The Coolest Ways to Wear a Maxi Dress

We can’t deny the comfort of a maxi dress, but figuring out how to wear a maxi dress can be a head-scratcher. Since maxi dresses are a go-to year-round uniform for many, we’ve made it our mission to show you exactly what to do with them. This particular style has the ability to emit an ethereal vibe that’s lovely for both day and night, and the plethora of street style stars who wear it is a clear indication that maxi dresses are a surefire way to stand out. These days, the key to knowing how to wear a maxi dress is creativity, so prepare to think outside the box and find out all the ways to do it now.

To ensure that you’re styling the piece in the coolest, chicest ways possible, read on and take note of the fashion girls who have expertly nailed the look. Then, shop some of our favorite maxi dresses of the season.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Wear casual pieces with a fancy dress for a daytime-appropriate outfit.

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(Image credit: Sandra Semburg )

Unexpected accessories add interest.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Choose the proper length to show off a pair of statement shoes.

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(Image credit: Stockholm Street Style)

Capitalize on a maxi dress’s versatility by layering.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Unexpected outerwear and shoes add an element of surprise.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Layer one over a pair of long trousers.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde )

Stand out with bold color combinations.

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(Image credit: Sandra Semburg )

Add a flattering, waist-defining piece to a flowing maxi dress.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde )

Make it office-appropriate with a blazer and structured shoes.

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(Image credit: Sandra Semburg )

Experiment with layering.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

A long, structured shirtdress always feels fresh.

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(Image credit: Sandra Semburg )

Keep your dress from touching the ground with a pair of platforms.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Add a cropped jacket and closed-toe shoes for colder days.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.