Jessica Howard Maxi Dresses | Official Collection
Our floral chiffon maxi dress brings garden-party elegance to any celebration. The floor-length silhouette features a fitted bodice with princess seaming that creates a flattering shape, while the flowing chiffon skirt moves beautifully with every step.
We build our Jessica Howard maxi dresses with layered construction that balances structure and flow. The bodices feature princess seaming and darts that shape the fabric to your natural curves, while empire waistlines sit at the most flattering point just below the bust. Each dress includes a full jersey lining that moves with you and prevents any transparency concerns.
Sizing and Fit Guidance
Finding Your Size
Our maxi dresses follow standard US sizing from 4 to 16, with select styles extending to size 18. The empire waist design accommodates different body proportions by placing the focal point at the ribcage rather than the natural waist. We recommend measuring your bust at the fullest point and your underbust where the empire seam will sit, then comparing those measurements to our size chart.
Length Considerations
Floor-length hems measure 56 to 59 inches from shoulder to hem depending on the style. For reference, this length is designed for heights between 5’4″ and 5’8″ with flat shoes or low heels. If you’re taller than 5’8″, the hem will hit above the floor, creating a midi length that still reads as elegant. We include extra hem allowance on all styles, so your tailor can let the hem down up to two inches if needed.
Occasion Styling
These dresses work across the formal-event spectrum. The floral chiffon style handles outdoor weddings and garden parties where lighter fabrics and movement matter most. Pair it with neutral sandals and minimal jewelry to let the print take center stage. The lace bodice design suits wedding parties and anniversary celebrations, especially when you need a dress that photographs well under mixed lighting. The same elegant silhouette appears in our evening gowns with heavier fabric weights for winter events.
Seasonal Versatility
We design these dresses to transition through spring, summer, and early fall events. The chiffon and mesh fabrics breathe well in warm weather, while the three-quarter sleeve and shawl options provide coverage for air-conditioned venues or evening temperatures. Add a cropped cardigan or pashmina in a complementary color when the temperature drops, and swap sandals for closed-toe heels for cooler months.
Signature Details
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Jessica Howard Maxi Dress Questions
The chiffon styles use a lightweight polyester overlay that drapes softly and works well for daytime and outdoor events. Chiffon has a matte finish and moves fluidly with a gentle, romantic quality. The mesh styles incorporate a slightly structured fabric with metallic threads woven through, creating subtle shimmer. Mesh holds its shape more firmly than chiffon and suits evening events where you want a touch of glamour. Both fabrics include full jersey linings for comfort and coverage.
Our lace bodice and embellished maxi dresses meet black-tie dress codes when styled appropriately. The embellished style with its stone-detailed bodice and floor-length hem reads as formal evening wear, especially when paired with heeled sandals and statement jewelry. The lace bodice design works for black-tie optional events and formal weddings. For strict black-tie galas, we recommend the embellished or beaded styles over the casual floral prints.
Measure from the top of your shoulder straight down to the floor while wearing the heel height you plan to pair with the dress. Our maxi dresses range from 56 to 59 inches in length depending on the style. If your measurement falls within two inches of the listed length, the dress will work with minor adjustments. For measurements more than two inches off, consider whether you prefer a midi length or if you need hemming. All our dresses include hem allowance for alterations.
The full jersey lining provides enough coverage that you can wear regular undergarments with most styles. For the chiffon dresses, we recommend seamless underwear to avoid visible lines. The V-neck and sweetheart neckline styles work with stick-on or convertible-strap bras. The lace bodice dress has enough structure in the bust that many customers don’t need a bra, but we include bra strap keepers if you prefer the support.
We use heat-set application for all stone embellishments, which creates a permanent bond between the stone and fabric. This method is more secure than glue-on stones. With proper care and dry cleaning, the embellishments stay intact through years of wear. We’ve tested our dresses through multiple cleaning cycles and extended wear periods without stone loss. If a stone does come loose, any tailor can reattach it using fabric adhesive.
We offer 60 days for returns on unworn, unaltered dresses with original tags attached. The dress must be in its original condition without signs of wear, alterations, or cleaning. We recommend trying the dress on over undergarments only to preserve the return option. If you need a different size or style, exchanges process faster than return-and-repurchase. Altered dresses cannot be returned, so we suggest confirming the fit before taking it to a tailor.
We recommend ordering at least four weeks before your event to allow time for shipping and any necessary alterations. Most orders ship within three business days, but during peak season from April through October, processing can take up to seven days. If you need alterations, factor in another two weeks for a tailor to adjust the hem, take in the bodice, or modify sleeves. For destination weddings or time-sensitive events, order six weeks ahead to account for potential shipping delays.