Max It Out!

The maxi dress, which emerged a couple summers ago, hid away for a while, but it’s back in action and I couldn’t be more thrilled! With all the great things going on in color and print trends, why wouldn’t we want to wear a little more fabric? Maxi dresses can be casual, elegant, and everywhere in between. I prefer them with flip flops for a casual look or flat sandals (a great metallic works like a charm here, or use a bright to make it pop!) to dress it up. Can you wear heels with a maxi? Absolutely. Flat or not, try a gladiator! Maxis go great with stacked bangles or chunky necklaces, or bohemian accessories like leather headbands and beaded pieces. You can belt your maxi, let it flutter in the breeze, pair it with a cropped jacket…what can’t a maxi do??? Oh, right: a maxi can’t go on a shorter girl. Sorry, my petite pals, but this is one trend that is definitely not for you. You’ll be lost in the billowing fabric and the result will be the dress wearing you instead of the reverse.

Now, onto the dress itself. Look for one that hits at around your ankle, if it drags on the floor all you’ll do is ruin the dress and trip yourself (which is SO not trendy…EVER.) Keep in mind all the big spring trends: black and white, florals (on a maxi, go for a larger print so it doesn’t look so repetitive), brights, plaids (the best ones are broken up in a patchwork style), or one we haven’t mentioned yet- ombre. This dying process gives a beautiful fading dark to light dip dyed look to the fabric- especially gorgeous on soft, breezy silks. Keep in mind that ombre should look dipped and faded, not like tie dye, so finding it for less is difficult- your best bets are going to be finding a higher end version on sale or at a bargain basement.

Below, I created a collage at polyvore.com to show a few maxi dress looks. I’ve added belts, bangles, necklaces, and shoes to spice them up and add drama. Some great stops for maxis: The bargain basements, Forever 21, Old Navy, Charlotte Russe, Kohl’s, and Target. One last thing- and my favorite thing about the maxi dress- it allows a girl to eat! No restricting waistbands or tight skirt action going on here!


maxi dress - by lj_frueh on Polyvore.com