With the warm weather comes a sort of carpe diem mentality — the balmy temps and bright sunshine just have a way of making you want to jump up out of bed and make the most of the day. But come fall, the up-and-at-‘em enthusiasm starts to fade, because let’s be real — who wants to leave behind a cocoon of warmth for a cold morning commute in the dark? We are, however, open to a little bribery in the form of chic fall wardrobe essentials, trend-right shoes and Insta-worthy statement jewelry (#noshame). A floral maxi in particular is pretty good #morningmotivation in and of itself — the one-and-done appeal is just too good to pass up. That said, there are moments when the feminine frock needs a little extra oomph, which is exactly why we’re making it the focus of this week’s Style Resolutions. Read on for three fresh ways to rock this tried-and-true piece at the office and off the clock.
HOW TO WEAR A FLORAL MAXI FOR WORK
Goodbye, snoozy black shift and hello, free-wheelin’ floral maxi. This Stevie Nicks-approved piece goes so far beyond the realm of festivals and off-duty affairs — it practically serves up a killer working-girl getup on a silver platter. Keep too-cool office temps at bay while adding dimension and visual intrigue to your flowery dress by layering on an oversized funnel-neck sweater. Ball-heel pumps and ultra modern accessories ensure your cozy #OOTD maintains a cutting-edge vibe, while a fabulous forest green cocoon coat keeps up appearances from door to door.
Zara Floral Midi Devoré Dress ($169) + Mango Funnel Neck Sweater ($60), Charles & Keith Sphere Heel Pumps ($49), & Other Stories Wool Blend Coat ($245), Clare V. Maude Supreme ($415), Zimmermann Silver Link Chain Bracelet ($310), Zara Ball and Chain Earrings ($16)
HOW TO WEAR A FLORAL MAXI FOR A NIGHT OUT
When your go-to slip or LBD starts to read “meh,” bring out the big guns a la this floral maxi. After-hours glamour comes in the form of shimmery metallic accessories, like copper pumps with serious sheen and celestial drop earrings that call to mind Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. For an out-of-this-world look that will take you from a romantic dinner with bae to drinks with the girls at that new celeb-studded bar, DO add a leather jacket and a swipe of dramatic berry lipstick to the mix.
Zara Floral Midi Devoré Dress ($169) + Topshop Leather Biker Jacket ($320), Zara Crackled Leather Mid Heel Shoe ($90), B-Low the Belt Bri Bri Waist Belt ($148), La Regale “Astrology” Velvet Clutch ($85), Mango Faceted Earrings ($20), Alima Pure Lip Tint ($14)
HOW TO WEAR A FLORAL MAXI FOR THE WEEKEND
Hold it right there! Before you reach for your trusty pair of jeans, consider swapping out your signature weekend uniform for an effortless maxi with major go-with-the-flow appeal. Teamed with amped-up ankle boots and a suede biker jacket, the throw-on-and-go piece exudes endless off-duty cool. Don’t hesitate to pair this stunner with RN accessories, like a wine-colored saddlebag, silhouette cuff and colorful aviator shades for an edgy street-style look that straight-up slays.
Zara Floral Midi Devoré Dress ($169) + H&M Imitation Suede Biker Jacket ($70), Urban Outfitters Thelma Ankle Boot ($98), BaubleBar Whitely Choker ($28), Lady Grey Silhouette Ring ($156), The Cambridge Satchel Company Saddlebag ($185), Quay Running Riot Square Aviator Sunglasses ($55)
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