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the maxi: dress or glorified nightgown?

Started by Michael J. Pratt · 10 months ago

We’ve all heard how popular maxi dresses are right now. Everywhere you look, people are writing about how to wear them. So, why is it that every time I try one on - I feel like I’m wearing a nightgown? It always seemed to be too much fabric for me to manage, I was ... Continue reading »

11 comments

  • Jeanette

    11 months ago

    As a little girl my favorite pastime was-dressing up! I swear I wore dresses like the maxi and pretended I was Laura from Little House.You are right it does look cute on very slender bodies,aka youthful,.otherwise on a more womanly figure it looks like we are trying to play dress up.I am only 28 and I laugh at this trend,my husband thinks it is the ugly,and my 7 year old would love to own 3!
    reply
  • Nancy

    11 months ago

    I love the length of maxi's--I'm fairly tall so it's a good look for me and I still have a soft spot for a retro-hippie thing--BUT, I'm not always a fan of the flouncy tiered Laura Ingalls look that Jeanette referred to; it doesn't look good when it looks more Laura Ashley than Soho-chic--and I agree, it plays better on more slender silhouettes...

    Nancys last blog post..Your whole skincare regimen in ONE little packet
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  • Jean V. Pratt

    11 months ago

    When the maxi first came to my attention, I really wanted to like it. I was so disappointed when I tried one on, and another, and another! Oh well!
    reply
  • Barchbo

    11 months ago

    I love the idea, but it's not a great fit for my body type though I am tall. My sister looks darling in them and there were a few at my recent wedding, too.

    Like Nancy, the flounce turns me off. The ones I like best are the halters styles that have a little shape and drape the figure. I have ONE black jersey halter-style maxi that I love for summer, but it's hardly a go-to.

    Soo...cute for some, nightgown for others?!
    reply
  • angie

    11 months ago

    I can't see the maxi dress working on anyone. Here's why:

    http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/06/11/maxi-dress...

    The Sex and the City slew looked equally awful in them.

    http://www.youlookfab.com/2008/07/15/the-style-...

    angies last blog post..Online sales this week
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  • franki durbin

    11 months ago

    thumbs down....
    reply
  • Elisa

    11 months ago

    I'm with you on this one. And I'll tell you more: not only it's NOT for all body types, I think it's for VERY FEW body types, in fact just one: the tall and lean of the world. If the dress is super-fab and well accesorized it can be ok for some pregnant women, too (Gwen Stefani would be a good example) but I think it's pretty universally unflattering.

    I definitely can't wear one. With a large chest and wide hips, the dress falls more like a circus tent and makes me look even larger. Yikes.
    reply
  • Jean V. Pratt

    11 months ago

    Hey Angie, Great posts. I liked the impact of the SATC girls walking in wearing maxi dresses... but I still think they are impossible.
    reply
  • Jean V. Pratt

    11 months ago

    I'm glad we're all on the same page! The lesson is, only grab on to the trends that work well on you.
    reply
  • grechen

    11 months ago

    i love maxi dresses - i'm 35 a size 12, about 5'4" with hips :-) i hem the dresses to come right to my ankle, choose a flattering style, and wear them to death. but that's me...i love them on my body, i feel comfortable in them, and will continue to wear them. i don't believe in "rules" when it comes to fashion or trends, i believe in trying everything first, then deciding if it works for you or not. for me, maxi dresses work...
    reply
  • Jean V. Pratt

    11 months ago

    Gretchen - I knew there was at least one person that could make the dress work. Glad to hear it's you!
    reply

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