Dressed to the Maxi

Reader Stylemma

"Hi Caroline. I bought a gorgeous strapless maxi-dress today. I'm only 5ft and it's so long that's it'll have to be taken up. I'm thinking that a 3/4 length might be best for my frame...any advice??"

Caroline's Answer

Like them or loathe them, it's certainly impossible to ignore them this season; maxi-dresses are everywhere.

Essentially, a 'maxi' is a generic term for a long floaty dress. A fond favourite of lithe supermodels and uber-cool music festival followers, maxi-dresses have long-epitomised romance, freedom and creativity.

It's a pity then that it's so gosh darn hard to find a flattering style! Unfortunately there are a platoon of baggy, ill-fitting and garish styles on the high-street which can make us look short, dumpy or frumpy. Indeed, on one rather embarrassing occasion whilst wearing a maxi-dress I was congratulated by a complete stranger on my pregnancy. I wasn't pregnant - but the hapless stranger assured me that the darned maxi-dress made me look at least 5 months gone! Needless to say the dress was binned as soon as I got home.

So you see, extreme caution is strictly advised! I have devised the following Style By Caroline Maxi-Dress Selection Guide, which will help you in your quest to find a suitable maxi-dress for your frame:

• Fitted waist: Look out for styles that are fitted around the waist. Avoid loose or billowing styles which will immediately add 20lbs to your frame. Add a belt if necessary to give some shape.
• Length: If you are petite in height, avoid full-length styles, which will swamp your frame and make you look even shorter. Alter the hem-length of the dress so that it finishes just below the knee.
• Bust: If you have a large bust, make sure that the dress is supportive around this area, with good straps / shoulder support also. Avoid strapless styles at all costs. If you have a neat bust then you can get away with strapless styles.
• Arms: Many women are conscious of their upper arms; if you wish to camouflage this areas, then pair your maxi-dress with a light cardigan, fitted jacket or sheer wrap, which will also give you the benefit of additional warmth.
• Fabric: Avoid styles that have loads of fabric. Firstly, it's a nuisance trying to carry it around (it gets caught in car doors, revolving doors etc.) and secondly it makes your frame look bigger. Choose dresses that have a gentle A-line skirt i.e. that extend slightly outward from the hip.
• Pattern: Avoid really bold, loud or colourful styles, unless you are very tall. If you want to look taller, choose a vertical pattern/detail.
• Accessories: Get into the spirit of Summer by pairing your maxi dress with a cute pair of wedges, sunglasses, bangles, beaded necklaces and a medium/large-sized bag.

Finally, ensure that you choose a style that is age appropriate. Generally the younger you are, the more you can get away with. Once you hit 35+, go for timeless styles, quality fabrics and toned-down accessories.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Examples from Monsoon SS10 Collection

This "Paradise" maxi-dress (200) in vibrant coral would look gorgeous at a Summer wedding. Its sheer sleeves camouflage upper arms, the gentle draping will support the tummy area and the beautiful beading gives visual interest:

This Florella maxi-dress (160) is ideal for someone who is quite busty as the thick straps and V-neckline will give flattering and comfortable support.

This Nicole maxi-dress (120) would look as nice at the beach as it would on a lunch date or shopping trip. It is ideal for anyone that has a neat torso, slim shoulders and small bust, plus if you're conscious of your hips, it will camouflage this area beautifully.