Fashion & Style

How to Style a Midi Dress

by Hannah Rose, Copywriter

What is a midi dress?

Let’s start with the basics. What is a midi dress? Sitting somewhere stylishly in between the mini and the maxi, this versatile number has become a wardrobe staple. Layer it in winter or slip into it come summer, dress it up or dress it down - it’s the all-weather, all-occasion dress that can do no wrong. But it doesn’t stop there. As well as making it suitable for every season, its below-the-knee length makes it appeal to every woman, no matter what their shape or size. And that is something we seriously love.

So now it’s time to delve a little deeper and move on to how to wear a midi dress. As our celebs are about to reveal, there are so many different ways to style one, making it a cult piece in every girl’s wardrobe. Whether you’re wondering what shoes to wear with a midi dress for a meeting or what coat to wear with a midi dress for a stroll around town, let’s just say, your search engine will never see the words ‘how to style a midi dress’ ever again after this.

11 ways to wear a midi dress

From Alexa Chung to Kate Middleton, these style icons know exactly how to wear a midi dress and they’re here to show you how…

Ashley Roberts wearing a black midi dress with a white t-shirt

1. The Throw-on-and-go Look

Like Ashley, why not give a classic black midi a new lease of life by layering it over a tee? The addition of pointed patent courts, cat-eye sunnies and slicked-back hair make it feel grown up. It’s the perfect all-round office outfit to take you from boardroom presentations to coffee meetings (in style).

2. The Cool Vintage Look

The queen of cool, Alexa Chung shows us how to give the midi a vintage twist. Just throw on a boxy knit, slip into some trainers and pick up a tan suedette bag. But make sure the midi steals the show by choosing one in a timeless floral print that hangs effortlessly below your jumper. Yep, she nails it yet again.

Alexa Chung wearing a floral midi dress, navy jumper and trainers

Anna Borisovna wearing a cream tie-front midi dress and trainers

3. The Head-to-tonal Look

Midi dresses in neutral shades and floaty linen fabrics are the definition of chic. Take it one step further like Anna Borisovna by coordinating with neutral accessories for a tonal look. A belted waist gives it shape whilst chunky trainers will take you comfortably (and quickly) from brunch to drinks.

4. The Back-to-the-90s Look

Along with flared jeans, scrunchies and crop tops sits the satin slip dress. Take your style back in time with this shimmering midi, retro sunglasses,hoop earrings and clear heels combo for an easy route to glam. It may be simple and require minimal effort but one thing’s for sure, it will provide maximum impact.

Woman wearing a silk midi dress, with heels and sunglasses

Nina Dobrev wearing a grey puff sleeve midi dress and brown knee high boots

5. The This-is-so-boho Look

We love how Nina Dobrev has given this loose and flowy silhouette some added shape with a cinched-in belted waist. The classic colour and smart collared neckline on the midi makes it work appropriate yet the knee highs and statement earrings give it enough oomph to carry you through to happy hour.

6. The Mood-boosting Look

Chiffon fabrics and frill details may usually be reserved for occasions only. Throw in a pair of chunky sandals and you’ve got a look that can work for both fancy and more casual affairs. Although the pastel shade is perfect for summer, it could easily be made winter-appropriate with a chunky cardi and boots.

Xenia Adonts wearing a bright green midi dress and sandals

Chrissy Rutherford wearing a light blue midi dress and white boots

7. The No-reason-required Look

No plans? No problem. Why not make everyday an occasion in a fancy frock? Think midis in feel-good brights, with plunging necklines and statement sleeves that scream ‘look at me’. For extra impact, match your shoes with your bag and whip out those sunnies. You go girl.

8. The Always-pretty Look

Kelly Brook shows us how pretty floral prints and candy colours can give white trainers a feminine twist for an outfit that’s both cute and comfy. Just add a shoulder bag, sunglasses and get arranging that picnic. Temperature dropped? Throw on a jacket and trade your trainers for boots.

Kelly Brook wearing a floral midi dress and trainers

Kate Middleton wearing a white button down midi dress and heels

9. The Effortlessly Elegant Look

We know, we know – there’s not an outfit Kate doesn’t look amazing in and the way she gracefully owns this white midi is giving us serious *love heart eyes*. The puff sleeves, button front and belted waist just oozes with class. Not sure what shoes to wear with your midi dress? Copy Kate and jazz up a stunning silhouette with a sparkly stiletto.

10. The Rain-or-shine Look

As Veronika proves, midi dresses don’t have to be super feminine. Give them an edgy twist with monochrome prints, chunky boots, a choker necklace and retro sunnies. Wondering what jacket to wear with your midi dress? Choose the layer everyone’s loving: the shacket. This is that model off-duty look that the paps would be all over.

Veronika Heilbrunner wearing a patterned midi dress, black jacket and black ankle boots

Tahirah Hairston wearing a white midi dress and trainers

11. The Super Cute, Super Comfy Look

Toughen up traditionally girly smocks with trainers and socks to give them a sporty feel. The best part about this floaty silhouette? It’s comfy, flattering and its roomy design allows you to fully indulge in the brunches it’s so perfect for.

Whether you’re looking for something floaty or something fitted, find your favourite midi dress today.

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