The wonderful thing about maxi dresses? They aren't confined to the extremes of casual or formal wear. From laidback, jersey T-shirt designs and form-fitting silhouettes that can easily be dressed up or down to full-length glamorous gowns appropriate solely for a wedding guest, there's truly a style for any occasion. I love the versatility of a maxi dress and how it can provide effortless sophistication to your summer workwear rotation, add a boho touch to your weekend wardrobe, give you cool-girl credentials come date night, and so much more. Ahem, just let the Fall/Winter 2025 runways be proof, where the likes of Schiaparelli, Loewe, and Chloé all favored the hem-length in their collections.
And now? It’s just about finding the right pair of shoes to complete your head-to-toe look. Whether you want to keep it casual, elevate your vibe, or you’re a petite girl worried about trailing hems, there’s no shortage of maxi dress and shoe outfit ideas to explore. For all the inspo you need on what shoes to wear with your maxi, scroll on.
Maxi dress and flip-flops
A maxi dress and flip-flops are a classic 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 combo works.
Maxi dress and pumps
If you want to take it to another level, a pair of leather pumps will more than suffice, making the most of the floor-length silhouette.
Maxi dress and sneakers
Contrast the whimsical essence of a floaty dress with stylish sneakers. We're saving this pic to our camera rolls now, ready to recreate as we head into autumn.
Maxi dress and heels
The easiest way to combat dragging skirts is with heels. Whether you opt for platform sandals, comfortable wedges, or metallic boots like this street style star, it's a guaranteed way to dress up your look, too.
Maxi dress and biker boots
A dress and boots, especially chunky biker boots, is one of our fave combos. The best part? It works just as well in summer as it does in autumn and winter.
Maxi dress and mesh ballet flats
The mesh ballet flat is going nowhere, thankfully. The tactile texture of your shoes will add a little extra something to a solid, block color maxi dress.
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!
