The maxi dress has to be one of the hardest working girls in my wardrobe because she offers so many options. Obviously there is the ‘one and done’ solution of throwing on a great dress and being done for the day – minimal effort, maximum impact – but she will be equally happy layered over leggings and a roll neck, with a sweater vest or, like I have here, under a chunky knit with boots and a belt.
I have tried to create an edit to cater to all budgets here whilst also choosing dresses that should work as casual layering options but equally well for a Christmas party with a great pair of heels.
I will call out a couple of my favourites below…
red floral embroidery tier dress – Warehouse (ON SALE) (the green is amazing too)
black floral billie ruffled tiered dress – Rixo via The Outnet (ON SALE)
brown paisley print embroidery woven dress – Karen Millen (ON SALE)
red satin wrap dress – H&M
leopard print dress – Ted Baker (ON SALE)
cheetah happy feelings dress – Free People (the other colours are gorgeous too)
MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE
This Warehouse dress is really something special – the balloon sleeves, the cotton fabric, the flattering cinched waist and the skirt with the tiers, a delightful nod to Christmas with the red and green floral print AND the most glorious cutwork embroidery detailing. The green version is equally stunning. Honestly, the last thing I need is another dress but I am very tempted by this one.
THE DESIGNER BARGAIN
Rixo half price at The Outnet – need I say more? I adore how they styled it too…
THE BUDGET FRIENDLY
Red satin for Christmas will never be wrong and this lil’ H&M number is a great price.
autumn florals nehru dress – Seraphina London
black floral tea dress – M&S x Ghost (and for mini me)
black statement embroidery dress – Coast (ON SALE)
navy paisley amelia cotton dress – Boden
cream aliane floral print linen dress – Zimmerman via Net A Porter
cream knitted perkins neck dress – Mango
THE BRITISH BEAUTY
I actually have this Seraphina London dress and I can vouch for just how special it is (have a peek here and here). These beautiful pieces are timeless and ethical and the details and craftsmanship are just incredible.
THE ONE WITH THE MATCHING MINI ME
I mean, need I say more? The Ghost x M&S range always seem to hit the nail on the head and now I have discovered the matching mini range too… Dark winter florals pair fantastically with chunky cream knitwear and the mini version is pretty sweet too. You know I am powerless to resist a matching moment,
THE DREAM DRESS
Be still my beating heart. What can I say? This Zimmermann beauty absolutely blows the budget but she sure is beautiful…
I hope you found something you liked or some inspiration for a new way to wear something you might already have – often maxi dresses really do not get the air time they deserve but I am a firm believer in saving nothing for special occasions alone. If you have a maxi dress, do not leave her languishing – she deserves better.
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OUTFIT DETAILS
matilda dress – Phase Eight (also here)
leather jacket – Karen Millen (ON SALE)
knit – H&M
boots – Mango
aviators – Ray Ban
britten belt – The Fold
mini crescent bag – Strathberry
