When the temperatures rise – dropping your hemline can be a very stylish option. A longer dress is of course incredibly forgiving, especially if you are conscious about your bottom half. I’ve also found that the right maxi helps me overcome my natural style reticence in a couple of ways. Firstly I find that I can wear some brighter colours, and prints if I find the right ones to suit my skin tone. As someone with a warm if pale complexion and some reddish tones in my hair, in general I need to steer away from cool colours and neon brights as they wash me out. Similarly I find that print is possible and works for me in a way it does not seem to in the winter months. In general I find it difficult to wear bolder bigger prints as they tend to wear me. A good trick is to hold up the dress in front of you in the mirror before you buy it – make sure the dress enhances you rather than being the only thing you can see.
So if like me you are looking to step out and be brighter, bolder and more exuberant version of yourself this summer then a Maxi might just do the trick.
A few tips to start with:
- Keep jewellery and accessories simple – let the dress do the talking
- Or perhaps use one statement accessory to keep things fresh and up to date
- A blazer is probably a better coverup than a cardigan which might inadvertently introduce the frump factor
- Styles which draw in just under the bust which is a women’s narrowest point irrespective of your body shape are universally flattering
- If looser styles swamp you or hide your shape then cinching in with a belt is always a good option
Get a new maxi now! My top ten recommendations for hot and affordable maxis are linked below.
Florals for any occasion
These are my two favourite floral maxis. I hesitated before I bought each one as on paper they are not really my thing. However I am glad I made the gamble. One of them came from a market in Ibiza, the other from a shop in Greenwich market in London. While mine are not from the high street, if you like this style then I’ve suggested a few options – see my top ten suggestions below.
As these dresses are so vibrant, a pair of sunglasses and a neutral bag and footwear are all you need to set them off. However, I also experimented with a tan fedora and a vintage bag to add a bit more drama.
Abstract prints for a boho vibe
Florals are not for everyone. If you prefer something more abstract then there are plenty of options available. Neither of the dresses shown here were from the high street and both of them came from a holiday in Ibiza where I literally maxed out on new maxis. I feel justified in doing this as I have got a huge amount of wear out of these dresses. They would work well for a garden party of Bbq in the UK or for anytime on holiday somewhere warm. I threw in a wild card with the footwear choice for this dark green dress below. Unexpectedly they look good with white ankle boots, giving a bit of a rock-chick/festival vibe.
Both of these dresses are silk. I think probably a silk blend. Silk is a great option as its so comfortable and breathable.
Long sleeve but still lush
This dress is from H & M last season. I tried it on and styled it up but did not keep it. Reason? I love this dress but its just not quite me. Its the issue with the print I was referring to earlier. Its just a bit too big, and it wears me rather than vice versa.
What I do love about this though is the relaxed shape. Its incredibly comfortable and worked really well for me with this suede belt to add some shape.
Long sleeve maxis are a really good option for cooler summer climates, or if you are not so keen on showing off your arms. I’ll suggest some others below.
Animal print the versatile “classic”
Animal print has been dubbed a new classic and a new neutral. While its not top of the summer trends this year, its still a great versatile option for any summer occasion, covering up on the beach or just for every day wear dressed down with flip flops.
I love both of these and while one is primarily a beach coverup, and I’ve got a leopard print swimming costume from H & M underneath (please forgive the swimming pool hair in the first shot… ) they would both work well for beach to bar or lunch.
The beach coverup is last season ASOS, the leopard maxi was a charity shop find.
Looking for a maxi now – my top ten suggestions
There is a huge amount of choice this year and a variety of flattering silhouettes and colours to choose from – the Maxi has definitely come of age. My first three suggestions are from Apricot. I had to prioritise which I included in this post – but any of their range would make a great addition to your summer wardrobe.
- Navy floral from Apricot – I’ve tried this one on and its very flattering
2. Green daisy dress – Apricot. if you like my turquoise dress above, this one has a similar look
3. Tropical leaf Kimono Maxi dress, Apricot. This one is a bit like the H&M one above but the material is more fluid
4. Floral Satin Maxi dress – ASOS, this one is a bit pricier but would be great for an occasion and you could wear it with or without a belt
5. Pink floral maxi – Monsoon. This dress is pretty and looks very wearable
6. Beige Maxi dress – NA-KD fashion. I love the more neutral colour of this glamorous fitted dress
7. White shirred front maxi dress – NA-KD fashion. This shirred sundress style maxi is everywhere this year, and with its tiered skirt has classic appeal
8. Silk blend maxi, H&M, this dress comes in three colours and is a good option if you are thinking of investing a bit more in silk
9. Strappy Gingham dress, Zara, I do love Gingham for summer and this red and white dress is bang on trend
10. Yellow, belted maxi dress, & Other Stories, in this season’s trend colour this maxi looks super flattering and wearable
