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? I wasn’t quite sure, so I put this orange boho maxi from Amazon to the test. Here’s what I found out.

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.

Choose a Modern Color/Pattern

I know how tiny country florals and faded pastels can make a mature woman like myself look dowdy,  so I decided 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.

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! Even if it is a low block heel or wedge, a feminine sandal can do wonders to make a boho maxi dress look fabulous at 40, 50, and beyond.

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. One of my favorite jewelry designers is Dean Davidson. I’m wearing his Linear bracelet here. His classic pieces look great with every style.

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. Follow these guidelines, own the look, and you will be classy and ageless in Boho Maxi at 40, 50, and beyond!

shop this look

Click the links to shop the look above. This dress is under $40!!