MAXI DRESSES...Wearing it at ALL AGES For ALL OCCASSIONS

By now everyone has heard about maxi dresses and skirts, but do you know how to wear them?  Clients say all the time, I can't wear that look, I'm told old, or I'm not Bohemian.  The idea is how to make these easy to wear pieces work for you.

There are different fits to maxi dresses and skirts.  Some are very billowy and flowing while others have a slimmer fit.  The shape of the maxi dress or skirt determines the type of shoe to wear with it and the fit of  a top, or topper (jacket, blazer).

Guidelines for your age:

45 +:  Monochromatic looks great for you.  The neckline determines how much you feel comfortable revealing.  Cowl neck maxi dresses are very flattering neckline and usually loose enough to hid any figure flaws in the mid-section.  If wanting to show your cleavage a little more and not concerned with the skin at your chest area, go for one color with a deeper front v.

Splendid Cowl Maxi Dress, $138 (Strawberry or Black)

Great dress to add a thin knit long cardigan in white or taupe.  Add an animal skin belt over it in taupes and whites with a gold buckle.  Wear with a heel or a jeweled flat sandal.

Jessica Hart for Pencey Standard V Neck Maxi Dress, $176

 

Dolce Vita Cybele Woven Flats, $170

Trina Turk Marisol Halter Dress, $438

30-45:  Deep V Necks, High Slits up the thigh, stripes, and patterns all work well.  Go for what works with your style personally and professionally.  Deep V Neck and Thigh Slits make dresses in appropriate for most corporate work environments, creative fields can still work this look.

Wear this dress with a flat but metallic sandals for day.  Add large gold cuff and large gold statement earrings.  

BCBG Meadows Maxi Dress, $198

Dolce Vita Bagley T Strap Sandals, $170

For work wear this dress with a fitted cropped black blazer or a light knit long black or blue cardigan and coordinating colored heels.  At night try a stappy sandal and and bold jewelry.

Charlie Jade Madison Maxi Dress, $196 ($182 at South Moon Under)

MM Couture Strapless Printed Ruffle Maxi Dress, $98

Under 30:  Go with flirty designs and prints.  Wear for casual days on the weekends or go dressier for work or at night.  The key to wearing this at work is to wear a blazer or sweater with it to look more professional.  Avoid crazy prints when at work, unless you are in a creative field (magazine, design, styling, etc.).

Top Shop Floral Mesh Back Maxi Dress, $92

Saint Grace Santa Fe Noa Maxi Tank Dress, $145

OUT ON THE TOWN DRESSES

Who doesn't love a fabulous dress when going out at night or during the day on the weekend?  Dresses are simple to pack, and easy to put on adding jewelry and boots, heels, or flats depending on the look you are going for.


This is a slit sleeve dress from BCBG with dolman sleeves.  The fitted bottom gives you great shape.  This is perfect to add a long necklace, bangle bracelet, and fun earrings. $138.

 

This green cut out detail viscose-rayon dress, by BCBG, called Rosetta, $178, is a great daytime option.  Add a fun long necklace and heels in a coordinating color, such as bright blue, or yellow.

This vibrant red color and sleeve detail make this dress a stand out.  Add only bracelets and earrings to let the dress do the talking.  6 Shore Road "Luna Mini Dress", $158.

The bright blue color of this dress captures anyone's eye.  The yellow belt keeps the look fresh and more casual (all blue would be dressier but more outdated).  Fun flirty heeled sandals are a great addition.  Add a colored blazer or cardigan for winter.  Rebecca Taylor Dress, $335.

This Rachel Roy colorblock dress with contrast stiching is perfect for brunch, shopping, or drinks during the day.  Add heeled sandals and a long necklace to wear it out at night. $398.

Charlie Jade, Ya, Jay Godfrey, Haute Hippie are all great designers who make fun going out dresses.  Wear with flats during the day and add heels and jewelry to make it pop at night.