The Maxi Dress: Dressed Down

As mentioned in my first maxi dress blog post, the maxi dress has become my favorite versatile item in my closet for the summer. While they come in so many different colors, patterns and styles -- the key to success when picking out a maxi is finding one that can be easily dressed up and down through the integration of accessories, shoes and overall styling.

Even during this rainy shoot with KNDM Co. the maxi was still a great piece to wear for extra layering and warmth. Besides, who says dresses aren't for rainy days!? I beg to differ.

In this second maxi dress look from my styled shoot with Seattle-based photographer KNDM Co., I am showing ways to dress down a maxi dress. While this maxi dress in my second look is more casual for an everyday look, it still is capable of being dressed up for a night out.

I am in love with this floral cut out maxi from Forever 21 that I recently purchased. I love the unique detailing of the front cutouts adding some flare to the already busy pattern of the dress. I also love the lace up back detailing. When styling a dress with a lot of detail already going on, keep it simple. I opted for a dainty gold necklace to keep my focus on the dress and my accessorizing on the lighter side. If you're really feeling bold, a statement necklace can also be an option but that's more suited for an evening look.

Because this dress runs on the longer side, I decided to wear my nude Brass Plum wedges to add some height to my look. I love a pair of nude wedges in the summer because they go with everything all while remaining understated.

The maxi dress is a must-have summer staple for any girl's closet due to its versatility and the endless fun you can have with dressing it up or down through layering and accessorizing. You can't go wrong with the maxi!