3 Ways to Wear: A Black Maxi Dress

Alright friends. Today I'm sharing one of my favorite wardrobe staples: a black maxi dress. Whether I was pregnant, teaching, doing makeup, etc. a black maxi dress is one of my summer go to's. But a black maxi dress isn't just for summer. I recently did a Pinterest search to get some more inspiration, and there are a ton of Fall inspiration and Spring inspiration out there. A black maxi dress should be in every woman's wardrobe. No matter what your age, it is one of those clothing item that can take you season to season, casual to sophisticated, it is timeless. Now, let's break down the looks.

OPTION 1:

Always a classic option. When you think of a black maxi dress, or any maxi dress for that matter, this is probably what you think of pairing it with. A jean jacket is a great way to add interest to a maxi dress, no matter the color. It helps to define the waistline and give structure to a flowy piece, and you can play up the sophistication with the wash of denim. A lighter wash is more casual, and a darker wash is more sophisticated. Many many years ago I went with a medium wash, and this jacket does not disappoint. Year after year I try it on and like magic it works with most of my maxi dresses.

Let's talk about the accessories. So you can go for a heel with a maxi dress, but I'm 5'7" and running around wit two kiddos. For me a heel at this point is not really an option. I chose a strappy wrap around black leather sandal to go with all of these looks, and this dress isn't long enough on me to work with a heel anyways. It is a perfect sandal height. I also paired it with a no fuss gold pendant necklace. The buttons on my denim jacket are bronze, so I wanted to play with the gold in the necklace. Everything talk to each other, nothing is competing, they are all complimenting. Last but not least the bag. Now this outfit could go with a number of bags. This could be where you really add a pop of color (obsessed with this orange Marc Jacobs handbag), or go classes with a neutral bag. Because this is my "I don't have time to think" version I went with a big neutral bag from LV. It's great for library runs with the kids, and errands.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: Nordstrom Rack | LUSH Black Maxi

Jacket: J CREW (mine is 5 years old...here's something similar)

Necklace: Ann Taylor LOFT (mine is years old...here's something similar)

Bag: LV Neverfull GM

OPTION 2:

This is my favorite way to wear my black maxi right now. I'm completely obsessed with mixing the pattern on the scarf with the pattern on the earrings. It has this artistic and an "I'm a creative" vibe that I love. The prints do not clash because the tones in the scarf and the earrings complement one another, and the patterns do not compete. The handbag is amazing! It is from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and the brand is Kate Spade. If you've never owned a Kate Spade handbag you are in for a treat my friends. The leather is gorgeous and tough. The inside is nicely done in a fabric, so not super luxurious like an LV (Louis Vuitton) or other higher end luxury brand, but still a fabulous choice and a great price point. The earrings are from my favorite earrings store: Nickel and Suede. If you've ever had problems with earrings hurting your ears, then this is the brand for you. They are suede leather earrings in a leopard print, and light as a feather. I have LOTS of these earrings, and they have never caused me any trouble with tugging or pulling.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: Nordstrom Rack | LUSH Black Maxi

Scarf: Nordstrom | Treasure & Bond Scarf (mine is 2-3 years old...here's something similar)

Earrings: Nickel & Suede | Snow Leopard Teardrops, size M

Handbag: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale | Kate Spade (sold out...here's something similar)

OPTION 3:

This is where we start to transition into Fall or a cooler summer day. Again, I went with a Nickel & Suede leopard print earring, and I've paired it with a J Crew Factory utility jacket. I like this look because we're playing with masculine and feminine. The jacket is definitely more masculine with military and hunting vibes, but I've added the leopard print earrings which brings out the femininity of the look. Again, nothing is matchy matchy (thanks Stacy London for this term), but everything goes. The suede leather in the earrings have a green undertone which pulls the jacket. The jacket has A LOT of gold buttons which act like jewelry for the blank canvas of a dress.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress: Nordstrom Rack | LUSH Black Maxi

Earrings: Nickel & Suede | Leopard Teardrops, size M

Jacket: J Crew Factory

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I hope you enjoyed this blog post about 3 Ways to Wear a Black Maxi. I truly couldn't do summer without one, and I'm excited to use it in the Fall as well. Let me know which of these looks are your favorite, and I'll see you very soon!