Maximum style

A maxi dress never goes out of style. It reappears on our holiday wardrobes and makes cameo appearances on our weekends. Perhaps it’s the  liberation from pants that we all look forward to. Whatever may be the reason, the maxi-length is always at the fore of fashion. However, this year, style gurus share that it needs to work a little harder — with a belt or cinched waist — rather than the age old hippy comfort.

Designer Pria  Kataaria Puri shares, “From silhouettes, pleats to stripes, metallic to monochrome, maxis are the perfect basics for the season’s top trends. If you want to try your hand at one of this season’s more daring trends, consider shopping for maxi dresses with a lace insert or cutout details. My favourite is the raw hem denim maxi skirt with the uber high slit, which I like teaming with knitted tops and tie-up sandals for a Sunday brunch or a festival soiree.”

Suggesting different variations that one could shop for, designers Kinnari Kamat and Saaksha Parekh share, “The simple A-line maxi dress has got a stylish makeover with a host of variations in terms of hemlines, structure and silhouette. Our top five picks for this season include the pleated maxi dress for its perfect summer vibe, the off-the-shoulder maxi for when you want to be sexy, the drop waist maxi dress that helps in creating a boho effect, the multi-coloured and printed maxi for when you want to make a bold statement and lastly, the spaghetti strapped maxi for when you want to channel your carefree spirit. However, all in all, the length of the garment is extremely important. There is nothing worse than buying a maxi that is awkwardly short. Remember, an ideal maxi should graze the ankles or else it ain’t a maxi at all.”  

Other than the length, designer Siddartha Tytler says that the material is important too. “You don’t want something that will make you uncomfortable after you wear if for a few hours. Choose a material and style that you will be comfortable in.” About styling, he adds, “A thick or even a thin belt on the waist can look very nice with a maxi dress. A thin belt will look good with a free flowing maxi dress or a pleated one and a thick belt will look great with a strapless one. Plain halter-neck maxis can be paired with long earrings to look dressy. A long sleeve, round neck maxi can be accentuated with a big neckpiece. Printed maxis don’t really need too much of styling except for appropriate jewellery that goes with it.”

Busting the myth that maxi dresses are only reserved for tall and slim women, Simran Arya from Carousel, advises, “A maxi dress suits all body types provided we follow these guidelines: if you have a large bust, avoid wearing a strapless maxi or one with ruffles and pleats. Those with petite body type should go for maxis with A-line or empire waistline. Also, prints suit petite figures more than those who are slightly on the heavier side.”