Divisha Saran
Designers are busy reinventing the 1970s look in a slick and contemporary way. Wardrobe essentials for the season are plaid shirts, patched jeans and maxi dresses. The latter claiming very important place in fashion designers’ collection around the world, maxi dresses are as popular with celebrities as with fashion followers.
The list begins with Armani, Burberry, Chloé , Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Missoni and a host of other high-street names who are coming up with different styles of maxi dresses. The maxi dress is the most versatile dress in any wardrobe. It suits women of practically any age or size. An interesting alternative to gowns, which are more expensive and formal, maxi dresses are much more affordable. Whether in classic floral prints or colourful stripes, the fashion innovation is the most convenient way to make a style statement.
Oodles of prints
Designers say that as a general rule, maxi dresses look best in dark, neutral or blocked colours. In vogue are oodles of prints and the most flattering ones are floral ones. Think animal print, ombre or tie-dye as well. Ikat prints and graphic, black and white, monochromes are also in as well.
Maxi dresses are available in various styles and you can pick one that suits your body type. Maxi with a slit works for those who have toned legs. Then there are sleeveless versions for women with well-toned arms. Those who want to accentuate their curves should go for those that come with a leather belt wrapped around their waist. From delicate day dresses to racier evening versions, there is a maxi for every occasion.
Vouch for variety
Maxi dresses come in myriad styles regardless of a woman’s body type. The colour palette is usually warm and the fabric can range from silk to velvet and from chiffon to lace. These are usually embellished with crystals or leather belts.
Though most maxi dresses can be worn at formal and casual events, the pick should be made judiciously. There are versions of evening, off-shoulder, floor-length, mermaid and embroidered maxis available in the market. Ensure that you pick the right one for the right occasion. You can get one without shelling out a lot of money from the retail stores because the ones with designer labels come with eye-popping price tags. For example, you will have to pay more than Rs 4 lakh for an Etro or a Chloé maxi dress from the 2015 collections.
A high-end Lanvin or Stella McCartney can easily cost you more than Rs 2 lakh. Fashion followers, however, say that most of the dresses from top designer labels are worth their value in gold as these make you stand out in a crowd. These are so popular that you can spot A-list celebrities flaunt these on the red carpet in every season.
Make a style statement
Whether it is Bollywood celebrities or fashion enthusiasts, the secret of maxi dress’s popularity is that it has a very feminine silhouette. The dress is perfect for a hot day, its long and breezy fabric keeps you cool and its classic lines promise effortless style.
Comfort and exclusivity is what today’s women want from their clothes. A maxi dress promises both qualities. As leading designers of the world reinvent the long-flowing dress in romantic prints and soft colours, make sure you too have a trendsetting maxi in your wardrobe.
Drapes for your body type
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