Today I’m wearing the same black maxi dress, but showing five different ways you can style it. At the end of this post, let me know in the comments which one is your favorite.

Look #1: The Basic Black Maxi

Let’s start off super basic. You can of course wear a black maxi just by itself! Spruce it up by accessorizing. I like an oversized straw bag for the summer paired with nude sandals and oversized sunnies. This is a low maintenance look you can throw on within minutes and go out the door.

black maxi tank dress with sandals and straw handbag styled by fashion blogger the real fashionista

black maxi tank dress with sandals and straw handbag styled by fashion blogger the real fashionista

black maxi tank dress with sandals and straw handbag styled with hermes cuff bracelet by fashion blogger the real fashionista

Look #2: Denim Jacket & Sneakers

You can go one of two ways with a black maxi dress, and that’s going casual or dressy. Throwing on a pair of sneakers is a surefire way to achieve the casual look. I love my golden goose sneakers; they are my go-to. Although it is a higher ticket item, it’s 100% worth the investment in my opinion. I wear them more often than not! A denim jacket is also a spring/summer essential. Just like denim jeans, it can be a pain to find the right one with just the right fit. I rounded up a couple of my faves and show other ways you can wear a denim jacket on this post.

black maxi dress styled with jean jacket golden goose sneakers and gucci dionysus handbag

black maxi dress styled with jean jacket golden goose sneakers and gucci dionysus handbag

black maxi dress styled with jean jacket golden goose sneakers hermes cuff bracelet and gucci dionysus handbag

black maxi dress styled with jean jacket golden goose sneakers hermes cuff bracelet and gucci dionysus handbag

Look #3: Button-Down Top & Platform Sandals

You can go out and buy a button down top or you can get a little creative and go into your closet to style one you already have and tie it up yourself. Wear it over your black maxi dress and you’ve got your third look. I incorporated an animal print shoe to give this look a little *oomph*. I love the platform wedge style for summer!

black maxi dress styled with white button down tied at waist with gucci disco handbag

black maxi dress styled with white button down tied at waist with gucci disco handbag and hermes click clack bracelet

black maxi dress styled with white button down tied at waist with gucci disco handbag

black maxi dress styled with white button down tied at waist with gucci disco handbag

Look #4: The Camo Jacket

Love, love, love camo print! This is also a really easy, casual look. Just throw on the jacket, slip on the sandals and you’re ready to go! You can easily run errands in this outfit, go by the grocery store or make a Chick-Fil-A stop ???? HAHA!

classic black maxi dress styled with chloe handbag and camo jacket

classic black maxi dress styled with chloe handbag and camo jacket

classic black maxi dress styled with chloe handbag and camo jacket

classic black maxi dress styled with chloe handbag and camo jacket

Look #5: The Belted Cardigan

I caved and bought the infamous Gucci belt not too long ago, and again, worth every penny! I wear it all the time with jeans and shorts, but this is also another way I incorporate this belt in my outfits to get the most wear out of it. This cardigan look is great for days where it’s chilly in the mornings and warm in the afternoons.

classic black maxi dress styled with gucci belt white cardigan and PVC clear handbag

classic black maxi dress styled with gucci belt white cardigan and PVC clear handbag

classic black maxi dress styled with gucci belt white cardigan and PVC clear handbag

classic black maxi dress styled with gucci belt white cardigan and PVC clear handbag

My favorite looks are number one and number three! I would love to know which look was your favorite and if you had any other ideas on how to style a basic black maxi. Comment below!

xo, Jaime