Maxi dresses get their name from the fact that they are long dresses. Think of them as floor-length gowns. Maxi dresses are roughly ankle-length, feature full skirts, and are available in a wide range of styles and look within these fundamental style boundaries. Maxi dresses are so versatile and easy to style that they can be worn for any occasion. It’s an excellent pick for a casual, formal, or any other appearance in between.
History of Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses are all the rage right now, and they’re taking over the fashion world. They have a really modern and fresh vibe to them. You might be surprised to learn that maxi dresses have a long history.
The design was inspired by the long, flowing skirts that were so popular in Native American and Southwestern dress at the period in the 1940s. Patio dresses were the name for them. Unfortunately, the craze was short-lived. Patio dresses are no longer fashionable.
This opened the way for maxi dresses in the fashion world. The first maxi dresses came in the 1960s, and they were a modernized and contemporary twist on the 1940s patio dresses. During this decade of adventurous, boho fashion, long, free, flowing dresses became highly fashionable. However, by the 1970s, when disco music became popular, maxi dresses had fallen out of favor.
Maxi dresses have resurfaced in popularity, with designers putting their own spin on the traditional style.
Types of Maxi Dress
How many different types of maxi dresses can you name? Within the basic stylistic framework of the maxi dress, there are all sorts of different design possibilities.
Budget-Friendly Maxi Dress
These are likely to please if you’re looking for some affordable maxi dresses. Pair them with sneakers for a laid-back style. Put on a pair of heels if you’re headed to a more expensive event.
Daytime Maxi Dress
Dressing for the day should be enjoyable rather than a chore unless you’re like me and try on 45 different outfits before finding the right one. In a moment, a maxi dress will make you look put together. We recommend wearing this with sandals and a jean jacket during the day.
Drop Waist Maxi Dress
The waistline of a drop waist maxi dress, also known as a low waist dress, is lower than the natural waist. It can go all the way down to the hips or even lower. This style gives the illusion of a longer torso, which is appealing to ladies with shorter torsos.
Empire Waist Maxi Dress
The empire waist style has an extremely high cut, with the waistline falling just below the bust. From here, the maxi dress’s entire skirt begins. This waistline is flattering on all body shapes, and it’s especially useful for pregnant women.
Fall Maxi Dress
It’s all about layering in the fall. Wear a maxi dress with tights, a light sweater, and a thermal.
Free Flowing/ No Waist Maxi Dress
There is no waist in the free-flowing or no waist design. This results in an A-line silhouette with a long, flowing design with little definition.
Fun Maxi Dress
With this final pair of dresses, you may add some color and vibrancy to your outfit. We’re guessing you’ll put all three in your shopping basket.
Halter Neck Maxi Dress
Halter maxi dresses do not have sleeves, but they do have a halter-style bodice with two large swaths of fabric that come up to cover the chest and then join together at the back of the neck in a V pattern. The upper back and shoulders are exposed in the halter style.
High Low Maxi Dress
The hem length of high-low maxi dresses varies, with the front being somewhat shorter than the rear. This hem is ideal for showcasing some genuinely stunning footwear.
High Waist Maxi Dress
The waistband of high waist maxi dresses, also known as high rise designs, lies slightly above the natural waist. It doesn’t go much higher than three inches above the belly button, though.
Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
The necklines of long sleeve maxi dresses vary, but they all have sleeves that cover the arm from the shoulder or upper arm to the wrists.
Night-Ready Maxi Dress
Because a maxi dress is so adaptable, it may easily transition from day to night. Pair with pointed-toed shoes and lipstick to complete the outfit.
Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Sleeves cover the arms in part or entirely on off-the-shoulder maxi dresses, but there are no shoulders. The dress has a low cut over the chest and sleeves, exposing the entire neck and shoulders.
Plunge Neck Maxi Dress
A deep V or U neckline characterizes the plunge or plunging maxi dress. The neckline is low and broad enough to display cleavage (or something you’re wearing underneath the dress if you don’t want to show cleavage). This neckline can be extremely daring, with some styles plunging all the way to the belly button.
Shirtdress Maxi Dress
Shirt dresses are long enough to be worn as maxi dresses but look like a collared button-up shirt. A button-up maxi dress is another name for this style.
Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress
The sleeves on short sleeve maxi dresses are shorter than elbow length. Short sleeves can come in a variety of styles, including puffed sleeves.
Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress
Spaghetti strap necklines can be seen in a variety of maxi dresses, ranging from the most casual to the most opulent. Spaghetti straps are string-like and very thin.
Splurge Maxi Dress
Why not invest in a high-quality maxi dress that you can wear all year long? We think you’ll like these options if you’re in the mood to splurge.
Spring Maxi Dress
Could we suggest a maxi dress for spring? Because the weather varies from March to June, a maxi dress will keep your legs comfortable without overheating you. You’ll look like a ‘90s dream if you pair it with a leather jacket and platform boots.
Strapless Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses with no sleeves and no straps are known as strapless maxi dresses. Before opening up to the full, flowing skirts that make the maxi dress so distinctive, the bodice fits securely around the body and waist.
Summer Maxi Dress
The perfect summer attire is a maxi dress. You’ll be ready for wherever the day takes you with a floppy hat and some sandals.
Tank Maxi Dress
A tank-style maxi dress has a bodice that looks like a tank top. This is a sleeveless shirt with thin straps that are thicker than spaghetti straps but not as thick as halter tops.
Tiered Maxi Dress
A tank-style maxi dress has a bodice that looks like a tank top. This is a sleeveless shirt with thin straps that are thicker than spaghetti straps but not as thick as halter tops.
V-Neck Maxi Dress
The V-neck maxi dress has a V-shaped neckline with a sharp, plunging neckline. The dress can have sleeves as long as it has a V neck and covers the shoulder.
Winter Maxi Dress
Winter outfits aren’t much fun, but the maxi dress is come to change that. Wear it with a scarf, a puffer coat, and some great graphic leggings.
Work-Ready Maxi Dress
Even if most of us aren’t in our offices, we may dress up to look like we are. Putting on a maxi dress might make you feel like you’re wearing a blanket, which is a great look for staying warm during those long Zoom meetings. Wear your maxi with low boots and a light jacket if you’re going to the office.
Wrap Maxi Dress
Wrap maxi dresses have a wrap dress bodice that is highly flattering on the bustline.
Best Shoes To Wear With Maxi Dresses
This styling piece is all about fashionable shoes to pair with maxi dresses! Maxi dresses can be as difficult to style as they are to avoid tripping over. Whether you’re looking for summer or winter shoes to go with a long dress, we’ve got you covered. Or in a more casual or classy manner?
I’ve compiled a list of the best shoe matches for any floor-length dress type! And, of course, trend-appropriate.
Ankle Boots with Maxi Dress
Nothing beats a maxi dress with ankle booties for entering or exiting the winter season! In the Fall, ankle boots are some of the greatest shoes to pair with maxi dresses! Lower ankle boots are ideal, but why not try a pair of contemporary platform boots with a high ankle like Bowie?
If you want a less dramatic look, mix the off-the-shoulder trend with a pair of Western-style boots for a cowboy-meets-country-girl vibe. However, if you like a taller boot that tucks under your dress, it is also a fashionable look right now!
Clogs with a Maxi Dress
Wear your maxi with a pair of clog mules or sandals for the ultimate summery high-heeled style (and to channel your inner boho gal!). There’s something about wearing clogs with maxi dresses that never goes out of style and always looks stunning! It gives a long dress a 70s vibe, which is really hot right now.
Espadrilles with Maxi Dress
Espadrilles, especially those with wedge heels, are another fantastic summer shoe to pair with maxi dresses. Espadrilles have been a summer classic essential for decades, whether you choose an open or closed-toe variety.
Espadrilles are one of the greatest shoes to wear with long dresses since they have a distinct summer flair. With this type of shoe, I like to wear a long, flowy cotton dress or a tiered linen style. With espadrilles, a dress with a bit of flair can also look fantastic!
Flat Sandals with Maxi Dress
Of course, the flat sandal has been and will continue to be the go-to shoe with a maxi dress throughout the summer. A maxi dress with gladiators is my favorite, but basic slides would do the trick just as well.
Unless you’re headed to the beach, I’d avoid wearing flip-flops. If you desire a more refined look, keep in mind that Birkenstocks will make your entire ensemble look rustic.
Loafers with Maxi Dress
Loafers look fantastic with maxi dresses, which is an unusual pairing. Not only that, but they’re a great way to add a long dress to your professional wardrobe. Simply finish the ensemble with a blazer for a nice preppy vibe!
Loafers are also a wonderful option if you don’t want to wear heels but don’t want to wear sneakers since they’re too casual.
Minimal Heels with Maxi Dress
If you have a maxi dress that you want to wear from the beach to a fancy dinner, a pair of lovely in-style strappy sandals will effortlessly change your maxi into a gown. Add a handbag and a belt to the dress if desired, and you’re ready to go!
Platform Shoes with Maxi Dress
If you’re more petite or want to add some height to your maxi dress, a chunky heeled pair of platforms is a great way to go. Since 2016, platform sandals, pumps, and boots with hefty heels have become a serious shoe trend.
Velvet heels are very popular, especially with flowy dresses in the Fall and Winter. A velvety platform shoe, such as the ones seen above, would undoubtedly add a dash of style to your maxi dress ensemble!
Sneakers with Maxi Dress
When you’re stumped as to what shoes to wear with a maxi dress, this is the shoe for you! The best part is that you most likely already have some fantastic casual sneakers to go with your long flowing dress. For the most up-to-date style, choose for an all-black or all-white sneaker or a pair of throwback sneakers.
Now that long slip dresses are back in vogue, you may wear this sort of maxi with tennis shoes and a sweater or jacket for a dressy or casual look.
FAQs – Maxi Dress Styles
What is a maxi dress?
A maxi dress must stop just above the ankle or lower, all the way to floor length to be considered a maxi dress. The skirts are full, flowing, and a little loose. It’s a long dress that’s usually constructed of a light, breezy fabric.
What defines a maxi dress?
Maxi dresses are floor or ankle-length dresses that are usually composed of breathable fabric like cotton. Maxi dresses have become popular due to their free-flowing and comfortable nature. These dresses are available in a variety of styles to complement any body type.
Who invented the maxi dress?
In 1968, Oscar de la Renta, a well-known fashion designer, is credited with inventing the current maxi dress style. Other designers, such as Dior and YSL, immediately followed in his footsteps and created their own maxi dresses.
Where can you wear a maxi dress?
The beauty of maxi dresses is that they can be worn almost anywhere and look great with a variety of shoe styles. The flexible maxi dress is easy to style and comfy to wear. Wear summer maxi dresses to the beach with strappy sandals or flip flops, or dress it up a little with some gorgeous jewelry for a night out. To run errands or have a day date, wear a casual maxi dress with flats. When you want to achieve a formal maxi dress appearance, add high heels, a classy purse, and a gorgeous updo. When you’re wearing a maxi dress, there’s no limit to your style. You could even pair it with combat boots.
What jacket should you wear with a maxi dress?
A maxi dress can be paired with a variety of jackets. Cropped jackets, blazers, leather jacket designs, denim jacket types, and a variety of other styles go nicely with a maxi dress’s flowing lines. It’s always about wearing it confidently, no matter what you’re wearing. Walk tall and confident in the knowledge that you will look magnificent.
Who looks good in maxi dresses?
Short ladies look best in maxi dresses with a raised waistline, as they make them appear taller and thinner. The dress’s waist is higher than your natural waistline, making your legs appear longer than they are. When I’m looking for a maxi dress, this is the first thing I look for.
What are the best undergarments for a maxi dress?
Because many varieties of maxi dresses provide adequate torso covering, you may usually wear any form of underwear or shapewear underneath them. However, some styles may necessitate the use of special underwear. Any type of dress neckline can be accommodated by a variety of bra styles. Strapless and backless styles, for example, will make you think beyond the box. Any maxi dress that isn’t lined should be worn with a slip underneath it.
What is a MIDI vs maxi dress?
A midi dress is defined as a dress that falls below the knee and above the ankle, hence the name “mid-calf.” A maxi dress is distinguished from a midi dress by the fact that it falls below this point, either at the ankle or on the floor.
Are maxi dresses flattering?
They’re attractive.
A maxi dress with a gentle flare from the waist can accentuate your curves while hiding any flaws. A flattering scoop or v-neck draws the eye vertically rather than horizontally. You can also stretch your legs by wearing a high belt to create an empire waist.
Can you wear sneakers with a maxi dress?
Do you want to pair your maxi dress with sneakers? Make it happen! A pair of sneakers can give a soft maxi dress a bit of a hip, edgy look. This is a laid-back look. It is, however, only for casual wear. In a professional setting or at a semi-formal or formal event, you can’t wear sneakers.
Swap out the sneakers for casual sandals like espadrilles or gladiator sandals for a less casual but still comfortable look. For a more formal approach, high-heeled sandals might be worn. Ankle boots go well with maxi dresses in the winter and fall.
What can I wear with a maxi dress to cover my arms?
Pair your dress with lace sleeves, a kimono, or a sheer top. Add a jacket or cardigan to your ensemble, or layer your dress over top of a long-sleeved shirt, if you want to keep wearing your sleeveless dresses during the chilly fall and winter months.
Can a maxi dress be casual?
If you want to wear a maxi dress during the day, choose one that is relaxed, adaptable, and simple to move around in. Beach maxi dresses are also a must-have for your summer vacation! They’re made of a light, flowing cloth and are ideal for floating between the beach and the pool during the day.
Can you wear a blazer with a maxi dress?
Any maxi dress will do, but the jacket must be flawless. Boxiness is the biggest no-no when it comes to wearing a blazer with a maxi dress. Here are a few occasions why a boxy blazer looks well with a maxi: The cropped boxy blazer is coupled with a maxi dress that is entirely fitted above the waist.
Can I wear leggings under a maxi dress?
Wearing leggings under a dress is always a casual style that should not be worn to a formal event. Finally, when blending colors and patterns, be cautious. Even though it’s a casual look, the more vibrant patterns should be saved for the dress or skirt and the leggings should be kept simple.
Do you wear a slip under a maxi dress?
It’s all about the stuff. When purchasing a maxi dress, make careful to inspect the fabric in natural light. If the cloth is a little see-through, wear a slip below it before going out in the sun.
Should a maxi dress touch the ground?
The hemline should be close to the ground, or at the very least reach your ankles. If it’s any shorter, it’ll appear that you ordered the wrong size. Look for dresses that are made of less material rather than more. If you’re short, pair the dress with heels to provide some more length.
Is it OK to wear a maxi dress to work?
To work, you can wear your favorite maxi dresses. The idea is to think about how you’ll pair it with your accessories. You’ll quickly change the flowing, comfortable maxi into a work-ready outfit poised to make a good impression with the proper supplementary pieces. Professional does not have to imply stuffy or uneasy.
