Maxi dresses have reappeared in the spotlight—and for good reason. The floor-grazing frocks are trendy yet timeless and are flattering on most figures.
As model Hilary Rhoda says, “Maxi dresses are also my best friend. They take me from my morning coffee, to the beach, to nighttime.” With their effortless versatility, these dresses can transition from casual daytime looks to evening elegance with just a few styling tweaks.
We’ve taken inspiration from some of our favorite celebrity maxi dress lovers to deliver a list of ways to wear your maxi dress well past the summer months. Here are five ways to style this beloved wardrobe staple:
1. Stay Cozy: Try a Long-Sleeved Maxi Dress
Sweater maxi dresses are perfect for fall. Pick a dress with a cowl neck or a turtleneck for extra warmth, or 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 (Credit: Tony Oudot / WENN / Owen Beiny / Lexi Jones / FayesVision)
If you’re not feeling a sweater maxi dress, don’t sweat. Many long-sleeved styles are made of looser materials that are perfect for the slightly warmer fall months.
Julia Stiles protectively holding her baby bump in a sweater maxi dress on the red carpet
Long-sleeved maxi dresses are a versatile addition to any wardrobe, seamlessly transitioning from casual daywear to elegant evening attire. For instance, Kirsten Dunst recently captivated audiences in a sparkling emerald maxi dress at Gucci’s Fall/Winter show during Milan Fashion Week in February 2024, demonstrating the timeless appeal of this style.
If you’re looking to incorporate this trend into your own closet, consider exploring different types of dresses to find the perfect long-sleeved maxi that complements your personal style. Long-sleeve maxi dresses are a timeless staple, and Shopbop’s latest collection proves that this silhouette can be both elegant and effortlessly modern.
A stunning selection of long-sleeve maxi dresses in classic black, rich brown, and deep red, showcasing sleek, ruched, and pleated designs
2. Swap Sandals for Boots to Elevate Your Maxi Dress
As the temperatures drop, it’s time to swap out your summer sandals for something more seasonally appropriate. Transition your sleeveless maxi dress into fall by pairing it with a stylish pair of boots.
Whether you opt for sleek and versatile ankle boots or edgy and bold combat boots, the right footwear can instantly transform your look. Luxe materials like suede or leather add warmth and texture, making your outfit effortlessly autumn-ready.
Emma Roberts keeps it effortlessly chic in a blue floral maxi dress and ankle boots in West Hollywood / Jessica Alba layers a striped maxi dress with a long vest and clog boots for a relaxed yet polished look / Hilary Duff adds an edgy twist to a sheer black maxi dress with silver-studded ankle boots while out in West Hollywood
3. Toughen Up Your Maxi Dress with a Jacket
Maxi dresses, with their long flowy skirts and printed patterns, look 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 effortlessly mixes edgy and bold, pairing a red tiger-print maxi dress with a classic black leather jacket and sleek ankle boots
4. Instantly Elevate Your Look with Chic Jewelry
Accessories play a big part in the overall look of your ensemble. As Poppy Delevingne once said, “I love maxi dresses, I feel so great when I put on a maxi dress, big earrings and sandals.” The right jewelry, shoes, and finishing touches can transform a simple maxi dress into a statement look.
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 stuns in a shimmering silver maxi dress with delicate jewelry, embracing red carpet elegance, while Kim Kardashian opts for bold statement accessories to complement her striking red two-piece ensemble
5. Add Warmth and Style with a Cozy Scarf
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 perfects effortless airport style, layering a bold printed scarf over a classic striped maxi dress and denim jacket, finishing the look with aviator sunglasses and a sleek black handbag
Loop one around your neck over a tank maxi dress, and you’re 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
Maxi Dresses Elevated: Celebrities Who Master the Art of Styling With Heels
Maxi dresses are a staple in every wardrobe, but the right heels can take them from effortless to elegant. Celebrities have mastered this pairing, showing us how the right footwear can transform a look. Here are some standout maxi dress and heel combinations:
- Jennifer Lopez: The Hustlers star teamed a flowy La DoubleJ maxi dress with strappy white platform heels by Gucci, crafted from smooth white calf leather with a sturdy block heel, adding a touch of glamour to her summer look.
- Katie Holmes: At a New York City event, Katie complemented her black silk-crepe dress with black suede Magda Butrym heels adorned with a fixed large cream camellia, giving her ensemble a romantic twist.
- Kate Hudson: At Fashion Group International’s 40th Anniversary Night of Stars, Kate wore a black off-the-shoulder Max Mara maxi dress paired with Max Mara’s ‘Stark’ sandals, featuring crystal-encrusted asymmetrical straps, adding a subtle sparkle to her elegant look.
Maxi dresses may be effortlessly chic on their own, but a well-chosen pair of heels adds polish, height, and undeniable sophistication.