10 Great Tips On How To Wear The Maxi Dress

The maxi dress has been around for a few seasons now, but it doesn't seem to be losing any of its appeal or popularity - maybe this is because it is so easy and so forgiving to wear. It can look fabulous whether you are tall or short and it's brilliant to take away on holiday as it can be worn casually in the daytime over a bikini or in the evening dressed up. Here are some tips on how to choose a maxi dress to suite your size and shape and how to wear it.

Choosing a maxi dress to suite your size and shape

• If you are taller with a larger frame look for a maxi dress which has a more fitted bodice rather than one that is gathered under the bust as this will give you a more defined profile rather than yards of material billowing out around your middle.
• For those with a few extra pounds around the waistline look for A-line styles (rather than gathered) which flare out from under the bust and which will flatter the waist and hips.
• Bandeau style maxi dresses are fantastic for hot summer days and they look very elegant as they accentuate the shoulders and neck - think of Angelina Jolie in that famous black bandeau maxi dress pictured with her children. She is wearing no jewellery at all, just sunglasses, but looks super cool.

Choosing Colours and Patterns On A Maxi Dress

• If you are petite look for smaller prints such as flower or Indian designs which won't swamp you. Smaller girls can still pull off the block stripe designs as well though.
• If you are choosing a maxi dress for evening wear, look for a single coloured dress which will look stylish and which can be dressed up with jewellery.
• White maxi dresses are perfect for summer days and evenings and they have been spotted on celebrities such as Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and Kate Hudson. Perfect for that sunset walk along the beach on holiday too.

Accessorising Your Maxi Dress To Perfection

• Small and delicate jewellery doesn't really suit the maxi dress vibe. Jewellery to accessorise a maxi dress needs to be strong and bold in style and colour. Look for colourful Millefiori glass pendants, ethnic style jewellery and bold wood or metal bangles rather than bracelets.
• With shoes - really anything goes. Flip-flops can be worn daytime or evening with a maxi, but if you are going for the super sophisticated evening look then go for some killer-high heel strappy shoes to add extra glamour. Even pumps or cowboy boots will look great with a maxi dress.
• Please don't carry a tiny hand or shoulder bag around - again choose something big and bold - I really think casual bags are the way to go for daytime wear with a maxi, look for straw bags, or colourful fabric styles.
• For cooler evenings a pashmina to wrap around your shoulders looks great - or instead take some tips from the golden girl of Hollywood - Jennifer Anniston. When she wore the Burberry maxi dress (pictured above) at the premier of Marley and Me above in London, she covered up with a tailored and chic blazer which looked amazing.