Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Choosing the best Maxi style for you
• Part 2 of 3: Dressing up your Maxi dress
• Part 3 of 3: Creating specific looks

Maxi dresses, which are waves and floor-grazing dresses, always seem to be in style in many women's closets. Maxi dresses can make a fashionable and comfortable outfit for hot days. But there are many different styles and ways to wear maxi dresses and you can get confused about the best one to wear. By finding and customizing the right maxi dress style for your body, you can be chic and comfortable while wearing a maxi dress!

To step

Part 1 of 3: Choosing the best Maxi style for you

1. Know your body shape. Every woman's body is different and the fit of clothes can improve your shape. If you know parts of your body that you want to highlight, you can find the most flattering maxi dress for your shape. Keep in mind that you can be petite if you are under 162cm or taller if you wear larger than a US size 16. Research different styles to decide what you like and might look good on. Consider the following types of dresses:
   • Wear a strapless maxi dress with an hourglass figure.
   • Highlight your curves with a spaghetti strap maxi dress with a slight A-line.
   • Consider a stylish hooded maxi if you have a broad look.
   • For an athletic physique, wear a maxi with a belt that covers your body or creates a long, slim silhouette.
   • Try tailored and simple silhouettes to downplay larger busts and plunging necklines, open backs and details like ruffles to boost your bust.
   • Straight waist or flattering fabrics for wider figures and form-fitting options to lengthen smaller bodies.
2. Consider color and print. Just as body shape, style and fabric can affect how you wear a maxi dress, so can the color and print. Choose an optimal color and fabric for your shape to best wear your maxi dress.
   • Wear simple and small patterns or a solid color if you are smaller.
   • Try bolder prints or larger floral prints if you have curves. Solid colors will work too.
   • Consider your skin tone when figuring out which colors and prints work best for you. Ask your friends to let you know which colors suit you best.
3. Find the correct length. There is a wide variety of maxi dress lengths. Getting the right length will help you avoid tripping or getting caught in your maxi dress.
   • Try to make sure the dress touches the top of your toes.
   • Make sure the dress reaches at least your ankles.
   • Try on the dress. Walk around in it for a few minutes to make sure you don't step on it or trip over it.
   EXPERT TIP

   "If you're short, you may need to buy a maxi dress for petite figures, or get your dress to get it hemmed so it's the right length."

   
   

   Shop in your closet. Before you travel to buy new maxi dresses, check your closet to see if there is anything that might work or even that you haven't worn in a while. This can help you save money and avoid buying styles you already own.

   • Make a list of items you will need and want to put together your desired look. Include pieces that you can pair with various other items to change your look without breaking the bank. For example, you have a plain strapless cotton maxi dress. Consider adding other options such as a printed maxi or one with sleeves to round out your collection.
4. Buy maxi dresses. Keep your eyes peeled for maxi dresses when shopping. You may want to bring the list of dresses you already have so you don't buy similar styles.
   • Keep in mind that you can find maxi dresses at almost any store, from major chains to exclusive boutiques.
   • Avoid big expenses. Buy some versatile maxi dresses that you can wear for different occasions. For example, a simple black maxi dress can be worn for formal and casual occasions.
   • Try and buy the best quality dresses you can afford. This can help ensure that they last a long time. Choose materials like pure cotton and silk that last longer and are easy to wash or dry clean.

Part 2 of 3: Dressing up your Maxi dress

1. Research potential outfits. Maxi dresses can range from sleek and class to trendy and chic. Research different looks to find maxi outfits for each style dress for different occasions.
   • Look out for hairstyles and accessories in combination with maxi dresses.
   • Look for possible outfits by looking at images of maxi dresses online. Also look to social media sites such as Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for inspiration.
   • Browse fashion magazines or trade publications for ideas on how to style your maxi dress.
   • For example, you want to look boho or like a lithe Greek goddess in your maxi dress.
   • Consider saving photos of looks you like to inspire your outfit choices.
2. Highlight part of your maxi outfit. Depending on the style, color and print of your maxi and the look you are looking for, you focus on one item or piece of your outfit. Keep the rest of the outfit simple. This can help overwhelm your maxi dress and accessories.
   • Keep your dress in focus if it has an eye-catching print or is covered in flowers. If the dress has a lot of fabric and is very breezy, you want to keep the focus on the dress as well.
   • Use accessories such as jewelry or shoes if your dress is a solid color or simple print. You can also add an intricate hairstyle such as braids for some extra spice.
3. Dress up your maxi dress with other clothes. You can put together your outfit by adding different items to your dress. Remember, you want to keep the focus on the dress or an accessory, so consider complementing the outfit with simple pieces.
   • Check the weather when adding items to your maxi dress. For example, in spring or summer you can add a thin cardigan or a denim jacket. In winter, you can put a long cardigan or scarf around your neck to highlight your dress.
   • Customize your clothing items. For example, a denim jacket goes with almost everything. Or you could wear a plain cardigan with a printed maxi.
   • Put on a chic and simple blazer to match your maxi. For example, a tailored black blazer would look stunning with a floral print maxi dress.
4. Put on simple shoes. Since maxi dresses are often long and breezy and you might want a more relaxed look, keep your shoes simple. In most cases, a pair of sandals, simple sandals in a neutral color, work best.
   • Wear flip flops or flats for a more relaxed atmosphere. In many cases, a pair of simple, espadrilles will also look great with a maxi dress. Gladiator sandals also work with maxi dresses.
   • Try open-toe pumps with straps if your maxi is a more formal dress or for a formal event.
   • Avoid flats and boots with maxi dresses.
   EXPERT TIP

   "The type of shoe you wear will depend on the style of your maxi dress, but some popular options include wedges, sandals and sneakers."

   
   

   Add some accessories. Adding accessories to your maxi dress can add some extra sparkle or spice to your outfit. Put on jewelry, a belt or carry a handbag to complete your look.

   • Match jewelry to the overall outfit and look you want. For example, if you want to go for the boho look, put a lot of bracelets on your arms and wear a few rings in your ears.
   • Combine a statement necklace with a simple, solid maxi dress and let that be the focus of your outfit.
   • To balance the dress, carry a larger bag. Combine solid colors with printed dresses and try printed bags with plain dresses.
   • Tighten the waist of your maxi dress with a belt to create curves or reduce the flowing texture of the dress.

Part 3 of 3: Creating specific looks

1. Go for a professional maxi. Depending on the formality of your office or profession, you may be able to wear a maxi dress. Combine the dress with office or meeting appropriate toppers and accessories.
   • Adapt the print to your office. For example, you can get away with a brightly colored print in an art gallery while in a law firm you need something a little more subdued.
   • Layering with suitable pieces. Cardigans or blazers can make a maxi office more suitable. Make sure the proportions of your tiered pieces match your dress.
   • Avoid strapless dresses, which are not suitable for most offices. Make sure your bra is covered too.
   • Wear appropriate shoes in the office. If you don't have one to match your maxi, consider wearing something else.
   • Use accessories such as diamond studs or a patent belt to dress up your maxi.
2. Dress up for formal events. If you are going to a wedding, anniversary party, or any other type of formal event, you may want to wear a maxi dress for comfort and sophistication. With the right shape, fabric and accessories, you can look polished and good at formal events.
   • Wear a more formal fabric such as chiffon, silk, or satin. Beaded details on the fabric can also add a touch of sophistication.
   • Make sure the fit doesn't reveal too much of your skin.
   • Wear a pair of heeled sandals or other simple shoes that match your dress. Do not wear flip flops.
   • Match accessories such as jewelery and a small bag to the motif of your dress.
3. Go for boho. Talitha Getty's photo in Marrakech set the tone for the many women embracing the boho or bohemian style. You can make a maxi boho with the right print and great accessories.
   • Buy a maxi in a floral, tie-dye or paisley print.
   • Combine your maxi with suede mini boots or beaded or gladiator sandals.
   • Add accessories or details such as pompoms, sequins or beads to your look.
   • Wrap your head in a turban-like wrap. Also consider flower crowns or braids for your hair.
   • Wear lots of accessories such as bracelets and necklaces.
4. Enjoy a day at the beach, a casual dinner or a first date. If you're having a day at the beach or just relaxing, or even meeting friends or a guy for casual dinner, a maxi dress can be a comfortable way to enjoy the time. Keep your coveralls looking simple and let your personality shine through.
   • Choose higher quality fabrics such as jersey cotton, which are comfortable and can hold their shape throughout the day.
   • Keep accessories simple and to a minimum. For example, wear a long necklace or a nice pair of earrings and a few rings that match the print or color of your dress.
   • Wear minimal makeup and let your hair hang naturally. For example, a little mascara and curls from the beach can keep you looking healthy and radiant.
   • Wear comfortable and simple shoes, such as leather flip flops.