Dress to Impress: To Maxi or Not to Maxi?

20 April 2011 3 Comments

By Janielle McKoy

I was once skeptical about maxi dresses, mainly because of my short-woman complex LOL. I thought maxi’s would drown me and stunt my growth. That was until two weeks ago after working at my new job at Mendocino. I tried on this cute, slim fitting great short sleeved maxi and I can’t stop wearing it. It hugs the curves in all the right places. It is definitely this season’s hottest item and now I understand why.

Maxi’s come in different colors, structures and styles. They are an essential item because of their versatility. They can be worn as formal, casual and/or daytime wear. Designers have been reinventing the maxi dress, with new versions coming out every year. The classic maxi dress transforms into something different with new structures and styles.

For women who are tall and thin, wearing a maxi dress with small prints and light color would be a great choice. This type of dress can make you look more diminutive and less stick-like, all the while showing off your slender figure and giving you more of a feminine allure. A great pair of sandals or espadrilles will work well with this look.

For women who have generous thighs and a little stomach pouch, the long dress will help hide any figure challenges. Choose a maxi dress with a sultry train, and consider striking prints and bright colors, which can help make you look thinner and taller.

Tail Hems!!!

Shirttail hem, tapered hem, cutaway hem… whatever you wish to label it, the basic fact remains: skirts and dresses cut longer at the back are continuing to make their way on the runway and thus feature as a major 2011 fashion trend. These hems fill the void between mini and maxi. They cover, yet they expose and they’re a simple way to freshen up your spring 2011 wardrobe with a new type of cut.

A tail hem is traditionally cut shorter on the sides, with a longer ‘tail’ at the back. This trend is more than just a shirttail hem, however: it’s dresses, skirts or tops that have a hem that’s shorter in front, longer in back. The appeal of a tail hem is that it’s playful. The back conveys the elegance of length, while the front hints at something more revealing. This style can also have the appeal of looking completely effortless, especially if cut to resemble an untucked shirt, or an oversized tee.

After years of designing my own dresses, I have learned there are numerous ways of creating a unique hemline with a ‘tail’ effect. Here are a few examples:

A simple hem cut at an angle. This has to be one of the favorites! The dress is cut diagonal showing one leg more than the other. It gives an alluring look to the dress.

A more traditional petal hem (where the fabric overlaps in front like petals of a flower). This hem is very playful and gives distinction to the dress.

A hem that is cut from very short to very long- i.e. mini to maxi. Try using a chiffon fabric, which will give a great flow at the back.

A hem that falls into large drapes or pleats at the back- This look is a great formal look. Use a heavier fabric, which will give you the drapes you need.

Halter Dresses

One of the best things about the halter neck-dresses is that they are flattering to most figures. They come in a number of different styles, from sultry to classic. These dresses reveal most of your back and as much cleavage as you would like. Whether you want to look glamorous or flirty, halter-neck dresses can do it for you.

Halter neck dresses have taken on a number of forms over the years. Straps can go up and around the neck, can thin or thick, and are available in almost any fabric you would like. These are normally used for creating a different look. Halters dresses can also be worn as evening gowns, summer dresses and wedding gowns or as a sexy club dress. The possibilities are truly endless.

A little tip for halter necks is to wear your hair up and off your shoulders, to bring attention to your skin. A great hairstyle can really take styling halter neck dresses to another level

So whether you are going to a formal dinner or a casual outing with a friend, there are all types of dresses available to choose from. Rest assured they will compliment the occasion, your figure and your wardrobe, because they never go out of fashion.

Janielle Mckoy is an established fashion stylist who would love to share her expertise on staple pieces for the season, and tips on the transition from winter to Spring. Stay tuned to this column for ongoing fashion advice from Janielle.