Maxi dresses: too much fabric for daytime
June 11th, 2008A long, floaty and printed maxi (or “patio”) day dress worn with flat gladiator sandals is the “it” look for frocks in Paris stores this season. The silhouette is less popular in US stores, but you’ll find one or two of these dresses in most dress departments.
The idea is that you wear this ensemble mix casually. I didn’t like this look in the ‘70’s and I don’t like it today. No matter how casual the fabric and style, there is something about an ankle length dress that screams “fancy evening event”. They look clumsy and inappropriate (and the excess fabric gets in the way). You need to be tall to pull off the look, and even then, a shorter hemline looks better.
I might be more partial to the look if I was a boho girl at heart. How about you? Will you be wearing the maxi dress this season?
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Raise your hemline for casual occasions and reserve ankle length dresses for evening black tie events.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:16 am
They remind me of nightgowns. I also remember them from the 70’s. My older sisters wore them. So in my mind…they are very hippy-dippy. Not a look I want to embrace at this stage of my life.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:28 am
My mother had them in the 70’s… I used to play dress-up in them and her gargantuan wood platform shoes. Since I am not tall and don’t have a model figure (and I think the dresses are just plain ugly) I will not be wearing them, ever.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:29 am
I had one in the 70’s and it was very hard to wear. I thought it was so beautiful but it never seemed appropriate for any occasion. You are spot on Angie, they just don’t work.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Not a chance. This style makes me look like a pregnant pixie - chubby and short. Plus my husband hates it, and says no matter how glam the accompanying accessories, maxi dresses make him think of hippies.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Me neither. At 5′ I’d have to sacrifice much of the fabric even if the look did appeal!
June 11th, 2008 at 7:48 am
I personally love this look. Of course, I am 5′ 9″ and i like the fact that these dresses are actually long enough for me. I find that a “straighter” silhouette looks best and give more shape than the overly flowy maxis. I do agree that the look should be reserved for the evening though.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:53 am
I like more fitted ones in theory, but since I’m not tall (5′6″) and don’t have a place/occasion to wear one, I don’t. The only time I could see one working would be for a casual evening out at the seaside vacation. And for that hypothetical occasion i would wear this one:
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=115849&CategoryID=2910&cm_mmc=PMD_LS-_-LinkShare-_-Product_Terms-_-Diane_von_Furstenberg_Maxi_Vintage_Halter_Dress&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&LinkshareID=q5QZHUbCIj8-gIqwvqA3WF0IEjrBcO8Aig
June 11th, 2008 at 7:53 am
I was in my 20’s in that era, and the pix sure bring back memories. Oooo, the parties in the 70’s I went to wearing these kinds of dresses! Trippin! But now…NEVER!
June 11th, 2008 at 7:55 am
I think they look great! And totally wearable if you are 6 feet tall and stand perfectly still at all times while wearing it so you don’t get wrapped up in all that fabric.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:56 am
And I like this one too for that hypothetical occasion:
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446184504&Goto=product&site_refer=AFF001&siteID=q5QZHUbCIj8-AQ2_mhQerRNHjcYVeGW0.w
June 11th, 2008 at 7:59 am
They are really tempting me - I’ll be pregnant all summer and maxi dresses look so good on pregnant celebrities. Then again, I suspect they started out with a lower BMI that I did. I’ll probably be shocked at how huge I look as soon as I put one on, but I won’t avoid them.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:08 am
I liked them in the 70s and I like them now. I am tall and could probably pull it off… but on what occassion? I can’t imagine wearing it to work, and I don’t host a lot of luncheons. Like Marlene says, I might like one to put on now and then and stand perfectly still!
June 11th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Hello fellow Tanya ( with comment at 8.08 pm), nice to see that there’s somebody with the same name, tough it will certainly add to confusion.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:31 am
These dresses are only useful if you are too lazy to shave your legs.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I’m with you, Angie. Every time I see this look on the streets (I live in Paris) I think it looks WRONG, WRONG, WRONG — regardless of the body wearing it. I’m not going there, and not just because I’m 46 and would look ridiculous!
June 11th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I think they look very artistic in pictures, but you won’t find me wearing one anytime soon. I agree that Angelina Jolie looks great in them pregnant, but then she’s probably pretty tall, to Angie’s point.
June 11th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Also notice that all the models have longer, flowy 70s hairstyles. Wonder how it looks with short hair?
June 11th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I have a boho element to my style, and I still don’t like this look at all. I don’t have any aspirations to look like an earth mother. I agree with Nicole that they look less like evening and more like night.
Someone mentioned being a tall model type as a possible prerequisite. These 3 women are models and I still think they look ridiculous. The fabric is just overpowering. There are just some things no one looks good in: tapered jeans, pleated pants, gathered empire waists, and maxi dresses.
June 11th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Maybe its cos im half an inch shy of being 6ft tall but im complete love with maxi-dresses… i wear them in the daytime… evening whenever..theyre comfortable, cute and casual(when u wear em with flats)… i absolutely love maxidresses… fantastic stuff
June 11th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I wore them in the 70s, and won’t be wearing them now. Some styles are worth repeating, but to my eye, these are not!
June 11th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I have to admit that I do like the maxi dresses… I would wear one out to dinner and also to church. I especially like this one from J.Crew:
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod84041371&catId=cat190122?srcCode=AFFI00001&siteId=mH0jcSTu4%2A0-fw8LcJBmKx7Nl1ctiofrPQ
June 11th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I have looked at the maxi dresses several times and my gut feeling each time was no. Sadly, some of them have nice prints. I am very small and the concept of having fabric stuck to the backs of my legs in July doesn’t appeal. Nicole Richie seems to do fine with them but then she’s a California celebrity and I’m not. But more importantly I feel maxi dresses already had their moment last year and were brought back for an encore due to a certain film… anyway, be gone with them I say.
June 11th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I won’t be wearing this style because I can’t pull it off with my 5′2 height.
Aren’t women worried about stepping on their hems? I would be… and for an evening out? It would have to be pretty casual. On top of it all, I really prefer a more tailored look.
June 11th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I’m with Angie on this one! Though the idea is romantic, you need to make sure that it is a look that works for you. I love seeing these dresses on someone long and tall. That would not be me at 5′5″!
June 11th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I actually really like this look. I’m short, but I find that a maxi dress in solid colors, drapey fabric, with a slimmer silhouette, ankle length (won’t trip on the hem), worn with tall sandals can be appropriate for daytime wear.
June 11th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I am 5′4″ and going to wear a modified version of this look. I live in San Francisco, so I polished the look up a bit… I bought this jcrew dress in petite, so it’s doesn’t drag on the floor. I get the maxi look, but not the maxi messy. With a jean jacket and flat sandle’s I’m there… I can stack chains, pearl and other necklaces with a cardi and I have another outfit…. Of course given the dress that I started with I can were it as it is supposed to be worn during the holidays or special occations. (http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod63050161&catId=cat303194).
June 11th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Oh and I have a bob with side swept bangs… a little retro but still modern. Works great with the solid black dress, but no one would ever call me a flower child either…
June 11th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
JUST SAY NO TO “BOHO”!!!!!
June 11th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Interesting, ladies. There seems to be a consensus. Maxi dresses aren’t so fab. Nice to know I’m not alone.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I agree with the consensus, but, I must say that I’ve been seeing a lot of very similar print
a-line dresses that go to just past the knee (I guess these are just called sundresses?) and
I think they look great.
June 12th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Love the dresses and love the mounds of fabric. I prefer to wear the long skirts in similar fabric, though, which is more “in” here in HK — at least in Mong Kok, which fits my age range. ;D
When at work or on HK Island, though, I’d probably not think of wearing such a dress (or, equally, my long skirts). Too many people and too much fuss. Best for my offtime only.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:01 am
I love them. I am tall and found a maxi dress that looked great last autumn, though I must confess I haven’t worn it yet. But it is winter here in Australia. I hope I will wear it come warmer weather…
June 12th, 2008 at 6:39 am
I think its the print that makes them look so over-whelming. A long silhouette in a flattering color looks good on just about any girl! I’m 5′3″ but in a black one with flip-flops and great jewelry I look casual and chic - I just stay away from the prints.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
It’s a nice look for some events, like going to a Mosque if you pair it up with a nice flowing cape type of accessory. I wear things like that when I hang out with my Muslim friends. Muslim Girl Magazine has a lot of really cute chic things that help Muslim girls and women have super cute things and also help them live up to the modesty clause in their faith.
I like to be flexible with my wardrobe so that I can fit in with no matter what culture. If I need to wear something more modest, I will. You can really wear some cute things and not look frumpy, if your faith calls for a more modest look.
http://www.muslimgirlworld.com/mgmag/
June 13th, 2008 at 11:56 am
I ordered the Eric Michael Roxy and LOVE them. They are fabulous. Thank you, Angie. I am thrilled with my purchase.
June 14th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Agree. Even though I’m 5′8″ the maxi dress will not make it’s way to my closet. The style simply doesn’t fit my lifestyle.
I have images of a tall, thin woman adorned in one of these dresses sweeping through vast marble hallways; dictating to a personal assistant the menu for an afternoon tea/fund raiser being hosted for a few of socities’ elite….
or a sea of maxi frocks worn by attendees at the local bo-ho street fair.
June 14th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Angie, perhaps you have some advice for me? I already own a black, cotton maxi dress that fits well, but is impractical (I have no idea why I bought it.) With my 5′6″ height and above average cup size, I can sorta pull it off, but, where do I wear this thing? Also, is there a way to accessorize it so I don’t look like Morticia Adams?
I like this style a lot (hides my lower half, yay) , but fear that I will have to bring this thing to Goodwill if I can’t find a way to wear it. Chunky, bright necklace? Bolero? Dangly earrings? Help!
June 14th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
A long, black maxi dress screams “fancy evening function” even louder, Steph. Can you shorten it?
June 14th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Whenever I see a maxi dress, I hear my mom’s voice in my head. “Ugh. Been there, done that.” I only like them when they’re very lightweight, borderline sheer, but I haven’t managed to jump on that train yet.
June 15th, 2008 at 12:39 am
I think getting it hemmed is probably the solution, yes. (I can’t wear it to a fancy evening function ’cause it’s cotton.) Thanks!
FWIW, I think the above dresses would look good at a pool party in Miami, but that’s about it.
June 15th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I am quite tall so I like wearing long skirts and dresses, but these maxis have skirts that are cut too full and the amount of fabric looks overwhelming. I agree with Stephanie–they would look great at a pool or beach party but I can’t think of anyplace else I’d wear them.
June 24th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I´m in Europe, and I love my Maxis and I have quite a collection. Vintage as well as new ones. I´m 5ft 2, and put them on with wedges. I put them day or evening. I don´t follow any rule about when I should put them and always receive compliments when I have them on:))
July 8th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I love maxi dresses. I’m not super tall or super skinny - but they are flattering nonetheless. The fabric never gets in the way and it’s a very casual look with sandals. Not dressy at all. Very easy outfit and if the fabric is a classic pattern and good quality, it’s not granola. Also, men loooooove them.
July 15th, 2008 at 6:15 am
[...] style leaves me cold. Unflattering voluminous floral frocks and trapeze coats, gaudy accessories, maxi dresses, an awful Vivienne Westwood wedding gown and loads of real fur ruled her [...]
August 7th, 2008 at 7:25 am
[...] people loved the Maxi dress trend, but I wasn’t one of them. Just too much fabric for daytime in [...]
October 16th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I love the maxi dress look but i personally only think it looks good on “thin” frams i am 5′3 and an Aus size 6 so also quiet slim and short and find i can get away with the Maxi dress as long as it is one with less material more of an A line style and tall heels its a great evening look for summer but i couldnt wear it during the day!
December 9th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I love maxi dresses and have a few myself. I am not tall but not short and love to wear them out to dinner and on sunday outings to “boulevard” shops. They are flowy, elegant and just what summer needs. They do not flash much but are still cool, comfortable and sexy!!! No downs there!!!!!!!!!!
December 29th, 2008 at 8:57 am
[...] daytime maxi dresses in casual fabrics are not my idea of style. And it’s not a question of adapting the eye – I did not like the look in the 70’s and 90’s [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:02 am
I love this look. I have been wearing these a lot, both day and night. With flat sandanals they are great. I live in Trinidad, West Indies and this is a popular choice at the Carnival parties
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:07 am
Cooton is Great for the hot weather
March 16th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
I think these look amazing! I am 5′6″, so I’m not super short, and I did have to shop around to find the right style (THAT’S THE KEY!) I am bigger on top and have skinny legs so these make me look even, and tall! I love them and they’re super comfortable, especially with flip flops. They’re breezy and elegant, and the ones I have (Usually made out of T-shirt type cotton) are casual enough to wear to the beach or walk downtown. Find the right style, and you’ll have no problems pulling this off!
April 2nd, 2009 at 5:41 am
Here in Australia the Maxi dress went off like a good party. I guess because its almost always warm here and were very laid back, its a perfect style!
Im only 5ft2 and i have short hair and an hourglass figure, so im not even the ideal look for this dress, but i have 4 of them. i team them with kitten heels for some height and i use a waistbelt to give it some shape, dangly necklaces, feminine patterns and big sunnies, and i can wear it everywhere!!!!
Walks in the aussie sun thru the marketplaces, beachside cafe trips, church on sunday, family bbqs… and every time i wear a maxi, i get tonnes of complements.
i know it breaks some rules, but hey, it looks and feels fantastic! who cares!
May 8th, 2009 at 6:41 am
[...] of our twin outfits in 1976 when I was 6 years old. We’re wearing matching maxi dresses, a style I would not wear today, but I remember feeling fabulous at the time. We at YLF wish you a very happy Mother’s [...]
May 9th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Your new post reminded me of this one. I used to hate those dresses, but I changed my opinion after seeing the new silhouette with slighly raised waistline. The old one had ties at the back which made the dress look too… simple, too country style. These ones almost have empire waist, and they look much better. I tried one in the store - I was surprised to discover it was a really cool look on me, even though I’m only 5′6″. But I have strong shoulder line, which sort of balances the amount of fabric on the bottom, and the dress made me look taller.