Jun 9, 2015

The #1 Way to Wear This Type of Dress

by Allyson Payer

We can’t deny the comfort of a long dress and flip-flops, but we’ll be the first to tell you that the comfy look isn’t winning you any style points in the summer of 2015. Since long flowing dresses are a go-to summer uniform for many women, we’ve made it one of our summer style missions to show you how to look cool while flaunting a long dress. When styled right, these floor-sweeping frocks take on an ethereal vibe that’s beautiful for summer, both day and night. To ensure you’re wearing yours in the most stylish way possible, read on and take note!

Scroll down to see 16 examples of the right way to don a long dress, and to shop an assortment of our favourites this season!

Pair it with pants:

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Style Du Monde

Keep a breezy style grounded by pairing with platforms:

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Style Du Monde

Capitalise on its versatility by layering:

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Stockholm Street Style

Long-sleeve maxi dresses always look cool:

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Style Du Monde

Interesting accessories take a simple maxi dress from ho-hum to head-turning:

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A Love is Blind

Top it with a leather moto jacket:

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Style Du Monde

Turtlenecks bring a surprising edginess to maxi dresses:

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Style Du Monde

A sleek maxi dress paired with structured accessories is the most city-friendly look:

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The Urban Spotter

Pair with structured pieces to make it office appropriate:

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Le 21ème

Forgo flip-flops for strappy leather sandals:

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The Urban Spotter

A long shirtdress is the best kind of shirtdress, in our opinion:

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Style Du Monde

A feminine maxi dress with white sneakers is a perfect outfit combination this summer:

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Vanessa Jackman

Keep your pretty dress from skimming the ground with the help of a pair of wedge-heel platforms:

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A Love is Blind

Long outerwear looks surprisingly cool with a longer-hem dress:

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Vanessa Jackman

Abstract patterns temper brightly coloured maxi dresses:

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Style Du Monde

Oversize maxi dresses should be lightweight and breezy. Ankle-tie shoes are the perfect on-trend pairing:

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Style Du Monde

Shop irresistible maxi dresses (nary a jersey knit in sight!):

Long Striped Dress

Zara Long Striped Dress ($40) in Black/White

Throw this on with your gladiator sandals and go!

Reformation Clara Dress ($258)

Reformation is an excellent source for stylish maxi dresses. Case in point.

Silk Handkerchief-Hem Dress

Tibi Silk Handkerchief-Hem Dress ($595) in Momo Peach

This dress is so versatile—wear it everywhere, from a wedding to brunch!

Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Madewell Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress ($158) in Pure White

Put this dress at the top of your vacation shopping list.

Lace-Up Stretch-Denim Maxi Dress

Tamara Mellon Lace-Up Stretch-Denim Maxi Dress ($895)

Who knew that a denim maxi dress could be so chic?

Fringe Stitch Maxi Dress

Topshop Fringe Stitch Maxi Dress ($90) in Red

Try wearing this fringed number with white sneakers.

Brock Maxi Dress

A.L.C. Brock Maxi Dress ($625) in Black

This black maxi dress has closet-staple potential.

For Love & Lemons

Breezy Maxi Dress

For Love & Lemons Breezy Maxi Dress ($282) in White

Try this one over pants (trust us!).

Free People Hey Beau Maxi ($160) in Desert Stripe

This cool dress is made for summer weekends.

Silk-Voile Maxi Dress

Chloé Silk-Voile Maxi Dress ($3580)

Yes, it’s definitely a splurge, but a breathtaking one at that!

The Piper Dress

Christy Dawn The Piper Dress ($188) in Striped Linen

Keep this one pretty and simple by pairing with neutral accessories.

Next up! How to wear a maxi dress and look modern.