BLOG

Recent Posts

Categories

Archive

How To Wear.. A Maxi-Dress! ♥

in I Want... Style!
27 Feb 2010 | 13 Comments

The maxi-dress typically provokes three standard responses:

1. ''My GOD! Where DID you get that dress?! It's gorgeous!''
2. *shudder* (Or, worse still, a suspicious raised eyebrow and a quick whisper of: ''well, I know that you said we had a lot to catch up on but sheesh, are you pregnant?!'')
And finally, 3., ''So, uh, throwing it over your shoulders aside - how exactly is one supposed to wear one?!''

Ooh, yes. For such an innocent wee garment, maxi-dresses sure are a contentious issue! (Seriously, only a few weeks ago, the editor of the Australian edition of Vogue, Kirstie Clements, dedicated an entire newspaper article to her loathing of them!)

But personally? I'm their biggest fan. There's something so deliciously alluring about being able to throw on an item which offers the same level of comfort as a pair of tracksuit pants, but is approximately 500% more delightful to peer at, and their versitlity? Superb! They're the sort of piece that you truly CAN wear to a multitude of events without looking inappropriately clothed, which is precisely why I keep buying 1,43445 billion of them. Here's four common dilemmas discussed when wearing maxi-dresses, and exactly how to overcome them:

Common Dilemma #1: ''But They're Just So Long! Where Do I Start?''

First up? Examine the length. Maxi-dresses come in an array of different styles, with some falling just a little bit further from your knee and others playing happily around your ankles, so deciding on a length that you feel comfortable with while purchasing one is important, and ultimately dependent on your height. Choosing a length that finishes just before your feet, or adjusting the hemline so that it does, is generally the most flattering style, and ensures that you won't be swamped in a sea of fabric!

Common Dilemma #2: ''Okay, So I Sort Of Look.. Um.. Frump-tacular...''

Oh, dear! Yes, maxi-dresses are often heaped with the ''frumpy'' tag, but making the transition to ''foxy'' to remind people that why yes, actually, you DO have a shape, is simple with a few clever accessories: just take one fitted waistcoat or a high-waisted belt, add a long, eye-catching necklace and voila`! Hello, instant style! How are you today?

Common Dilemma #3: ‘'Prints Or Plains: Which Option Is Best?''

Honestly? They're both as versatile and wearable as one another - it's all a matter of personal preference! In terms of catering for different dress codes, both printed and plain maxi-dresses have their place, however, for more formal affairs, it's worthwhile considering the type of fabric that you choose. For example, for an evening out or a wedding, opt for silkier, dressier fabrics, while for more casual events (such as a day at the beach), select cotton-based fabrics.

Common Dilemma #4: ‘'I've Tried On Every Single Shoe In My Wardrobe, And Nothing Seems To Work. What Kind Of Pair Are You Supposed To Wear With Them?!''

Wedges! When it comes to maxi-dresses, they're kind of like what crackly chocolate topping is to ice-cream: a soulmate. Oh, and anything with a slight heel, too. They're excellent contenders.

♥

When it comes to maxi-dresses, which side of the fence do you SIT on? One of utter love and adoration, or one of complete revulsion?

xoxo

(Images thanks to Independent IE.)

Comments (13)

lately it seems that I have become a mass owner of maxi dresses.

I think that they are brilliant.

18 Aug 2010, MD

One of my favourites. looks great and super comfy... the vogue editor doesnt know what shes talking about.. prob got too much chichi covering her eyes...

31 Jul 2010, maxi dress manic, http://www.kindofwonderful.sg

I'm really petite, so maxi dresses end up in a puddle around my feet pretty much. Sad! I think they look fantastic on taller girls though.

11 Mar 2010, Ayesha

I always feel so glamourous in a maxi dress ;-P x

9 Mar 2010, Katie, http://musicamor.com/vinny/fuckhammer/blog/

I don't mind maxi dresses, it just doesn't sit well with me because I'm way too short to pull it off.

Though, if I could make my own maxi dress - this may make a huge difference.

7 Mar 2010, 5ft0, www.5ft0.blogspot.com

Miss Peregrin - I LOVE that maxi-dress! I have one in each colour, and wear them both all the time!

Alex & Julie - Oh, you both would look beautiful in one! But I DO know how you feel, because I have a similar attitude towards short skirts or dresses.. because I'm so tall, I kind of end up feeling like a giraffe when I wear one/looking like I'm wearing a t-shirt, so I try and stay clear!

Sarah Hannah - Teehee! I'm a black girl, too. Oh, am I a black girl!

Luana - Wedges are maxi-dresses wonders, I promise!

Lauren - Aw, why thank-you!

Beatrix - Definitely. I love maxi-skirts, too. And actually, that's an added bonus of the maxi-dress - just stick a t-shirt or blouse on top and hey presto, you've got a maxi-skirt!

Thank-you for your interesting comments, everyone!

xoxo

5 Mar 2010, x Corrine/Frock & Roll x, www.frockandrollonline.com

I tend to prefer the maxi-skirt. I find they tend to avoid the frump factor better, depending on your choice of top of course. I had big plans to find maxi-skirts in tie-dye and large florals, but never found them! Sad face. Maxi- anything look best with strappy shoes, def wedges. Although I'm sure the right attitude could pull off docs!

4 Mar 2010, Beatrix, http://trixiefantastic.wordpress.com

I love maxi dresses! They're so pretty, but yeah, they do take a bit of getting used to. Great post :)

4 Mar 2010, Lauren

I ALWAYS have trouble with the shoes! No matter what I try on I feel awkward, so I've never really gone for maxi dresses unless I'll be at or near the beach, because then I can just wear sandals or gladiators and not feel like a fool!

4 Mar 2010, Luana, http://lemonlu.com

Like Alex, I'm too short for them. I'm not into maxi-dresses at all. I like how they look on other people but I feel huuuge on them.

I like short dresses better, I think they help me look less tiny n_n.

4 Mar 2010, Julie, http://juliettemaxwell.com

i loove them on other people, but im not really a floral/print/summery/pretty dress kinda girl. im more err, black haha. i do have one maxi dress (black, of course) that i love in summer. i just wear it with havianas.

3 Mar 2010, sarah hannah, deathwearsdiamondjewellery.wordpress.com

I love them on other people but not on me. I'm too short and stumpy ha ha, they just look silly on me! x

3 Mar 2010, Alex, http://stockingsneededmending.blogspot.com

I looooove maxi dresses! I'm just yet to find my "perfect match" - so far, the one I've found that looks best on me was free on the front cover of Cleo, haha. You wouldn't think it would be so hard to find one!

3 Mar 2010, Miss Peregrin, http://missperegrinssecrets.blogspot.com

How To Wear.. A Maxi-Dress! ♥

Leave A Comment