Whether you love it or loathe it, the maxi dress looks set to continue to be a trendsetter for Spring and Summer 2008.
Due to its oh-so-wearable versatility, women have found that whatever their size, there are so many styles to choose from its easy to find one to suit their frame.
Floaty ones, voluminous ones, tiered ones, clingy ones and draped ones. Casual ones, glamorous ones, floral-print ones, retro-patterned ones and plain block-colors.
“Whilst the style wasn’t huge on the catwalks….we love the glamour of wearing super-long dresses for day” said Angela Buttolph, Grazia magazine fashion contributor, in the Topstylista article "Dressed to the Max", of 29th May, 2007
The Topstylista article continues, “If you want to keep your wardrobe up-to-date or add a key item to refresh it then invest in a maxi dress. The longer length is cool, sexy and very feminine”
Since it reached the high-street stores in 2007 the floor-sweeping maxi dress become a fashion statement for many women.
The Pantone Color Report Spring 2008, launched for New York Fashion Week in September 07, features 2008 color palettes showcased by designs of tiered maxi dresses (Bill Blass), elegant bandeau drapes (Michael Kors), and well-cut strappy, flowing gowns (Tracy Reese).
So with the maxi once again hitting the shelves for 2008, if you are reluctant to accept the demise of last year's mini dress, here are some arguments in favor of the maxi:
10 Reasons to Love the Maxi Dress.
- Celebrity fashion comes to the high street at affordable prices. Look like Kate Moss, Paris Hilton or Nichole Ritchie by buying celebrity-styled maxi dresses. Online UK retailer ASOS has a wide-range of inspired celebrity styles.
- Versatility – great for day or evening wear. Wear it to the beach, a walk in the park, or a cocktail party.
- Wear a chic and stylish block-color polo-neck for business as in the-blackberry range. With “So much choice on the high street and amongst designer brands you will never be stuck for a solution”. Topstylista.com, Wear it to the Max, 05/29/07.
- Whatever your size, there is a style to suit everyone. In the Daily Mail’s article, Maxi dresses – the must-have this summer, Zoe Manzi writes, “The maxi’s halter, bandeau and strap tops reveal just the right amount of flesh. The empire line accentuates the narrowest part of our bodies thus flattering most shapes and that full-length skirt keeps any lumps and bumps well hidden”. UK retailer, Debenhams Plc sells a flattering range of empire-line dresses.
- The perfect holiday dress. Feel fashionable as well as respectful when visiting countries with more modest dress codes such as the popular tourist destination of Dubai. Western expatriate women workers in the U.A.E. have been wearing the maxi for years, covering legs and providing a comfortable solution to keeping cool in the Middle-Eastern heat.
- They cover fat thighs and wide hips. For those with chunky legs who were relegated to wearing trousers last season, a chance to feel feminine and wear dresses again. Good news for those who don't have legs like Kate Moss!
- With sweeping floor-length fashion there is no pressure to wax your legs. Maxis are the perfect solution for pre-tanned legs too.
- Maxis can be worn with flats or chunky wedges and platforms for extra height. Casual or smart, wear the maxi with flip flops, sandals or ultra high heels. Accessorize with this season's messenger or saddle-style shoulder bags and don a pair of oversized sunglasses.
- You can bring out those old Laura Ashley dresses and be in fashion again. Reinvent them with new accessories in this season's colors. Laura Ashley has reissued its classic designs from the seventies, in a new Archive range. According to the Daily Mail's Liz Jones, the Laura Ashley 2007 archive collection “sold out online in one day.” in her article "How Women Are Opting Out of the High Street Fashions and Taking it to the Maxi" ( 05/20/07).
- Lastly, the maxi owes much of its popularity to being comfortable, glamorous and easy to wear. Cool, sexy and very feminine – this latest fashion trend means that, no matter what size or shape, women can feel like women again!
