Maxi dresses have reappeared in the spotlight, and for obvious reasons. The floor-grazing frocks are trendy yet timeless and are flattering on most figures. Plus, the styling options are almost endless, especially when you start tossing in layers and accessories.
We’ve taken inspiration from some of our favorite celebrity maxi dress lovers to deliver you a list of ways you can wear your maxi dress well past the summer months. Here are five ways to wear this popular dress style:
1. Pick up a long-sleeved style
Sweater maxi dresses are perfect for fall. Pick a dress with a cowl neck or a turtleneck for extra warmth, or just wear a traditional v-neck or crew neck cut.
Julia Stiles cradled her growing belly at the “Riviera” Launch event at London’s Halcyon Gallery in London on June 13, 2017
If you’re not feeling a sweater maxi dress, don’t sweat. There are tons of long-sleeved styles made of looser materials perfect for the slightly warmer fall months.
Julia Stiles protectively holding her baby bump in a sweater maxi dress on the red carpet
2. Dress them up with boots
Ditch the sandals once September rolls around, and pair your sleeveless maxi with a pair of boots instead!
Ankle boots or combat boots are best, and a rich material like suede and leather brings an instant autumn vibe to your outfit.
Emma Roberts out and about in West Hollywood wearing a full length blue floral dress on January 15, 2015 / Jessica Alba out and about in a blue stripe maxi dress and clog boots on February 8, 2016 / Hilary Duff leaving the gym in West Hollywood wearing an all-black sheer dress and silver studded ankle boots on March 9, 2015.
3. Add edge with a jacket
Maxi dresses, with their long flowy skirts and printed patterns, tend to look very feminine and romantic. If you want to hike up the edge, layer on a leather jacket or a blazer to add more structure to the ensemble.
Plus, the outerwear will protect you from the unavoidable fall chill.
Fearne Cotton wears a printed maxi dress with a leather jacket outside BBC Radio 2 in London on November 22, 2016
4. Accessorize with polished jewelry
Accessories play a big part in the overall look of your ensemble.
While heavy layers of long necklaces and stacked bangles give off more of a bohemian summer vibe, serious statement baubles can bring the tone down to fit the season.
Hayden Panettiere at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on August 26, 2014 / Kim Kardashian at the Roc Nation, PUMA, and Three Six Zero Pre-Grammy Brunch at a private residence in Beverly Hills on February 7, 2015.
5. Layer with scarves
Regardless of whether you’re wearing a maxi dress or not, scarves are an instant way to add a bit of fall flair to your ensemble.
Miranda Kerr wearing a striped maxi dress at LAX airport on August 22, 2013
Loop one around your neck over a tank maxi dress and you’re definitely good to go. Scarves also protect the wearer from any unwanted fall chill. Win-win!
Miranda Kerr styled her maxi dress with a colorful layer of scarves
Credit: Tony Oudot / WENN / Owen Beiny / Lexi Jones / FayesVision