How to Style a Maxi Dress: Designer-Inspired Outfits

ByIngrid Leo Updated on

This article is going to take a different approach. We explored various fashion designers who feature maxi dresses as part of their work.

To start, we will present each designer and discuss the creative elements implemented in their dress designs. Next, we will illustrate how to style a maxi dress for different occasions.

La Doublej

The Italian label La Doublej is all about art, design, and history. They create maxi dresses that combine vintage artwork with modern silhouettes. Their signature pieces are characterized by bright colors, unique prints, and intricate details like feathers. Their Bohemian-style maxi dresses can be styled for special occasions or dressed down for a casual summer look.

Graphical green

The first La Doublej maxi dress inspired us with its graphic design and bright green color. We combined it with a dark gray oversized coat and smooth leather Chelsea boots.

This outfit is dominated by dark colors. We would recommend restoring the balance with a lighter-colored handbag and scarf. It is important to maintain a monochromatic color palette for any additional components, thereby allowing the maxi dress with graphic design to remain the focal point of the outfit.

  1. La Doublej: Leisure Jacquard-Knit Cotton-Blend Green Maxi Dress
  2. Isabel Marant: Mayetim Double-Breasted Wool-Felt Dark Gray Coat
  3. Salvatore Ferragamo: Oddo Embellished Glossed Black Leather Ankle Boots

Green and yellow

This ensemble features a maxi dress with a vivid floral pattern. We then matched the same hue for our accessories – opting for a light yellow shoulder bag and gold-framed glasses.

We recommend introducing a small red detail in this maxi dress style – red lipstick or an element of jewelry. This will provide a small but interesting visual change and the focus will remain on the dress.

  1. La Doublej: Halle Floral-Print Satin-Jersey Green and Yellow Maxi Dress
  2. Jacquemus: Le Bambino Long Yellow Leather Shoulder Bag
  3. Bottega Veneta: Aviator-Style Gold-Tone Sunglasses

Ruffled dress

This summer maxi dress stands out with its vintage cut and interesting color palette. We created a neutral beige base with mules and a small shoulder bag.

Choose a straw hat to complete the outfit.

  1. La Doublej: Belted Ruffled Printed Silk-Twill Maxi Dress
  2. Saint Laurent: Le 5 à 7 Cream Leather Shoulder Bag
  3. Aeyde: Amanda Cream Leather Mules

Johanna Ortiz

Johanna Ortiz is a Colombian-based fashion house known for its vibrant and feminine pieces. Their maxi dresses feature relaxed silhouettes, delicate ruffles, and playful bow details. They are perfect for a laid-back brunch or an evening out with friends. You can easily dress up their designs with statement earrings or high heels for a more elevated look.

Ornaments and fringes

Our summer collection would not be complete without this maxi dress. Its bold pattern and vibrant colors make it unique, while its crocheted material ensures a lightweight and comfortable fit. The cut-out details and fringes add another layer of charm to this already beautiful piece.

To create a chic and effortless look, we opted for rectangular orange sunglasses coupled with beige rubber slides. Of course, you can always opt for traditional strappy sandals and they will look just as beautiful. Finish off the ensemble with a pair of statement earrings.

  1. Jacques Marie Mage: The Velvet Underground Fatale Square-Frame Gold-Tone Sunglasses
  2. Johanna Ortiz: Cultural Roots Cutout Fringed Crocheted Pima Brown and Orange Cotton Maxi Dress
  3. Khaite: Bringhton Cream Rubber Slides (Similar)

Dark brown long dress

This maxi dress features an elegant silhouette, delicately crafted cutouts, and ornaments. Also, pay attention to the details on the back.

We have specially chosen accessories that echo the colors of the dress’s ornaments – a black bucket hat and neutral leather clogs with laser cutouts.

Selecting a handbag that contrasts with brown will create an interesting visual dimension. For example, try a yellow or green patent leather bag.

  1. Gigi Burris: Ida Straw and Wool-Chenille Black Bucket Hat
  2. Johanna Ortiz: Lideres Espirituales Cutout Printed Chocolate Silk Maxi Dress
  3. Alaïa: 50 mm Studded Laser-Cut Neutral Leather Clogs

Maxi dress with modern touches

In another maxi style with green leaf ornaments and modern graphic designs, the designer created a dress with elegant cutouts and details on the back. The fabric of this dress is linen, a practical, breathable material for the summer season.

Once again, we repeated the color palette of the maxi dress with a handbag and mules.

Once again, we repeated the color palette of the maxi dress with a handbag and mules. Here is a good example of how the echoing colors do not have to perfectly match the hues in the dress and still create visual harmony.

To create a balanced look, this ensemble combines two bold colors – green and pink/purple – as well as beige for the base. Opt for jewelry with green highlights to complement the overall aesthetic.

Both a denim jacket and a leather jacket would also be suitable for this outfit.

  1. Bottega Veneta: Handle Mini Intrecciato Lilac Leather Tote
  2. Johanna Ortiz: Between Daydreams Cutout Printed Linen Beige and Green Maxi Dress
  3. Aeyde: Amanda Cream Leather Mules

Gabriela Hearst

Gabriela Hearst is a New York-based label whose designs have an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic. Their maxi dresses are constructed from luxurious fabrics like silk and cashmere with intricate draping and cutouts. These pieces make for great evening looks when paired with statement jewelry or strappy sandals.

Cashmere maxi dress outfit

This cashmere maxi dress stands out with unique embellishments on the front. We combined it with brown fedora and brown knee boots to create a timeless aesthetic for the winter seasons.

  1. Gabriela Hearst: Juana Embellished Cutout Ribbed Ivory Cashmere Maxi Dress
  2. Gigi Burris: Jeanne Sateen-Trimmed Wool-Blend Felt Brown Fedora
  3. Gabriela Hearst: Marion Tan Leather Knee Boots

Beige and light blue maxi dress

This maxi dress is designed with puffy sleeves and vertical lines that add length for a more statuesque look. We combined it with beige accessories – a quilted clutch and ankle boots.

You can add interest to this maxi dress outfit with subtle red jewelry.

  1. Gabriela Hearst: Lee Striped Silk and Cashmere-Blend Beige and Blue Maxi Dress
  2. Saint Laurent: Sada Quilted Beige Leather Clutch
  3. Aeyde: Amanda Cream Leather Mules

Zimmermann

The Australian label Zimmermann is renowned for its striking prints and vivid colors. Their maxi dresses are usually crafted from breezy fabrics like silk or linen and feature intricate embroidery or ruffles. You can complete your look with a pair of sandals or wedges for a summer-ready ensemble.

Purple maxi dress with a bow

This flowy maxi dress stands out with its exquisite floral design and vibrant hues. To emphasize the structure of this look, we opted for black accents – cat-shaped glasses and mules.

  1. Zimmermann: High-Tide Belted Floral-Print Linen and Silk-Blend Purple Maxi Dress
  2. Velvet Canyon: Beatniks Cat-Eye Black Acetate Sunglasses
  3. Gucci: Horsebit-Detailed Black Leather Mules

Altuzarra

Altuzarra is a brand that specializes in modern designs with vintage-inspired details. Their maxi dresses tend to be sleek and structured, making them perfect for a formal affair. But there are also numerous everyday silhouettes. You can pair these pieces with classic accessories like a belt and hat or dress them up with statement jewelry for an elevated look.

Off-white cashmere maxi dress with a blazer

To complete the timeless autumn look, pair a classic cashmere maxi dress with an oversized dark gray blazer and a black handbag.

To complete your look, add a leather belt with a golden buckle to emphasize the waistline. Bright-colored knee boots will add interest to the ensemble.

  1. Altuzarra: Mimani Cutout Off-White Cashmere Maxi Dress
  2. Alaïa: Oversized Wool-Tweed Dark Gray Blazer
  3. Saint Laurent: Monogramme Kate Small Textured-Leather Black Shoulder Bag

Green vintage dress

We chose this maxi dress to feature in this article because of its vintage-inspired neckline. Long sleeves and an accentuated waist create a harmonious proportion. We combined it with black sunglasses and mules.

  1. Altuzarra: Lydia Wrap-Effect Cotton-Blend Green Poplin Maxi Dress
  2. Loewe: Cat-Eye Black Acetate Sunglasses
  3. Gucci: Horsebit-Detailed Black Leather Mules

Cara Cara

Cara Cara is a luxury fashion house from New York that produces one-of-a-kind maxi dresses. Their designs are usually constructed from intricate fabrics and adorned with romantic details like floral prints and ruffles. You can style them for a casual day out or dress them up for an evening event.

Hervé Léger

Hervé Léger from Paris is known for its signature body-hugging dresses. Their maxi dress designs are usually characterized by a figure-flattering silhouette and bold colors.

Off-White maxi dress and gold

This maxi dress radiates elegance with its knitting design, wide straps on the back, and cutouts. For a sense of luxury, we paired it up with gold pumps and a golden bracelet with green gemstones.

  1. David Morris: Fortuna Toi et Moi 18-Karat Rose Gold Chrysoprase and Diamond Bangle
  2. Hervé Léger: Ottoman Bandage Off-White Midi Dress
  3. Aquazzura: Bow Tie 105 mm Gliterred PVC and Gold Leather Pumps

Conclusion

In this article, we explored different designers who specialize in producing maxi dresses.

To demonstrate how to style a maxi dress, we created different outfits from classic silhouettes to modern designs. Simply use a maxi dress as your primary item and synchronize the colors or textures of other pieces with it. Another method is to choose a black maxi dress, keep it as a base and add accessories in bright colors.

We hope that you feel inspired to try out different styles and find the maxi dress for your wardrobe.

Featured image by Gabriella Ally.

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