The Maxi Dress

Hi Fashion Dolls,

Do you ever get that feeling of wanting to look great without having to do much effort? Is there a wardrobe piece that can make you look wonderful and comfortable at the same time? That one piece that is perfect for spring and summer has always been there but feared by a lot. That piece is called... the maxi dress. I know what you’re thinking, “oh those maxi dresses only look good on one certain body shape.” You’ve probably heard millions of fashion “savvy’s” telling you that a maxi is only for a tall lean figure and I think that is incorrect! Maxi dresses can look great on everybody as long as you pick the right one. If you feel good in something you are wearing then it will look good on you. Just remember that the dress is not wearing you, you are wearing the dress. My point is that you will never know what looks good until you try it! You and only your self should be the judge of what makes you look and feel good.

MAXI DRESS

A MAXI FOR MY BODY SHAPE

Tall and Lean

If you are tall and lean you probably do not have much trouble fitting into a maxi. Maxi’s are made extra long because that is their purpose. If you run into a maxi that is not long enough, try staying away from a very high heel. It is rare for a maxi to run short, but if it does wear a flat shoe to save the length. If you run into the problem were the dress is way to short try adding some ruffles at the end. They do not have to match the same material of the dress for it to look nice. Mixing patterns will give it an edgy look and let you get creative.

Different patterns

Curvy

If you are curvy and you think that a maxi wont serve your curves justice don't be afraid! There are ways to pick and accessorize a maxi to give you the shape you want in all the right places.

A way to accentuate your curves is by wearing a maxi with a contrasting patterns; with the top being one color and the bottom another. Take for example the picture below. These are the perfect dresses for the models because the simple color at the top tones down the shape. The bold pattern at the bottom pulls away at the right moment from the blue or white. A belt was used as an accessory to enforce the contrast even more. This way you are not forgetting about your curves but just giving them a place in your maxi!

Petite

I have seen petite girls turn down maxi dresses many times. It is hard finding a maxi dress that does not make you look like you are swimming in a pool of fabric. Trust me I have been there! The truth of the matter is that you will probably never find a maxi dress at a department store that fits you perfectly. More than 99.9 percent of the time you will have to be willing to hem it yourself or take it to go get hemmed. I personally do not have a problem with that! If I like something I don't mind stitching a few spots to make it fit. That is my advice to all you petite shapes out there! Do not get discouraged because you know it will be too long. That problem can be fixed easily!

In the picture below Eva Longoria shows us the perfect way for a petite girl to wear a maxi. She wore heels to take off some of the length of the dress. The print she is wearing also gives volume to her small figure. Eva Longoria is said to be about 5 feet tall and still looks great in this dress.







HOW TO WEAR A MAXI


There are several ways to wear a maxi and accessorize it. You can always dress it up or dress it down and make it more relaxed depending on what you wear with it.


Outfit #1

Try a jean jacket or chambray material for a more relaxed looked. Chambray is a great alternative if you do not like wearing denim on your shoulders, when that hot weather arrives. This maxi dress has a lot going on already with its bold print so the simple jacket complements it well. If you like wearing a lot of color it's okay! If you match your accessories with the colors on your dress everything pops! The bright orange wedges complete our colorful ensemble!





Outfit #2

This outfit is designed for a more dressy wear. You could perhaps wear this outfit to a nice dinner at a semi-formal restaurant. It beats the tight clingy dress that we get suffocated in during the summer! This black flowly maxi dress gives you comfort and a classy look. Since the dress is one color and simple in itself it can be paired with some bold shoes, like these cheetah heels! The pink necklace is loud and chunky to stay away from that bland look. Some stud earrings are enough for this necklace. The black clutch gives our outfit a complete an elegant look.






Outfit #3



This outfit is a laid back boho inspired style. The T-shirt maxi dress is super relaxed but interesting. I used a belt to sinch at the waist to provide us with some shape. The heels are not to high and not to low they are perfect for this type of dress. Lastly, to complete that "boho" look I added a fringe purse and some feather earrings.




How they wore it...


Nicole Richie paired her dress with a denim jacket

Here she uses a leather or pleather jacket to give her maxi an edgy look.

Vanessa Hudgens paired a simple belt and some cute sandals with her t-Shirt maxi dress.

I hope these tips inspire you guys to try a maxi dress this season! Get creative and have fun with your wardrobe!