How to Wear a Maxi Dress: Styles, Shapewear, Accessories, and More

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Flowy and fabulous, maxi dresses are the ultimate summer staple. These versatile pieces are super stylish and amazingly comfortable, making them your go-to for staying cool when the temps rise. Whether you’re hitting up a beach party, enjoying brunch with your besties, or heading out on a hot night for an even hotter time, a maxi dress can be your fashion-forward ally. From strapless, halter, and off-the-shoulder designs to solid, print, and embellished styles, there’s a maxi dress out there that will make you look and feel fantastic all season long.

Ready to take your maxi dress to the max? Check out these maxi dress styling tips, including how to enhance your look and comfort with the right women’s body shapers and bras. Let’s get started.

1. Choose the Right Maxi Dress

Before we get into styling, let’s break down what to consider when choosing a maxi dress. For the summer, look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or chiffon to keep you cool and comfortable. Bold prints, bright colors, and floral patterns are also perfect for the season, adding a cheerful, feminine flair to your outfit.

What to consider:

• Opt for natural, breathable fabrics.
• Fit. Ensure the dress fits well and flatters your body shape.
• Length. Make sure the dress is the appropriate length for your height to avoid tripping.

2. Layer with Light Jackets and Cardigans

While a maxi dress is often enough on its own, layering can add style and provide some versatility for different settings. That extra piece will be appreciated on cooler evenings or in cold, air-conditioned venues. Here’s some layering inspo:

• Create a casual, edgy vibe with a denim jacket.
• A crochet cardigan adds a bit of boho-chic.
• Try a kimono for a light, loose layer.

3. Incorporate the Right Bra

Refine your look with a proper bra. Depending on the dress’s neckline and back, different bras can provide the support you need while remaining discreet. Some popular bras for women include:

• Strapless Bra. Perfect for off-the-shoulder or spaghetti strap maxi dresses, a strapless bra offers support without visible straps, ensuring a clean, elegant look. These bras often come with silicone grips to prevent slipping, providing you with confidence and comfort.
• T-shirt Bra. T-shirt bras are designed to be invisible under clothing, making them ideal for fitted maxi dresses that require a supportive undergarment.
• Convertible Bra. Convertible bras come with detachable straps that can be reconfigured to match various necklines, including one-shoulder and halter-neck dresses.

4. Enhance Your Silhouette with Body Shapers

Maxi dresses are universally flattering, but body shapers can streamline your silhouette and provide a smooth look under your clothing. From full-body shapers to tummy-control briefs, there are numerous options to suit your needs:

Full-Body Shaper

A full-body shaper provides comprehensive, seamless support, typically extending from the bust down to the thighs. It enhances your natural curves and is ideal for more formal events or occasions where you want to feel extra confident and secure in your outfit.

Why It Works: A full-body shaper creates a streamlined silhouette under a maxi dress, as it targets multiple areas, including the bust, waist, tummy, hips, and thighs.

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High-Waisted Shaper Panty

High-waisted shaper panties are excellent for achieving tummy control and a streamlined midsection. These shapers sit just below the bust and extend to the hips, providing a balance of support and comfort. They’re ideal for wearing under maxi dresses with a fitted waist or bodice, offering a seamless look without visible lines.

Why It Works: High-waisted shaper panties offer strategic compression that effectively flattens the stomach and smooths love handles with an uninterrupted line. Plus, they’re comfortable, so you can go from a bistro lunch to an evening cocktail at a beachside bar and feel confident all day—and night.

Shaper Shorts

Chafing under a dress can cause discomfort and irritation, especially in the summer heat. The solution? Shaper shorts.

Shaper shorts are designed to compress the mid-to-lower tummy and smooth the thighs to prevent chafing. Extending from the waist down to about mid-thigh, they offer targeted compression that minimizes the appearance of cellulite and creates a smooth, even look under your dress. Want a little more shape? Try shaper shorts with butt lifts and give your booty a boost.

Why It Works: Shaper shorts smooth the tummy and minimize cellulite, providing a sleek and even look. Perfect for hot summer weather, shapers also prevent thigh rubbing, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout the day.

5. Level Up Your Look With Accessorize

Accessories can make or break your outfit. They add personality and flair to your maxi dress, transforming a simple look into something special.

• If you want to define your waist in a maxi dress further, consider adding a belt. Wear a thin belt for a delicate touch, or make a bold statement with a wide belt.
• Look super stylish while protecting yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Jewelry. Layered necklaces, statement earrings, and bangles can add sparkle and interest.
• Scarves. Lightweight scarves can be worn around the neck or as a headband for a fashion-forward look. Or drape a larger scarf over your shoulder to ward off an evening chill.
• Sunglasses. A sunny-day must-have, sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays while giving your outfit a chic and polished appearance.

6. Stride in Style

Step out in style and comfort with shoes that complement your maxi dress. There are numerous options you can choose from, depending on your plans.

• Sandals. Flat or heeled sandals are a classic warm-weather footwear choice.
• Espadrilles: These comfortable shoes add a bit of height and feature a canvas or cotton fabric upper and a woven jute sole.
• Wedge. Great for outdoor events, wedge sandals provide stability and style.
• Sneakers. Pair your maxi dress with trendy sneakers for a casual, laid-back look.

7. Carry the Essentials

And finally, let’s remember the ultimate bag. You don’t have to sacrifice style when carrying your summer necessities. Choose a bag that finishes your look and can hold items like your phone, wallet, sunscreen, water bottle, and a small makeup touch-up kit.

• Crossbody Bag. Keep your essentials secure and your hands free with a crossbody bag. Options range from sleek leather to casual canvas designs.
• Tote Bag. A spacious tote bag is a must for beach days.
• Clutch. For more formal occasions, a handheld clutch adds elegance.

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Keep Cool, Classy, and Confident

Make room for a maxi dress (or two or three) in your closet, and get ready to turn heads at your next summer event. Pick the perfect dress, add supportive undergarments, and sprinkle in some fun accessories and footwear and you’ll have a look that rocks your personal style. Enjoy the sunshine and your amazing outfits!