How to Rock a Trend: The Maxi Dress

Hello, Gathered Ladies! Short post today, since I’m travelling. The maxi dress is a very versatile piece that can be worn three of four seasons a year (and year-round if you live in sunny SoCal). However,
there are some potential pitfalls that you’ll want to avoid to make sure you look fabulous every time you step out in a maxi dress.

1. Match your maxi to the occasion. Maxis come in a variety of styles, fabrics and colors, and depending on where you’re going, your maxi may or may not be a good fit. More casual fabrics, such as cotton and denim, are great for everything from shopping expeditions to casual dates. Dressier fabrics, like silk or chiffon, are great for garden parties or afternoon tea. Remember, your accessories will help you successfully dress your maxi up or down, so…

2. Select the right accessories for the weather and season. Remember when I said you can rock your maxi from spring to fall? Well, the right accessories will make it work. In the spring, pair it with a jean jacket or casual blazer, an armful of bangles, and peep-toe wedges. For the summer, try sandals, an eye-catching necklace and a statement ring. When the weather starts to chill again, you can rock your maxi with an over-sized cardigan, boots and a beanie. Have fun and experiment!

3. Undergarments! As we all have been learning from Danni, the undergarments matter under any dress, but especially under a fitted maxi. Look for seamless underwear, or a structured slip for additional support and smoothness. Up top, be sure your bra isn’t visible. With maxis, this usually means racerback or strapless. As always, proper fit is everything—don’t let ungathered undergarments ruin a perfectly-sized maxi.

4. When a maxi won’t work. As versatile as maxis are, they aren’t always the appropriate fashion selection. Semi-formal and formal occasions call for a more polished look than a maxi can provide. I
know it may tempting to try to get away with a maxi due to the length, but trust me, the casual fabric of most maxi dresses make this impossible. The exception would be maxi dresses made in evening wear fabrics.

And that’s how you rock a maxi dress! Have a maxi dress you love? I know I have a couple I would live in, if I could. Send us a picture of you in your favorite maxi-centered ‘fit, and if we love it, we’ll
share it on Instagram. If we really love it, we may be in touch to feature you as a Gathered Fashionista.