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| Hale Bob maxi dress. |
If there is one dress style that has taken the fashion world by storm again this season, it is indeed the maxi dress. The name comes from literally being the opposite of the mini, and the maxi is any ankle length or longer gown with an empire waist.
With a history in fashion going back to the late-’60s, top designers such as Oscar De La Renta, YSL, Dior, Pierre Cardin and Halston trumpeted this newfangled look. In the blink of an eye, the maxi dress began to overtake the mini in popularity, particularly in London on Carnaby Street where the dresses dominated the fashion scene for a while. In the ’70s, women across the globe embraced the look, along with its sister, the caftan style in all of its polyester splendor. Like a bad dream, the love affair ended a few years later, and the look became associated with everything tacky, including “Mrs. Roper” from the hit TV show “Three’s Company.”
Today’s versions of the style seem to be mostly cotton, cotton-jersey or combinations of synthetic and natural fibers. Maxis are also a little longer than their predecessors, reaching down to the heel. Celebutante Nicole Richie must be credited with bringing the look back to life with her “California Boho Maxi” looks. Many other stars have taken their cues from Ms. Richie. And you can get the same look by shopping locally and following some of my tips.
There are many styles of maxi dresses to choose from, including those with a more modest tailored bodice that are appropriate for work when worn with a cardigan or even a shrunken blazer or jacket. With halter styles, bandeau tops and strapless, just the right amount of skin is revealed, while the empire waist brings focus to the narrowest part of the body. The full-length skirt keeps anything below the waist, such as lumps, bumps and not-so-perfect legs, out of sight and out of mind.
The maxi is so versatile that it can be worn for a beachy picnic or a city luncheon, and then sail right into an evening on the town with a simple change of accessories. This look also brings back a feminine style to all women, no matter what shape or size. The maxi dress is the great equalizer.
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| Missoni maxi dress. |
I have seen some Laura Ashley and ’70s type dresses at vintage and thrift stores that could definitely be reinvented and reinterpreted to fit today’s styles if you’re inclined to do a little recycling. The newer versions of these dresses are virtually the same designs, so just use some modern accessories to update these old-school gems.
Wearing a maxi dress gives you tons of accessory options. They look great with chunky wooden-heeled shoes or wedges, and even platforms for extra height. But the proportion of the shoe is important because the skirt is so sweeping. They may also be worn with flip-flops, a dressy sandal in a metallic or a rustic-looking rough-hewn leather sandal. The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is a stiletto heel, which is far too dressy. For your handbag, go with the trendy shoulder bag in a soft saddle-style, or go super summery with a woven bag in straw or linen. This dress also lends itself to layering, with a cotton shirt or blouse tied under the bust, or a gauzy shawl or large scarf around the shoulders to spice things up.
Large oversized sunglasses á la “Jackie O” or the newer cat’s-eye or wayfarer styles would be all the rage with an ensemble like this. A floppy hat is an essential here, too, for when your hair isn’t quite up to par! Don’t forget the baubles, bangles, headbands and beads to complete your own “boho hippie” look that is still pretty viable this season. I see a lot of women wearing a maxi with layered necklaces and a headband scarf of some kind. With this look, keep the makeup bronzy, natural and sun-kissed.
And remember that the maxi is a great way to keep cool, comfortable and feminine all the way into fall. With tons of styles at every price point, there’s no reason not to pick up a few of these go-to dresses, wear them all summer and get the “maxi” mum fashion look for yourself.
