What is a Maxi Dress?
26 Sep 2023
The dresses that are trending for Fall 2023 are definitely maxi, but what is a maxi dress you might ask? In short, a maxi dress refers to dresses with lengths up to the ankle and below. It is one of the most feminine and comfortable closet pieces. Their variety is amazing, thanks to their long lines, without compromise, and length, which can create the perfect proportions of the silhouette. Maxi dresses are no longer exclusively for festive or evening attire. We wear them daily: at work, at the store, or on a date.
In the 1940s, fashionable socialites and Hollywood's hottest starlets wore brightly colored dresses with long, tiered skirts. Designers drew inspiration for these so-called patio dresses, or squaw dresses, from traditional Native American and Southwestern styles. Although the patio dress soon fell out of fashion, this style of ankle-skimming dress had a revival in the 1960s when women from all walks of life opted for a brightly colored, free-flowing maxi dress.
These dresses, complemented by simple jewelry and heeled shoes, give their owners a casual sophisticated look, which is appropriate for a summer party or even in the office. In addition, a maxi dress can be made in a variety of materials. Who is suitable for a maxi dress? And how to pick it up so that the figure looks good? But what if you are petite or plus-size? Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be a runway model to pull off this look. Part of the fun of a maxi dress is that with the right accessories and style, this dress can work for bodies of all shapes and sizes. Ready to add this classic piece to your closet?
In the 1940s, fashionable socialites and Hollywood's hottest starlets wore brightly colored dresses with long, tiered skirts. Designers drew inspiration for these so-called patio dresses, or squaw dresses, from traditional Native American and Southwestern styles. Although the patio dress soon fell out of fashion, this style of ankle-skimming dress had a revival in the 1960s when women from all walks of life opted for a brightly colored, free-flowing maxi dress.
These dresses, complemented by simple jewelry and heeled shoes, give their owners a casual sophisticated look, which is appropriate for a summer party or even in the office. In addition, a maxi dress can be made in a variety of materials. Who is suitable for a maxi dress? And how to pick it up so that the figure looks good? But what if you are petite or plus-size? Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be a runway model to pull off this look. Part of the fun of a maxi dress is that with the right accessories and style, this dress can work for bodies of all shapes and sizes. Ready to add this classic piece to your closet?
History of Maxi Dress
From the age of crinoline to the spacious floor-length A-silhouette skirts: maxi dresses are indeed a long-lived part of fashion history. Tiered skirts with cushions stuffed with horsehair, hoop frames, bulky structures fastened to the corset, tourniquets, underskirts, counting up to a dozen – all these fashion tricks that often brought unbearable suffering to women. Floor length dominated women's fashion until the beginning of the last century when women joined the struggle for equality, including the right to wear practical and comfortable things on an equal footing with men.
At the beginning of the 20th century, from about 1910 to 1914, European fashion included "limp skirts" – models that are strongly narrowed to the ankle. Because of the unusual style and the strong overstretching of the skirt at the ankles, it was felt that the woman wearing such a skirt had a slight limp. Such a model could not solve the problem of impracticality.
When it comes to Hollywood's golden age, the film industry created its trendsetters, and here maxi dresses and skirts became an integral attribute of the evening toilet: luxurious floor-length dresses made of satin, brocade, and chiffon, dresses with open shoulders, emphasized waistline and cleavage worn by the main icons of the golden age – actresses Gloria Swenson, Jean Harlow, Ava Gardner, Clara Bow, and Paula Negri. Their elegant style has been emulated by thousands of women around the world.
At the beginning of the 20th century, from about 1910 to 1914, European fashion included "limp skirts" – models that are strongly narrowed to the ankle. Because of the unusual style and the strong overstretching of the skirt at the ankles, it was felt that the woman wearing such a skirt had a slight limp. Such a model could not solve the problem of impracticality.
When it comes to Hollywood's golden age, the film industry created its trendsetters, and here maxi dresses and skirts became an integral attribute of the evening toilet: luxurious floor-length dresses made of satin, brocade, and chiffon, dresses with open shoulders, emphasized waistline and cleavage worn by the main icons of the golden age – actresses Gloria Swenson, Jean Harlow, Ava Gardner, Clara Bow, and Paula Negri. Their elegant style has been emulated by thousands of women around the world.
Types of Maxi Dress
2023 is the year of maxi. And a godsend for fashionistas in the 2023 season will be maxi dresses. In 2023 "maxi" should be understood as a length that falls below the middle of the calves. But the most common option is still considered ankle level. Often there are models up to the floor, from below that barely peep at the toes of shoes or boots.
Maxi dresses have probably been or are in women's closets for a long time, and will not be anything super new. Excellent maxi dresses have many variations. But still, designers have tried to bring fresh and interesting notes to the silhouettes of maxi dresses making them intriguing and exciting.
Restrained maxi dresses in shirt style, linen solution, long-sleeved maxi dresses, prints, and extraordinary ruffles. Transparency, V-necklines, and slits make them wonderful and attractive for summer. Different models of maxi dress with open backs, dropped shoulders, and cutouts on the tummy give a special charm. What types of maxi dresses are out there?
With tassels (This decorative element is the trend of the current season. Maxi dresses with tassels look incredibly stylish and elegant. But for business looks, they won't fit, instead, they fit everyday looks perfectly).
Denim dresses (The most fashionable in the season of 2023 are models that have a high vertical neckline in front or a row of buttons. As for the cut, it can be trapezoidal or straight).
Maxi dresses with ethnic motifs and prints. These can include boho style, Turkish cucumber print, and even folkloric style. All this looks very bright and juicy, but at the same time – relatively new.
Plaid (Choose models made of dense fabric or practical tweed to feel comfortable even in cool weather. Such dresses will help make a boring winter image more feminine and interesting. The cage can be large or small, bright or black and white).
Long polka dot (Fashionable light maxi dresses always look so refined and delicate. Delicate blue, pink, yellow, dark blue, and red polka dot maxi dresses will be a great choice for spring and summer).
Maxi dress with open shoulders (Bustier style models and trendy maxi dresses with thin straps and ruffles are popular).
Knitted dress (Predominantly it will be trendy maxi dresses in a fitted silhouette, with side slits or a long slit in the front. A novelty is a floor lenght dress made of knitted fabric with a plissé bottom, which looks delicate and stylish).
Restrained maxi dresses in shirt style, linen solution, long-sleeved maxi dresses, prints, and extraordinary ruffles. Transparency, V-necklines, and slits make them wonderful and attractive for summer. Different models of maxi dress with open backs, dropped shoulders, and cutouts on the tummy give a special charm. What types of maxi dresses are out there?
With tassels (This decorative element is the trend of the current season. Maxi dresses with tassels look incredibly stylish and elegant. But for business looks, they won't fit, instead, they fit everyday looks perfectly).
Denim dresses (The most fashionable in the season of 2023 are models that have a high vertical neckline in front or a row of buttons. As for the cut, it can be trapezoidal or straight).
Maxi dresses with ethnic motifs and prints. These can include boho style, Turkish cucumber print, and even folkloric style. All this looks very bright and juicy, but at the same time – relatively new.
Plaid (Choose models made of dense fabric or practical tweed to feel comfortable even in cool weather. Such dresses will help make a boring winter image more feminine and interesting. The cage can be large or small, bright or black and white).
Long polka dot (Fashionable light maxi dresses always look so refined and delicate. Delicate blue, pink, yellow, dark blue, and red polka dot maxi dresses will be a great choice for spring and summer).
Maxi dress with open shoulders (Bustier style models and trendy maxi dresses with thin straps and ruffles are popular).
Knitted dress (Predominantly it will be trendy maxi dresses in a fitted silhouette, with side slits or a long slit in the front. A novelty is a floor lenght dress made of knitted fabric with a plissé bottom, which looks delicate and stylish).
How to Choose the Right Maxi Dress?
The maxi dress is an increasingly popular style, which, from catwalks and red carpets, immediately hit the streets. Maxi skirts and dresses look great on tall and slender girls, but that does not mean that for others maxi is taboo. The right cut of a maxi dress will not only not distort the figure, but even more - will emphasize the advantages of the figure and effectively disguise any shortcomings. Such an airy creation on the floor is extremely comfortable and, contrary to logic, can be even more attractive than a much more open miniskirt.
Learn to choose casual maxi dresses and skirts wisely, taking into account the individual characteristics of your own figure.
The Length
Let's start from scratch. What length of a maxi dress will be the right length? If you are tall and proportionately built, absolutely no length will not hurt your figure. You can wear both flowing evening dresses and loose summer dresses that end somewhere between mid-calf and ankles. High heels are better left at home and go for flat-soled sandals or sneakers, it is comfortable and in fashion. Maxi dresses can suit short women as well. You can not boast of high growth? In this case, it will always be a good idea to combine the style with high heels or wedges, which will optically elongate the silhouette and make it slimmer. It is desirable to choose monochrome dresses and a length that covers the shoes.
The Fit
Length is not everything, so let's move on to the next aspect. How to choose a maxi dress according to your body type?
Do you have an apple figure, big breasts, and a bulging tummy? You will surely love the fact that a full length dress can make you look slimmer! Choose models that are cropped under the chest and expand downwards. For long skirts, pick up a free-cut top or a top with ruffles. The top can be minimalism and smooth, with a V-neck.
For the type of figure, "Apple" recommended long dresses and skirts with a small pattern, with dark inserts on the sides and a small belt at the waist. Pear shape with wide hips and small shoulders? You should like maxi dresses that will cover the parts of your figure that you are least satisfied with. The best maxi for you is minimalism, solid-colored, and slightly flared throughout. The top of the dress can draw attention with pleats, puffy sleeves, or a Spanish neckline.
If you have an hourglass figure, choose maxi dresses with a deep neckline, the fabric of which can be narrowed at the waist with a tie or belt of contrasting color. In your case, details that add volume to the hip and bust line will also win – welcome ruffles, draperies, and bows!
What about Color?
When considering maxi dresses, you should forget about the rule "black is slimming", because the main thing in the dress is the cut. Therefore, you should not be afraid of bright and bright solutions. "More expensive" will look like models of white, beige, or chocolate colors. It is these basic solutions are associated with the style of old money. But do not refuse juicy shades – in the satin version, they will not "cheap" the image. Bet on trendy shades, such as Barbie pink, bright lime, delicate blue, or sunny yellow.
Another important factor when choosing a casual maxi dresses is the material. Don't forget that some fabrics can also add volume to the figure. For example, cotton is too dense and does not follow the curves of the body. Opt for flowing fabrics such as satin, silk, viscose, or trendy denim.
Learn to choose casual maxi dresses and skirts wisely, taking into account the individual characteristics of your own figure.
The Length
Let's start from scratch. What length of a maxi dress will be the right length? If you are tall and proportionately built, absolutely no length will not hurt your figure. You can wear both flowing evening dresses and loose summer dresses that end somewhere between mid-calf and ankles. High heels are better left at home and go for flat-soled sandals or sneakers, it is comfortable and in fashion. Maxi dresses can suit short women as well. You can not boast of high growth? In this case, it will always be a good idea to combine the style with high heels or wedges, which will optically elongate the silhouette and make it slimmer. It is desirable to choose monochrome dresses and a length that covers the shoes.
The Fit
Length is not everything, so let's move on to the next aspect. How to choose a maxi dress according to your body type?
Do you have an apple figure, big breasts, and a bulging tummy? You will surely love the fact that a full length dress can make you look slimmer! Choose models that are cropped under the chest and expand downwards. For long skirts, pick up a free-cut top or a top with ruffles. The top can be minimalism and smooth, with a V-neck.
For the type of figure, "Apple" recommended long dresses and skirts with a small pattern, with dark inserts on the sides and a small belt at the waist. Pear shape with wide hips and small shoulders? You should like maxi dresses that will cover the parts of your figure that you are least satisfied with. The best maxi for you is minimalism, solid-colored, and slightly flared throughout. The top of the dress can draw attention with pleats, puffy sleeves, or a Spanish neckline.
If you have an hourglass figure, choose maxi dresses with a deep neckline, the fabric of which can be narrowed at the waist with a tie or belt of contrasting color. In your case, details that add volume to the hip and bust line will also win – welcome ruffles, draperies, and bows!
What about Color?
When considering maxi dresses, you should forget about the rule "black is slimming", because the main thing in the dress is the cut. Therefore, you should not be afraid of bright and bright solutions. "More expensive" will look like models of white, beige, or chocolate colors. It is these basic solutions are associated with the style of old money. But do not refuse juicy shades – in the satin version, they will not "cheap" the image. Bet on trendy shades, such as Barbie pink, bright lime, delicate blue, or sunny yellow.
Another important factor when choosing a casual maxi dresses is the material. Don't forget that some fabrics can also add volume to the figure. For example, cotton is too dense and does not follow the curves of the body. Opt for flowing fabrics such as satin, silk, viscose, or trendy denim.
What Shoes Should I Wear with a Maxi Dress?
When choosing shoes for maxi dresses, girls who are distinguished by fairly high growth, preference should be given to low heels or flat soles. These can be:
Ballets
Women who prefer maxi dresses or skirts, most often choose shoes with a flat sole. Ballets go well with maxi dresses and long skirts and are suitable for creating a variety of looks.
Sneakers
This season, as well as several previous consecutive seasons, the style called "casual" is especially popular among modern fashionistas. This fashion trend allows you to successfully combine feminine maxi dresses with comfortable sports shoes and feel in such ensembles not only comfortable but also really elegant.
Sandals
Sandals rule the ball in this case. Your overall look depends on the right choice of sandals. If you want to create a spectacular image, choose sandals on a flat sole with a print or accessories. Such sandals are suitable for lush maxi dresses and skirts.
But for women who are relatively short quite the opposite, you need to choose a relatively high heel or wedge, which will look good with a variety of styles and models. Perhaps the most common option in this case will be such options for shoes under a full length dress:
Heeled Shoes
High-heeled shoes are perfectly combined with maxi dresses and skirts for parties and dinners, as well as the office dress code. Heels also go well with long dresses for formal events. Good options for such occasions are strappy-heeled sandals or open-toed loafers.
Shoes on wedges
If flat-soled shoes are too low for you, and you do not like walking in heels, the best option will be shoes on wedges. Shoes on wedges look spectacular with long skirts and dresses, especially in summer, keeping a casual image. In this case, matching the shoes to the maxi dress is not required. For example, you can wear a luxurious blue dress with a black wedge or combine a maxi skirt with a floral print and fancy wedge sandals. For a simpler combination, choose a black or white pair as they will go well with most of your floor length dress outfits.
Ballets
Women who prefer maxi dresses or skirts, most often choose shoes with a flat sole. Ballets go well with maxi dresses and long skirts and are suitable for creating a variety of looks.
Sneakers
This season, as well as several previous consecutive seasons, the style called "casual" is especially popular among modern fashionistas. This fashion trend allows you to successfully combine feminine maxi dresses with comfortable sports shoes and feel in such ensembles not only comfortable but also really elegant.
Sandals
Sandals rule the ball in this case. Your overall look depends on the right choice of sandals. If you want to create a spectacular image, choose sandals on a flat sole with a print or accessories. Such sandals are suitable for lush maxi dresses and skirts.
But for women who are relatively short quite the opposite, you need to choose a relatively high heel or wedge, which will look good with a variety of styles and models. Perhaps the most common option in this case will be such options for shoes under a full length dress:
Heeled Shoes
High-heeled shoes are perfectly combined with maxi dresses and skirts for parties and dinners, as well as the office dress code. Heels also go well with long dresses for formal events. Good options for such occasions are strappy-heeled sandals or open-toed loafers.
Shoes on wedges
If flat-soled shoes are too low for you, and you do not like walking in heels, the best option will be shoes on wedges. Shoes on wedges look spectacular with long skirts and dresses, especially in summer, keeping a casual image. In this case, matching the shoes to the maxi dress is not required. For example, you can wear a luxurious blue dress with a black wedge or combine a maxi skirt with a floral print and fancy wedge sandals. For a simpler combination, choose a black or white pair as they will go well with most of your floor length dress outfits.
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