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 Iām 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,Ā 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.
I love dresses in general and they are definitely my go-to in summer. Knit dresses are my favorite because they are so comfortable and easy to wear. I’m always conscious of volume so I’m not drawn to really full multi-tiered dresses but this one is very appealing. I have never liked how a blazer looks on my body so, while the blazer/maxi combo looks nice on you, I’d pass on the blazer.
Iām glad I tried this knit dress on because Iāve discovered theyāre really comfy.
You look lovely.. powerfulā¦vibrant today, Jennifer! I can see why your smile is so bright!
Thanks Pam. I love this blueš
Love the dress on you! I don’t know if I can pull that much dress off at 5’1 but at least it’s not as flouncy as some. Just need to try some on. Seems the maxi is what to wear right now.
This might be a lot for someone who is 5ā1. Even in petite so youād have to try on to see the proportion for you.
This is a beautiful summer dress that would suit all kinds of occasions. I would prefer your white jeans jacket with it as I’m not comfortable mixing the boho style of the dress with the tailored style of a blazer. In truth, I got sick of wearing blazers years ago & haven’t owned one in years. I find their stying too severe for me. I would wear it with a fancy white cashmere sweater or a shawl & sandals with a small heel or wedge. Keep showing us dresses, please!
Will do! Theyāre so easy in the hot weather
I like that you tucked in those annoying little ties at the neckline. Very pretty!
I love this dress. Have always been partial to longer lengths are my legs are not my best asset. I do wear mine slightly shorter. Since letting my hair go white, I prefer an ankle length on me. It just looks more modern. The print is beautiful and suits your colouring. It is a fun dress to wear.
Modern is a great way to be and look
This maxi (yes, with the ties tucked in!) seems more versatile than the tropic print from the other day, but to me, your gold metallic ballet flats would be a dressier choice than the white sandals. Love the color of the blazer.
Is be tripping over the dress in those flats but they would be cute.
Very pretty dress! The colors are spectacular! Like a comment earlier, I believe the jacket is too bulky for the dress. But I will also add the sandals as well. They add extra bulk to the bottom of the dress where there is already extra material. Just not the right shoe for the dress. Separately, I love all pieces. Just not tigether.
This is not a āhow would you style thisā post. Itās how I styled it š You do you, and Iāll do me.
Love the maxi dress! I donāt wear blazers. In warm weather, I like thin floaty kimono toppers and flat dressy leather sandals, while cool weather calls for long duster cardigans and ballet flats or boots. I wear a maxi pretty much every day. Yours is very pretty.š
What a beautiful color combination with the dress, jacket, and jewelry. I could totally see myself wearing that to a summer wedding or other nice event. The basket handbag is a great touch.
You look beautiful in this color. Wow!
Thanks! I canāt resist this color
I just bought this dress last week and love the manny ways you suggest to style it. I canāt wait to try it with my white denim jacket!
Blue is definitely your color. Iām not a fan of dresses with a flounce but I would try this one on because it only had one flounce. Donāt worry about hiding your arms. You look terrific!
I was excited to see you feature this maxi dress since I bought it at Talbotās last month. It has my favorite blue colors and is easy so pretty and easy to wear. Iām not sold on wearing it with a long blazer, but I do like your other styling ideas. I hadnāt thought of tucking in the tie strings. Iāll have to give that a try!
They hang inside easily and stay put!
This is a fantastic look. Like you, I like my maxi to be to the heel of the shoe. That is an enlightening statement about a cardigan hiding and a blazer being intentional. The blazer looks fresh and actually cooler than a body hugging cardigan. Of course in your super hot weather nothing will feel cool while outside. I am glad you found a long dress without the layers of fabric, this is perfect.
Love the dress, the shoes look comfy. The blazer is a beautiful blue , but as another person comment about the blazer looking out of place with the dress, but would still wear it with a pair of white jeans or capris. But you look āfabulousā.
I love blazer this with white jeans, in fact, white everything. Navy too!
Another really cute summer dress. You’re on a roll!
The dress, bag and sandal look terrific on you. Iām just not sold on the blazer with that dress. Maybe itās the flounce at the bottom paired with a tailored jacket? Iām not sure. Of course you look dazzling in nearly everything you put on. I love the jacket. I love that dress. Together? Not certain.
Iām not flounce or ruffle person so this is how Iām dialing it down. It works for me but not everyone š
This is a lovely combination and looks wonderful on you, including the accessories. Thanks!
You look great and the dress is really pretty! I am not a fan of a blazer over a long casual dress. To me, the two are not meant to be together. Either a little light weight sweater or shawl would do the trick if you need a wrap. I hope it is ok to have an opinion! I love your blog!!!
Of course it ok to have an opinion. We all do!
I really love these maxi dresses but Iām 5ā3ā, would the prints be overwhelming? Guess thereās only one way to know, Iāll have to try them on ;)!
The dress looks very nice on you. I avoid tiers on a dress because of the fullness factor. This works because there is 1 tier. 2 or 3 just add fullness in a way I don’t like. As usual, you prove that BLUE is your color.