How to Wear a Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are always popular for spring and summer, but they can be a little tricky to pull off. If you’re dying to try sporting a maxi dress this season, here are a few great tips on how to wear a maxi dress –  no matter what your body type!

If You’re…

• Petite

Your biggest challenge as a petite woman is to avoid getting lost in a maxi dress – you don’t want to look as if you’re wearing a tent! Look for a maxi dress with a snug – not tight – fit, so the dress hugs your body instead of making your proportions look out of whack. You should also don a pair of heels or wedge sandals to add height. You’ll also want to avoid large prints and instead opt for solid colors or very small prints to help give the illusion of height.

• Plus Sized

Plus sized women should avoid wearing boxy, loose-fitting maxi dresses. Instead, choose a dress that hugs your body, preferably one with a v-neckline. V-necks help create a lean line, and will draw the eye up and away from a larger bottom half. To compliment your upper body, choose a dress with wider straps and avoid spaghetti straps, which will only make your frame look larger than it actually is.

• Tall

Maxi dresses are perfect for tall women, but there are still a few things to keep in mind when looking for your perfect dress. Ruching at the bustline and halter necks are great styles as they draw the eye upwards. Avoid heels; instead, opt for a pair of jeweled sandals to add some pizazz. If you love your heels, keep them at a moderate height.

• Pear Shaped

Believe it or not, maxi dresses are very flattering on pear shaped ladies, but you need to avoid drawing attention towards your fuller lower half. Avoid dresses with ruffles, pleats or other embellishments on the bottom half; instead, keep all of the design details on the top half to accentuate your upper body. To keep the emphasis off your smaller shoulders, avoid strapless dresses. An empire-style maxi dress is the perfect cut for pear shaped women.

Maxi dresses continue to be a popular wardrobe staple during the spring and summer months, and they don’t appear to be going away anytime soon. If you’ve been unsure how to wear one of these yourself, this guide should hopefully help you find your perfect maxi dress.
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