Maxi Dresses: Your Summer to Fall Go-To

     If you’re looking for the perfect transitional dressing trend, especially for summer to fall, then you can’t go wrong with a maxi dress. No matter if you live in an area where the temperatures start to cool and the leaves change in late September, or you’re just looking for a versatile dress that can weather any kind of climate, a maxi dress is always a great go-to item.

     These dresses come in all kinds of colors and variations, and can be worn for a variety of occasions, including for work, the weekend, or even a special event. And they’re so easy to dress up, or dress down! But how exactly should you style your dress as the seasons change, and what are some of the best ways to wear them? Glad you asked, because in today’s article, we’re discussing: What maxi dresses are (and where to buy them), the best shoes to wear with a maxi dress and how to wear this transitional dressing trend!

Maxi Dresses: Your Summer to Fall Go-To
If you’re looking for an easy transitional summer to fall dressing trend, the maxi dress has you covered! Main image courtesy of Shopbop

What are maxi dresses? Let’s delve into the world of maxi dresses

     Maxi dresses are easy to spot from other dresses since they have the longest hemline. To be considered a maxi, the dress should hit at least at your ankle—but some maxis are even longer and can reach to the floor! The maxi in maxi dresses refers to the maximum length, since these dresses are the longest you’ll find. Other lengths include midi dresses, which hit from your knees to mid calf, and mini dresses, which are above the knees and hit at the thighs.

Maxi Dresses: Your Summer to Fall Go-To

Let’s delve into the world of maxi dresses. 

Image from @shopbop

     

     All lengths of dresses have their perks, but maxis seem to enjoy popularity across the seasons. Women from all walks of life enjoy the long length and the feminine cut that lots of maxis provide. Typically maxis are more form fitting at the bodice, and then loosen below the waist to create a flowy, comfortable silhouette. However, this is not always the case, and is another reason why maxis are so versatile from season to season. You’ll also find long maxi dresses that are very form fitting, and perfect for showing off your curves from the shoulders to your ankles.

     Alternatively, there are maxi dresses that are very loose from top to bottom, and are more reminiscent of longer length shift dresses. No matter what your style, or what type of silhouette you’re most comfortable in, chances are there’s a maxi dress for that!

Where can you buy a maxi dress?

     Maxi dresses are available at almost every store that caters to women’s fashion, from high end designers like STAUD and Alice + Olivia, to more affordable brands that you can find at Amazon or Target. And what’s great about maxis, is that you can usually find them at stores yearound, which means they’re one your best bets for transitional dressing between the seasons. Maxis come in all kinds of styles—sleeveless and spaghetti straps for summer, flutter or cap sleeves for fall and spring, and full length long sleeves perfect for fall and winter.

     If you’re looking for maxi dresses, no matter what the temperature is outside, one of the best places you can find them is at Shopbop. They have all kinds of maxis from your favorite designer brands, and some are even on sale at a discount! Not shopping for maxis at the moment? No problem, because they have everything from sweaters, mini skirts, shoes, shorts, sleepwear, activewear, and more available.

How long is a maxi dress?

     A maxi dress is defined as a dress with the maximum hem, which hits at your ankles or below (floor length). Since maxis come in all kinds of styles, it’s difficult to put an exact number as to how long the hem has to be. Chances are, you know a maxi when you see it because it’s the dress with the longest hemline when you compare it to a midi or a mini length.

Is there such a thing as a petite maxi dress?

     If you typically wear a petite size clothing, you may be wondering if you can wear maxi dresses too. Petite clothing is typically made with smaller women in mind. Pants, shorts, skirts, blouses, and jackets that are petite are usually shorter in length, compared to regular women’s wear. Because petite women are often of smaller stature, regular maxis might not work as well for them. Good thing there are brands that specifically make petite maxi dresses!

     You can either specifically shop for petite maxi dresses, or if you find one that you absolutely love, consider taking it to your tailor or seamstress to have the hemline taken up. Lots of brands will advertise that they offer a line specifically for petite women, making it a little bit easier to find a dress that’s designed for your height in mind.

What shoes go with a maxi dress? What type of footwear is best with a maxi dress?

     The great thing about maxi dresses is that you can wear just about anything on your feet and have it look absolutely amazing! If it's summertime, you can’t go wrong with sandals or flip flops with your maxi. When the temperatures are warm, there’s nothing better than putting on a comfortable flowy maxi that’s either strapless, or has thin straps. Pick out a cute pair of sandals to wear if you’re going out on a date or meeting some friends for lunch. But don’t miss out on wearing your favorite casual flops when you’re running errands or just hanging out!

Maxi Dresses: Your Summer to Fall Go-To
Maxi dresses are so versatile, and you can easily wear them when you transition from summer to fall. Image courtesy of Shopbop.

     

     When the summer transitions to fall, you don’t have to worry about putting your maxi dresses away, just change your footwear! Instead of open toed shoes, opt for sneakers, booties, or boots—you could also include mules or loafers, depending on how chilly it is. Maxi dresses paired with boots and a sweater or a jacket are the perfect way to transition through the seasons, and ensure you can keep wearing your favorite dress. Alternatively, opt for a maxi that has longer sleeves and pair it with tall boots or booties and leggings for a wonderful autumnal look.

     You can keep the boots, leggings/tights, and maxi dress look throughout the winter season as well. Just pair it with a cozy sweater or a scarf and you’re all set! If the temps are particularly low, find some boots with a warm lining (such as shearling) and a dress that’s made out of heavier material, like a sweater dress.

Where can you wear a maxi dress? Maxi dresses can be worn for all kinds of occasions!

     By now you understand a little bit more just how truly versatile maxi dresses are—you can wear them for each of the seasons, including those transitional times. But did you know that they’re appropriate for a variety of occasions too? That’s right, this dress can be worn for anything your day (or night) has planned!

      How to wear a maxi dress for work. If you work in a business casual office setting, you most certainly can wear a maxi dress to work! Pick up a dress that has a higher neckline, such as a square or boat cut, and that has a length that hits nicely at your ankles. If it has straps, make sure you wear a sweater or a jacket for work-appropriate coverage. You can also elevate your look with a scarf or a belt. Pair with flats, loafers, or boots and you’re ready for the day!

Maxi Dresses: Your Summer to Fall Go-To

The long length of maxi dresses gives off a very elegant silhouette. Image courtesy of Shopbop.

     Wearing a maxi dress in the evening. Maxi dresses that are flowy, feminine, and flirty are great for the weekends, but you can also create a sophisticated look for a fancy evening affair. Find a maxi in a dark color (black or navy is a great go-to for more formal affairs) that is made of a material like velvet, satin, silk, sequins, or a mix of materials. Wear a neckline that you’re comfortable with (it doesn’t have to be plunging) and bonus points if there are crystals or embroidery! Go with a more form fitting maxi silhouette that includes either a thigh or back slit, and you’re really going to turn heads at your event.

     Maxis are perfect for day time fun. Of course maxi dresses are perfect for almost any daytime occasion you have planned. If you’re headed to the beach, park, or a picnic in the warmer months, a maxi dress in a vibrant color is perfect. Have a date night planned? A simple, date worthy look can easily be achieved with a pretty maxi dress and either sandals, flats, or boots. If you’ve got lunch plans, you can easily pair a light sweater with a maxi and look effortlessly put together!

The maxi dress is your go-to item for transitional dressing trends!

     No matter what your style is, you can find a maxi dress that suits your personality. Whether you want a light and airy maxi to wear during the summer months, or are looking for a warmer option with sleeves to wear in the fall, maxi dresses can be worn for all seasons!