A maxi dress is one of the easiest dresses to style. With the right shoes, bag and accessories, the same dress can work for everyday wear, travel, lunch or an evening out.
If you're wondering how to style a maxi dress, start with the occasion and build your accessories around it.
How Do You Style a Maxi Dress?
For an effortless everyday look, pair your maxi dress with flat sandals, a simple bag and minimal jewellery. For evening plans, switch to dressier sandals, a small bag and statement earrings. The dress stays the same you simply change the accessories.
1. Maxi Dress with Flat Sandals
Best for: Everyday wear, holidays and warm-weather days.
Flat sandals keep a maxi dress comfortable and relaxed. Add a tote bag, sunglasses and simple jewellery for an easy daytime outfit.
Easy outfit:
Maxi dress + flat sandals + tote + sunglasses
2. Maxi Dress with Sneakers
Best for: Travel, shopping and casual weekends.
Sneakers give a maxi dress a more casual feel and are practical when you're walking throughout the day.
Choose a simple, low-profile sneaker with a relaxed maxi dress.
Easy outfit:
Maxi dress + sneakers + crossbody bag
3. Maxi Dress with a Lightweight Shirt
Best for: Layering and cooler days.
An oversized cotton or linen shirt is an easy layer over a maxi dress.
Wear it:
- Open over the dress
- Tied loosely at the waist
- Draped over your shoulders
This is especially useful for changing temperatures during spring and summer.
4. How to Dress Up a Maxi Dress
You don't need a different dress to create an evening outfit.
Simply change your accessories.
Add:
- Statement earrings
- A small shoulder bag
- Minimal or heeled sandals
- A simple bracelet or necklace
Easy evening outfit:
Maxi dress + sandals + small bag + statement earrings
5. Add a Belt to Your Maxi Dress
If you prefer a more defined waist, add a simple belt to a relaxed maxi dress. A neutral belt works particularly well with plain or minimal dresses. Keep the rest of your accessories simple so the silhouette remains the focus.
What Shoes Go with a Maxi Dress?
The best shoes depend on where you're wearing your dress.
|
Shoes |
Best For |
|
Flat sandals |
Everyday and summer outfits |
|
Sneakers |
Travel and casual days |
|
Minimal sandals |
Lunch and relaxed evenings |
|
Heeled sandals |
Dinner and special occasions |
|
Espadrilles |
Holidays and summer events |
For travel and sightseeing, prioritise comfortable shoes that are easy to walk in.
What Bag Should You Wear with a Maxi Dress?
Choose your bag based on the occasion.
Daytime: Tote or crossbody bag
Travel: Crossbody or larger shoulder bag
Lunch: Small shoulder bag
Evening: Small bag or clutch
A woven or natural-texture bag can also complement a relaxed summer maxi dress.
How to Style a Maxi Dress for Different Occasions
For a Casual Day
Maxi dress + flat sandals + tote
For Travel
Maxi dress + sneakers + crossbody bag
For Lunch
Maxi dress + sandals + small shoulder bag + jewellery
For Dinner
Maxi dress + dressier sandals + small bag + statement earrings
For a Holiday
Maxi dress + flat sandals + woven bag + sunglasses
What Makes a Maxi Dress Easy to Style?
For maximum versatility, look for:
- Breathable fabric
- Comfortable, relaxed fit
- Easy movement
- A versatile colour or print
- A length that works with your everyday shoes
A simple maxi dress can create multiple outfits when you change the accessories.
The Mulmora Way
Mulmora maxi dresses are designed with breathable natural fabrics and easy silhouettes, making them suitable for relaxed everyday dressing, travel and warm-weather occasions.
Whether you're dressing for a casual day or an evening out, keep the styling simple and let the dress do the work
