | LAGOS Rope Bracelet

Use my Eric Javits code to get 10% off your next purchase – LUCISMORSELS10OFF. Eric Javits also makes best straw hats with the same upcycled squishee material that looks and feels like straw but lasts for years and is packable!

If you love wearing dresses year round, you’ll love this elegant denim dress outfit as well as these tips for layering under dresses in the winter.