What’s in a Name?
The maxi dress, as the name may connote, is an ankle-length dress typically used for casual wear. Some maxi dresses may also reach floor length. This type of clothing is made to accentuate the curves of the wearer’s body, with a flattering fit that hugs the upper torso while being looser at the lower portion of the body. It still allows for freedom of movement due to the type of fabric used (polyester or cotton), and has piqued many a fashionista’s interest due to the range of cuts, necklines, patterns, and colors it comes in.
The spring trends have seen the rise of the maxi dress, as well as its polar opposite, the mini dress. The seeming contradiction in what’s hot these days is just an indicator of the fickle and unpredictable evolution of couture. The next big thing may come as a surprise, and maxi dresses are one of these innovations. The previous year, floor-length clothing was an absolute no-no, and it’s now one of the newest trends to hit the streets and runways. With fashion, forecasts really don’t matter much. If maxi dresses are a sure win now, why not integrate such pieces into your wardrobe? It’s even enjoyed a revival, no doubt due to some of the biggest names in showbiz who patronize the maxi dress, and some trendsetters, fashion plates, and even wannabes following suit (no pun intended).
Maximum Impact: Then and Now
Aside from some of tinseltown’s stars who wear the maxi dress and afford it a lot of exposure, this clothing style’s rise from the ashes seems to be rooted in seemingly new trends which are actually throwbacks to yesterday’s ‘it’ wear. It tips its hat to feminine, romantic cuts, while paying tribute to romanticism. The lines of the maxi dress are flowing, unlike the edgy, aggressive styles introduced every now and then in Milan and all over the world. It also combines a formfitting upper portion with a slightly billowy lower part, which amalgamates a couple of timeless looks into one classic casual outfit.
Floor-length, flirty, and flowing are just some of the words used to describe the maxi dress. You can also add fun and freeing to the list. The summer climate has also heralded the return of the maxi dress, with Miley Cyrus and Jessica Alba as just a couple of stars who support its resurgence. The Bohemian style perpetuated by the Olsen twins Ashley and Mary Kate was thought to have died a merciful death, taking the maxi dress along with it. However, you can’t keep a good outfit down, hence this year’s return of the easy-to-wear casual staple.
Again, the ‘maximum’ part of the maxi dress may be owed to the maximum amount of comfort and maximum level of style the outfit provides. You can also take it from casual daywear to (in some instances) smart evening wear, as it comes in a wide variety of fabrics. The length of the dress and the eye-catching patterns it comes in also offer any lady a large dollop of glamour with a pinch of playfulness mixed in. You can wear it as sleepwear, for picking up groceries, going out for your morning coffee, and even for an after-party. All this, plus the fact that you can wear a maxi dress with virtually any accessories or type of footwear, and you get a fresh new recipe for fashion success.
In terms of what footwear you can don while you’re in a maxi dress, you can run the entire spectrum and barely hit a faux pas. You can wear it with sandals, wedges, heels, and even flipflops. However, caveat emptor is advised for the petite set. The length of the maxi dress may make you seem short and stubby – not flattering at all. You can still pull it off, however, if you pair the dress with chunky, mid-height heels.
The maxi dress comes in a number of lengths, and several different cuts for the top part of the outfit. You can choose from a tube top, spaghetti strap, halter, and so on. Maxi dresses in different fabrics, such as silk, cotton, polyester, etcetera, are available as well.
Maximize your Maxi Dress
The shape or silhouette is one of the factors you should consider when picking out a maxi dress. Instead of looking amazing, you might end up looking like a Macy’s Day Parade balloon. Here are some tips on choosing a maxi dress to make you even more fabulous!
Don’t pick a floor-sweeping dress if you’re petite, as this length may make you look like a munchkin. Instead, take your pick from maxi dresses with shorter hemlines, so as to make your silhouette appear longer and taller.
If you have a pear-shaped torso (with a small bosom and more ample hips), avoid dresses that are too baggy at the bottom. Don’t choose dresses that are too tight as well. Find the midpoint with a maxi dress that fits your top nicely, while skimming the lower half of your body.
For almost all body types, this rule applies: select a maxi dress which is fitted around the chest to enhance your silhouette and expose some décolletage (that’s cleavage, by the way). An empire cut is also a recommended choice. Choose tube tops or spaghetti straps if you have nice shoulders and wish to show them off. Pick up a halter-topped dress if you have an athletic build – this gives your upper torso more shape.
If you have to layer, layer right. Never ever match a maxi dress with a bulky sweater or full-length coat. Your ensemble will be too busy, and you’ll look like a paranoid person or hypochondriac. Instead, put on something lighter, such as a tailored bolero or fitted short jacket.
There are a million ways to wear this season’s hot new item. You can mix and match accessories to give even one maxi dress a dozen different looks. Wear a diamond necklace, fancy hoop earrings, or chunky acrylic bracelets. The summer’s a time for fun and frolic – make sure you give out the vibe with panache, and a sexy, flattering maxi dress!
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