Maxi Dress Wedding Style Guide: What To Wear And How

what to wear with a maxi dress for a wedding

Maxi dresses are a versatile and comfortable option for wedding guests, with a wide range of styles, colours, and patterns to choose from. When deciding what to wear with a maxi dress to a wedding, it's important to consider the formality of the event, the season, and the venue. For a casual wedding, a playful print or unique detail like a cut-out can add a fun twist to your outfit, while a classic colour like navy paired with bold gold jewellery can elevate your look for a more formal ceremony. To stay warm at a winter wedding, layer your maxi dress with a longline duster coat or an oversized sweater, and don't forget to accessorise with elegant jewellery or a statement bag to complete your look.

Characteristics Values
Fabric Chiffon, silk, satin, cotton
Colour Navy, brown, floral prints, coral clay, silver blue, baby blue, scarlet red, ocean pearl, yarden floral, fiori di sambuco
Style Floaty, wrap, V-neckline, high neckline, cut-outs, hand-drawn prints, bold colours
Accessories Long necklace, statement earrings, rings, pashmina, wrap, duster coat, chunky earrings, designer bag, belt, headband, shawl, cardigan, sweater, jacket, blazer, sneakers, sandals, heels, wedges, espadrilles, gladiator sandals, pumps, boots
Body shape Hourglass, athletic, petite, plus-size, big busted

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Accessories: statement earrings, necklaces, bags, and belts

Accessories are a great way to elevate your maxi dress for a wedding. When it comes to accessories, statement earrings, necklaces, bags, and belts can all be used to elevate your look.

If your maxi dress has a deep V-neckline, a long necklace is a perfect choice to flatter the silhouette. You can also add a splash of sparkle with shimmering jewellery, which is ideal for formal weddings. On the other hand, if your dress has a high neckline and you plan to wear your hair up, statement earrings are a great option to add a wow factor to your look. Bold gold jewellery, such as statement earrings and rings, can also bring your look to the next level, especially if you're attending a formal ceremony.

If you're looking for something more casual, you can opt for playful prints and unique details, such as cut-outs, to keep your look more relaxed. For fall and winter weddings, you can pair your maxi dress with a stylish jacket, such as a jean jacket or a black leather moto jacket, and your favourite pair of boots. To elevate your look even further, consider adding a chunky earring or a designer bag.

To keep warm, you can also layer with a chunky sweater or a pashmina/wrap, and if you're attending a winter wedding, a longline duster coat will match the length of your dress perfectly.

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Footwear: sandals, sneakers, heels, boots

When choosing footwear to pair with a maxi dress for a wedding, it is important to consider the occasion, the venue, the season, and the dress code. For example, a casual beach wedding will require different footwear from a formal black-tie wedding.

Sandals

Flat sandals are a versatile option that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. For a casual wedding, flat sandals can be a comfortable and chic choice. Look for sandals with flexible soles and fun details, such as braided leather or metallic finishes, to add a touch of charm to your outfit. If you want a more formal look, opt for heeled sandals or wedges, which will elevate your outfit while still providing comfort and stability.

Sneakers

White sneakers can be a good option for turning a maxi dress into a casual, everyday outfit. They can provide a modern edge to balance out the flowy silhouette of the dress. Look for clean leather or canvas sneakers that complement the texture of your dress. Keep in mind that sneakers may not be the best choice for a formal wedding.

Heels

Heels can literally and figuratively elevate your maxi dress outfit. For a formal wedding, consider stiletto heels, sophisticated pumps, or chic peep-toes to add a touch of elegance. If you want something more comfortable, go for chunky heels or block heels, which offer stability and style. Strappy heels are perfect for a formal occasion, while wedges are a good choice for a casual or beach wedding.

Boots

Boots are a versatile option that can be paired with a maxi dress for a dynamic look. Sleek boots with stiletto heels can add a unique flair, especially if they are in neutral tones and smooth textures. Ankle- or calf-high maxi dresses create the best silhouette for the heels to be seen, but any hemline length can work. Textured patterns, such as faux python or alligator embossments, can also complement a maxi dress, especially if the dress is a single colour or matte finish.

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Fabric: chiffon, silk, satin, cotton

Chiffon is a delicate, lightweight, and sheer fabric that is incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions, including weddings. Chiffon maxi dresses are suitable for both daytime and evening wedding events, as they are elegant, romantic, and bohemian. To elevate your look, pair your chiffon maxi dress with strappy heels or block sandals, a sleek clutch, and bold lipstick. For a more casual look, you can wear nude wedges or espadrilles, dainty layered necklaces, and a wide-brimmed hat. If you're attending a wedding in a cooler climate, consider adding a silk or satin shawl, or a warm wrap, along with tall boots.

Silk is another fabric that is commonly associated with wedding attire. Silk maxi dresses are comfortable, fashionable, and versatile, and can be styled in many ways, from two-piece sets to floor-length gowns, caftans, and corsets. A silk dress with a fitted silhouette and a cowl neckline is a gorgeous and elegant choice for a formal wedding. For a fashion-forward wedding, a cutout silk maxi dress with a vibrant hue can be a stunning option. To complete your look, pair your silk maxi dress with mesh ballet flats or pearl-beaded clutches.

Satin is often viewed as a smooth and fluid fabric, but satin maxi dresses can also feature unique textures, such as pleated fabrication with a metallic shimmer. Satin maxi dresses are perfect for autumn and winter weddings, as they can be styled with thick pantyhose or leggings, a plain t-shirt or turtleneck, and a warm body shaper underneath. To accessorize your satin maxi dress, consider adding a lace-up corset bodice, a pearl-beaded clutch, or a beaded clutch for added sparkle.

Cotton is a great fabric choice for a casual wedding. Cotton maxi dresses are typically more relaxed and can feature fun prints and daytime styles. A cotton maxi dress with a V-neckline and a lightweight fabric is a chic and comfortable option for a wedding with a cocktail attire dress code.

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Prints and colours: florals, navy, brown

Floral prints are a great option for adding colour to your wardrobe after summer has ended. A floral maxi dress is a perfect choice for a garden wedding. You can pair it with stylish sneakers or cowboy boots and layer a jacket over it to create entirely different looks. For a chic contrast, opt for soft blush or even deep burgundy heels.

If you're looking to make a bolder statement, a chocolate brown maxi dress brings a touch of luxury and sophistication to your ensemble, perfect for evening events or special occasions. The rich, earthy tones of these dresses add a touch of warmth and elegance to any outfit, making them ideal for both casual days and special occasions. For a casual daytime look, pair a brown linen maxi dress with flat sandals and a woven bag for an effortless, chic outfit. If you’re dressing up for an evening event, style a chocolate brown maxi dress with gold jewellery and heeled sandals to create a sophisticated, polished look.

Navy blue is another versatile and elegant colour that works well across all seasons, especially for fall and outdoor weddings. A simple navy maxi dress can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a casual look, pair it with white sneakers and a denim jacket. For a more formal event, style it with strappy heels and a blazer.

When it comes to prints and colours, you can't go wrong with florals, navy, or brown for a maxi dress to wear to a wedding. Whether you choose a dark floral print, a rich brown hue, or a simple navy style, you can create a stylish and sophisticated look that's perfect for any wedding.

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Jacket pairings: denim, leather, blazers

A denim jacket is a wardrobe staple that can be worn with a maxi dress to a wedding. It can be worn with a variety of dresses, including flowy, knee-length, midi, and maxi dresses, to add waist definition to the outfit. A hip-length denim jacket can be worn with a flowy long midi or maxi dress, while a shorter sweater or A-line dress can be paired with a cropped or oversized relaxed-fit jean jacket. To create a pulled-together look, you can wear a dark blue denim jacket with a black midi wrap dress and brown ankle wrap sandals. For a more casual wedding, such as one with a rustic or Western theme, a denim jacket can be a perfect addition to your outfit.

Leather jackets are also an option for wedding guests, especially for events with cocktail or casual dress codes. They can add an edgy and modern touch to your outfit, although they may elicit a more laid-back feel. If the wedding has a moody theme, a leather jacket will blend well with the aesthetic.

A blazer can be paired with a maxi dress for a stylish and on-trend look, suitable for weddings. When choosing a blazer, avoid boxy styles and instead opt for those that nip in at the waist to create a slimming silhouette. Shorter blazers are generally more flattering, but longer blazers made from similar material to the maxi dress can also work well together. To avoid a work vibe, skip the pumps or work flats and instead opt for sandals, chunky heels, or pointed-toe booties. The key to pulling off this look is to ensure the blazer does not look professional and is made from soft or silky fabric with unique details.

Frequently asked questions

Maxi dresses are long dresses that reach the ankles or floor and are typically form-fitting at the top with a flowing bottom. When choosing a maxi dress for a wedding, consider the formality, venue, and season. For a casual wedding, choose a playful print, like ditsy florals, or unique details, like cut-outs. For a formal wedding, choose a classic colour, like navy, and add bold accessories.

Accessories can elevate your maxi dress for a wedding. If your dress has a deep V-neckline, a long necklace can flatter your silhouette. If your dress has a high neckline, statement earrings can add a wow factor. For a summer wedding, pair your maxi dress with an evening shawl or wrap. For a winter wedding, a longline duster coat is perfect.

The type of shoe you wear with a maxi dress depends on the style of the dress and the formality of the wedding. For a formal wedding, chic heels are a must. For a casual wedding, simple shoes like strappy sandals or flats are a better option. For a daytime wedding, white trainers or sneakers can offer a laid-back look.

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