Maxi dresses for Summer Lunches

The other day I decided to wear a maxi dress out to lunch with my sweet friend Vicki. Here’s how I wore the summer maxi dress. I really had never embraced the whole maxi dress craze. But recently, my youngest son’s girlfriend, Rachel was visiting and wore several of these and I thought she looked great. So I decided to try this style at lunch.

I selected a dark floral slip style dress as I thought it would pair well with a cardigan or jean jacket, without being too warm. Both toppers would work with this look, and as you see, I added a white collarless denim jacket. Mine is from last year, but I managed to round up several great alternatives as you can see below on the carousel. (Just click on any item and you can see all the details).

Accessories when You Wear a Summer Maxi Dress

I wanted to keep a summery vibe so I wore a small straw purse (old, similar, below) as well as light-weight silver filigree earrings, my trusty stainless steel @Ebel watch and my @David Yurman bangle. This bangle is so classic and timeless, that I enjoyed seeing several of my son’s friends wearing them as well! My shoes are black patent leather Stuart Weitzman (old, similar, below). I wore black as I thought it would blend best with the dark floral print.

Where Did I Wear My Summer Maxi Dress?

We headed out to a terrific newish restaurant in Winnetka by the name of @Towne and Oak (921 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, Illinois). It’s a neat, fresh spot run I think, by two young women. The place is open from Monday through Saturday from 8-4, and 8-2 on Sundays. But, they are closed on Tuesdays. The place is airy and light with white steel girders on the ceiling as well as HUGE rounded sky lights.

There’s a gorgeous (LIVE) tree inside lending year-round freshness and that fits with the delicious menu. Think GORGEOUS salads, a few soups, avocado toast and other delicious yummy items.

Style Tips to Wear a Summer Maxi

I am now a maxi convert after just one maxi dress outing. If you’re considering a maxi, I think it’s important to wear a style in which you feel comfortable. The slip style I chose allowed me to wear a remarkably comfortable strapless bra (see below on the linked photos) that actually stayed up due to an extra ( did I say, comfortable?) inside the bra strap!! If you’re not at ease with sleeveless styles due to temperature or due to your arms, consider wearing a cotton cardigan or a jean jacket, or a maxi dress with sleeves!

We sat outdoors at Towne and Oak on their darling cafe tables. This allowed us to watch the world walk by as our lunch was pretty lengthy…

Be sure the dress length works for the height of your shoe. I’m 5’4″ so with a heel, most of the maxi dresses work. And if you’re taller (in my next life, I’m going to be tall and Italian), then realize there is a wide range of acceptable lengths for maxi dresses. Just be sure the dress hits you below the widest part of your calf so as to be especially flattering on you.

Please note, I bought this dress last summer at Loft, but have no fear, I have linked several very similar ones below. Happy times are ahead for you if you wear a summer maxi dress!! Please DM me @drjuliemarshall on Instagram or comment below, if I have successfully inspired you to the maxi movement. Thanks!

Here are a few more summer looks for going out to lunch https://drjuliesfunlife.com/how-to-wear-a-white-blazer-six-ways/ and https://drjuliesfunlife.com/two-different-ways-to-style-a-seersucker-jacket/.

XO

Dr. Julie