Maxi Dress from Old Navy $17.47
So you know how Maxi dresses are completely hot? I’m sure you see women wearing them everywhere, and if you’re anything like I was a year ago, you’re thinking “How do I wear a maxi dress?” They’re flirty, they’re fun, and they’re almost universally flattering. So what’s the trick to wearing a maxi dress? Here are 3 tips to wearing a maxi dress:
- Pick a maxi dress that’s proportional to your body frame. If you’re 5′ 1″ you can still wear one, but get it hemmed and make sure it’s tight and fitting on the bodice so your small frame isn’t overwhelmed with fabric.
- Instead of letting the maxi dress skim the ground, flooding you in fabric, wear platforms or high heeled sandals to give you a little boost.
- If you’re a little bit busty, like myself, avoid thin spaghetti strap maxi dresses. Pick a dress with a halter cut neck which will draw less attention to the girls.
It’s not too hard to pick a cute maxi dress to wear this summer, and if you’re in a hot climate you’ll definitely want to wear one. They’re flowy, will keep you cool while looking completely foxy and can cost as little as $20. Maxi dresses are my go-to summer uniform.
Maxi Dress from Target $10.99
Will you wear one? Won’t you? Why not?
Allison
Hello there! I'm Allison Czarnecki, founder + editor of Petit Elefant, a blog all about style on a budget for every part of your life: style / home / travel / family. I do a lot of how-to beauty + style tutorials, travel posts, easy recipes, home remodel projects, and cool DIY crafts you totally want to try. I'm super happily married (to a hot Polish immigrant) and am the mother of two kids, a daughter and son, all of whom are featured here on the regular. We live in the country but we're a little bit rock + roll. Welcome!
Absolutely! I love them.
Lu,
Me too, my closet is jam packed for summer.
I love them also. I agree on the heels – and wear mine with a cute wedge. If I wear a flat shoe, it feels weird with this type of dress.
Tracy,
I’m a tall girl, and I still feel a little better with a bit of a heel in these dresses, makes the whole profile longer and slimmer.
Lady, I love a good maxi. I will say that as a shawty I look even shorter in them AND they tend to make me look pregnant (but hopefully I look like a cute pregnant girl??!!). But I still love ’em. I got two when all the Liberty Target stuff went on sale. I’m obsessed with a nice wedge…..
Alix,
You should wear a shorter one. Knee length! Think of the breezes you could get on that one! And a wedge, you look foxy in a wedge lady.
LOL! I am literally wearing the grey maxi dress from Target right now! I got it for a maternity outfit and I am still wearing it even though my baby is 4 wks old now. :) Love it – so comfy and cool!
I love it! That’s another benefit of the maxi, they transition from maternity to regular life without a hitch. Way to go!
Love my maxi dress! It has the bonus of making people think you are totally dressed up. Uh, no I’m not. I was on my way out from work and had someone ask me if I was part of the wedding that was taking place on the grounds. Dudes, no! Just my maxi dress!
Carina,
Nice! My mom, a mumu wearing hippie, can’t stand them. She said they’re the 2000’s version of the 70’s muumu. I love that I can BREATHE in them!
i have yet to rock the maxi…don’t know why. i’ll put on my list. i do think they’re extremely cute and it’s extremely HOT where i live…seems to make sense that i wear one. okay….enough rambling, i’m going shopping!
Jill! You would look outstanding in a maxi! Go, buy! Come back and report.
I tried LAST summer and it was voted off the island. My DH declares them universally UNflattering…especially on my nether-regions….and it makes him so unhappy I got rid of mine….
My only issue with them was the walking the subways stairs bit….I often tripped.
Voted off the island, I love it. You should try one that goes to your knees, and wear it with your cute new boots. That would be super sassy!
I love the idea of them… but not sure they look that great on me. Good tips though! I always think they look cute on others. :)
Alisa, what are you talking about? They look great on everyone! Really, you should at least try one on first, I bet you’d look hot.
Do you have any suggestions of tops to wear under them for modesty issues? Thanks for the tip on big chested. That would be me. No I know why the one with spagetti straps didn’t look to great on me. Thanks!
Kelleynr,
I’d wear a thin cotton tee with sleeves that are a flattering length, not necessarily tiny cap sleeves. Wear what looks good with the maxi you’re trying on and the rest will fall into place.
my fav “go to” item of the season!
Lisa,
Yay, go you! They’re so cheap too, that’s almost the best part.
I know you say it’s possible for short girls to wear the maxi dresses but they really do make me look like a jawa. Not a good look for me.
Naomi,
It’s totally possible, just wear a short one that goes to your knees with some cute boots. Seriously, cute.
Want to wear one, badly. However, I am a tall, large girl and I always feel like all that material would not flatter. Also, HATE my upper arms.
But I do like short sleeve empire waisted dresses that graze the knee.
Some Maxi dresses don’t flatter, it’s true. It depends on the pattern on the fabric and the cut, but you could get a shorter one for sure, just wear it with a little tee underneath. My upper arms are not my favorite either, and I wear a little something underneath.
I have about 4 in different colors/styles and at 34 weeks pregnant, they are the most comfortable things in my closet! They are surprisingly cool too even with all the extra fabric.
Isn’t it crazy that even though it’s like wearing a mumu, it’s still the most comfortable thing my closet?! Love them.
So, I’m about five feet tall and am a very curvaceous woman. However, I LOVE super long Maxi dresses! It actually accentuates my curves and makes me look taller, especially when worn with wedges or even chunky sandals. So if anyone in here thinks they can’t wear one but hasn’t tried, get on it! :]
Skye,
I agree completely. I was totally against them, as a curvy girl, but when I tried one on last summer I fell in love.