The Freeman

Maxi Dress for Summer

Most people have an idea of what a maxi dress is. They can picture it in their minds. But when asked how it is different from the classic long dress – or even a long gown – they’d stop. Gotcha!

- By Audrey Cabahug

The sound of the word “maxi” alone suggests looseness; hence, comfort. Particular­ly in the summer! A maxi dress is all kinds of fun to wear in the sun – although this fancy floorgraze­r can work in any season and for any occasion.

A maxi dress is a floor- or ankle-length informal dress. It is form-fitting at the top and loose flowing at the bottom, cut to flow over the body. It is usually made out of cotton or polyester and come in a variety of necklines, colors and patterns.

“Informal” is the thing that distinguis­hes a maxi dress from the other long dresses. But a maxi dress can be styled to suit various events – from posh black-tie affairs to chic city wedding ceremonies, a day on the beach to smart shirt-types perfectly suited to the office. It is unquestion­ably a most versatile dress.

A maxi dress is very easy to throw on, chic and super comfortabl­e. It can be worn with flip flops for a casual beach look or dressed up with fun accessorie­s and some summer wedges! It can be fashioned in any way the imaginatio­n may concoct.

Barbara McMillan, at www.telegraph.co.uk, cites common summer affairs that a maxi dress may fit in:

Black-tie event. A glitzy evening invitation calls for something spectacula­r, and that something is usually a maxi dress. The lady may go for a black slinky style and team with heels, re-working her evening piece for day by wearing it over a simple white t-shirt with flats.

Off-duty time. Slinging on a tough-looking leather jacket and a pair of well-trodden trainers and she’s got herself the perfect off-duty outfit. Length is key when wearing the dress with trainers, where it should sit just below the ankle. The look may be completed with a cool cross body bag and statement sunnies.

Going to the beach. It’s a most practical thing to pack when going off for a day at the beach. A floaty maxi dress can ideally hold for day-to-night dressing. White boho-inspired styles are the look of choice right now, as is anything with shoulder detailing. Tassel strap detail, cool cut-outs, off-theshoulde­r shapes – anything goes. It shall be kept simple and teamed with tan flats.

At work in the office. Crisp shirt-style fabrics work well for the office. Layered over a smart trouser and teamed with a structured jacket, and a block heel shoe added to finish, the maxi dress will be just right.

On a hot summer day. A maxi dress goes along very well with the balmy summer days.

Fun flouncy fabrics and pretty botanical floral prints shall be the choice and styled with a low heel suede sandal or lace-up leather flats.

Attending a wedding. Floor-grazing fluid styles make a nice look. The lady shall keep to modest cuts. It’s never a good idea to have too much on show. But she may mark the occasion with daring ruffles or a standout print.

Well, of course, it doesn’t have to take a special occasion to enjoy the comfort and have fun styling the maxi dress. Any regular day will do. Whether strolling in the park or in the shopping mall, one in a maxi dress appropriat­ely matched with sunnies and a suitably posh hat and bag is always a looker.

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