Maxi Dresses & Skirts - thoughts on these? - YouLookFab Forum

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Maxi Dresses & Skirts - thoughts on these?

puffenstuff

(website)

Veteran

In my lovely part of the world, maxi dresses and particularly skirts are "In" for this summer. I stopped wearing them when I came to realise with some YLF help that they swamp my short frame.

Maxi skirts are particularly big like the picture below - I really like the idea of having something different to wear as an alternative to showing my legs all the time but I am just struggling with ways of sucessfully wearing them. What's your take on this?

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Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from chewyspaghetti

Christie

My only maxi skirt is dark denim and has a flat front and a bit of a flare at the bottom, kind of like a long tulip skirt maybe? I like to wear it with a fitted knit top and blazer or cardi. I keep the top very fitted and sleek. I only wear it in the winter.

I'd keep it similar if I wore it in the summer ... with a fitted sleeveless top. Do you have one already or can you try one on to see what you think of it? The one you posted looks like it has a gathered waist, which I wouldn't wear because it would seem like too much volume on my trouble spot of a tummy.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have a green jersey MK maxi skirt that I pair with a black fitted lean tank and I feel very stylish while still feeling flowy and comfortable in the dire heat. Some strappy sandals or gladiators and a big necklace or bracelet, and I'm good to go. Will have to upload a pic tomorrow when I'm more awake

Maya

Veteran

I am not surprised you're struggling! I don't even think it's flattering on the model. She looks like she should be in a booth somewhere, reading my palm.

Would you consider a pair of breezy linen trousers as an alternative? I don't consider myself much of a linen trouser-y kind of person at all, but last summer my very stylish coworker had a pair that she wore in many fabulous ways, and there was something so easy and chic about them, especially when worn with metallic sandals.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Puffenstuff --

I happily sit on the "minority YLF opinion" bench when it comes to daytime maxi skirts/dresses. If it's not inherently an enstumpening look for black tie, then why is it for day?

There are SO many cultures in which women wear only/predominantly long skirts or dresses, and we've seen some YLF women look stunning (IMO) in their saris.

Though I will say I am not fond of overly full maxis (like the pictured skirt), which like wide-legged pants do tend to create the illusion of more horizontal and less vertical.

I think the styling suggestions above are great and what I do when I wear my bemax'd favs.

See below for a maxidress-worn-as-skirt that's been with me for 10 years. I keep trying to convince myself to part with it but I find maxis SexyBoho and I like to channel that every once in a while.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Vix, to be fair, we can't really see your outfit. Just glimpses of very pretty colour and what looks like flawless skin:)

Unless you have to wear them for religious and spiritual purposes (or they form part of a national dress), casual maxi dresses and skirts are a big nay from me.

Vix

Veteran

Ha, Angie -- that's how I roll! Slices and dices.

Just wanted to show fitted T + belt + non-full bottom...figured nothing more was needed since I wasn't asking for a vote. :0

ps Thanks for the compliment...as you know, there are are few benefits to living in usually-sunless climes!

Tara

(website)

Veteran

Hi Karen,

I occasionally like to wear long skirt and dresses. My trick is to wrap it in such a way that it creates a more interesting visual effect at the hemline.

A favourite trick of mine is to take excess fabric from one side of the skirt, fold it round the back or pull it across the front and pin it so it sits slightly higher on one side and creates a ruffled hem effect.

I also only ever wear them with heels and a fitted top (often tucked in) to create a longer line.

A lot depends on fabrication and how much fabric you have to play with. I'll try to post a pic later

Anchi

(website)

I adore maxi skirts, but they're a very tricky look for me to pull off because I'm top heavy, and can't wear fitted tops easily. But I do have a few maxi skirts. One's a very bohemian, Indian-print cotton one from Gap, which I wear with a rayon blouson top (the rayon keeps it flowy but not puffy), and one's an A-line wrap-around maxi I got while traveling, with which I wear a rayon blend tee tucked in.

Maxi skirts have to be A-line for me, for the most part, because that balances my figure better. I really love them -- saw my aunts wear them in the '70s and I always thought they were so beautiful! But they're definitely not a simple, easy style (for me)!

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

<sigh>

I hear you Karen. I have a maxi dress that I bought prior to YLF and I really liked it, but must agree that when I see myself in a photo, I do look plumper and shorter.

Still, the modesty aspect, the breeziness and comfort of these items makes it sometimes super appealing for wearing during a day around the house. I wonder if Angie would approve them as "lounging around at home on a sweltering hot day" gear?

What are your thoughts at this point?

Aida

Veteran

I have a black floral print maxi that I think looks pretty good (that I haven't had a chance to wear out yet) but I haven't taken a photo of myself in it so I can't be 100% sure. Hm, I'll have to try that....

jen321

I like maxi dresses with heels if you are short. I don't like maxi skirts, but if i was taller I might have a different opionion. All the celebrities were wearing them in the summer. I just have one halter one that is a really pretty color. http://news.instyle.com/2009/0.....axi-dress/
I think jennifer aniston looks great here! She is wearing sandals not even heels here. This is what we are talking about right? Like anything else I think it works on some and not on others!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Here's how I wear my green maxi skirt. I feel good and stylish when I wear it. I understand it doesn't make the most of one's height, but neither does a sack dress highlight one's waist. I see no difference between making that conscious choice in both scenarios. It is a personal like or dislike, I believe.

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maggiethecat

Maxi dresses are one of my two favorite unflattering items to wear (the other are wide-legged trousers). I have two, one of each I ended up realizing I can't really wear outside the house as it is white cotton voile and a bit too sheer. Where I live 40º C / 104 Fº temps and up are the norm in summer, and maxis just feel so heavenly - so they hide my lovely small waist, making me look like I'm well into the second trimester, and flatten my bust to nothingness... ah well. I do get to show off my nice shoulders and strong arms, which I like too. But yea, in general I do agree that these are really weekend wear. I also have several maxi skirts that I wear much more often, paired with fitted knit tops, which suits my bohurban leanings. It's either that or shave every day, which I won't do.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Mo I really like your maxi skirt look!!!!

I love wearing my maxi dress during summer when a roasting hot day gives way to a still warm, but breezy evening. You can walk around in a flowy dress that doesn't cling but you don't have to worry about the skirt blowing up and showing too much. Also covers hairy legs too

My maxi: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yublocka/3277467351/

Please note that since I first posted this pic, I have been cured of wearing birkenstocks 99% of the time thanks to Angie I'll keep wearing the maxi though thanks

Steph

Veteran

I think Vix's question is a really good one: if long dresses and skirts are not considered inherently unflattering in evening wear, why do we think that they are for daytime wear? I had never thought of that question before, but now that it has been posed, I can't stop pondering it. Is there some difference between daytime and evening full length skirts/dresses that makes the daytime get-ups unflattering? I can't really think of one.

puffenstuff

(website)

Veteran

Vix you have a real good point there - I guess what it sometimes comes down to is if we feel comfortable enough in something and can be one of those items where you let the "rules" go abit. I am willing to give it a try because you never know if you dont right? Anyhow I figure I can probably make something up on my sewing machine (thinking about a jersey fabric) and if it doesnt work I'll just chop the length off!

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Yes, given your comments, I think you must explore this concept more Ms Karen.

And if you don't mind, I've been thinking that after reading this I probably should post a WiW post of me in my only maxi dress for feedback. I've been wondering lately "Do I keep it long? Do I cut it off? As a maxi, does it work?" OR "Is it really that bad?" Maybe you guys can finally set me on the straight and narrow!

[I might be extra sneaky and post it on here if you don't mind, where I might not be caught out by all and sundry, 'cause I do feel a little shy and vulnerable...... ]

PS - I sure hope I make sense! It's friday night and I've had a celebratory glass of bubbly with my hubby to mark the end of the school year (giggle!) Must go.....

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Where's the pic KP???

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

I'll have to post it on Sunday I think as I'll be frantically busy at work tomorrow and am too exhausted tonight. Stay tuned...... (she says with baited breath!)

puffenstuff

(website)

Veteran

Yes please KP post away - I think we have similar shape except you're much taller than me so I think a maxi dress would be more successful on you anyway. Hope you enjoyed your glass of bubbly *hic*

I'm thinking more along the lines of just the skirt, in fact I found a good inspiration piccy to demonstrate what my thoughts are. BTW this girl is a Sydney blogger so I'm currently stalking her wardrobe

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Theresa

(website)

Veteran

hmmm I'm with Angie on this one! There are a few lovely ladies out there that look great in them, but I think they are in the minority... I know I (and most of the women where I live), do not look our best in them.

Every single maxi dress I've ever bought (and its been a few - slow learner LOL!), has been shortened or given away... Personally, I can only get them to work on my body with heels, and heels are not practical for me most of the time. I look like I'm wider than I am tall just about!

And I *think* this is where they differ from casual to formal wear - casual doesn't really lend itself to heels, whereas formal wear requires it...

And I may be in the minority here, but I actually don't find them all that cool - I've found myself hitching the skirt up to let the air circulate whenever I have worn them...

Interesting to see what you dome up with though!

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I like them on some girls (they might of been models though...) but so far i don't own one. Honestly i think it's because my legs are one of my favorite parts of myself so i just can't bring myself cover them up when it's summer time.

LeahJanes

I'm gonna hop in and defend the maxi - I've got 3 maxi skirts and many long casual dresses as well. I love them! Trick is to not buy them with all that horrid gathering like the one in the first picture, they have to fall in a column or an a-line. I am also not married to looking tall and lean (it's just another silhouette) so I don't mind giving that up for a nice maxi skirt. I hate jeans so a maxi is a great option for cool days when I don't feel like wearing tights and a shorter skirt.

Mo, your maxi skirt looks great!

Maya

Veteran

I think the casual fabrics in a maxi dress is what makes them awkward. It's just weird looking to me. A gown made of cotton? To me that is a nightgown, and that's what most maxis look like: Patterned negligees. I also don't like the amount of flowy-ness on a maxi. Evening gowns drape elegantly, while maxis look gausy and flimsy.

Also, I don't think maxi dresses are all that modest. They are usually quite revealing up top and unwearable to anyone who needs to wear a bra (which I'm going to say is 99% of all adult women--I know most of you disagree).

Maxis are also printed. I have seen very few in solid colors. Evening gowns typically are solid or just embellished, but rarely printed. Those prints combined with the sheer amount of fabric looks overwhelming to me.

Vix

Veteran

Mo, you are warming my maxi-loving heart with that outfit!

Steph and Puffenstuff, glad you are considering the "whys" along with me...can't believe we've had a week of maxi AND skant discussion on the forum!

[Also can't believe others beat me to the "and no need for DAILY LEG SHAVING" bit, ha!]

As for "oh maxis are only/maybe passable with heels":

Because of my own personal build -- high waist but looooong torso/short legs -- I will always always *always* look better/less stumpy when I pair flats with skirt of any length. [Now I rarely wear flats, but for purposes of illustration.... ;)]

Shorts and pants show exactly wear things begin and end, while skirts allow me to create some illusions.

Sure, I wear a lot of ~ knee length skirts when it's warm, but a maxi every now and again adds spice.

It also avoids my flashing back-of-leg cellulite, which happens even in ~ knee-length skirts unless I'm standing still.

And since I'm not into the summertime leggings-under-skirts thang that's been around a lot I do love a complete coverage option that lets me embrace the verrrrrrrrrrrry small side of my personality that adores a SexyBoho look! [I vote to make maxi'd Mo poster child of that look...anyone with me?]

Vix

Veteran

Maya, I totally agree you about women needing to at least consider the coverage angle when it comes to maxi dresses -- but there are a crapload of summer tops (and skirts!) that are very revealing. I see wonderful tops all the time that I have to pass on by.

Tank-style maxi dresses are out there, but one has to want to look for 'em.

Steph

Veteran

Maya, I agree with your issues about maxi dresses, but what about long skirts? Maybe of those have clean lines, are solid in color, and obviously you don't have to worry about the top being too revealing. They also come in more fabrications than just jersey or soft cotton. How are those inherently unflattering when long evening skirts and long dresses aren't?

I don't actually own any long skirts right now--the last time I did was probably when I was in college in the mid-late '90s--but the more I think about it, the more I think they really aren't inherently unflattering, even on a shortie like me. (As for heels, I do wear heels every day, so it wouldn't be impractical for me with a casual skirt.)

I have to wonder if, in three years when maxis are popular again, Angie will end up posting that, like skinnies, her eye has adjusted to the look and she's now endorsing maxis. What say you, Angie? Possible?

Maya

Veteran

I'm not a fan of long skirts either. And I'm consistent, because I think long evening skirts are dumpy too.

I just don't think the proportions work on most women, and the silhouette is tricky. Too pencil-y and it looks stiff and ungainly, like your legs are bandaged together. Too floaty or a-line and the fabric gets overwhelming. If you're average, you'll look short-waisted. If you're short-waisted, you'll look even more shortwaisted. If you're long-waisted, you'll look short-legged unless you wear high heels.

Vix, I don't dispute that, but it isn't a problem inherent in tops--just a function of what is "in." Most maxi dresses are revealing up top because once you add sleeves--even a small cap sleeve--and close up the neckline, you're absolutely COVERED in fabric. The more revealing, the more balanced the look becomes.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Yublocka, Leah, and Vix - thank you so much for sharing your love of my maxi skirt!! I still think it is more of a personal preference issue. *I* like my skirt and I don't feel out of place, ill-proportioned or unfashionable in it. Now, if you wear your long skirt looking like Elaine Bennis from Seinfeld, that's a whole 'nother ball of wax!

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