The Maxi dress is a leading trend for Spring and Summer 2008, and made its way to New York Fashion Week runways in an array of floral patterns, bold prints, and block-color styles. It’s a romantic and very-feminine look that’s perfect for the warmer months ahead, and can be paired with espadrilles, wedge sandals, or simple ballet flats. The flowy, tunic cut of the dress is suitable for most women, but knowing which length and waist type to select is the only way to wear this trend with success. If you’re anxious to try the Maxi dress this season, here’s how to pick the right dress for your body type:
The Best Maxi Dress for Short and Petite Women
Enjoy the floral prints of the season in a micro print or paisley style to flatter your figure. Big flowers or any type of ‘busy print’ can work against your small frame, so you need to pick either a solid color or teeny-tiny prints to make this look work for you. Avoid full-length dresses and balance out your figure with a super-short or above-the-knee style. The best cuts for you include a V-neck to draw attention upward and create an elongated torso, halter styles to show off toned and tan shoulders, and dresses with a ruched bustline to flatter your upper body.
The Best Maxi Dress for Short and Curvy Women
Short and curvy women can enjoy the Maxi dress in a knee length style, and pair them with wedge sandals or peep-toe pumps to create length in the legs. Pick solid colors and micro prints for the most flattering look; bright red, pink, and orange are great picks for the season and can work well for you as long as you have the right cut. Avoid skinny straps and any detailing on your dress; bold and solid styles will balance out your look best.
The Best Maxi Dress for Tall and Skinny Women
Tall and skinny women need to look for Maxi dresses that are slightly fitted so they don’t drown in this frock style. Look for ruched bustlines, halter necklines, and v-necks to draw attention upwards and complement your tall and thin figure. The key to wearing this flowing style gracefully is to wear the right size and accessorize it with only a few key pieces of jewelry or an oversized bag. You can get away with spaghetti straps, a tighter halter-top style, and even a bandeau top with ease.
The Best Maxi Dress for Plus-Size Women
Since the Maxi dress is made in a looser style and often with extra material, you’ll need a cut that’s fitted around the bust and accentuates your best features. Choose a halter-style to show off sculpted shoulders and arms so that you draw attention upward. Any fitted fabrics around the chest and upper waist are also great picks for larger sizes since they can create a slight silhouette for a more pulled together look. For length, pick something that you simply feel comfortable in; maxi dresses in knee length or above-the-knee styles are especially flattering for plus sized women; be sure to accessorize with a medium to large-sized tote for the complete ensemble.
The Best Maxi Dress for Medium and Average Heights and Builds
Finding the right maxi dress to complement your figure and not hide in it can be challenging. This traditional frock style dress comes in many shapes, sizes, and fabric styles, and if you’re of medium height and build, you’ll need to search for something that accentuates your best features. If you want to emphasize your legs, go for an above-the-knee style and choose some dressy shoes. If you want to emphasize your bustline or shoulders, you can choose a halter or bandeau top style in a bold color. Since the Maxi dress is not fitted from head to toe, pick a dress that is tighter around your best attributes.
The Maxi dress is a fresh trend for spring that’s here to stay through Fall; it’s a look that can be pulled off easily by most body types, but knowing which straps, waistlines, and materials to choose will ensure you pick the most figure-flattering style!
