After going through this trend a few times I agree with your feelings about this look. In the early 70’s I had a maxidress similar to the second one made of that thin cotton fabric from India they sold then for bed covers and such.
I could count on one hand the number of times I actually wore the dress although it hung in my closet for years. You’d think I would learn from this experience but I continued to add summer maxi sheaths, thinking as cartoon Cathy does of possible garden parties, deck cocktails, etc. that rarely actually happen. Besides being too short to wear these, all the fabric gets in the way. They are dangerous when going up steps and get caught in car doors. You need a free hand to hold up the hem in too many situations. Not worth broken bones or twisted ankles.

I don’t get this. Maybe for a patio party, but I don’t see myself running around town in a maxi dress — too much fabric, would be too hot in the summer plus I’d feel silly even if I wore a casual version. I bought one 8 years ago at a shop in Toronto when I was enchanted by the sales girl who wore an ankle length version with Doc Martens boots. Very boho, but never wore it once I got back to the US. Well, maybe once or twice on a tropical vacation, but not back home!

I just don’t see this as practical or flattering for me. I rarely see them IRL around here, and when I do, I just can’t appreciate the look.

I agree with what is being said. Although I admire the ease of dressing — throw it on, flats and some jewelry and out the door — I also feel that the look does not flatter most. Maybe a very tall girl but I am only 5′4″ — it would look like I am wearing my nightgown.

No no no no no. I may as well go to the grocery store with rollers in my hair and lipstick on my teeth.

I tend to agree. There are places I can “see” the casual maxi working – in hot climates at a pool party, at a resort in Mexico, etc. but since that is not my real life it wouldn’t work.
In real life, the casual maxi does scream loungewear/nightgown. Which has a place but not the grocery store.
Maybe there are some really cool, boho chic girls that could pull it off though….
but again, that’s not me lol.
Once again Angie – you are so right!

I’m 6 feet tall, so I think, providing I could find one that actually went all the way to my ankles, I could pull this look off. However, I think it might work in one, and only one, circumstance – poolside. Sometimes, when you’ve been uncovered all day at a poolside party, its nice to cover up completely for the late afternoon, or evening as it gets cooler. I can see myself pulling on a casual maxi dress and adding a cardigan as the evening cools off. That’s the only time I think this look works.

I had one in the ’70’s that I wore once or twice. Not only was it a maxi dress, it had a great big flower design on the fabric design to boot. I felt like I was wearing the curtains.
However I do think they are beautiful, just not easily wearable.

Angie, in looking at the pictures again, I noticed that the daytime maxi dresses are short enough to show the shoes. The dressy hems hit the floor. Is this a proper length for a long dressy frock?

This is such a SoCal look. I think my eye got used to seeing it in time. The eye sees what the mind knows.

I agree that maxi dresses are a harder trend to wear, but I like the look on some except for the ones with too much cleavage. I own a few maxi dresses as I like to ease of pulling a dress with sandals sometimes. Here’s how I wear them:
- Summery ones: On vacation and while in San Diego over the weekend for seaside brunches.
- I put on a maxi dress between swimming and shower in the morning when I get up early to swim on a work day. I have a special quick dry one dedicated to the poolside.
- With a denim jacket or cardigan over it
- With boots and a belt to give it more structure
- As a skirt by hiding the top part in a structured top

What do you think of long skirts? They are also boho and the issues with length are the same.

I love the casual maxi dress – my feeling is this: sometimes you want to be extravagantly feminine but don’t have a particular occasion to get especially dressed up. A long, fluttery summer-weight skirt is the perfect way to let off that impulse on a day-to-day basis.

Dressy or casual, I hate this look. I remember my mom having ones out of beautiful fabrics when I was growing up and some of my friends have some pretty ones now. However, all of the dresses would be prettier (IMHO) at knee or mid-calf length. I just don’t think this much fabric is flattering to anyone.

I associate the maxi dress with someone who is uncomfortable with their appearance and is trying to cover it all up [and thus, making themselves look even bigger in the process]. As Angie has said in past posts, the maxi dress seems like it’s just another flavor of a mumu.

It seems like for me, if skirts get past a certain point on my leg, I start looking dumpy so I usually try to avoid longer flowy dresses skirts.

I’m with you on this one, Angie. I love the two dresses on the right, and just don’t “get” the casual ones on the left.

Redhead, you crack me up.

So ladies, help me out. Why would you want to wear a LONG ankle length dress or skirt in a hot, tropical climate (unless religious traditions play a role or national dress is the norm). Doesn’t it make logical sense to wear a more flattering, breezy knee-length frock? Even easier to put on and go!

Legacy of Pearl, my perspective on casual ankle length skirts is the same as maxi dresses. Actually they seem even more unflattering because you’re breaking up that long lean line.

San, the dressy versions look fabulous when they skim the surface of the ground – same “perfect pant lengths” analogy.

Why would you want to wear a LONG ankle length dress or skirt in a hot, tropical climate.

I’m in Arizona and I see the maxi dress everywhere (and also did on a recent vacation in Arizona). I acutally thinks it works a lot better than you’d think. You have two things going on: (a) you’re wearing a a cool, breezy fabric and that it’s a skirt instead of pants allows air to circulate around your legs, and (b) you’re limiting your sun exposure. Actually, a maxi dress may not be as good in actually tropical climates, where you’re getting really sweaty, but in hot, dry climates where you want to pick up on every breeze that comes by, it’s perfect.

Actually, I suspect religious dress codes are not the only, or even the main, reason it’s common to see men in long robes in hot desert cultures.

Uh, that should read recent vacation in Vegas, sorry.

I continue to be drawn to certain casual maxi dresses over the past couple years but have refrained from buying any. I’m not tall and I have a curvy figure and I imagine they would not be the best look for me. I just realized, however, why I’ve been drawn to these dresses: the prints. For some reason, they are making these maxis with fun prints that they aren’t using for shorter dresses.

What are your thoughts on shortening a maxi if you love the print? Do you think the line might be funky?

I’m about 5-feet tall. If I wore a maxi dress, no one would even see me. They’d just see ‘dress.’

I was in Las Vegas last weekend (to dry out after a week of incessant rain in Seattle!) and saw women in maxi dresses everywhere. With maybe two exceptions, they looked sloppy and frumpy. I’m trying to decide which trend is worse: maxi dresses, or the Crocs that everyone was sporting last time I was in Vegas (Fall ‘07).

The worst examples of maxi dresses I saw were those made from knit fabric. They looked like droopy nightgowns. At least half of the maxis were on women who had some extra pounds. It made me wonder if they were trying to use the dresses to conceal their size and thus appear thinner. In reality, all that fabric made them look bigger–not figure-flattering at all! The two maxis that looked good were of light, breezy, woven fabric, and on thin women (interestingly, one was tall, one was quite petite).

My mum used to call those “Mumu’s.” Won’t make anyone look once ounce thinner.

Oops! Typo….one ounce thinner.

I am with pc — also about 6 feet tall and think they’re a great summer option. Also, as Katie M says, it’s a nice way to limit sun exposure and let some air circulate. I realize I’m in the minority, but I’m thrilled with the trend.

I live in Houston – hot and tropical – and actually wore a maxi dress yesterday. As Katie said, they give you an option to feel “girly” without having to be completely dressed up. Also, you can bend over freely in them without the slightest possibility of mooning anyone.

I only buy maxi dresses without the foo-foo ruffles and extra bulk. The bottom half of mine drapes much like the black one in your pictures. In fact, both casual dresses are very poofy on bottom, whereas the formal dresses are lean. Maybe that is the unattractive part of them? I am only 5′5″, and I look like a lean Greek goddess in my dress. My friend, who is 4′11″, wore one last week (it was hemmed to the right length) and looked wonderful. It’s just a matter of finding a lean dress, not a poofy one.

As far as heat goes, the less your skin is exposed to sun, the cooler you feel. That’s why construction workers wear long sleeve shirts, or gardeners tie shirts around their heads. You keep the heat off with a lightweight cotton layer, and any sweat it absorbs helps cool you down (quick drying fabrics are important).

I have a beautiful long dress with wide straps that cross in back. It’s a silky jersey in a beautiful Asian print with a black background and some bright orange-red and gold and soft turquoise in the pattern. I’m 5′6”, thin, with a balanced figure. I love wearing this dress for something dressy in the summer, with a tuxedo jacket, big hoop earrings, and pretty sandals with heels. I have also worn it with a jeans jacket and cowboy boots. Because it’s made of a very silky fabric, it skims the body and looks very slim and elgant in an exotic way without at all seeming like I’m wearing a “Mumu”.

I agree with LegacyofPearl on this being a very SoCal look. It is a great way to stay cool in the summer here because it keep so much of you in the shade. The look is very appropriate for outdoor weddings. They are also nice because when it gets cooler in the evenings all you need is a jacket or sweater and you don’t have bare cold knees. Though SoCal is very casual and a lot of people walk around in clothes that could pass for sleepwear all of the time. Though the two dresses on the left are not attractive dresses in my opinion.

Maxi dress = no way. Under no situations. I don’t like showing that much skin on top. And I’m 5′3″ and it’s not very flattering when you’re as short as I am.

I’m tempted to try the little number on the far right and hem it up to knee length.
O:)

I have a few maxi dresses. I am petite and curvy. I agree with Katie M. and think it’s wonderful. I feel comfy with my body. I can understand why people wouldn’t like the maxi dress. But do these same people wear long skirts with sandals? Same idea. It’s feminine, comfortable and great with accessories.

The look is very popular here in Houston also. I am a mere 5′2″ and I guess I will be among the minority here because I really like the look. Like the SoCal ladies said, the dresses do keep you very cool in this extremely hot and humid temperatures, which are already at just about 90 degrees now. I suppose it is the material.

Oh i would die again if i couldn’t wear my bride o Dracula maxi dressES. i particularly love the empire waist line the flowing, soft feeling of silks and fine mesh gently moving around my body in the summer breeze….mmm

The long length of the dress makes me feel and look eccentric, exotic and larger than life…of course i am so grateful that my chosen career allows me to be fully self expressed. i am a published artist and when i attend book signings and conventions i feel like a Gothic heroine or a lead character in one of my books wearing a floor length dramatic Maxi along with a sheer angel wing shrug and delicate shoes.

i live in Switzerland and i certainly draw HUGE attention to myself as MOST women/girls here dress EXACTLY the same…summer wardrobe? long tight cami tunic, shrug, leggings, ballet flats and a hip slung belt. it’s like that Twilight Zone episode where people had to give up their original bodies for either body model 1 or 2. BUT, i am usually asked where i got my outfits or how could one go about purchasing a particular piece…thank the Tech Gods for internet shopping.

i am 5′4″ and i love myself and am comfortable with my body. i admit, i have never followed trends, fashion or any other…i’m an eccentric, creative, outgoing artist who loves to look like a Gothic Princess when she’s not playing the Prince…YES, i do sport mens frock coats and jabots in the winter…. fashion, to me, is awesome fun….truly a great way to express oneself in a MOST creative way.

I recently saw a petite woman wearing a maxi dress and she looked fabulous. The dress wasn’t “flowy” though it looked more form fitting than most photos I see of maxi dresses. She had a leather jacket over it and heels and the look came across as very glamorous.

BUT when I see photos of woman in maxi dresses, I NEVER like it!

I’m going to play devil’s advocate. I like some maxi dresses – and – I own one!! (I am 5′4″ curvy and petite). I’ve actually gotten a lot of compliments on it too. I think that they can look very shabby but some of the styles are pretty. Looking at Victoria’s Secret maxi dresses, I found a few that I think would be pretty, including the one that I own. Here is a link to the one that I have: http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....#038;atb=C. I think it’s sexy and comfortable!

I also think that this one is pretty, although I would change the top of it. The skirt is very feminine, which I like: http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....#038;atb=C

A final one is this one, which could be made fancy with the right shoes and jewelry: http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....#038;atb=C

In summary, I think that the look can work depending on the style of the dress and they are very comfy!

Angie, I have to disagree with you here. I am 5′2″ and I rock the one maxi dress I own. That is, I rock it once a year on summer holiday- most recently last August in Cinque Terre, Italy.

Like KatieM said, it’s great for hot weather because it traps any little breezes and protects you from the sun. Also, mine has a slight empire waist and actually makes me look taller- I think the length you hem these dresses to is crucial. They must just skim the ground- the two you’ve shown on the left are too short, imo.

Mine is from Topshop, a green/blue/white paisley print on a brown background, perfect colours for me. I wear it to/from the beach as a bikini coverup, and I always feel fab in it. Lots of compliments, too!

(Hmm, I think maybe myself and all the other pro-maxi ladies should rustle up some photos and start a thread in the forum-try to change your mind!)

(hmm, I see that another Linda has already been here!)

I can see this for informal but festive summer parties. Not on me, probably (and those posted do look remarkably like nightgowns), but on someone. One younger woman in my office has been wearing them occasionally. And she looks nice, but we do not work on the set of Swingtown, so the effect is a little odd.

Agreed wholeheartedly with your assessment here.

I HATE maxi dresses that are casual, unless they’re done right.. and they so often are not.

I have never met a maxi dress I’ve liked so far. Knee-length is where it’s at

Clearly I’m in the minority on this one. I know I posted my Maxi dress (+ birkie pic) before, but here it is again.

I’ve always liked the long casual skirt + top look, and I def. sported docs with this look back in the day.

I agree some maxis are so very wrong, but what I love about this one is its made of light breathable cotton and has a fun print. The extra fabric doesn’t make it feel hotter to wear at all, in fact it helps create a breeze.

Its great to wear out to dinner on a still hot summers night (not that I’ll be having many of them anytime soon now that it’s heading into winter here). And on a practical level, it hides those hairy legs when they are not quite ready for waxing but you don’t want to be flashing them everywhere.

While it may not be the most flattering look, its a different look. I only have a few knee-length summer skirts, so its nice to mix the look up with a different shape that is still cool and comfy to wear. I’m not going to go and buy a whole wardrobe full of maxis though, don’t worry!!!

I can understand the appeal, but this look is not for me; I don’t even like long evening gowns on me. Too much fabric.

The look is starting to crop up here in Boston. I have seen a few women who look adorable in it, and a few who do not.

I have a friend who only ever wears maxi’s in the summer, and has for over two decades. She’s only 5′4.” I don’t know why this is her preferred look (never asked her) but I’m going to guess it’s about comfort, modesty, wanting to protect her skin from the sun, and a certain Boho nature. She looks great in them and it’s very much her.

Hi Angie,

I’ve spent most of my life in southern California, either in Orange County or LA county and the maxi dress does work for the beach. However, I agree with you that maxi dresses look out of place everywhere else! Regarding your question of why you’d wear this shape when it’s hot, it’s because long floral maxi dresses worn on the beach are of very very thin cotton material, to the point where it’s really see-through and that’s where print is useful, but you can see the body shape quite clearly under the fabric. So on the beach where it’s hot you can choose to wear a more skimpy cover or you can wear a print maxi dress, which gives more coverage for your legs if you’re pear shaped or allows you to go into nicer pubs and restaurants without your whole body hanging out. The shoes of choice are flip flops or flat sandals so you can go back onto the sand easily.

It’s just a beach thing. If you drive half an hour inland maxi dresses look strange in a supermarket or the mall no matter how in shape you are! At the same time, beach is all around in southern California so it’s not a MINOR culture

I am neutral on the idea of maxis as casual wear, although as someone mentioned earlier, the real negative might be those that are all flounce. I like the way my body looks better in a shorter skirt but it’s not horrid in a longer one with clean lines. I guess I wonder if this dress or this one would even be considered a maxi.

Oops, that should be Simply.Femme.

I’m in San Francisco. I see maxi dresses here and there but not often, because we’re not usually warm enough for them. Despite all the fabric on the bottom, there seems to be very little on the top, typically. The women I’ve seen wearing them are usually almost falling out of the top.

I grew up going to southern CA beaches and can more see the look there, as a strictly hippie beach look, worn with dreadlocks and flip flops and perhaps a hoodie. A very young, grungy look.

the 2 on the left look like nightgowns. In fact, most of the maxi dresses I see in stores make me think of nightgowns.
The 2 on the right would make very nice bridesmaids dresses for a more casual wedding.
Also, I don’t see how a long dress is going to make me feel cool and comfy in the hot summer days.

Hi Ladies,
I agree for the most part about the casual maxi dresses and regarding them being tough to wear at times. But I do own one maxi dress, bought years ago at an Off 5th Saks outlet. My mom picked it out for me and initially I had no plans on trying it on(so much fabric!). But bless her departed soul, the dress was a dream–all one color, light blue linen, cut straight across the top with spagetti straps. I am 5″5 and relatively smaller in the chest so it fits pretty well. I don’t wear it that often because I have 2 kids to run after; but when I do, I feel like a princess every time. Compliments too? Yep, but none so wonderful as my daughters saying, “ooh” when I walk down the stairs.My husband loves it too

hee hee. I love my maxi dress and will continue to wear it and stay cool this summer. At least I’m well-informed that it’s not the best look for my frame…but i’ve always been a bit of a rebel. lol

Seems like the younger women are willing to give this look a try… teen years post 1970’s. My daughter loves them.:)

I for one have been there done that. The last time I wore something this long was my daughters wedding…very formal evening wedding.

I must say I don’t feel enamoured by the casual dresses on those pictures, either. I think it’s one of those items that require a lot of browsing through and choosing and considering. I prefer the Grecian style, almost tunic-like, minimalistic. I also think they tend to look better on women whose shoulders are wider than their hips or at least of a similar width. I also think a cardigan really kills the style in this case. No layers – at least, I can’t think of any jacket, etc, that would look with a maxi dress.

I actually love them, though I’ve never found one that would merit me buying it. I’m on the lookout for the perfect causal maxi dress.

I’m 5′3″ and a hourglass with fat legs (I swear my thighs just go straight down to my ankles), so you will pry my long flowy hippie skirts and dresses from my cold dead hands. I’m willing to put my chunky legs out there in weather where I can wear tights (and always in a below-the-knee skirt), but in summer tights aren’t practical, so I go boho every summer and rock the long skirt (some days I achieve chic, some I don’t).

I think the key for me is avoiding dresses that have a high empire waist with lots of volume to the skirt, and instead find ones with some waist definition and that have a very straight cut in the skirt in a dark solid color or flattering print. The casual solid blue dress above has way too much volume south of the waist, and the “waist” wouldn’t show mine off. The black dress is closer to what I would wear, but I’m not that formal. I like this dress: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/3021735.shtml and if it weren’t for the halter, I’d be all over this dress: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/3017446.shtml

If maxi dresses are still “in” when I am done losing weight and I can find some in prints that I like, I might get one or two for the beach or pool since at 5′10″ I am tall enough not to disappear in a long skirt. It would look out of place anywhere else, however, so it would not be something I’d wear often.

I totally love the 2nd dress for a casual maxi dress! Casual but still smart, and will keep you nice and cool over summer

It looks like maxi dresses conjure up either a love or hate reaction, and mostly hate around here! I’m on the love love love side. I grew up with this look. My mother was very trendy growing up in Greece. I have many memories of her with my trendy aunts sitting at a cafe on the beach in their long flowly maxi dresses and flat sandals. When I wear my maxi dresses I feel super feminine and casual. I’m 5′4, curvy and busty and I just don’t care if people hate my look, as long as I feel fabulous. We greek women will never let go of our Greek Goddess look… it has lasted for thousands of years and will continue to last long past this “trend.”

Here in England maxi’s are all around, with each to their own on if their liked or not. i own several. i wear mine with a denim jacket (rolled up sleeves) with flat sandals and lots of bangles for a days shopping or lunch with friends.i also use them on holiday for either the beach or on a night time if im feeling like i want to cover up. some people here will wear them for a night out drinkin and to the clubs teamed with heals and lots of jewellery.

my personal opinion is i love them….

You ladies crack me up. Most of you seem to have the same opinion on this, and a very strong opinion. I’m in the minority, loving the maxi. I still insist that this dress can look great on the right person, and that that person does not have to be tall. I bought one from Express a few weeks ago and it looks as good on me as any of my knee length dresses, and I’m only 5’2”. That said, I’m a beanpole, and the dress is not flouncey in the least; it does straight down and is made of flowly modal.

As to the practicality, it’s not really that difficult to pick up your skirt with one hand while going up and down steps. High heels are much more impractical than maxis. I have to agree with KatieM: “sometimes you want to be extravagantly feminine but don’t have a particular occasion to get especially dressed up.” Also, these dresses are not for women who want to hide their bodies, because they are all very low cut (at least every one that I’ve seen). Contrary to what most of you seem to think, a long dress is just as breezy as a short one; the wind blows right up it, and you limit your sun exposure. A few others have made this point as well. If the fabrication is right, you will not be burning up in a maxi.

Like Elle said, the casual maxis pictured here are unflattering in length. Dresses and skirts, like pants, look much better when they skim the ground and are not ankle length. I am adamant about perfect dress/skirt length, like Angie is about PPL.

Another plus to the maxi is variety. I certainly wouldn’t have a ton of dresses or skirts in this length, but one or two are a refreshing change from all of my knee length skirts and dresses. I’m glad to see that a few others on here agree with me. I wouldn’t expect to change anyone’s mind on this, but I’d love to post some photos with the other maxi lovers on the forum.

Oh, and the dress I have is this one, but in blue (which is now sold out):
http://www.express.com/catalog.....goryId=316

This is very belated, but I just had to put in a good word for the maxi dress. I own six of them, and not ONE looks like a nightgown. Although, to be fair, I have seen many that I did not care for. I am tall and not overweight, so I think this look works for me. I look terrible in dresses that hit me mid-calf. And the maxi dress looks every bit as bad IF it ends two inches above the floor. I wear mine long, long, long and they move and flow and look part Grecian, part gypsy, part hippie and very, very sexy. I think it’s all about the body type and the particular dress. Just like I generally can’t work the mid-calf dress, neither will some women be able to make the maxi dress work for them. Huzzah for variety in fashion!

All four dresses are lovely, but I have to say dress #2 speaks to me the most. I love that casual ‘beach town’ sort of feel to it. Yes, some folks tease me about my “muu-muus” but I don’t care I love this particular style and it’s definitely me! I have quite a few dresses like #1 and 2 and I’ve been complemented on them whether I wear them here where I live (Oregon) or if I’m visiting family and friends in Phoenix, Arizona or in Malibu, California. It’s all about the attitude when one wears ‘em…and my attitude is soft, flow-y, feminine, Goddess-like.