Leveling Up A Casual Cotton Maxi Dress
Cotton dresses are front and center in my thoughts this week as we gear up for triple-digit temperatures. I used to think that dresses were too fussy or dressy for my casual lifestyle but not anymore. My lifestyle hasn’t changed but my choice of dress has. Today’s ootd is just one way to dress up a casual cotton maxi dress that could take you to a summer wedding or a backyard barbeque with a quick change of accessories.
This knit jersey dress is a cotton blend with spandex for stretch. It pulls over your head like a tee shirt and couldn’t be easier. It’s available in regular, petite, plus, and plus petite sizes XS-XL. Even though I’m 5’4″ and technically petite, I chose the small in regular because I have a long torso and I wanted the seam to be right on my waist. I also like my maxi’s to be really maxi and the petite is 3″ shorter.
It has a vibrant color block print with ties at the neck which I simply folded to the inside to create a deeper v neck and make room for my necklace. This is a slightly different take on the tiered dresses I’m seeing everywhere this summer. Because the fabric is a soft knit, it lays against your shape rather than stick out which gives you a much slimmer look.
You saw me style this linen blazer over shorts last week, so I have a feeling it may get almost as much wear as my white linen blazer this summer. Adding a structured blazer over a jersey dress may seem out of place, but why not? The color ties the look together and they’re both summer fabrics. I realize I didn’t get a photo of the blazer buttoned closed, which looks great! A cardigan over a sleeveless dress can look like you’re trying to hide your upper arms, while a blazer looks intentional.
To dress it down, I would exchange the linen blazer for my favorite white denim jacket, swap the wedges for flat sandals like these, these, these silver ones, or some comfy espadrilles. The flatter the shoe, the more tempted I would be to choose the petite version so I didn’t trip on the hem:)
I would choose a small crossbody bag for ease when running errands and pop that into a large tote that holds everything and stays in the car. I’d also just wear simple hoop earrings, a bracelet, and loop the dress ties on the neckline.
More Casual Cotton Maxi’s
The warmer the weather the more appealing a one-and-done casual dress feels for my lifestyle.
Are they in your wardrobe this summer?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Wow what a beautiful look with the blazer and jewellery! Love the colours, you’re rocking it all.
LOL…I just got this dress, and Love it!
Thank you! You have given me plenty of styling ideas.
Love the blazer and love the dress. However, in my personal style preference, a blazer looks too structured with this fun dress. The white denim jacket or a lightweight cardigan that you mentioned would seem to be more compatible if in style. Nevertheless, you look lovely in all the pictures, and those are definitely your colors.
I love these colors:)
Thank you for all of your ideas and fashion expertise, Jennifer. Because of you, I have broadened my fashion confidence and found new ways to wear new and existing pieces. You look beautiful in this outfit!
I’m so happy to hear that, Jayne!!
I think we all agree that blue is definitely your color. MIght i ask where the pics were taken. Looks like the Awanee in Yosemite to me. Cuse the spellin
g, but you know how us Southerners are!
I wish it was Yosemite but sadly, no. Maybe next month I can get there.
It is 101F outside my window right now, and the AC is set higher to avoid any threatened blackouts. I am wearing my usual cotton maxi dress. I can’t imagine a scenario where I would wear a blazer with it. Of course, I don’t own any blazers since I prefer cardigans, but even a cardigan sounds like torture today!
This is a beautiful dress and a great look for you! The colors look great on you and work really well together. I appreciate your willingness to experiment with looks and share with us – it is not about the perfect look, but the willingness to try something new. I particularly like that you outline the various ways to wear it with different jackets and shoes. Some of my favorite looks have been things I tried after seeing someone else wearing and having an “ah-hah” moment. I never thought to pair with a blazer. I have two fun gingham blazers that will work great with my black or red maxi dresses. I will have to try that look.
I personally love maxi dresses in summer – it is one of my go-to looks. I used to live in Las Vegas and they were great for the hottest months, much more comfortable than pants. And I felt dressed in an intentional way. I now have a wardrobe of maxi dresses – three solid color ones in black, red, and a rich lavender blue and three classic prints in black and white graphic, blue and white stripe, and blue and white polka dots. All are cotton jersey fabric which makes them so comfortable. One of my criteria is that the neckline be classic and I can wear my regular bra with them. So I have V-necks and round collar dresses and all are sleeveless but have straps wide enough to wear my normal bra. And I also have three maxi skirts in black, black and white, and a gold batik print that I can pair with a tee for a casual look or a dressier top for a more formal event. I love to wear these with my denim jackets, short cardigans, or casual linen jackets. I always pack a maxi dress for a summer trip or a cruise as they work for dinner in a nice restaurant. I like them best with flat sandals or wedges. I just got a pair of Valentino Rockstud flat sandals in silver from a resale site to wear with my maxi dresses. I have several outfit options to try based on this post. Thank you!
Maxi’s are great! So easy and effortless, and yet you feel dressed up!
This one looks beautiful on you and I love the way you’ve styled it; all so pretty with your coloring. Love the jewelry, but a little too pricey for me.
Very pretty on you and the perfect color. The bottom tier of the dress does blend in as you mentioned. That is the reason I don’t care for tiered dresses but this is subtle. I like the blazer and for me the white denim jacket is more my style. I would wear this on a hot day. Very flattering and cool.