How to Wear a Long Dress

Co-authored by Kalee Hewlett and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: November 20, 2020 References

Long dresses are usually associated with formal events, but these garments can be used for so much more! With different dress styles, patterns, accessories, and shoes, you can style your long dress for both casual and fancy occasions. Take a look in your closet and see if you can repurpose some of your long dresses into fun, stylish looks!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Trying a Casual Look

1
Pull on a long-sleeved shirt beneath a maxi dress to create a comfortable outfit. Compromise the formal undertones of your maxi dress by slipping on a turtleneck or other long-sleeved shirt beneath the top portion of your short-sleeved or sleeveless dress. Choose a shirt that matches the color scheme of your maxi dress to create a fashionable and coherent ensemble.^{[1]
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- For instance, if you’re wearing a sleeveless teal and blue maxi dress, consider wearing a white turtleneck underneath.
2
Go for a relaxed vibe by wearing a loose, flowy frock. Select a comfortable dress to wear while you’re on the go. If you don’t want to coordinate an entire outfit, a long dress can be a great way to save time while still looking stylish! Try choosing a solid or neutral-toned garment if you don’t want to choose a color scheme.^{[2]
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- For example, slip on a long, gray dress that flows from your waist to your ankles.
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3
Opt for funky, relaxed patterns in your outfit if you want to go for a bolder look. Add a splash of color into your daily look by choosing multi-colored garments. Search in your closet for bright, funky designs that incorporate a lot of fun colors and patterns, like stripes and geometric shapes. Once you’ve selected a fun dress, pair it with neutral or solid-toned shoes and accessories!^{[3]
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- For instance, choose a long dress with a tie-dye pattern to create a fun, casual look.
4
Slip on a denim jacket to make yourself look more casual. Dress down your outfit by adding some casual materials to your look. Balance elegance and informality by selecting a jacket that goes down to your waist. If the weather is especially warm, try rolling the sleeves up to your elbows. To maximize the casual look, pair your denim jacket with a neutral-toned dress.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Kalee Hewlett
Fashion Stylist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2019.}
- For example, wear a waist-length denim jacket with a floor-length gray dress.
5
Choose breathable materials when creating an informal ensemble. Try to wear long dresses made of soft, flowing material. See if any of your dresses are made with cotton, linen, jersey, or chambray. When you wear lighter, more breathable fabrics in your casual outfits, you don’t have to worry as much about sweating or stuffiness in your long dress.^{[5]
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- This is especially important to keep in mind when you’re shopping for warm-weather outfits.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Dressing Formally

1
Show off your features with a strapless gown. Opt for a more revealing outfit by leaving your neckline and shoulders completely visible. Choose a neutral, creamy-colored gown to create a softer look. If you’d prefer to stand out, select a dress that’s a brighter color.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Kalee Hewlett
Fashion Stylist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2019.}
- For instance, create a bold look with a long, strapless gown in bright yellow or navy blue.
2
Choose a chiffon dress for a flowing, ethereal look. Look like a princess by selecting a light, fluffy material for your dress. While a chiffon gown might be too formal for an outing with friends, you can really make a statement by wearing this garment to a major party or formal event, like a wedding.^{[7]
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- To imitate the ethereal fairy look, choose a soft, pastel dress color like beige, lilac, or light green.
3
Opt for 1 shoulder strap to go for an edgy look. Follow some formal fashion trends by slipping on a dress with a single sleeve or strap. If you don’t have an asymmetrical dress on hand, try adjusting 1 sleeve so that it falls further down your arm.^{[8]
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- Asymmetrical gowns look especially striking in bold colors, like royal blue and canary yellow. If you’d like to go for a more subtle look, try on a black gown instead.
4
Pick a dress that covers your ankles if you’re going to a formal event. Get ready for a formal outing by wearing a sweeping, floor-length gown. While it might be tempting to wear an ankle-length dress that shows off your footwear, you can really make a statement by entering the room in a floor-length garment. Have this kind of dress on hand for especially fancy events, like weddings or extravagant parties.^{[9]
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Did you know? According to modern etiquette rules, floor-length gowns are a great choice for white- and black-tie events.
5
Create a feminine feel by selecting floral-patterned fabric. Enhance your outfit by choosing a dress with an elegant, beautiful pattern. Don’t choose a pattern that’s too over-the-top; instead, focus on garments that have a solid backdrop, with a subtle floral pattern on top. Browse through different dresses until you find a floral pattern that best matches your personal aesthetic!^{[10]
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- For example, a black dress with red and pink blooms would be a great dress to wear to a party.
6
Look especially striking with intense, solid colors. Make a statement by choosing a garment without a pattern. Tell a story with your outfit by selecting a dress with solid tones. For a bold and passionate look, select a warm color for your dress, like red, orange, or yellow. If you’d like to wear a cooler, deeper color instead, try on a green, deep blue, or purple gown.^{[11]
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- On the other hand, you can achieve a softer look by opting for pastels and creamy tones.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Selecting the Right Shoes

1
Pick out some low pumps to add elegance to your ensemble. Bridge the gap between flats and high heels by trying on a pair of lower heels. If you’re going to a formal event or party, pumps can add a small amount of height to your look without making it difficult to walk. Try experimenting with different neutral shoe tones until you find a pair that goes well with your long dress!^{[12]
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- For example, create a chic outfit by pairing a dark or neutral-toned dress with a set of round-toe pumps.
2
Wear flat sneakers to give your outfit a casual vibe. Prepare for a day out on the town by slipping on some trainers or converse before heading out. If you’re planning on walking a lot but don’t want to sacrifice your long dress, select a pair of shoes that are easy and comfortable to walk in. If you have brightly colored sneakers, see if any of them match your dress of choice!^{[13]
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- For instance, pair a long, beige dress with bright red sneakers to add a burst of color to your look.
3
Pair ankle boots with a slitted dress for a sexy look. Choose a form-fitting ankle or floor-length dress with a slit down the side. For a more revealing look, keep 1 leg covered and 1 leg uncovered. If you’re aiming for a more subtle outfit, keep both legs covered in fabric, with 1 leg slightly visible through the slit.^{[14]
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- For example, wear a bright pink dress with low pumps or high heels for a sexy party outfit.
4
Choose a pair of heels to add some height to your outfit. Make yourself look a little taller by slipping on a pair of stilettos or high-heeled sandals. If you prefer a closed-toe style, opt for high-heeled boots instead. If you’re planning on walking a lot, try to pick out shoes with a more manageable height.^{[15]
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- For instance, pair an ankle-length dress with a set of black, high-heeled sandals.
5
Slip on open-toed shoes for warmer weather. Keep yourself cool during a heatwave by testing out some sandals or flip-flops. If you’re trying to coordinate an outfit, opt for neutral shoe tones, like brown or beige. If you’re looking to add some color to their ensemble, try on some brightly colored sandals instead!^{[16]
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- For example, try on a pair of flat, orange sandals with a flowy gray dress to create a perfect summer look.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Adding Different Accessories

1
Slip on a blazer on to add some style to your work ensemble. Get ready for the office by covering your shoulders and sleeves with a professional garment. While a long dress might look out-of-place on its own in the office, you can send your outfit in a clear direction by slipping on a form-fitting blazer or suit jacket. To keep your look especially professional, try and employ dark or neutral tones in your ensemble.^{[17]
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- For example, try pairing a long, gray dress with a black blazer and a nice set of flats.
2
Split your dress in half with a thin belt. Add a new dimension to your dress by securing a belt around your waist. Create a stylish, on-the-go outfit by dressing in an outfit that’s not too formal, and not too casual. To really bring your outfit together, select a neutral-toned belt to complete your ensemble.^{[18]
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- For instance, pair a thin, brown belt with a long, dark dress (e.g., navy blue, black).
3
Go for an informal look with a leather jacket. Stay relaxed in a long dress by slipping on a casual and laid back jacket. With this type of accessory, you can create a fun contrast between your outerwear and your dress. Experiment with different color schemes and dress patterns until you find something that fits your personal style!^{[19]
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- For example, try pairing a gray and white patterned dress with a black biker jacket. To top off the look, slide on a pair of sunglasses, too!
4
Get ready to go out by slipping on a long necklace. Add a touch of elegance to any outfit by adding a tasteful necklace. Depending on the exact dress, you might want to experiment with different styles and colors of jewelry until you find a combination that you like. For neutral-toned dresses, test out a silver necklace. If your outfit follows a certain color scheme, choose jewelry that matches some of those shades.^{[20]
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Expert Source

Kalee Hewlett
Fashion Stylist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2019.}
- For instance, a silver necklace would go well with a solid black dress, while a chunky pink and white necklace would look great with a light pink dress.
5
Prepare for cooler weather with a scarf. Stay warm and stylish by wrapping a long scarf around your neck. Try and choose an accessory with more neutral tones, or with colors that match your outfit. If you’re prioritizing warmth, look for scarves made out of thicker, knitted material. If you’re seeking a fashion scarf, search for accessories made with a lighter, thinner material.^{[21]
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- For example, pair a long, navy blue dress with a thick, brown and white scarf in the cooler weather.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I look good in a long dress?

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’

Kalee Hewlett

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Expert Answer

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I think a lot of people tend to overdo it when they have a really elegant, long dress. If you like the way the dress looks, I'd recommend just throwing on a beautiful necklace and calling it a day. If you do too much with the accessories, it's just going to look really busy.
Question

When should I wear a strapless dress?

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’

Kalee Hewlett

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Expert Answer

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If you’re doing a strapless dress, you’ve got the amazing option of going for long or short necklace. Longer necklaces will make you look slimmer, while shorter necklaces will draw attention to your chest. You can even layer them up for a more bohemian look.
Question

What shoes should I pair with a dress for a summer look?

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’

Kalee Hewlett

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

I think Birkenstocks are kind of an old classic. They’re practical, comfortable, and super durable. I think they look cool with boyfriend jeans, but they'll work well with and a cute summer dress.