Maxi dresses now come in all sorts of designs and prints, not just your standard summer floral flowing dress with no shape. Also, they're not just reserved for summer as you can layer them with long sleeve tops underneath, bomber jackets, leather jackets, tights, (if its a dark coloured dress), and ankle boots for winter.

The Maxi dress is one of those last minute closet saver items, but that doesnt mean you have to look like you hauled it on at the last minute. If you want to add your own personal style to a maxi dress, try a belt tied, (not belted), around your waist, or if it is a printed maxi, why not be bold and contrast it with a printed jacket. Or even just add a statement, or long, necklace to it. 

These photos from my Pinterest page show diffferent ways to style your maxi dress. 

There is so much choice in the shops right now so I have picked all sort of patterns, colours and styles, there is something for everyone. I hope you will be inspired?

RICH COLOUR
Country Road Tropical Midi Dress $229.00, Country Road One Shoulder Maxi $279.00, ASOS Adidas Originals Rita Ora Paint Print Maxi $126.80, Decjuba Montpellier High-neck Dress AU$129.95.

FLORAL PRINT
ASOS Warehouse Cherry Blossom Cross Back Maxi $124.68, Country Road Print Maxi $259.00, Portmans Heidi Midi Dress AU$99.95.

STRIPES & ANIMAL PRINT
ASOS Natural Stripe Maxi $63.40, Decjuba Julia Print Sleeveless Dress AU$159.95, Glassons Halter Beach Dress $59.99, Forever New Lisa Halter Neck Maxi AU$129.99.

THE BLUES
Witchery Pleated Romance Dress $199.90, Portmans Viola Cold Shoulder Ruffle Wrap AU$99.95, Forever New Marina Strappy Tiered Maxi AU$99.99, Witchery Blind V Neck Maxi $159.90.

This week I thought I would show you how a well stocked wardrobe can create outfits all summer long! I have chosen 10 items, and accessories, that I think are interchangeable and will give you lots of options for Summer. You don't have to go out and buy the lot, just consider what you already have in your wardrobe, and you can throw together similar looks.

My Summer Essentials

1. Denim Jacket
2. Maxi Dress
3. Short Dress
4. Tops - off-the-shoulder blouse, singlet, t-shirt, embroidered blouse
5. Casual Trouser
6. Skorts & Denim Shorts
7. Kaftan
8. Swimmers
9. Dressy Sandals
10. Jandals
11. Acessories - A hat, statement necklace, bracelets, ring, sunglasses.

DRESSES & TOPS
1. Just Jeans Guess Denim Jacket (On sale) AU$104.96, 2. Decjuba Cebu Poppy Stripe Maxi (on sale) AU$127.95, 3. Seed Heritage Drop Frill Linen Dress $109.90, 4. Glassons Off the Shoulder Blouse $29.99, Cotton On Maverick Embroidered Blouse $29.95, Decjuba Macrame Yoke Tank AU$69.95, ​Witchery Cap Sleeve Woven T-shirt $79.90.

BOTTOMS & SWIMWEAR
5. Cotton On The Lightweight Chino $34.95, 6. Trenery Denim Short $149.00 & Country Road Diamond Print Skort $81.75 (on sale), 7. Country Road Abstract Animal Kaftan $109.00, 8. ​Seafolly Ocean Rose Mailout Swimsuit AU$159.95.

SHOES & ACCESSORIES
Country Road Pocket East West Tote $149.00, Glassons Fedora Hat $19.99, Lindi Kingi Leather with Metal Tips in Gold $69.00, Witchery Olivia Sunglasses $79.90, Lindi Kingi Summer Apricot Bracelet $44.85, Haviana NZ Luna Jandal $40.00, Witchery Soft Rose Gold Sandals $149.90, Witchery Petal Ring $34.90.