Maxi dresses are versatile and perfect for any occasion. They have many cuts and styles, from fit-and-flare to oversize maxis, that you can style for literally any event. That means you can choose different accessories and, more importantly, different hairstyles. So whether you love to change up your hair or would rather stick to a simple style, maxi dresses allow you to express yourself and feel great!
Should I Wear My Hair Up Or Down With A Dress?
With all the different hairstyles out there, it can take time to figure out how to wear your hair with a dress. Your first considerations should be the length and texture of your hair, the shape of your face, and your personal style. These will determine a range of hairstyles that would work for you, so you look and feel great, whether or not you wear a dress. The next considerations should be the dress neckline, cut, style (formal or casual), and length.
Which Hairstyle Is Best For A Long Dress?
To choose the right hairstyle for a long dress, you must consider whether it is casual or formal and what kind of neckline it has. For a casual maxi dress, some simple hairstyles you could choose from include:
Messy Ponytail
Messy ponytails are a perfect hairdo for a casual look. You just need to gather all your hair together and hold it in place with your favorite hair tie or scrunchie. There are many ways to create a messy ponytail: tie it low and closer to the nape of your neck or tie it up. You could also do a side, middle, or no part. If you want to create the illusion of length or volume, consider adding extensions to your hair.
Messy ponytails are easy and simple, so even with little experience styling hair, you can look great in your casual maxi dress. You could even braid or twist your ponytail to add something extra to your hairdo.
Twisted Ropes
If you love braids but have not yet perfected braiding your own hair, this is an excellent casual style for you. All you need to do is part your hair in the middle, take two small sections from each side, and do a double-stranded twist on each section. Then, tie the two sections loosely at the back of your head, and you are ready to go. It is an easy, casual, and somewhat romantic everyday look that anyone can do.
Simple Headband
Something as simple as a headband can elevate your whole look. You only need to style your hair as you would on any other day, then add the headband, and you are ready to go. Headbands are an excellent way to add color and a bit more of your personality to the whole outfit. Plus, you don’t need any skills to put on a headband. Further, there are so many styles of headbands, and you will certainly find a few that fit your personal style and that specific casual maxi dress.
Formal maxi dresses, on the other hand, require rather formal hairdos. Here are a few ideas for your formal maxi dress hairstyle:
Sleek Low Bun
Sleek low buns are sophisticated and stylish yet relatively simple to pull off. They work with virtually any formal maxi dress, creating an elegant, model-like look that allows your face and dress to stand out. The most important things you need for a sleek low bun are a good hair styling gel and a good quality brush because those create the front side of your bun and help it stay in place.
You can modify your sleek bun by adding a mid or side part or by creating an intricate rope design at the bun. If you have shorter hair, you can still pull this off by adding a small hair extension to create a larger bun. A sleek bun is really one of the simplest looks for formal maxi dresses.
Sleek and Teased Blowout
The sleek and teased blowout is a quick and easy way to create an elegant formal look. First, blow out your hair and straighten it as much as possible. Next, section off the front part of your hair around your forehead, then take the hair at the crown of your hair and tease it a little bit to create some volume. Apply some hairspray and maybe a little gel on that front section to lay it down either in a mid-part or a side part, tucking the rest of the hair behind your ears, and that’s it! An easy hairstyle that is a celebrity favorite for its simple yet stunning elegance.
Bobby Pin Hairstyle
Bobby pins a lifesaver when it comes to creating effortless hairstyles that stand out. All you have to do is find some decorative bobby pins that work with your formal maxi dress. The idea is to line as many pins as you want along one side of your head, so once you have chosen which side you want the pins, part your hair accordingly. Finally, arrange the pins along the side of your head, holding that hair in place, and you are all done.
You will have to do basic styling to your hair before putting in the bobby pins. For instance, you could add flowers to the pins or curl your hair or do a twist-out to create volume before adding the pins. It is an easy way to elevate your look, and it looks great on anyone.
Off-Shoulder Dress: Hair Up Or Down?
Another consideration for the best hairstyle to go with your maxi is the dress neckline. There are no hard and fast rules regarding hairstyles and necklines, but some hairstyles just go better with certain necklines.
For instance, if you are wearing an off-shoulder maxi dress, an updo will look just as good as a flowing hairstyle. The difference is that with your hair up, you will show more skin for a sultry look, while you can cover up a little more skin with your hair down. This also applies to one-shoulder or strapless maxi dresses that expose more of the shoulders and back.
If your maxi dress has a high neckline, putting your hair up is a better option because it draws attention to that neckline rather than hiding it with your hair down. You could have a low, sleek bun, a chignon, or a high bun, as long as your hair is put up in a way to show off that neckline.
On the other hand, a round or square neckline looks better with your hair down or in a half-up, half-down hairstyle. These two necklines either show off your shoulder or have interesting sleeve details, so framing your face and neckline with your hair is the best way to rock a round or square neckline.
What If I Have Really Short Hair?
You can still rock a maxi dress even with really short hair. My hair is as short as my husband’s and I pull off every maxi dress in my closet. So whether you have a little afro, a pixie cut, or a short bob, you can find ways to style your hair to suit your maxi dress. Of course, you could add extensions or wear a wig and choose from any of the styles mentioned above. Extensions and wigs give you the added length and volume that allows you to play around with hairstyles suited to longer hair. Alternatively, you could style and wear your short hair as it is and still look gorgeous in a maxi dress.
The most important thing you need to pull off any outfit is confidence in your natural beauty and personal style. And the beauty of maxi dresses is that they offer such versatility that allows women of all shapes and sizes, and with all kinds of hairstyles, to look and feel good.
