As opposed to last years mini length this summer maxi dress was on everyone's mind, both loved and hated. First maxi dresses appeared in major spring/summer 2008 collections and then they were seen on all "it" girls of the moment. While a one-color dress looks too occasion wear or beachwear (if it's jersey), a printed maxi-dress is the easiest way to an elegant look for daywear. Romantic, flowing, printed long-dresses seems to be this summer's hit and not only.
1st row: Biba, D&G, Stella McCartney, Etro and Matthew Williamson.
2nd row: Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Collette Dinnigan and Diane von Furstenberg.
Resort 2009 collections also displayed a number of delightful long dresses, while floral prints are everyone's favorite. I'm pretty sure spring 2009 collections will continue this trend so I'm more than happy that I will have the chance to try it on myself, since I didn't have the courage this summer.
Resort 2009: Zac Posen, Jenni Kayne, Rachel Roy and Naeem Khan.
If you're petite and curvy (just like me, yay!) you can too sport a long dress, just take a look at so many short-legged actresses that wear long gowns for the red-carpet. Do they look swamped in those meters of fabric? Nope.
The secret is to choose a straighter shape or an A-line dress like those from Etro and Collette Dinnigan. Also look for one with a fitted top and no sleeves, a halter cut maybe. Also, a high-waist or an empire-line (if you have a small bust) adds more inches on height.
As for accessories team the maxi printed dress with high platforms, clutch handbags and bohemian scarves or classical panama hats like those from Diane von Furstenberg. A wide-brimmed hat will take you back in time for a 1910's garden party. I mean that in a good way.
my urban fairy outfit from polyvore:
