How to Wear Your Maxi Dress into Fall

This spring and summer the maxi dress has been that ubiquitous item that so many women have embraced and come to love. And with good reason. Maxi dresses are versatile, chic and most of all, comfortable. They look just as great for daytime as for evening. But now that fall is right around the corner you may be wondering if you'll have to stash them away until next year. The good news is that many maxi dresses can be taken out of their element and given a makeover that will make them your go-to item once the weather turns chilly. Here are a few suggestions for turning your summer essential into your fall fave:

1/ Dress up your neutral maxi dress with a pop of color. Choose a rich, earthy hue that's so perfect for fall to give your look an update.

2/ Don a jacket or cardigan but keep it short and sweet. The key is to go short (jacket) over long (dress), especially if you're on the shorter side. If your jacket extends below your waist, belt it to keep from losing your waist and to create some definition.

3/ Swap out your flip flops or thongs for a pair of suede wedges or boots. Keep heel height to a minimum to keep from getting it caught in your hem.

4/ Go for chunky statement jewelry to bring your maxi right into fall. Add a big handbag, wrap a scarf around your neck and you'll look tres chic!

5/ While many maxi dresses easily transition into fall, it's best to save the tissue thin, gauzy dresses for the height of summer. Also, anything with a tropical print, in pastel colors or smacking of summer should be tucked away for next summer. With so many sales on maxi dresses right now it's a great time to invest in one. If you haven't yet jumped on the maxi dress bandwagon, find out how to buy the best maxi dress for your shape here - then stock up!