3 Ways to Wear a Maxi Dress

One of my all-time favorite fashion pieces is the maxi dress. It's an easy way to get casual elegance without looking overdone, under-dressed, or having to think too hard. There are endless options to pair with it to create a totally unique look each time it's worn. Maxi dresses have gained popularity in the past two years and for good reason. They're great to grab when you have nothing else to wear, and there are so many prints and styles to choose from. They're breezy, chic, and perfect for spring and summer. My biggest problem with maxi dresses is that almost all are either strapless, halter, or spaghetti-stapped, which means it may be a "no-go" for a lot of you girls. Don't despair! There is still hope for those of you who want to try this trend and look classy. I'm going to show you three ways to transform a slinky, boring maxi dress into an amazing go-anywhere outfit.

1. With a blazer: A structured blazer is a staple for any girl's closet. Play with your proportions by adding a tailored item -- in this case a blazer -- to a loose, unstructured piece. This will prevent your look from looking too stiff or too relaxed -- perfect for those times when you want to look nice without being over-dressed. For summer, look for a blazer with three-quarter length sleeves that glide against your elbow to keep you from getting too hot. Slipping your feet into some cute wedges adds to the boho feel of the dress.
2. With a cardigan: A pretty cardigan makes your maxi even sweeter (and great for church). Layer feminine bangles on your wrist to add texture to your look. Delicate bowed thong sandals tie your outfit together. This look is super slouchy and comfortable -- perfect for visiting a fair or flea market.
3. With a jean jacket: Rough things up with a jean jacket for a casual, down-to-earth vibe. Keep jewelry simple with a braided rope bracelet or a pretty ring. Opt for thick heels -- they won't wobble as much when you walk, but they'll still look stylish.

Another great way to wear a maxi is the simplest of all: slip on a coordinating fitted tee under it. I do this with one of my favorite dresses all the time.

How would you style a maxi dress?

Would you try one of these looks? Tell us in the comments. And if you want to show off, show us how you styled your maxi dress by sending a photo to girlsforgodblog@yahoo.com . You could be featured on the blog!