Where Will Your Maxi Dress Take You?

Long, flowing and always ready for plans. The maxi dress has range.

One belongs beside the sea, another has wedding guest written all over it and some are simply waiting for somewhere to go. Here’s how to style a maxi dress for everyday plans, dressed-up invites and whatever’s in the diary.

Sunshine Styling

Is the forecast looking hot? Start with a flowing summer maxi dress, then add flat sandals, sunglasses and a bag roomy enough for the day ahead. An oversized sunhat? Even better.

Keep a knitted maxi dress simple with tonal accessories and barely-there sandals, or follow the movement of a softer silhouette with a woven bag and gold-tone jewellery.

For something more relaxed, wear an open shirt over the top or add a light jacket once the sun disappears.

The Best-Dressed Guest

A maxi dress for a wedding does most of the styling work before you’ve even thought about accessories.

Look to fluid satin and silhouettes that feel naturally dressy. A one-shoulder neckline brings a modern feel, while a tie-fastening halterneck adds soft movement around the neck.

Keep accessories simple beside a statement print, or use them to bring more personality to a block colour.

Billie-Joe, Nobody’s Child Stylist

“Start with the dress’s strongest detail, whether that’s its print, neckline or silhouette, then build your accessories around it. The finished look should feel balanced, not busy.”

Dressed-Up Days

Garden parties, long lunches and plans with no official dress code, but one that’s definitely implied, choose a dress with shape through the bodice and movement through the skirt, then add sculptural earrings or a small shoulder bag. A low block heel will keep you comfortable on grass, while a light tailored jacket makes a good plus-one when the great British weather hasn’t confirmed its plans.

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Dressed-Up Days

Garden parties, long lunches and plans with no official dress code, but one that’s definitely implied, choose a dress with shape through the bodice and movement through the skirt, then add sculptural earrings or a small shoulder bag. A low block heel will keep you comfortable on grass, while a light tailored jacket makes a good plus-one when the great British weather hasn’t confirmed its plans.

Shop occasion dresses

Structured or silky? Both know how to make an entrance.A bandeau maxi with a corset-style bodice and full skirt brings structure, while bias-cut satin skims the body for a softer silhouette. Asymmetric necklines, low cowl backs and off-the-shoulder shapes make a statement. Simply finish with a compact bag, gold-tone jewellery and heels.

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Black Polka Dot Satin Pia Maxi Dress
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Navy Bandeau Drop Waist Fawna Maxi Dress
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The Party Maxi

The Everyday Maxi

Maxi dresses aren’t only waiting for dressed-up invitations. For everyday plans, choose soft cotton and relaxed shapes. Add flat sandals and a woven bag in warmer weather, or trainers and a denim jacket when there are clouds overhead. A white sundress is a classic you can’t go wrong with.. Simply add black accessories for contrast, keep things tonal with raffia and tan, or bring in a bandana when the outfit needs a little something extra.

SHOP MAXI DRESSES

The Everyday Maxi

Maxi dresses aren’t only waiting for dressed-up invitations. For everyday plans, choose soft cotton and relaxed shapes. Add flat sandals and a woven bag in warmer weather, or trainers and a denim jacket when there are clouds overhead. A white sundress is a classic you can’t go wrong with.. Simply add black accessories for contrast, keep things tonal with raffia and tan, or bring in a bandana when the outfit needs a little something extra.

SHOP MAXI DRESSES

For everyday plans, choose soft cotton and relaxed shapes. Add flat sandals and a woven bag in warmer weather or trainers and a denim jacket when there are clouds overhead.

How to Layer a Maxi Dress

Start with the shape of the dress and go from there. A scarf might be all a flowing occasion style needs, while a cropped jacket works well with a full skirt as it keeps the waist visible.

A tailored blazer brings structure to softer silhouettes, while an oversized shirt worn open suits more relaxed daytime styles. When the temperature drops, layer a fine knit over the top and let the dress take on a second role as a maxi skirt.

Your Maxi Dress Questions, Answered

Choose flat sandals for relaxed summer maxis, trainers for everyday styles and heels or heeled sandals for weddings and parties. For garden events or the races, a block heel is less likely to sink into the grass. Always check where the hem falls with your shoes to stop you from tripping up.

Try a scarf with a flowing occasion dress, a cropped jacket with a full skirt or a tailored blazer with a softer silhouette. An open shirt works for casual summer styling, while a fine knit worn over the top can turn your maxi dress into a skirt.

Let the dress set the tone. Pair statement prints and detailed necklines with simple jewellery, or use colour and texture to add interest to a pared-back style. It doesn’t need much, just the right finishing touch.

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