One Item, Four Ways: Maxi Dress
For this week’s installment of One Item, Four Ways, I’ll be putting together outfits that incorporate an item that has enjoyed a lot of popularity in recent summers: the maxi dress. As the summer winds down (we only have a few weeks left until we head back to campus!), there’s no time like the present to get as much wear as possible out of this summer wardrobe staple.
The beauty of the maxi dress lies in its simplicity; throw one on and bam!–you’re already dressed and looking like a million bucks. The only downside is that this simplicity can make a maxi easy to wear again and again in the same way, which can definitely get boring. But never fear, below are four different outfits that are guaranteed to make your maxi dress feel new again.
Outfit 1: A Simple Statement
This look is probably the easiest way to wear a maxi dress. It would only take a few seconds to put this outfit together — toss on the dress, add a statement-making accessory like this tribal-inspired bib necklace, and strap on a pair of flat sandals. This look would be perfect for those days when you’ve got a million things to do but still want to look chic.
Outfit 2: Excess-ories
Belt, Scarf, Earrings, Woven Bracelet, Watch, Gold Bangle, Beaded Bangles, Sandals
This look takes the first outfit to the next level with the addition of more accessories. By belting an open vest over the dress, you add another layer to the look. My favorite part of this look, however, is the stack of bracelets with the watch — you can mix and match the bracelets and watch to fit your personal style. And while I included a store-bought friendship bracelet, making your own would be a great DIY project to do with your friends and beat summer boredom. (There’s a great step-by-step article here.)
Outfit 3: Top it Off
Most people equate maxi dresses with more casual looks, but it doesn’t have to be that way! By adding a blazer on top of your maxi dress (a white one would be a great choice because it’s summer-appropriate), you can add some polish to your outfit. I’m not saying that maxi dresses are the new power suit, but this is a nice option for the days when you just want to feel a little more put-together, or when you’re out at night and want a unique cover-up to wear after sunset.
Outfit 4: Switch It Up
Bag, Shirt, Belt, Earrings (similar style), Sandals
Another fun and easy way to jazz up your maxi dress is to turn it into a skirt! By wearing a solid tee over the dress (a looser top works better, just be sure to belt it to define your shape), you’ve successfully disguised your dress and opened a whole new door of outfit possibilities. Teardrop earrings inject a little glamour, and a colorful clutch (I’d carry this bag without the detachable straps) finishes off the look.
What Do You Think?
Do you own a maxi dress? What’s your take on the trend? What other items would you like to see featured in “One Item, Four Ways?” I’d love to hear from you, so be sure to leave a comment!
Posted on on July 29, 2011 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Maxi Dress, one item four ways, Outfit, Outfit Ideas, summer fashion
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Isabelle
I totally love all the looks :) number 2 is my favourite I wear so many bangles sometimes my friends can tell it’s me coming because they’re so loud when they jangle around. great post x
Liz
I have always been kind of scared of maxi dresses – I usually completely ignore the whole “this will look bad on my body type!” kind of thing, but I’ve never really gotten past it with maxi dresses. I might have to give it a try though!
Jacqueline
I only own one maxi dress because they’ve never really been my thing. I love the outfits you have created, though. #1 is my favorite. I love how simple and stylish it looks. I think I’ll need to purchase another maxi dress soon!
Vanessa
I love the starfish earrings you posted but the link is invalid. Where are they from? :)
January
the dress is sold out :(
Tarynn
I’m still kind of struggling with the whole maxi dress thing. I guess it’s just too boho of a look for me.
Adrienne
Vanessa: I’m pretty sure those starfish earrings are Betsey Johnson.
cate
I agree with Tarynn.
These outfits are super cute though, I might try them with a shorter striped dress. :]
Kaitlin - Rice University
@Vanessa: They are Betsey Johnson! Here’s the link:
http://www.dillards.com/product/Betsey-Johnson-Mermaids-Tale-Starfish-Stud-Earrings_301_-1_301_502762048
@January: You’re right, I’m sorry. Here are two links to similar styles, this one from Topshop:
http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=2450546&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=212557&parent_categoryId=208586&pageSize=20
and this one from Target:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/191-7628878-8024957?asin=B004GND25W&AFID=Froogle_df&LNM=|B004GND25W&CPNG=&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B004GND25W&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001
Chari T (deep fried stilettos)
LOVE ALL THE LOOKS!!
Chari T (deep fried stilettos)xx
Khadija
I would love to style a t-shirt over my maxi dress, but it’s the kind that flares out at the waist which I’m afraid will be seen underneath the dress. Any recommendations?
Callie
Maxi dresses have really been my go-to for this summer season! And this post just proves further how versatile they are. I know I can reach for mine on numerous occasions. I love the idea of this series, because for us college girls, getting more than one look or outfit out of an item is so important. The fourth look, layering the maxi under a tee, is my favorite out of the four. Super easy and chic.
Kaitlin - Rice University
@Khadija: Is the t-shirt loose enough to where you could tie a knot in it? That way the flare wouldn’t be noticeable. Here’s an example of what I mean, from the Kendi Everyday blog:
http://kendieveryday.blogspot.com/2011/06/free-spirit.html
Hope this helps!
Kayla
I love these outfits! I wish I could wear them. Sadly I’m only 5’2″. I don’t think it would work out.
Khadija
@Kaitlin: Actually that does help and I think I’ll try it tomorrow just to see haha
and @Kayla: I’m 5′ and it works for me even with sandals, not all maxis are built alike after all :)
Lena
I have two maxis, one solid black and sleeveless, the other bright red, patterned and with a tie around the neck. I’ve got pretty bad acne on my back, shoulders and chest, so that limits the ways I can wear them. I love them, but there has to be a nice shirt either over or under them — I can never just wear them by themselves.
Danielle
omg i am in love with that dress!
Audrey
Keep up the good work, this article is awesome! Maybe another idea for your next 1 item 4 ways would be to take an item and style it for each of the 4 seasons…
Julie
Do you think a maxi dress is appropriate to wear as a guest at a wedding?
Audrey
@Julie: I think it depends on the venue, time of day, and fabric of the maxi. For a summer wedding during the day, I would say a solid or subtle print maxi of a medium weight should definitely be appropriate! For a nighttime black tie wedding/reception, probably not so much. Unless you switch up the fabric, that is…
Kaitlin - Rice University
@Julie: I agree with Audrey! It would definitely be appropriate for a daytime, outdoor wedding. If the dress is made out of a heavier fabric in a darker color, it could work for a night wedding if you dress it up with accessories.
Alessandra
I have never tried a maxi dress. I am afraid that it is going to make me look shorter; I am 5 foot. What do you think?
Julie
Thank you Kaitlin and Audrey!
I appreciate your feedback. It is the “Crochet Lace Maxi Dress” by Forever 21, in Navy. The wedding is around 5:30 pm this coming weekend and it isn’t black tie or anything, so I think based on your comments it will be appropriate.
Thanks again.
Kaitlin - Rice University
@Alessandra and Kayla: Don’t let your height limit what you can wear! I don’t think a maxi dress would make you look shorter as long as it’s tailored to your proportions. Try looking for petite styles or getting the dress hemmed (or you could use hemming tape to save some money and do it yourself).
@Julie: I’m glad I could help!
jacqueline
while maxi dresses are cute, i feel like there really hard to pull off for us short girls. ive seen mary kate rock maxi skirts but i have no idea how she did it! help!! because i want to learn how to rock this trend too!
Alessandra
I really like the blazer look! Who knew you could make a maxi look so chic?
I would love to see a one item four ways done on jean jackets and long skirts! Thanks :)
Alessandra
K thank you! I will look
There are two Alessandras :D
Reena
I sooo love to wear maxi dresses! It elongates my figure and its comfy to wear them anytime and anywhere. Pretty ideas and made me feel to try it on. The mix and match are chic and fab. Please keep on posting! =)