How to style a maxi dress

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.

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How to wear maxi dresses

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.

How long are maxi dresses?

First – the basics. How long exactly is a maxi dress? Generally, it’s a dress with a hemline that falls somewhere between the ankle and the floor.

When and where to wear maxi dresses

The question might be better framed: when – or where – not to wear a maxi? The truth is, there are so many maxi dress styles out there, they can be worn to pretty much any occasion. From bridesmaids’ gowns to cool, floaty beachwear and office-friendly shirt dresses, there’s a maxi dress for every mood.

Plus, specific maxi dress styles can be dressed up or dressed down. For example, a patterned, floor-length dress with a layered skirt (think ‘70s, hippyish vibes) could be paired with some dramatic platforms and statement jewellery for a summer party. The same dress could be worn with some edgy biker boots and a denim or leather jacket for a more casual, daywear look.

In the same vein, a bridesmaid maxi dress in a simple slip style could be worn with flat sliders and a cool sun hat on your next summer holiday.

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

Whatever the season, try pairing a statement necklace or bold pair of earrings with your favourite maxi dresses – their dramatic length means they can take it.

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 maxi dresses?

As we touched on above – maxi dresses can be worn with most shoe types. To get you feeling inspired, here are some ideas of which shoes to wear with different types of maxi dress.

Shoes for 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.

Shoes for beach maxi dresses

Your favourite sliders and flat strappy sandals are sure to complement those beautiful, floaty beach dresses this summer.

Shoes for simple 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.

Shoes for 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 – some extra tips

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.

What jackets go with maxi dresses?

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:

Denim and leather jackets

Try pairing a cropped denim jacket with your favourite summer maxi dresses. Or wear a stylish leather biker jacket for a grungier look.

Full-length wool coats

In winter, pair a long wool coat with your maxi dresses for a polished look – try something with a simple, straight-edged silhouette, or go for a belted design to show off your waist.

Short faux fur jackets

For an added touch of glamour, pair those slinky winter maxis with a gorgeous faux fur jacket in a cropped or hip-grazing design.

Fitted blazers

To keep things smart and stylish, throw a fitted blazer over your maxi dresses in chic black or a bold pop of colour.

How to wear maxi dresses in winter

Still not quite sure how to style maxi dresses in winter? Here are some styling tips to help you make the most out of your favourite designs:

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.

How to style long summer dresses

Feeling uncertain about how to wear all those beautiful, long summer dresses? Start by experimenting with accessories – stacked bracelets, layered necklaces, and boho earrings can all compliment the floaty, ‘70s vibe of the summer maxi really well.

Choosing the right bag can also make a big difference. Smaller, cross-body bags with fun detailing like beading or fringing are sure to complement your summer maxis. As are slouchy shoulder bags – think supple leather, or sunshine-friendly woven straw. Cropped denim jackets or light cardigans can help complete your summer maxi dress look. As can the perfect pair of strappy sandals or soft leather ballet pumps.

What sandals to wear with maxi dresses

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 barbeques and weddings.

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What shoes to wear with long summer dresses

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.

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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 satiny 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 are 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.