There are fewer things more versatile (and surprisingly practical) than long sleeve maxi dresses. This transitional wardrobe staple can be styled in a thousand different ways and takes us seamlessly from one season to the next with sartorial grace.
Whether you’re making a statement with bold, eye-catching colours or opting for soft boho-inspired florals; there’s well and truly a maxi dress to suit every taste. In need of a little guidance of how to wear yours? We’ve got all the inspiration you need.
Chic Bohemian Style
When you first think of how to wear a long sleeve maxi dress, it’s easy to imagine some semblance of a bohemian influence. Ideal for long hot summer days, a loose-fit, flowing dress is an easy-yet-considered piece, best paired with espadrilles, a messy bun and natural make up.
Wanting to take the trend to the winter months? Throw on an oversized knit and your most loved (read: slightly battered) western boots to earn serious style points.
Get the look:
Mint Velvet Blush Pink Chunky Jumper – £35
Reiss Black Francesca Maxi Dress – £135
L.K. Bennett White Ivory Alena Espadrille Slider – £30
Weekend Brunch
If we’re looking forward to one thing more than ever right now, it’s weekend brunching with loved ones. Look the part in a colourful or patterned shirt dress, completed with a pair of heeled boots and your favourite designer handbag. When it comes to layers, sport an oversized blazer on top, then finish with a statement red lip.
Get the look:
Mint Velvet Khaki Double Breasted Blazer – £69
Claudie Pierlot Pale Pink Maxi Dress – £59
Sergio Rossi Black Luxe Leather Knee High Heeled Boots – £350
Effortless and Understated
Whether you’re heading out to work, are running late to meet a friend, or simply overslept and are tight on time, sometimes a maxi dress has to serve a practical purpose. If you’re attributing to the ‘I woke up like this’ aesthetic, a floral maxi dress paired with fresh white kicks and a denim jacket or shacket is the ultimate combo, and takes seconds to throw on. Five day old unwashed hair? Optional (we’re not judging).
Get the look:
Levi’s Blue New Heritage Denim Jacket – £49
Maje Red Ravie Maxi Dress – £119
New Balance White 393 Sneaker – £39
Refined and Polished
From yin to yang, a long sleeved maxi dress can also be cultivated to a look synonymous to a modern day Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Aim for a simple, classic silhouette matched with a (always fundamental) pair of plain loafers or ballet pumps. Again, a blazer matches this, but a slick black leather jacket elevates the piece with ease.
Get the look:
Maje Black Baltika Leather Jacket – £215
Cocoa Cashmere Chilli Maxi Length Cashmere Dress – £129
Joseph Black Leather Detailed Loafers – £109
All-Out Evening Glamour
We did say that the maxi dress provides versatility, and whilst each individual dress may not be a one-size-fits-all scenario, you can still get a lot of wear out of a well-chosen garment (and it ticks the sustainable shopping boxes). One non-negotiable; a seriously good evening dress. Something simple and classic will never go out of style, a true go-to that could be easily passed on at the right time.
Get the look:
