How to get a maxi dress right, at any age.

Maxi dresses.

Maxi dresses are still big news, and there is no denying their appeal.

• A maxi dress is an instant outfit.
• Maxi dresses are comfortable and forgiving.
• The maxi length covers everything, no need to worry about pale skin or leg imperfections.
• Maxi dresses come in a HUGE range of colours, fabrics and styles. You can find one to suit any occasion... from a stroll along the beach to a wedding.

And, who could forget this?

(Image from the first SEX and the CITY movie)

If only real life was like that!

BUT...

Maxi dresses have their challenges too.

• They can look like a sack (or a tent) if they a too baggy.
• Squeezing into a one that is too small, even if it has loads of stretch, will look awful...don't be tempted.
• Maxi dresses can easily be unflattering (especially in the more common and cheaper fabrics) by fitting where they touch, accentuating lumps and bumps and highlighting knicker lines and bra straps. Not a great look at any age!
• Shoes can be difficult to choose, and get right.
• Finding a pattern to suit your body size, and shape, can be a challenge.
• It can be almost impossible to find the perfect length.

7 Things to think about when wearing a maxi.

1. Think length. Do you want it dramatically skimming the floor? Or, is it more practical just above the ankle? There are plenty of petite and tall ranges in shops and online. Shop around. You can always get your maxi dresses shortened, unless it interferes with the pattern.
2. Think fabric. With the right fabric a maxi dress can be appropriate for any occasion, or season. From unlined viscose, to lined wool crepe, to pleated chiffon, to linen, to silk... There is a whole world of options to have fun with!
3. Pattern placement and size. I (almost) always stick to the simple rule that the bigger you are, the bigger the pattern you can take. Petite ladies can look drowned by a bold (or large) pattern. Larger, and taller, women can look odd in small patterns (especially ditsy florals). Although, there are always exceptions (like stripes)!
4. Shoes. Shoes are essential, and need plenty of thought. They can instantly de-frump (or ruin) a maxi dress. I am a big fan of flat sandals and gutties (like converse or superga) with a full length maxi. Shorter hems need something 'taller' like a ghille sandal, lace up the leg shoe, flat bootie or even high tops. Moving into the colder months, your maxi dress will look great with ankle boots too.  I don't like ballerinas or court shoes with maxi dresses. They remind me of little girls dressing up in their mum's clothes. But, of course, shoes are a personal thing. If you love the look of a certain shoe with your maxi dress then rock it!
5. Belts. Belts are a great ideal to give definition to your waist, and help lose the tent effect. You could try adding a pop of colour, clashing with your pattern or just toning the look down with a neutral. 
6. Bags. Bags look stylish either HUGE (like a beach tote) or teeny-tiny like this one. Avoid 'wifey' handbags or anything too heavy, clunky or overly practical! Maxi dresses are supposed to be fun and slightly whimsical.
7. Jewellery. Anything goes when it comes to jewellery. Pile on the necklaces for a boho feel or add a single chunky necklace. You can also make a statement with a cuff, or earrings. Do whatever feels right for you. 

When is a maxi dress maxi enough?

I like my minis to be MINI and my maxis to be MAXI...see my black maxi dress here, and a maxi skirt, here.

But, you will notice that this one is not a floor skimmer.
Should this dress even a called a maxi dress?

The lovely people at Bonmarche  sent me this maxi dress (and cardigan) and I have to admit I was initially skeptical.
The dress is too short for me!

Or, is it?

As I put this outfit together I realised that the length was quite practical.
It may not be a dramatic, floor skimming dress but, I did not need to hold it up when climbing the stairs and it did not get caught under my heel when I was bending down to put the shopping away.
Maybe this length is okay afterall?

I asked my husband (who always gives an honest opinion)...

"Is this dress okay? What do you think of the length? Is it a bit granny-ish?"

I was expecting "It's okay" or "It's fine" but, he surprised me with his reply...

"I think it looks really nice on you."

Maybe I need to open my mind a little, and experiment with different hemlines?

Because of the maxi dress, this outfit came together with such ease.
Dress, cardigan, belt (for definition) and nude booties.
A chunky, but muted, necklace finished the look off perfectly.

I loved the way I could easy pull cool tones together with the warmer ones.
Grey with yellow.
Gold with silver.
Brown with black.
My hair helped pull the colour of my belt into the outfit.

{Sometimes hair colour is a great accessory}

Nothing could be easier.
An simple summer look.

Unfortunately, the weather was not playing ball...

"Is that rain?"

Yes.
Scotland's weather never stays the same for long and, when the rain comes the chill comes with it!
Time for a cuppa.

{You can see the rain spots on my shoes, in the shot below... and on my necklace above!}

SHOP my LOOK

You might be looking at my yellow nails and wondering how I have the time to match every outfit to my toe nails while juggling a job, blog, 3 kids (at home) and a dog.
I wish I was that slick and organised!
This toe/dress combination was a (very) happy coincidence.
I painted them yellow last week, as I love the cheerful colour and toe polish lasts so well.
I am sure this yellow will make an appearance again, soon.

DRESS: c/o Bonmarche

CARDIGAN: c/o Bonmarche
BELT: Topshop (old)...this one is stunning and I want it now! 
SHOES: Clarks (similar)
NAILS: BarryM...this one looks amazing...and is on sale.
NECKLACE: H&M...this one is very cool.

{PLEASE NOTE: The dress and shrug were gifted to me from Bonmarche but I was not paid to write a review or asked to include any specific written content. All thoughts and opinions in this post are my own.}

What do you think of Maxi dresses?
Do you wear them?
Do you like them long or a little more practical?

Please share your thoughts on Maxi dresses, and how to style them, in the comments.
Or Contact me.
I love to hear your opinions and ideas!