What to Wear Over 40- The Maxi Dress, Perfect for Casual Outings like Shopping or a BB-Q

When it comes to making the most out of your wardrobe and having to transition from one season to the next, there’s a little trick you can try that can be easy to implement.  But first you have to have the right ingredients.  We Glam Gals like to create new outfits the same way you would look up a recipe for cooking.  You look in the “pantry” (aka your closet) and check to see if you have the right ingredients.  If so, you can put together a yummy outfit!

Today we are going to take this summer’s blockbuster trend, the maxi dress and see how to wear it when you are over 40, for a casual outing, like shopping or a poolside BBQ:

Here we go…this maxi has a lot going for it.  First off, most of these types of long dresses usually have spaghetti straps that bare too much arm but here the 3/4 sleeve is perfect for cooler evenings and you won’t need a wrap.

Try layering , turning your maxi dress into a maxi skirt:

If you already have a maxi but it doesn’t have sleeves, you can still wear it now that we are coming into fall.  It’s easy; you just add a layer.  Do you have a thin, long v neck sweater or a jean jacket?   You can layer one or both of these pieces to create a new look.  Just throw the sweater over your shoulders or wear it with a stretchy hip belt.  This will make it look like you’re wearing a maxi skirt instead of a dress. Then if you like, you can add the jean jacket over that.  Voila, now you have created an entire new look and no one will know you are wearing the same dress twice!

Keep the shoe casual:

The wonderful thing about a maxi dress is that it can be worn with a flat or low wedge shoe so you can feel comfortable but still look classy.  For many of us that are of shorter height, it can be hard to dress casual when you like to wear a heel.  The maxi with it’s long vertical lines will give you the illusion that you are tall and lean, even when wearing a flat.  You can have fun with a sparkly sandal or just keep it simple with a flip flop.  But don’t be tempted to wear a kitten heel or pumps; it will look too dressy for a casual outing.

Large Accessories will balance out the look:

Your accessories need to be a little bolder with a maxi, because of the long billowing fabric.  Tiny little earrings or a dainty necklace will get lost so make sure you go with accessories that will stand out.

This book will save you oodles of money and save you from picking the wrong things.

So, if you have a summer maxi dress in your closet, get it out and have fun trying to layer it for a casual look that you can wear shopping, out to dinner or to the movies this weekend.

More great Maxi dresses for a pool party

Maxi dresses even work for summer weddings!

Make sure to comment below, we want to hear your thoughts and if you would wear this look.

If you’d like to have more tips like these, check out our popular e-book,Chic on the Cheap!