We've Found 5 Ways to Get More Out of Your Old Maxi Dresses

You would think there's nothing new to learn about maxi dresses and to wear them, but actually, there is. The maxi has become a seasonless wardrobe essential, and as such, a myriad of new ways to style them have arisen. In winter, we were wearing ours over roll-necks and jeans and pairing them with heavy jackets, but now that spring has arrived (and summer not far behind it), there's a refresher course to enrol in.

With all that wear, we urge you to not put your old longline frocks to the back of the wardrobe and proclaiming it the dress of yesteryear. We've done our research, and there are some new-season fashion formulas to ensure the maxi is also your go-to for summer 2019.

From the floral to minimal, billowing cotton to sumptuous silks, there really is a style for everyone (and every body shape) this season. But it's not really about which silhouette you buy, it's about how you wear what you've selected.

Of course, it's easy to sideline the maxi to an "event only" outfit or throw it on with equally easygoing boho sandals, but believe it or not, they are probably one of the most transitional pieces in your wardrobe. Keep scrolling to click through our gallery of how to wear a maxi dress (in so many right ways) this season.

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: As always, Lucy is able to make even the primmest of dresses look achingly cool, and it's all thanks to exceptional choice in accessories and biker jacket cover-up. 

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(Image credit: @erica_davies)

Style Notes: Erica's combination of a tiered maxi dress, rattan sandals and a straw bag couldn't be more perfect. 

Related: 5 Game-Changing Pieces to Make Your Spring Capsule Wardrobe Feel Current

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Monikh sure is getting the cost per wear out of her Chanel sliders, which give this would-be-twee maxi dress from Rixo serious edge. 

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(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style Notes: Brittany Bathgate proves that maxi dresses needn't be all fancy prints and flounces. Her khaki shirt dress is just as chic, especially when paired with white sandals and a teeny basket bag. 

Related: Summer 2019 Fashion Trends: Looks You Need to Know

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Style Notes: For after dark outings, make like Maria and invest in a silky maxi dress in a pastel hue. Then, up the pretty factor with a beaded bag. 

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.