jojo ♥

Tuesday, July 6

Maxi Dresses are huge, huge and huge.

And not just in the amount of cloth worn or the skin it covers. Trendsetters like Nicole Richie, Eva Longoria and Paris Hilton have all been seen to be rocking this long summer favourite.

So what a blessing it is that it’s summer all day long in balmy (yes, I imagined rather wistfully) Singapore – save for that Wednesday’s flood.

I had thought that maxi dresses were going to be a passing trend, especially with the amount of skin teenage girls like baring these days. Just trawl through the blogshops in Singapore and or go through the malls to see stores selling sheer tops, very short dresses and sky-high heels like hotcakes.

So imagine my surprise when I see maxi dresses on the racks! My surprise was rather short-lived when I realized exactly how maxi these dresses were. My mom asked, “How are you going to wear these?”

I pointed at the mermaid hem of a particular piece and told her that’s the point where I’m supposed to snip off.

But in all seriousness, I think we need some education on getting the right maxi dresses – since we’re being handed maxi dresses made for giants.

1. Length

Yes, despite my grouse on the terrifying length of maxi dresses, this is my point number one. Maxi dresses are only maxi dresses if they are long. Point in question, how long?

Well, I say that maxi dresses should fall below your ankles and your shoes should peep out with every step. Avoid dresses that show your ankles, or dresses that look like you’re being a walking broom.

Another good length is mid-calf, if you really prefer to show off your gams.

2. Shape, or Drape

This is very important if you have no desire to look like you’re wearing a curtain – especially true for some prints. It’s really heartbreaking to be told that you’re wearing a household item print; I nearly hated a friend who told me my new purchase looked like a tablecloth. (and no, it wasn’t red and it wasn’t checkered).

An ideal maxi dress should cling to your body in a nice way while being comfortable. We’re not looking at slinky pieces or potato sacks, but pretty summer pieces. So you have to try, try and try!

Piece of advice: I really was kidding when I said balmy Singapore, I meant sweltering Singapore. As such, try to shop for lighter materials that are more comfy in this humidity.

3. It’s all about the details

Maxi dresses are usually one single block colour, tie-dyed or a print. This can be monotonous, so dress up your dress with details. It could be a belt, a boho hair tie, chunky bracelets. Plaits will look very good, while a safer messy chignon and shades would look like you just threw the look together.

Keep your make up simple, grab a denim cropped jacket for the air conditioned places and always wear open toed shoes.

Finally, a casual bag and you’re really to go!

I know, pictures would be so much better. Unfortunately, I rather not steal pictures off the web which you can easily google for; and I haven't any of my own because I'm still looking for my elusive maxi dress. Go figure.

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