For those of you who read my blogs, you’ll know that I have sustainability at the heart of what I do. As a busy single mum, I like to ensure the pieces I buy go further. This couldn’t be more true than with this wardrobe staple: a black maxi dress. If you don’t own one, it’s time to add it to your collection, and here’s why.

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Featured here is a bodycon black maxi dress from H&M. Before I get into the nitty-gritty of how to style this staple 15 ways, take a look at this video which breaks down some ideas for summer, transitional layering, and full-on winter dressing. Yep, this sleeveless dress will see you through winter too… you just need to learn the art of layering.

How to Style a Black Maxi Dress

A black maxi dress is the ultimate wardrobe staple that can effortlessly transition from casual to chic, making it a must-have for every fashion-forward individual. Whether you’re dressing it up for a night out or keeping it relaxed for a day date, here are 15 creative ways to style your black maxi dress.

Essentials T-Shirt Look

Transform your look with a simple loose-fit tee in a contrasting color that matches your bag or shoes. There are two ways you can adjust the T-shirt hemline to cinch in at the waist:

  • With a Knot: Tie the T-shirt at the waist.
  • Using a Hair Band: Tuck the T-shirt into a hair band and drape it over (see example of sweater below to learn how to style).

Style with a Denim Jacket

Pair your black maxi dress with the wardrobe staple denim jacket and your favourite trainers for a great day date look. Add statement shades for a fabulous coffee date outfit.

Maxi Dress with a Statement Belt

Incorporate a wide-fit belt to accessorise your look. Match the buckle colouring with your jewellery and the belt colour to your bag/shoes.

Transform your Maxi Dress into a LBD

Turn your black maxi dress into a Little Black Dress (LBD) by using a strapless top and a thick elastic belt. Check out this blog to watch the video on how it’s done.

Pair with a Leather Jacket

Wear your favourite leather jacket (the one shown here is from Ted Baker and I’ve been wearing it for six seasons!). Match the colour of the jacket with your bag and style with flat sandals or trainers.

Add Sophistication with a Blazer

For work, pair the dress with a blazer and wedges. Blazers have been back in fashion for years and show no sign of exiting. They’re a great piece to have in your capsule wardrobe. Here are some of my favourites this season.

Style with a Classic White Shirt and Pointed Stilettos

A classic white shirt and pointed stilettos make a fabulous work-to-date-night outfit. Effortless glam! Take a look at my blog ‘10 Ways to Wear a Shirt‘ to learn how to style this look.

Turn into a Strapless Maxi Dress for Summer

Use a strapless bra or strapless top to turn your dress into a flattering strapless maxi for summer.

Layer your Maxi Dress with a Sweatshirt

Use an elastic headband to tuck the sweater into and drape over, cinching the style at your waist so it doesn’t just hang. Watch this clip to find out how.

Pair with a Hoodie

As a mum, I’m forever running around to my son’s sports clubs. Pair a knit hoodie with trainers and perhaps even a baseball hat for standing pitch side. Wear around your waist or over your shoulders with statement shades and you’ll be the glam mum!

Maxi Black Dress with Statement Jewellery

Simply wear the dress as a maxi with a cross-body bag and statement jewellery. I love the above rings from H&M this season. If you’re more of a statement necklace kind of girl, these would look great matched with your bag too.

Glam Up your Look with Sequins

Glam up your maxi dress for date night with sequins. This look was a bodysuit that I’ve again used the elastic hairband trick with.

Style with a Crew Neck Jumper and Statement Scarf

Pair a crew neck jumper and a statement scarf with knee-high boots. The beauty of this one is you can layer up as much as the weather requires. Tights and layering T-shirts underneath; make a statement with your scarf and matching bag.

Add a Cosy Cardigan for Cooler Days

Wear a contrasting cosy cardigan for cooler days. I’d go for loose-fit, longer-line styles over tight-fitting ones since the dress is already bodycon, and you don’t want to overdo it.

Style into a Knee-Length Dress with Jumper

Style the dress into a knee-length dress with a contrasting jumper and knee-high boots for winter.

I hope you found this article helpful! Please use the comments section below to share your favourite maxi dress styling idea. Why not take a look at my ‘H&M Maxi Dress Haul,’ ‘How to Style Faux Leather Leggings 15 Ways,’ or ‘Tips on Building a Capsule Wardrobe.’

Please note this article contains affiliate links.

Maxi Dress To Pin for Later

Pin these looks to remember how to style your maxi dress for endless day-to-night date night inspiration!

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