AJ, the knotted maxi does help somewhat - but I still much prefer the shorter frock. The size is quite fine, and as Shevia suggests, probably even better in motion.

Wow can't believe all of the love for #1! I much, much prefer #2 by a long shot. But then I am not a maxi lover at all so that is definitely affecting my opinion here. #2 looks swingy, and cool and fresh and fun. Not maternity at all. Like a dress u can just pull over ur head and go - always knowing that ur going to look cute and JFE! IMHO #1 is too stuffy and waaaay too much fabric for u. The long skirt with the overlay of the top seems to drown u!

I love the maxi on you, even though it is not as trendy as the swing dress. I'm on the fence about the swing dress. I feel a more open neckline might allow the dress to hang better and therefore wouldn't have the sideview issues. However in motion the dress might have quite another effect. If the dresses were moderately priced, I'd keep them both.

I like both. #1 is more elegant, #2 is more fun and casual. They seem very different to me so I would keep both!

Elizabeth P hit on what was bugging me - the neckline. I like that high neckline only when the shoulders are cut out like a muscle tee, otherwise it just looks a bit prim to my eye. I love a swing dress but would prefer the neckline of 1.

what is jfe?

i agree that you have nice legs, and for that reason, i vote for #2! maybe add a skinny neutral belt to eliminate the preggerz concerns?

The maxi dress still has the most votes! I'm wondering though if my straight IT hips are suited to a maxi? When I look at the pics, I feel that the dark color plus the drape of the fabric just emphasizes my lack of curves on my hips and bottom. Do pears and hourglass shapes wear maxis better?

@Mellllls - JFE means Just Fab Enough and usually refers to waist surrendering items.

Imho, the high neck on a supposedly breezy frock would drive me nuts in the heat.
I'm am curvy hourglass.and I worry about too body con if tight, but too much fabric if looser. Yours is perfect because it does look flowy. The diagonal cut and with your uni-leg prevention trick made it very architectural interesting.

I'm late to this, but there are things about each that are appealing. I like the length of 2 on you, but i think the neckline and diagonal cut of 1 is more flattering. I'm not crazy about that high neck on 2. The skirt on 1 seems maybe a little overwhelming -- what about shortening it to midi length?

Gosh, AJ, they're both cute and I'm no help here. FWIW, here, I love dresses in the summer for their cooling nature, so you can't go wrong. I was immediately drawn to one, because I like the asymmetry, but my one reservation would be that the maxi may be too warm in the "long run." What is Uni-leg? Help!