The Maxi Dress – A Dress for All Occasions

Finding a dress that can work for many occasions is quite a challenge. A little black dress may have the classic appeal, but will you feel as comfortable wearing it on the dance floor as you will on a day out? When you need a dress that you can wear again and again, maxi dresses are extremely versatile.

Here’s how to adapt a maxi dress to suit the mood:
Everyday wear
When you’re heading out to the supermarket, you may be tempted to just bung on a jeans and t-shirt combo, but a maxi dress can be an elegant and simple option that’s comfortable and pretty. Cotton and jersey maxi dresses are particularly easy to wear, they allow plenty of movement for everyday tasks and usually have a finish that is daytime appropriate. Steer clear of maxi dresses with vast embellishment or jewels; they’re harder to worker on a day out. For an everyday approach, wear your maxi dress with a simple cardi and a pair of comfortable ballet pumps.
On the beach
Simplify your holiday with a maxi dress on top of your swimwear. Cotton maxi dresses are cooling and soft meaning you won’t get sticky in hot weather. To make your maxi dress work on the beach, team with a beautiful oversized summer hat, celeb-style shades and a pair of wedge gladiator sandals. Sandals or flip-flops with a wedge or platform will help give you a little extra height so your dress doesn’t drag in the sand.
As a Wedding Guest
Forget showy mini-dresses or formal suit skirts, a maxi dress can really help you stand out from the crowd at a wedding. There’s something understated about a nice flowing maxi dress; let the pattern or print speak for itself teaming only with a simple shawl or embellished cardigan and a coordinating clutch bag. Heels don’t always work with maxi dresses, as they will either be hidden beneath the full-length skirt or leave your dress hanging at an odd length; instead opt for a pretty flat sandal or pump, unlike the female wedding guests who are showing off their sky-scraping heels, you’ll be able to pick a shoe that’s actually really comfortable.
On a Night Out
Yes even the most casual of maxi dresses can look fabulous on a night out too! The way to glamourize your maxi dress by night is to play around with accessories. Statement bangles and necklaces that highlight your plunging neckline are great examples. If you need to cover up your shoulders, opt for edgy crop denim or leather jacket.
In The Office
If you want to look effortlessly stylish in the office, a maxi dress can make wonderful workplace attire. Team with a smart-casual coloured blazer; cropped blazers work best with maxi dresses. Again, you’ll have to forget heels but choose a pair of smart, embellished ballet flats or office appropriate ladies brogues. If you’re looking for a suitable work handbag to style alongside your maxi dress, go for the colourful leather satchels that are on trend at the moment; slung over your shoulder they add to a cute but comfortable look.