How To Wear Maxi Dresses

I’ve heard from several clients this summer that they “do not know how” to wear maxi dresses, or don’t think they “look good” on them. Well if you know me you know I wear maxi dresses like they’re my second skin! You can imagine my surprise that maxi lengths can be intimidating! Standing 5’3″ I love the lengthening effects of maxi dresses, and not having to shave my legs everyday is a major bonus! (TMI?…sorry!) 

Below are the most common roadblocks I’ve heard preventing people from giving maxi dresses a try. Hopefully my tips will help!  

“The top of the dress is too little and doesn’t provide enough coverage”- If you feel like the girls are going to fall out, or your bra is showing, it doesn’t mean the dress doesn’t have potential. Invest in a bandeau bra that will provide coverage and a peek of color to give your outfit dimension, without creating too many hot layers.  

“I’m short and the hems are too long”- just like pants, dresses can be hemmed. And many casual materials, like jersey knit, cotton and polyester, can just be cut with a pair of scissors! The material will subtly roll up and add to your effortless summer chic effect! (please keep in mind this is pending the type/finish of the material. Some materials, like silk, may run if you cut them so that should not be attempted)…or avoid hemming all together and score a great pair of summer wedges to make up for the height difference.    

“The material is too clingy, sticking to my stomach, thighs and booty instead of covering them”- This issue is all in material choice. Avoid heavy, slinky knits because these will be the clingy ones. Also pay attention to shape. Just because the hems are super long, many maxi dresses are still constructed of a subtle A-line formation. Lastly, remember patterns are your friend! They help to camouflage the slightly imperfect areas, including the “cottage cheese zones” that solid colors sometimes seem to amplify.  

Did these suggestions help at all? If so… or if you were already a maxi enthusiast… post a picture of you sporting your maxi dresses or skirts on our facebook page! 

For more tips check out How To Wear a Maxi Dress pt 2