How to Dress like Queen Maxima, Pt 3
Updated: Sep 27
Hat: Lawliet / Crystal earrings: Amazon / Dress: Adrianna Papell, sizes 4-24 / Shoes: Calvin Klein
I love Queen Maxima. You love Queen Maxima. Sometimes, it looks like it would be fun to be her.
Next time I go to a soiree, I plan to channel her funky-prim style. It's irresistible!
Keep reading for shopping links to recreate ten (!!) of her show-stopping cocktail looks. They feature classy hemlines, flattering sleeves, and dazzling headwear.
Everything is under $300, and size-inclusive from XXS-3X. And of course, paired with bold, fun accessories.
Get ready for some glamour!
1. At an awards ceremony
Maxima dazzled at the Dutch Culture Foundation ceremony in magenta and orange-red. This striking color combo would be perfect for an afternoon wedding in Florida.
2. At a business conference for start-ups
Similar: Silk blouse in 'dogwood' (XS-XL) / Skirt (XS-XL), also here in 'dogwood' / Shoes / Earrings, also these / Bag
Maxima wore this silky, high-shine ensemble for a daytime event. It would work for a late-afternoon anniversary or engagement party.
Omitting a necklace lets the earrings and silk neckline flatter your complexion.
3. Hosting overseas guests
Similar: Hat, also this one / Earrings / Blouse (XXS-XL) / Skirt (XS-XL here, 1X-3X here) / Earrings / Brooch / Minaudiere / Gloves / Shoes
This raspberry outfit is perfection. The mix of textures enhances the monochromatic color palette.
4. At a non-profit launch
High glam, high comfort! Since when do those two go together? Answer: when wearing a blouson dress.
Note to husband: I need more haute millinery in my life. And more sequins.
5. Sparking at a concert
The English language has no words to describe the glamour of this frock. Perhaps the Dutch language does?
6. Ice blue for a winter holiday concert
Similar: Blouse / Skirt (S-3X, misses and petite) / Dress (4-18) / Necklace / Earrings / Bag / Pumps
Soft blue is a refreshing and unexpected color choice for a December holiday concert. I love Maxima's combination of chiffon, taffeta, and suede.
Faceted gemstone jewelry complements the outfit without competing.
7. Traveling abroad
Similar: Bracelet / Earrings / Dress (2-16), also this one (0-16) / Designer dress (under $600; watch for sale) / Brooch / Heels / Bag
Maxima shone like a vibrant flower in this red fit-and-flare dress. The tonal floral print adds to the drama.
I am a longtime fan of brooches, and so is Maxima. They're a clever way to flatter statement necklines.
8. At a financial summit in Africa
Similar: Shirt (XS-XL here, 1X-3X here) / Skirt: XXS-XXL here, and 1X-3X here / Belt (S-XXXXL) / Shoes / Earrings / Nail polish
For a financial summit in Kenya, Maxima chose a silk maxi skirt with a classic white shirt.
You can make this look more formal by pairing the skirt with a button-down shirt made of silk. This one has stretch and is machine washable!
9. Dinner in Paris
Queens of past centuries, like Britain's Elizabeth of York, wore a fabric known as 'crimson cloth of gold.' (I loved Elizabeth's biography, The Last White Rose.) Maxima brings this royal tradition to the next level!
10. At a business dinner
Similar: Earrings / Dress (0-18) / Fur trim from Etsy / Earrings / Velvet pumps (5.5-12, med & wide) / Bag
Metallic brocade! Midnight navy velvet! And the fur trim! This is the height of cocktail attire.
Dreaming up your next cocktail outfit
Crystal earrings: Amazon / Dress: Adrianna Papell, sizes 4-24 / Shoes: Calvin Klein
I find wearing something special for a soiree brings out my best self. (It also helps me stay awake so late!)
I hope these outfits inspire you to dazzle at your next celebration. May you shine in your smashing look. Keep bringing your light into the world.
Thank you for reading!
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