Max Out With the Maxi Dress

Most of us are not tall like the beautiful models that show us what to wear and how to wear it. The maxi dress makes a short person like me nervous. I know that I will not resemble a lanky model gliding down the runway in her summer or resort wear. But, maxi dresses seem to sticking around, and with the summer heat not going anywhere soon, the maxi dress is a great work or going out option.

My Tribe Black Penelope Dress, $39 from ideeli

If you are tall, gladiator sandals and embellished sandals paired with a maxi dress make a great pair. However, if you are average sized, give yourself some height with platform or heeled sandals.

Torn by Ronny Kobo Lucy Dress, $99 from Shop Bop

Guillaume Hinfray Carraux Platform Sandal, $225 from Gilt

Skip ruffled and voluminous maxi dresses, as they will make your bottom half heavy and the eye will be drawn down instead of upward. Look for pale colors and light fabrics to keep the look light.

Loeffler Randall Light Grey Silk Ladder Back Dress, $207 from Blue Fly

If you are on the shorter side, go for maxi dresses that show your ankles. If your feet get lost in the skirt of the dress, you will look even shorter and all that fabric will weigh you down.

Haute Hippy Wrap Dress, $575 from Shop Bop

Also, neckline embellishments will keep the focus up. Racerback and crisscrossed straps add interest, as do cutouts.

T-Bags Jersey Maxi Dress, $205 from Net-a-Porter

Don't be afraid to add a belt to your maxi dress to define your waistline. Pick a wide belt, skinny belt, tribal belt or any other type that you like! Add your personal style to this trend.

Rough Roses Belt, $60 from Blue Fly

Keep your eye out for streamlined, body conscious maxi dresses. The slimmer silhouette makes the maxi dress more polished. Everyone needs their wardrobe pieces to do double duty at work and night.

At work, keep your accessories to a minimum, but once you leave, add earrings and bangles to take the look to the next level.

Kenneth Jay Lane Cabochon Earrings, $60 from Blue Fly

Chamak By Priya Kakkar Crystal and Mirrored Bangles, $32 from Blue Fly

When the summer heat does finally start to cool, keep wearing your maxi dress by adding a cardigan or shrug.

Rachel Pally Oversized Bolero, $36 from Haute Look

Maxi dresses aren't just for the tall, so give this stylish and versatile piece a try.

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Photos from Blue Fly, Haute Look, Gilt, ideeli, Net-a-Porter, Shop Bop