Ahh, maxi dresses. Sure, the midi may get a lot of airtime as the most popular dress trend around, but we're here to tell you that you're missing a trick if you've been sleeping on an ankle-grazing, floor-sweeping number this summer.
From jersey t-shirt designs commonplace at the beach, to full-length glamorous gowns appropriate solely for a wedding guest (or red carpet, but who's getting an invite to those IRL?), maxi dress styles span the full length of the sartorial spectrum. It can provide effortless sophistication to your summer workwear rotation, add a boho flourish to your weekend wardrobe, give you cool-girl credentials come date night, and so much more.
Worried about dragging hems getting dirty, or trailing skirts tripping you up Zara death trousers style? No fear, there's a simple solution. All you need is a statement belt that can help gather extra inches with a few strategic tucks and folds. Whether you choose to cinch your waist at its narrowest point or wear your belt slung low around your hips, the look ticks off two trends in one.
Your other option is to be strategic with your footwear. For all the inspo you need on what shoes to wear with your maxi, scroll on.
Maxi dress + flip-flops
A maxi dress and flip-flops are a classic combo for good reason. Whether you're dressing down a more formal design with the casual sandal or leaning into the laid-back aesthetic of your t-shirt style, the look just works.
Maxi dress + pumps
If you do want to look a little smarter, a pair of leather pumps will more than suffice while making the most of the floor-length silhouette.
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Maxi dress + trainers
Contrast the femininity of a floaty dress with a pair of fashion trainers. We're saving this pic to our camera rolls now, ready to recreate as we head into autumn.
Maxi dress + heels
The easiest way to combat long skirts is with heels. Whether you opt for platform sandals, comfy wedges or metallic boots like this street style star, it's a guaranteed way to dress up your look, too.
Maxi dress + biker boots
A dress and boots – especially chunky biker boots – is one of our fave pairings. The best part? It works just as well in summer as it does in autumn and winter.
Maxi dress + mesh ballet flats
The mesh ballet flat is going nowhere, thankfully. The tactile texture of your shoes will add a little extra interest to a solid, block colour maxi dress.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
