How Not To Look Frumpy in a Boho Maxi Dress
Even if Boho is not totally your style, spring’s new boho maxi dresses are hard to resist. They’re long, flowy, and fun, but will they make you look old or frumpy after a certain age? As many of you know, I tend to stick with timeless classics and a few trendy styles from here to there. Boho can feel a little too free-spirited, but that shouldn’t stop us from trying to make it work.
I’ve posted a handful of boho styles over the last few years, like Boho Winter Outfit Ideas, tips on How to Dress Boho and Not Look Too Hippie, and easy-to-style Bohemian Tops For a Boho-Lite Look. But will a cute boho maxi dress pass the frumpy or fabulous? I wasn’t quite sure, so I put this orange boho maxi from Amazon to the test. Here’s what I found out.
How Not To Look Frumpy in a Boho Maxi Dress
Simple is Best
I’m a classic dresser at heart, so if I’m craving a bit of a boho vibe for summer, I don’t do a 360. I find it’s best to stick to a classic pared-down silhouette with just a touch of boho detail. So, for example, instead of a boho maxi with multiple tiers, ruffles, and frills, I chose this boho maxi dress with just two tiers and no ruffles.
Instead of going with long, voluminous sleeves, I opted for not-so-big peasant sleeves. You can always add to a basic boho maxi dress with accessories, but if your dress is too busy to begin with, you can’t pare it down and look chic.
Fit is Key
Like all clothes, the fit is key. But with a long, flowy boho dress, it’s even more important that your dress fits across the bust, nips in at the waist, and flows gently outward. All that volume can overwhelm your shape, especially if you are petite. Don’t buy a boho maxi if it is not a perfect fit. You will end up looking dumpy and frumpy.
With that being said, we’ve all had the unfortunate experience of finding the perfect dress and it doesn’t fit right. In this case, don’t shy away from tailoring your clothes. Not only do you get to hold onto a style you like, but you save money too.
If you’re unsure if your clothes fit you properly, check out this guide I made.
Choose a Modern Color/Pattern
I know how tiny country florals and faded pastels can make a mature woman like myself look dowdy. I decided that if I was going to wear this Little House on the Prairie style dress, it was important to choose a color and print with some pizzazz. I fell in love with this bold, orange color and the modern raw edge dot print. Both the color and pattern give energy to an otherwise sweet, country-style dress.
I also find that even though polka dots can look juvenile at times, this dress doesn’t. It has a mature, modern approach that makes it perfect for women 40, 50, 60+. For more on wearing this print, check out this post: How to Look Spot On in Polka Dots.
Mind the Fabric
When you find a dress you fall in love with, make sure you fall in love with the fabric, too. The wrong material can make the prettiest dress look cheap and ill-fitting. You want to avoid fabrics that are too clingy, too stiff, or too drapey.
A clingy dress will accentuate your features—both good and bad. On the other hand, something that is too stiff or drapey will drown you in fabric. You want a material that gently drapes, and if your dress has ruching, make sure it’s subtle. Check out these posts for more on finding the right fabric and material:
- Lovely Ways to Wear Linen
- Cotton Gauze Dresses and Tops to Wear All Summer Long
- Classy Ways to Style a Satin Dress
Wear Heels
A long flowy boho dress calls for heels, even if they are low heels. There’s nothing worse than seeing ugly flat sandals like Birkenstocks with a dress like this. Now that is an old lady! Save your sandals, and flip flops for another day.
Even if it is a low block heel or a stable wedge, a feminine sandal can do wonders to make a boho maxi dress look fabulous at 40, 50, and beyond. Shoes can make or break an outfit, you don’t want to ruin this boho look with the wrong pair!
I recently posted about a handful of trendy styles… check that post out here. Also, make sure to check out this post if you want more options: No-Frump Block Heels for Women Over 40.
Don’t Overdo the Jewelry
Boho maxis are romantic and pretty, so some jewelry is beautiful. However, if you want to look classy, don’t overdo it with too much jewelry or tiny, dangly, and girly sweet jewelry. Keep your jewelry feminine but modern. Opt for more classic styles to maintain a more mature, refined vibe.
One of my favorite jewelry designers is Dean Davidson. I’m wearing his Linear bracelet here, but it has since sold out. No matter which accessory you end up going with, his classic pieces look great with every style.
Have you seen my post on Top Jewelry Trends at Dean Davidson? You can see me wear a handful of chic and timeless pieces that would look stunning with this dress. Check it out!
Show a Bit of Skin
When dressing over 40, 50, 60 and beyond, showing some skin can often feel touchy. You don’t wait to wear something that reveals too much, but you still want a touch of mystery and allure! But there are easy ways to break up the coverage and still feel age-Amazing.
Notice how this orange boho maxi dress has a slight cut in the neckline. Look for dresses that have a subtle leg slit, a slight off-the-shoulder neckline, or a tasteful V-neck. Each option keeps the look youthful and modern. Sometimes too much fabric can look and feel matronly.
Get in the Right Head Space
Boho Style is both a feeling and an attitude. It’s carefree, natural, and easy. You have to be in the mood to wear Boho because you’ll look like you are wearing a costume if you aren’t. The easiest way to look stylish in an outfit is to be confident. You want to look like you’re wearing the dress, not like it’s wearing you, lol!
shop this look
Will you be trying out this boho maxi dress?
The honest answer is that while boho can sometimes feel frumpy, it’s about the style of the dress and how you wear it. When you style it correctly, ensure it fits properly, and show off your confidence, you’re golden! Follow these style tips to look WOW in this fun orange boho maxi dress.
Make sure you’re keeping up with my LTK storefront to see all of my favorite outfit ideas, from everyday classics to trendy new styles. You can also join my private Facebook group, Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room, to discuss your thoughts on boho styles. How do you feel about this dress? Would you wear it? I can’t wait to read all of your thoughts in the comments.
Click the links to shop the look above. This dress is under $40!!
Fabulous after 40 has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. So, Thank You!
I love your detailed descriptions of what to look for in boho style and WHY! I so appreciate your advice for my age group! I’m 65 but still feel 40-50, and I like casual styles, yet I know I have to be picky about what to wear now. Thank you so much!! I’m happy I found you on IG!