Bright and bold colors aren’t the only colors you’re limited to throughout summer. You know I love soft neutral colors like creams and blush pinks, but I like throwing black into my wardrobe every so often to mix it up. It’s a great neutral color that acts like a blank canvas to accessorize any way you want and is very customizable. So today I thought I would talk about how to wear a black maxi dress in the summer.

For more summer style inspiration, check out these posts here and here too!

How to Wear a Black Maxi Dress in the Summer

Maxi dresses are the best combination of comfort, versatility and style. They can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion and where you’re wearing them to. Black is a great color to customize your shoes and accessories to match your personal style, and I love that you can get a lot of wear out of a black piece in your wardrobe.

Wear Bold-Colored Accessories and Prints

A black maxi dress might be neutral in color, but that doesn’t mean your accessories have to be neutral. The colorful stacked bracelets are a major trend, and would give any black dress the perfect pop of color. Kendra Scott also has some colorful earrings and other accessories. Aside from accessories, you can also mix and match prints with your black dress. You can pair leopard print or snake skin sandals to add a bit of texture to your look.

Choose the Right Cut and Shape

Sometimes buying a maxi dress can be tricky if you’re petite or taller. However, many retailers are starting to offer petite, regular and tall lengths for many of their pieces. Abercrombie & Fitch, Old Navy and Madewell are just a few retailers that offer this option for many of their dresses. That way, you can find the perfect fit for your body and height. If you want a more fitted maxi dress, try a bodycon style. Usually when we think of a maxi dress, we think very flowy. But if you don’t like that type of fit, there are lots of bodycon options too. If you have a growing bump, maxi dresses are also a great option because some are loose-fitting throughout.

Black Maxi Dress Summer Outfits

Style with a Denim Jacket and Sneakers

This casual look is a great outfit to wear for shopping on the weekends, running errands or a casual lunch. Pairing sneakers with a black maxi dress gives you the comfort you need without sacrificing style. You can also pair with a glitter sneaker like these. A maxi dress is my go-to piece when traveling during the summer because it’s comfortable, but can also be restyled while on the trip. Whatever your personal style is, let it shine through your accessories and shoes. For a transitional look from summer to fall, add a denim jacket to the look for added coverage to your shoulders. You could also layer a long sleeve shirt underneath the dress if it’s going to be a chilly evening. I also love to knot the bottom of a maxi dress when it’s warmer out, plus it also shows off your shoes.

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Style with Braided Heels

To dress up a black maxi dress, pair braided heels and statement earrings with it. Braided heels are such a fun fashion trend this season and can be paired with dresses, trousers or skirts. This long dress could be worn to a casual outdoor wedding, date night or a bridal/baby shower. The bowtie straps give this dress a beautiful feminine detail and love that their adjustable to create the perfect fit at the top. The square ruffle neckline on the front and back is so chic and love that the dress has side pockets. These Kendra Scott earrings are the perfect statement to finish this look. You could even wear brighter accessories like pink or kelly green to give the outfit a pop of color.

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Style with Strappy Sandals and a Straw Hat

Nothing says summer quite like a straw bag and hat. This particular black maxi dress has the cutest cut-out detail on each side with a linen-blend fabric to keep you cool throughout the summer. The tiered skirt gives the dress interest. This would be a great outfit to wear on vacation, particularly to the beach. This Tory Burch straw bag with black detailing is a great summer tote to carry throughout the season. Finish the look with strappy studded sandals and a straw hat that’s both on trend and protects your face from the sun.

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Which look is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

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