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
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:
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 (narrow stripes are ok) and large patterns.
Recommended online stores who provide maxi dresses for petites:
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:
Courtesy of 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.
Medium to large prints will complement your figure a lot better than tiny ones, but solid, and neutral dark colors like black, dark brown and olive green are preferable to help 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.
Recommended online stores who provide plus size long dresses:
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.
Image credit:justjared, WENN
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 heavier and shorter!
Maxi dresses in solid and neutral colors such as black, brown, grey or white (beige, cream), dark navy blue and olive 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! I personally like wearing my cream crochet laced maxi dress with a long gold pendant necklace and small hoop earring, oh, and a cute cross body bag!
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 different brown nuances, rustic red and purple.
The Right Shoes with a Maxi Dress
So what shoes go 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
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. But if you're medium to large built you can buy a double skinny belt!
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.
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. They'll fit right in as both formal and casual wear.
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
Note: Thinner spaghetti straps will only make your upper part larger because of the contrasting proportions.
Want to learn more about how to wear different types of belts? Then visit the
