Oh happy Friday! Another week down, and a busy weekend ahead. I’m living it up in Big D for the next few days at a blogging conference. Basically a reason to hang out with some of the amazing friends I’ve met through blogging. Yes Mom, I met them on the internets. No, they aren’t ax murderers. 😉
I’ve had a lot of requests for a {5 Ways} Maxi Dresses post, and since I’m living in my maxi skirts and dresses lately, it was an easy request for today’s Fashion Friday.
There are tons of maxi dress options right now…from budget finds like this cutie, to higher-end ones like this. I went with this one, priced in the middle, mostly for the petite length (no alterations, yay!), and flattering cut. I have this one, as well, and adore it (I did have to have it hemmed.)
So let’s style this basic maxi dress {5 Ways}!
1) You can’t go wrong with the ole Spring Formula….scarf, sandals, and jean jacket (or cardigan like this one). And yes ma’am, mix that black and cognac!
2) Dress it up with a statement necklace, clutch, and fitted jacket. Even though this jacket is casual, the crispness of white on black jazzes it up a notch. If your dress is long enough, swap your flat sandals for wedges like these.
3) Just because it’s a dress doesn’t mean you can’t pull it out for super casual weekend wear. Style it just as you would a pair of shorts, with cute tennies (not workout ones!) and a hat. (I’m stalking this cap for it to re-stock!) It’s hard to see in these pics, but I layered a white tank under to make the top less revealing, and more sporty.
4) Make the maxi chic and preppy by tying a button-down shirt at the waist. This is a lighter alternative to a jacket, and a great opportunity to bring more color. Choose any solid or pattern, and just about any color. If you’re like me, you have a hefty supply of these types of shirts…that’s a lot of different looks for a single maxi dress! (Remember I did it with this shorter dress, too?)
I like to pile on the pearls and pretend I’m a lady-of-leisure. #agirlcandream
5) Add a fitted tee or tank over the dress, and wear it as a skirt. You may need to layer a jacket if the dress looks bulky under the shirt. Talk about clothes playing double-duty!
Obligatory Maggie photobomb.
Maxis are perfect for this time of year, when you want to wear lighter fabrics, but still need to be covered up. I feel like I’m cheating when I wear them…you look pulled together to the outside world, but inside, it feels like you’re wearing pajamas!
Are you a maxi fan? What’s your favorite way to wear them? I hope this post gave you some new ideas and inspiration for mixing them up! See more {5 Ways} posts here, and keep the requests for more coming! Happy weekend, lovebugs!
You just can't go wrong with a black maxi!! My favorite way you styled it is with the denim vest and baseball cap. I wouldn't have thought of that one but I love it!!!
I'm going to have to look for a solid black maxi now! Love how you've styled it up. Have fun at the conference!
Love all of these looks, but am especially fond of the one with the scarf. I have to say, though, that the pic of you and your dog is so absolutely sweet. Definitely frame-worthy!
Have fun at the conference and have a great weekend!
"The Busy Brunette"
http://thebusybrunette.blogspot.com/
I loooove maxi dresses! Being pulled together and comfy is a win-win!
Ha! I have that dress and I'm wearing a striped maxi today for library duty at my son's school. Love all of these looks and hope you girls have a fun weekend here in Dallas!
i love the maxi with a button-up shirt! so cute. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I especially love the last outfit but all so cute! I never like how most dresses look on me but live in skirts 99.9% of the time. I love maxi skirts and just got a new black on yesterday! Have a fun weekend!
hi cassie- I just bought a maxi dress for a fundraiser! I found some drown me, but the petites actually work with a slightly fitted waist! I love the button up shirt! cute! I need a black one! laura
So darn cute!! And that mini pony tail… LOVE! Happy Friday =)
Love your style! I'm totally going to copy the look with the white tee and jean jacket for an upcoming photo shoot. Thanks for the inspiration!
Darlene
http://whosaprettygirl.com
I love a good maxi dress, and I always forget the multitude of ways they can be styled! Thanks for this great reminder; I adore the looks!
Astleigh @ Hill Collection
Hi Sugarplum! Love this! Think the dress could work for a wedding????
Hi Kelly…if it's an afternoon wedding, I think you could dress it up enough for a wedding. But if it's evening, I'd stay away from knit…it's a little too casual for weddings. You could def do a maxi, but in a dressier fabric, like chiffon. Hope this helps! xo
Do you ever shop Land's End? They have a lot of cute dresses that remind me of you and your style. {bonus- if they don't work, you can return them to your Sears store}
Thanks for the tip, Tara! I'll have to check them out…I'm already a fan of their monogrammed totes! xo
Always love these posts! Love all the looks [especially #4 } and the link where a shortie like me can get a petite maxi dress! So cute and so fun!!
Thank you for this!! I have a black maxi (along with a few prints) that I have been trying to figure out how to work into my "office wear" cycle! This is awesome!
I love this post! I just bought this identical dress (also for the petite length) to take on vacation. It's my first maxi dress and this gave me lots of great ideas. Thanks!
Love all the way you styled the basic black maxi! Makes me want to run out and get one right now! =)
I love maxi dresses. But I'm always afraid they will make me look fat. No kidding. I am not fat and have almost no belly but I'm not a size 8, either. Maybe a 12. And my boobs are bigger than I like. What should I look for? I don't know if these make one look slimmer or bigger. Thanks.
Pat
Since the dresses are long and cover most of your body, I like a maxi to reveal my shoulders and collarbone, so you get a peek of the feminine shape. You'll notice mine is a fairly deep v, but that keeps me from looking like I'm drowning in fabric. So pay attention to the top of the dress when choosing. Hope this helps!! xo
love it with the fringe bag and hat! super cute!
Oh my goodness…I am so excited I saw this! Had not thought to layer a gingham top and I purchased a super cute purple gingham to wear for TCU baseball but the girls are holding it back from coming all together if you know what I mean…it will be perfect with my black maxi! It will be perfect for the next series!
DANG YOU'RE CUTE! AND SMART! Love all of these looks!!!!!!
Well, this is just genius. GENIUS. I need a black maxi stat. And I need a white denim jacket because that was my fave look. And I need a gingham shirt because that was also my favorite. So sassy and girly!!!! I'm off to shop!!!
I just found your wonderful blog! So happy I did. Pinned to my to the max board xo
Gotta love maxi dresses! I own at least 4 and always want more! It's like walking around without pants on, but in a social acceptable and cute kinda way.
I think I've already commented on this post, but I wanted you to know that I've saved it and I keep referring back to it! I have a black maxi dress and I'm going to try each of your five ways!
Tina!! I am THRILLED that you loved the post and found inspiration from it!! Rock that maxi, girl! xo