How Everyone Can Wear The Maxi Dress

As the warmer weather approaches, there are many of us terrified of the rising hemline. Enter the maxi dress.

Clients regularly ask me; can I wear a maxi? This is a common question from my petite customers (like myself) or those carrying a little extra weight.

Unlike the mini or midi, the maxi length is extremely versatile and a summer blessing for women not keen to showcase their legs.

The tradition of a long dress associated with formality is also no longer relevant with an array of relaxed and breezy styles available.

So as this blog post suggests, everyone can wear a maxi dress as long as you follow some easy style rules – you knew they were coming right?

Below you’ll find some maxi-wearing tips on body shape, styles and fabrics along with the best shoes to finish the look:

Great Maxi for Hourglass, Inverted Triangle and Rectangle, the soft layer over the top can help hide tummy 🙂 very flattering maxi!

Great Maxis for broad shoulders and hiding tummy hip and thigh issues 🙂

Love this, soft and simple fabric, sits off a little tummy.

Strapless with a slight dip to the bodice may suit some slight inverted triangles, most other shapes could try this as its so soft, simple, has movement and hides tummy…..win win!!

If you are slightly heavier in the bottom area, this is simple and soft enough that it may  hide your bits, aided by the subtle stripe.

Happy to splurge?? 🙂 If you are looking for elegance and hiding upper arm issues, these could work!!!

Pattern on the left, great for creating shape on some Inverted Triangles!! On the right…..simple and more fitted for an hourglass!!

Perfect if you have a lumpy thigh issue 🙂 Creates a waist but flows away nicely avoiding bulk!

Simple on the left for most shapes, beautiful fabric……..On the right, Triangles, you will love this, just add more detail to the neck with a necklace!!!

I want this :)…….Great for most sizing as this goes to xxl, the sleeves will cover upper arm issues and this could be worn open as a long lightweight jacket also!!

Both Maxis are great for creating shape through the waist and then flowing away from the tummy if thats a problem. the White one is great for broad shoulders as well as a Triangle shape.

A Side of Slim

• To appear slimmer, avoid bulk in your maxi in terms of fabric or unnecessary embellishments
• To slim down your silhouette, avoid big patterns and print. Instead try this season’s monochrome or a thinner nautical pattern.

The Heavy Rules

• If you are tummy, upper arm or chest heavy, avoid shoe string straps and halter necks
• Also if you have a tummy, a maxi that falls from the bust is perfect. There are even styles suitable for maternity wear, a trend you’ll see across many Hollywood celebrities.
• Ensure your dress fits perfectly. Don’t try and hide in a two big style or you’ll end up looking much larger and boxing your silhouette.

Shoe Perfection

• If you have short legs, I’d strongly recommend wearing a platform or wedge to balance the look.
• The rest of you don’t have to wear heels with a maxi – unless it’s a formal dress where heels are always welcome.
• To elongate, wear the same colour shoe as your dress.

Similar rules apply for those opting for a maxi skirt; just ensure your top is in proportion. A great on-trend look is the cropped top and high waist skirt or go Alannah Hill-esque with a cute tee and a cardigan.

Are you in maxi length heaven now that summer is almost here or would you not dare wear such a length?

Would love to hear from you and whether you’re keen to try with our style tips in tow.