As I Get Older, I Appreciate a Maxi Dress

The Famous Zara Polka Dot Dress Looking Fabulous on All Size Women
Photo credit: The Guardian

Previously on this blog I have extolled the virtues of the kaftan. I may have even called it the "dress of the future". And I stand by this assertion - 10/10 would recommend. Having said that, sometimes you need all the benefits of a kaftan - easy, loose, pretty, flowing - but need it to be a bit more professional. And this is where the joy of the maxi dress comes in. There is a reason why Zara sold a gazillion units of the polka dot, empire line maxi dress this year, to just about every woman in the entire world - including me. And Kerry. And Becs Lund. I mean I could just name all my girl friends and be done. Basically everyone wants a flowing maxi dress that can be dressed up with a jacket for the office, but paired with some sneakers for the weekend.

The Famous Zara Polka Dot Dress in Two Colour Ways

For me, as a lady of a certain age, I am not crazy about getting my pins all-out. I have always been a more modest dresser, and this has extended to lower hems these days. But whether or not you mix these things up, having a long, flowing frock on a warm summer day, somehow makes us feel a little more feminine, a little cooler - and as such, we feel good about ourselves. And frankly, that's what fashion is all about. If our style isn't making us feel more confident and positive about ourselves, and the world, well, it's not doing it's job.

My Favourite Maxi Dress. From M&S.

So what should you look out for when investing in a maxi dress this season? Let me give you a few pointers:

1. Try on the dress and make sure that the hem line hangs as a maxi dress and not a midi dress. What's the difference, you ask? Well a midi dress comes to the point on your legs between the mid-calf and the knee. And the maxi (the one we want) comes to the point between the mid-calf and the ankle. It's just a bit longer, and in so being, more flattering to the length and shape of the leg.
2. Optimum sleeve is the one that ends just after the elbow. This may be a bit toasty in the absolute height of summer, but it does give you 11 months of wear for one dress. In the winter you can layer a thin-knit underneath with some tights and you have a totally solid cold-weather look. And you just wear as-is in the summer. Also, and this is a bit of a refrain, this is the most flattering length of sleeve all year round.
3. Print is better than plain for a multiple-wear maxi. Not only does it jazz-up your whole style, but it has a bit more staying power. My advice would always be to go for lighter prints against darker backgrounds so that it reads more professional and luxe. But if you really are only intending to wear it in summer, then any colour option will do.
4. The cut must flow. No tight, restricted skirts for the optimum maxi, please. So if you have a good décolletage, make sure the dress has a lovely scoop or V-neckline, fits well over the bust, and flows from there. If you don't want to show off your top, a button up, or crew neckline will flatter, and you can make sure the skirt has some frills or a slit for more attention.
5. Finally, the weight and composition of the fabric is important. For real flow in the dress, a lighter, short fibered fabric is best. Think silk. Of course good man-made options include rayon, viscose and cupro, all of which mimic the flow of silk and include wood cellulose for breathe-ability in the fabric. Keep the weight light and breezy. This is the perfect summer weight, which can be weighted down with layers in the winter. 

And that's really it. Your mission now, should you choose to accept it, is to go out there and find yourself the perfect maxi dress for the summer. Make sure it is consistent with YOUR style. Make sure you feel a million bucks in it. And then wear it at every opportunity, dressed up and down for maximum return on your wears. Soon you will find you want another one. Start at the top all over again. Good luck!

Other Lovely Maxi Dresses You Can Get Now from Zara

PS: Please wear your maxi dress with flats. Not heels, not wedges, just flats. Sandals, sneakers, boots,pumps - any will do. Just not heels, please. Thank you.