Just like a romper is a one-and-done great outfit maker, so is a fun maxi dress. For spring, they’re so easy to throw on and go for the day. Spring is full of sunshine but also sometimes a pesky breeze, which makes a maxi the perfect outfit to go with.
With so many styles to choose from, you can find super casual t-shirt dress styles, to floral flowy dresses that can be dressed up for events and parties, to more boho-inspired maxis great with sneakers. So many options to choose from no matter where you’re headed.
Today I’m going to share a few of my tips to styling a maxi dress for spring and summer, and a few great outfit ideas. For bridal showers, baby showers, BBQs, to just grabbing a quick cocktail with a friend. These are a few of my favorite looks featuring this popular dress style.
How To Style A Maxi Dress For Spring
Add Accessories
For spring or summer I’m all about some good accessories. A great straw hat for one, fun straw bags and tortoise sunglasses. You just can’t go wrong! Since a maxi is a one and done kind of outfit, adding a fun accessory like a hat, can help to complete your look.
This is also a great opportunity to embrace some fun fashion trends. A little bandana around the neck, cool hat or necklace, you name it!
Maxi Dress With Belt To Cinch Your Waist
My go to style tip for a maxi dress is to always add a belt. A lot of maxis may not have a cinched waist and can oftentimes be relaxed and flowy. Creating a cinched waist yourself can help to create a more flattering shape.
From thin braided or leather belts to thicker more standout styles are always a good idea. I personally love my Isabel Marant belt for things like this, or my braided belt that feels perfect for spring and summer.
Maxi Dress With a Jacket
We all know I love my denim jacket. But this is definitely a dress style I love to add my go-to denim jacket to for spring and summer. I prefer the shorter length.
So really any jacket or cardigan that hits your natural waist I think is a good choice for a casual summer maxi dress. If you go super long it can read a bit messy in my opinion if it doesn’t have a good shape to it.
Plus, it’s nice as a warmer layer for cooler spring nights or if you’re wearing a spaghetti strap style maxi. Also, if I was wearing a dressy black maxi dress for date night maybe, I would want to add a sleek blazer or black leather jacket to it. So it really depends on the season and the vibe you’re going for.
The Right Shoes
Whenever I wear a maxi dress I find myself gravitating towards the same shoes, my strappy sandals. A sneaker works great though too if it’s the right style, but I think a sandal is perfect. Always keep the length of the maxi dress in mind though.
If you decide to wear a pair of heels with your dress, you’ll want to keep in mind the height. When it comes to how tall your shoes should be, I’m a firm believer that you either commit to it just about kissing the ground, or ankles or higher.
That in-between just feels off to me. You also don’t want it so long that you’re tripping over it.
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Spring Maxi Dress Outfits
Yellow Tiered Maxi Dress
A favorite from a few years ago. This yellow linen maxi dress is so comfy and light, which is great for a hot day. It has a natural cinched waist which I always aim for, and would even be cute with a straw belt over it.
A wide brim hat, straw bag and easy sandals. I love how easy this look is making it great for spring gatherings like BBQs, lunches with friends or vacation.
Dressed Up Florals
This is a perfect example of how the length of the maxi dress matters. If this were a little longer, I’d say hard no. But this floral maxi dress hits Shelby right at her ankle and it’s simply perfection. Love the fun bright florals.
This dress would be great for a party, bridal shower or drinks out with friends. Paired with a nude block heel, this look is comfortable yet fashion forward.
Statement Long Sleeve Maxi
This dress is really great all year round. A long sleeve maxi is perfect for those cooler spring days or nights. The flowy vibe of this dress is giving me major 70s vibes and I love it so much. But this is also a great example of how I’d personally want to cinch the waist here.
Although I love it on Janelle from Wait You Need This and think she can do no wrong. She can pull off this flowy printed maxi dress with such ease. But if you feel like this is too wide and flowy for you, a thin belt would be perfect! This look is great for everyday hangs, vacations, dinner al fresco, you name it.
Cotton Tank Or T-Shirt Maxi
A great casual and comfortable maxi style to go for is a classic cotton tank or t-shirt maxi dress. This one from Garnet Hill is so soft and has a built-in elastic cinched waist. I love the buttons up the side leaving a little slit for showing off some leg.
Cotton is always a good choice of fabric for warmer days. It’s breathable, comfortable and doesn’t wrinkle much. Always a great choice! Wear this to run around with the family, friends, or head to a beach or picnic.
A Black Maxi Dress For Spring And Summer
A black maxi dress is such a great basic to have. You can go fun with cut outs and unique necklines like I did here with this Reformation dress.
I simply styled this maxi dress with black espadrilles, a favorite for spring and summer. And for a bag, a black woven wicker bag is a fun accessory that adds some texture to the outfit.
