How To Style A Patio Party Maxi Dress High Or Low

You don’t have to go far to attend a patio party this summer. Your own back yard will be just fine! You might like to have a few friends over, so just remember to stay at least 6 feet apart. It’s still a great occasion to get dressed up…any excuse will do! My favorite outdoor garden or patio party look is a floral maxi dress with comfortable wedge sandals and a few pieces of statement jewelry.

How to Style A Patio Party Maxi Dress High Low

You can invest in high quality fashion that you know you will wear for many summers to come. Or you can get a low-priced version for a lot less money. I’m going to show you both options, or you may like to mix it up and pick and choose some pieces that are on the high side and some that are low. It’s up to you! Here’s how to use high or low styling to get this patio party maxi dress outfit. This look is perfect for women over 40, or any age!

The Floral Maxi Dress

I usually start off my high low look with a piece that stands out to me and this Dodo Bar Or Kate Floral-print Cotton-voile Wrap Maxi Dress did just that. The fun retro floral print is a unique, bright and cheerful and the classic wrap styling is always flattering and comfortable. The puff sleeves add a lot of style without being too trendy or overly fussy. Maxi dresses can hide a lot of figure flaws which is another reason to covet them. The lightweight fabric of this dress is ideal for hot summer days or evenings. This is a special piece and worth the investment of $262.50 because it can be worn year after year. If you want to save, this Glamorous Large Bright Floral Dress is only $115. It has the same wrap styling, long puff sleeves (you may like better) and also has a lovely bright floral print.

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The Wedge Sandals

I love metallics in summer and a cork wedge is lightweight and works best on patios and lawns. You don’t want to wear heels that will sink into the grass! The Aquazzura Sundance 120 Metallic Vegan Leather Wedge Sandals are absolutely gorgeous for $550. A well made sandal like this pair are both comfortable and flattering. However, you can save quite a lot with these ALDO Kaoedia Heel Wedge Sandals in Gold Leather for only $80. They have a very similar cork wedge and gold tone to the high-end sandals, but they also have an ankle strap which will help them stay on your feet.

A Lightweight Straw Bag

Even if you are just sitting outdoors you will want to carry a handbag for little things you need by your side like your lipstick. This Altuzarra Espadrille Small Fringed Raffia Tote is a very versatile bag you can carry it this summer and for years come for $695. But if you simply want to get the fringy raffia look for less, this ASOS South Beach Exclusive Straw Cross Body Bag is a mere $14!

Bold Colored Earrings

Since all the accessories for this look are neutral, it’s fun to add a pop of color with your earrings. The stunning pale blue Aurélie Bidermann Katt Hoop Earrings are $300 and they will brighten anything you wear with them. Or you can try the oversized hoop earring trend at a much lower price. These SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Retro Clear Acrylic Hoop Earrings are only $12.99.

A Large Gold Cuff Bracelet

Looks like I fell in love with Aurélie Bidermann jewelry because I choose this Tangerine Ginkgo Leaf Cuff Bracelet for our high-end look. This striking bracelet is quite collectable at $570. If you want to get a similar amount of gold bling to complete this garden patio look, you can opt for this A New Day™ Hammered Metal Cuff Bracelet for $9.99 from Target.

Floral Maxi Dress Styling Tips

  1. Find a floral you will love forever. If you are investing in a floral maxi, choose colors that flatter you and look for a timeless print. Many floral patterns have a vintage vibe, which will last forever. You may not wear this dress very often, but if you can wear it a few times each summer, perhaps for 10 years, you will get a lot of cost-per-wear!
  2. Get a style that flatters you. I choose a wrap dress because it is universally flattering, with its v-neckline and body skimming fitted bodice. If you are over 40, you may like to have sleeves on your maxi dress. Many other styles may suit you as well, including scoop neck, off the shoulder, halter or tank style.
  3. Accessorize with neutrals. With the busyness of a floral print, it’s easiest to wear light colored neutral colored accessories like tans, creams, beige, and metallics. Black accessories are often too harsh with summer florals, so you may want to avoid it. Neutrals are not boring because you can play up textures with straw, fringe, cork and other woven materials. These neutrals will work with a lot of your other summer outfits too.
  4. Add a pop of color. One pop of color in your earrings, a bracelet or sunglasses is a fun way to pick up one of the colors in your floral maxi. Or wear a color that is not even in your dress for a fun and surprising twist.

Shop This Patio Party Maxi Dress Look High or Low

HIGH

Dodo Bar Or Kate Floral-print Cotton-voile Wrap Maxi Dress, was $525, now $262.50

Aquazzura Sundance 120 Metallic Vegan Leather Wedge Sandals, $550

Altuzarra Espadrille Small Fringed Raffia Tote, $695

Aurélie Bidermann Katt Hoop Earrings, $300

Aurélie Bidermann Tangerine Ginkgo Leaf Cuff Bracelet, $570

Total Price: $2377.50

LOW

Glamorous Large Bright Floral Dress, $115

ALDO Kaoedia Heel Wedge Sandal in Gold Leather, $80

ASOS South Beach Exclusive Straw Cross Body Bag, now $14

SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Retro Clear Acrylic Hoop Earrings, $12.99

Target Hammered Metal Cuff Bracelet – A New Day™, $9.99

Total Price: $231.98

Which version of this look would you purchase? Would you go high or low or mix it up?

Carol Calacci

You may also like to read more of Carol’s style posts for women over 40 like How To Shop Walmart Designer Fashion and Save Money and How To Style A Zoom Meeting Outfit High Low.

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