INTRODUCING THE MIDAXI
SOMETIMES, THE formula for the perfect outfit for right now happens serendipitously. Enter the midaxi dress, your ankle boots’ new best friend. Hitting the middle point between midi and maxi, the midaxi dress is top of wish lists at the moment (Pinterest reports a 345% surge in searches for ‘midaxi’ this year). The length is a perfect fit to hit the top of a boot just so. As Dima Ayad, marketing director of The Modist, says: ‘It moves away from the airy summer maxi, but provides enough cover to not require tights during those sudden temperature drops. Not to mention, it is possibly the most flattering length!’
The midaxi’s casual style – loose silhouette, long sleeves and modest neckline – means it can be dressed up with a chunky heel, dressed down with a hiking boot or, for a dawn-to-dusk look, paired with a cowboy style.
The fact the midaxi dress is often printed – think wallpaper florals, spots or checks – means the need for accessorising is virtually non-existent, too: who needs earrings when the dress does all the talking? The beauty is their versatility. ‘I like midaxi dresses because they are comfortable
and easy to wear during the day and well into the evening,’ says designer Rejina Pyo, who has an excellent colour-blocked version in her new collection. ‘I also don’t need to worry about tripping up staircases when I wear them, which is a real plus’.
This new hemline was introduced by Ganni several seasons ago, and it’s since become the adopted length for many designers such as The Vampire’s Wife and Batsheva, with countless iterations now available on the high street. ( Try H&M, Zara and & Other Stories.)
The midaxi + boot combo has got some serious wardrobe mileage in it – on cooler days, pair with a sleek roll neck underneath and don a pair of 40-denier tights; simply shed the layers and pair with a sneaker come spring. For now, though, throw it on with your boot of choice and a trench coat. And voilà. Autumn dressing made easy.