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How To Wear.. A Maxi-Dress! ♥
March 3, 2010

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 delicious 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.)