How to Style a Maxi Dress

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♥ Forever 21 dress ♥ Salone shoes ♥ Macys bracelet ♥ Michael Kors watch ♥

I bought three Maxi dresses at Forever 21 this weekend and I’m relying on them to take me from winter to spring (let’s be honest – it’s still winter here in Oregon), and on through summer. I know that’s a lot of pressure to put on one style of clothing, but I think these dresses will live up to the challenge.

Maxi dresses are such hot items right now but a lot of women are a little apprehensive about wearing them. Everyone seems to think there are all these rules for who can and can’t wear maxi dresses, and how they should be worn. I, on the other hand, strongly believe that anyone can wear maxi dresses (yes – even short women). And what’s more, they can be worn with pretty much anything.

When thinking about how I wanted to write this post, I had a bunch of creative ideas for how to style maxi dresses. But then I asked myself if I’d ever really wear them that way in public. My answer was mostly “no.” So instead, I decided to take photos of practical ways that I, a regular woman, would wear a maxi dress.

By themselves, maxi dresses are statement pieces. So don’t feel compelled to dress them up and accessorize like crazy if that’s not your style. If wearing a floor length dress feels like it’s enough by itself, just rock that look!

Simple (below)
If you do want to accessorize a bit, try adding some big earrings, a necklace that hangs past the neckline of the dress, and a chunky bracelet. I paired both of these maxis (below) with camel high heeled sandals. They’re spring-y and tall enough to keep my dress from dragging on the ground. But if you’re tall to begin with, consider opting for gladiator sandals or flats, to keep the hemline of the dress where it’s supposed to fall.

♥ Forever 21 dress ♥ Forever Love necklace ♥ Forever Love bracelet ♥ Salone shoes ♥

Beachy (below)
Maxi dresses also make elegant swimsuit coverups. Try throwing on your swimsuit, a pair of sandals, a big hat to shield your eyes from the sun, and a pair of aviator sunglasses. And wear this look to the beach.

♥ Forever 21 dress ♥ Urban Outfitters sandals ♥ Target swimsuit ♥ Ray Ban sunglasses ♥ Palm Springs hat ♥

Belted (below)

To emphasize your waist, try belting your maxi dress. Then pair it with a statement piece of jewlery – either a big necklace or earrings. Here I’m wearing brown flats that match the belt, but you can’t see them in the photo.

♥ Forever 21 dress ♥ Macy’s necklace ♥ The Limited belt ♥

Sleek and covered up (below)
If for whatever reason, you can’t get away with walking around with your shoulders exposed (or you’re cold), try throwing a blazer on top of your maxi dress. Here, I paired my basic black boyfriend blazer with a waist cinching black belt. On my feet, I’m wearing little black high heeled booties (because yes, you can wear boots with maxi dresses).

Don’t own a blazer? No problem. Cardigans look great over maxi dresses, as do denim jackets. So you have some options to choose from. And you don’t HAVE to belt them, I just thought this made for a nice, polished look.

♥ Forever 21 dress ♥ B.P. Blazer ♥

So as you can see, maxi dresses can be worn many ways and are very versatile. So experiment a little because I truly believe you can’t go wrong here.

Do you have any interesting and creative suggestions for how to wear a maxi dress?