Maxi Dresses: How to Wear Them

"Fashion Advice on How to Look Stunning in a Maxi Dress!"

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Maxi dresses are sooo gorgeous. Don't you just love the way the hemline gently sways around the legs? Me likey!

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.

Are you already a pro and want go straight to maxi dress shopping-page? Then click here for a wide variety in long summer dresses and boho dresses, and more!

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!

Petite Maxi Dresses

If you're petite (5'4 or shorter) your main goal is to avoid looking like a tent. So compared to taller and bigger women, you have to be careful with your selection of maxi dresses.

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

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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: A-line and bias-cut
Elongate your figure with a v-neck
For some extra height, wear pumps, wedges or high heeled sandals
Look for maxi dresses in solid colors, espceially black, olive green, deep purple and dark brown.
Avoid horizontal and large patterns

Click here to shop for petite maxi dresses.

Plus Size Maxi Dresses

Long dresses are the perfect match for your frame as it minimizes large hips and legs.

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

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If you have a wide or big bust, halter style or thicker straps will look flattering on you.

Note:

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:

thinnest

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.

Click here to shop for plus size maxi dresses.

Choose the Right Maxi Dress Patterns

A rule of thumb when it comes to wearing a print dress is to pick something that go hand in hand with the dimensions of your body.

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, smaller prints will suit you best without overwhelming your stature.

Print maxi dresses

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Secure a Few Versatile Styles

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Maxi dresses in solid and neutral colors like black, brown or white will go with absolutely everything, and it's a good thing if you love wearing jewelry and other accessories -- they won't overwhelm your outfit, or battle with the dress.

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

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So what shoes go with a maxi dress?

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

Most maxi dresses are loose-fitted and might make you look boxy. Solve that with a belt wrapped around your waist, right below your bust or around the waist. A belt will also give a whole new feel to your outfit.

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.

Want to learn more on how to wear a belt? Then click here!

How to Wear a Maxi Dress to Formal Occasions

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You can also buy formal maxi gowns which are made of soft fabrics like silk and chiffon, and have details like pleats along the hemline or bustier neckline.

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:

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