The Red Lipstick: How to style a maxi dress

Hem it so you don't sweep the floor, it's sloppy to have a dirty hem. How one can have a fishtail in a maxi dress (unless on a red carpet) and not to sweep the floor with it is beyond me. Avoid any irregular hems, unless it is a scarf hem, sloppy designers shouldn't be rewarded with your purchase and it looks cheap.
You will probably need to add a belt for maximum definition in your upper body, as most maxi dresses are loose-fitting. Place it below your bust (Body type A), or at the slimmest part of your waistline, but not in a colour contrasting with your dress (that would create an unflattering horizontal line).
Don't wear boxy items with you maxi dress: go for something cropped, tailored (a denim jacket), or fitted (a cardigan).
Avoid wearing oversized, slouchy handbags with a maxi dress. It's better to carry a handheld small clutch or envelope, or a shoulder or across the body handbag in a small or medium size. Reserve other types for the beach.
Shoes: flat open sandals, like gladiators, or a flat peep toe slingback with a small wedge. Also, strappy, high-heeled sandals, but no pumps or boots at any moment.

Black Foo Dogs by Caroline Grant A scarf hem dress (which seems to be in need of some ironing) introduces the yellow that continues as acid lemon: a cropped jacket and the accessories (the envelope handbag and the two resin bracelets). Shoes, necklace and belt continue the black and gray and offer some definition.

Maxi dress SOLD OUT Other dresses by Full Circle / Romwe Yellow blazer / Kite Sandal, SOLD OUT Other by shoes by Hobbs / Statement necklace SOLD OUT Other necklaces by Kate Spade/ Lara Bohinc Patent Apollo Belt / NARS Cosmetics Lipstick / Revlon Nail Enamel, 91 SEK /Peony Shoulder Bag SOLD OUT Other shoulder bags by LK Bennett / Wedgwood 'Dynasty' Salt Pepper Shakers / Lindex Armband

Scarf Maxi Dress by Caroline Grant. A scarf dress (the front part) introduces a geometric element into a paisley pattern: DO check it is straight under the belt. No sleeves and the gladiator sandals expose some skin.