With just eight days left of teaching Kindergarten and the hint of summer around the corner, I am already planning all of my summer looks! A maxi dress is a staple in my summer wardrobe for so many reasons. Not only do they look incredibly elegant when worn, but I also adore how effortless they are to wear. I can throw it on in a rush out the door and still look incredibly put together for the day. Styling takes minimal effort and I appreciate keeping cool and looking fashionable at the same time. Over the years of wearing maxi dresses, I’ve found some dos and don’ts for myself. Today I share them with you!
Don’t: Purchase a dress that is too long or too short.
Finding the right length has been one of my number one challenges. Being 5’9″ I find it difficult to find dresses long enough, but I’ve also heard from many of my girlfriends who have the opposite problem. It’s too long! Is there a right length for you? Yes! How do you find it? Sometimes it depends on the brand, other times it takes the right pair of shoes to make it work.
Do: Look for the details.
Of course I’m going to quote Michael Kors’ genius style tip for this but it’s all about the little details that make the simplicity of a maxi dress stand out. One of the many reasons why I’m a fan of this one from ASOS. Some of my favorites include a side slit or lattice detailing, but how can you go wrong with buttons and a cinched waist?
The new cool: button details and a cinched waist give the of-the-moment maxi dress a fresh twist. #StyleTip
— Michael Kors (@MichaelKors) May 25, 2016
Don’t: Over-accessorize.
Over-accessorizing will only overtake the beauty of your amazing dress! There’s something so elegant about the simplicity of an elegant dress. Keep it effortless. Think tousled beach waves in your hair ready for quiet dinner and walk on the beach. I’m not going to tell you to skip out on bold prints because personally I think those can be so fun! Appreciate the beauty and simplicity that can be found in a gorgeous and simple dress. Let the maxi dress shine on its own.
Do: Find a neckline that is flattering.
I didn’t always consider this a priority, but over the years, I’ve found this to be one of the first things I look for when purchasing a maxi dress. After discovering a neckline that is extremely flattering for my particular chest size and shoulder width, I can hardly go back. This racer back style is definitely my favorite! I wore a similar neckline last summer in this Floral Abstract Maxidress and received so many compliments on it. Explore your style and find the neckline that works best for YOU!
Don’t: Underestimate the power of layering.
Whether it’s the air-conditioned movie theater or wind-blown breeze of the boat your enjoying time on, having a chic jacket to layer with your dress is essential. Make this part of your outfit and don’t leave it as an afterthought! Often that piece is just as important as the dress itself!
Do: Embrace either heels or flats.
I’ve been asked so many time, heels or flats? Well, my friends, that’s entirely up to you. Both look great and depending on the style you’re going for and I think that’s part of the appeal of a maxi dress. You can dress it up or down. DO what makes YOU feel the most confident and comfortable in! After all, that smile you wear is by far the best accessory.
I’d love to hear from you! What are some of your dos and don’ts for maxi dresses?
Keep smiling!
I’m Molly Lawson! I live in Seattle and am an optimist, adventurer, and bold lipstick wearer. I created this space to inspire and empower women with words of encouragement known as #MollysWords and share inspiration through my personal style. I always want my readers to leave with a smile and I hope you do!
Everything about this outfit is perfect—the floral print and the pleats, the gorgeous lace-up heels, the suede jacket. Love this post. x
I was completely in love with this dress and then you layered on that gorgeous jacket and it just completed the look to perfection! Such great tips Molly! Hope you have a great weekend!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
You look STUNNING! Love everything about this look!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
I love how you mixed a rugged-ish jacket with the sweet flowered maxi – it looks awesome!
That dress is gorgeous! For me, I have the opposite problem. Trying to find a maxi dress when you’re 5’1″ is IMPOSSIBLE! I have only one maxi dress and I had to have it hemmed a little so I wouldn’t trip, haha.
paige • eyeliner wings & pretty things
You look stunning in this maxi dress! I’m 5’1 so all the ones I’ve come across have been WAY too long, but I admire that other people can pull them off!
-Anna | http://www.fivefootandfabulous.com
This outfit is perfect! This dress looks absolutely amazing on you.
Rachel / http://www.seashellsandsparkles.com
Love everything about this…those shoes and jacket though! #swoon
http://www.girlnextscore.com
What a stunner you are! That dress is made for you, love the pleats and florals. And yes, I have the exact opposite problem, as you can tell haha. Happy Memorial Day weekend love 🙂
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
That dress is absolutely stunning! I love how structured and clean it is but with such a pretty print! You look gorgeous!
I am actually wearing a maxi dress RIGHT now. Though not as fabulous as yours, today I’m rocking the “cozy comfy maxi” I like to wear on summer mornings while I get bloggy (see: current activity, just add coffee)
I completely agree that you shouldn’t over accessorize. Maxis stand out all on their own. I have a favourite jean jacket I love to pair mine with for nighttime BBQs!
xxox
Laura @ http://www.cookwineandthinker.com
Everything about this post is beautiful! I’m so short, so it’s hard for me to find maxi dresses that won’t completely swallow me!
Jasmine / http://www.jasminekeclipse.com
Great tips! Love the details of this dress!
xo, Shell
I love the maxi!! And the jacket you choose to go over it is awesome!!
so so pretty..
kisses from dubai ❤️
http://www.mahryska.com
Love this post, babe!
Lauren
http://www.auburnrobes.com