Maxi Dresses: How to Wear Them

"How to Look Stunning in a Maxi Dress!"

Image credit: Sex & the City.com

Here you'll find everything you need to know about looking fab in a maxi dress -- from chic ways to wear it to how to pick the right one for your shape.

Many women think that they are only restricted to formal occasions. Yeah, it might remind you of a long gown and might appear formal, but it's all in what design you choose and how you wear it! With the right accessories, you can go from sleek and classy to trendy and chic.

Let's take a look at how you can look great in them!

Fashion Advice On Maxi Dresses for Petites

Here are a few tips on how to make it work for you if you're petite:

Image credit: elleuk, bigpictures/bauer-griffin, flynetonline

A maxi dress can really swamp you up and make you look shorter and chunky, but the trick here is to choose a style that is well-cut - that means choose a full-length dress that sits more closely to your body

To avoid looking like a tent, your petite shape needs a more structured dress, so try a maxi dress with a defined waist like for example empire waist, and if you need to minimize your tummy or the preggy look of an empire waist, wrap a basic belt around the thinnest part of your waist

The best hemline dress cuts for your frame are: Straight, A-line and bias-cut

Elongate your figure with a v-neck

For some extra height, wear pumps, wedges (espadrilles with this type of dress is my fave!) or high heeled sandals

Look for maxi dresses in solid colors, espceially black, olive green, deep purple and dark brown. You can also wear light colors but it still has to be a solid to 'draw' a straight line on your frame

Avoid horizontal and large patterns.

Advice on Maxi Dresses For Plus Size Women

Here are a few tips on how to choose a maxi dress for your plus-size figure:

Image credit: women24

• If you have a wide or big bust, halter style or thicker straps will look flattering on you.
Note: Thinner spaghetti straps will only make your upper part larger because of the contrasting proportions.


• Large prints will complement your figure a lot better than tiny ones
• Go for solid, and neutral dark colors like black, dark brown and olive green to slim down your shape.
Note: If you have a thick waist, place a solid dark colored belt around the thinnest part of your torso. This will give you a more balanced and lean frame as well as bring out a waist.


• Create a lean vertical line on your shape with v-neck.
• Loose-fitted maxi dresses will only make you look boxy, so choose a dress that fits closely to your body without being to clingy, skimming your curves.

Choose the Right Maxi Dress Print

So if you're full-figured, larger and bolder prints will complement your frame without making your curves too obvious.

If you're petite and/or skinny (as in fine-boned), smaller prints will suit you best without overwhelming your stature.

If you're petite and a plus size -- you can wear medium and some large sized prints as long as they stretch vertically to create a lean line. Don't even think about small ditsy prints, they'll only make you look bigger!

Image credit: justjared, WENN

Secure a Few Versatile Styles

Image credit: Jordan Strauss/wireimage, celebutopia

Accessories also make it easier to customize your maxi dress into your own style!

If you have a classy style who prefers to look simple and sophisticated, versatile, no print-no fuss maxi dresses are a must!

A solid black maxi dress is primed for almost anything. White is more appropriate as summer wear.

Other fail-safe colors that won't draw too much attention are earthy shades like olive green, different brown nuances, rustic red and purple.

The Right Shoes with a Maxi Dress

Image credit: lime-light.org, celebutopia

Strappy sandals in general suit the look.

I personally wouldn't mix it with closed flats as it doesn't quite suit the look. However, open-toe and strappy pumps will go great with formal maxi dresses.

Boots are strictly a no-no, because they'll outdate the look!

For a casual outfit go for flat sandals like gladiators, or if you're wearing the dress to a formal party, add more height with heels.

Define Your Waist With a Belt

Generally, skinny belts look better on skinnier figures.

Have in a mind that a belt can split your frame in two, making you look shorter and stubbier. The trick here is to avoid wearing a light colored belt that is obviously contrasting with the colors of your dress. If you're in doubt, a black belt will do good as it can visually trim down your torso.

How to Wear a Maxi Dress to Formal Occasions

Image credit: gettyimages, sipa press, shinystyle.tv, celebrityfashionwatch

However, if you want to be able to wear the same maxi dress for both special and casual occasions, you can easily glamorize the it with sparkly jewelry and high heels. A clutch purse will definitely dress up the look. You might also want to cover your shoulders with a lightweight shawl or a nice-fitted blazer.

Note: Two of the best colors for a maxi dress are black and navy blue (or any dark shades of blue). They'll fit right in as both formal and casual wear.

Check out these maxi dress deals:

• Shop Stylish Maxi Dresses
• Guide to Essential Dresses
• How to Determine your Body Shape
• Latest Chic Long Summer Dresses