StyleSpy with Katrina Szish

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April 30, 2008

The Maxi Has Moxie: My Favorite Trend Tweaked

Maxi dresses aren't a new phenomenon.  Not only do they hold a solid place in fashion history, but Nicole Richie made vintage and boho styles her uniform well over a year ago, pairing them with face-obscuring shades.  Angelina Jolie followed, selecting Rachel Pally sundresses as her latest pregnancy wardrobe essential. 

The viability of floor-sweeping hemlines is still strong, yet while this summer's maxi maintains bohemian flair, it's lost its Kumbaya vibe in favor of sleek elegance (something to keep in mind when choosing your accessories; opt for rich gold jewelry and a blazer rather than a sloppy hobo bag and a head scarf).  Think rooftop party in Marrakesh rather than muddy feet at Woodstock.

Katie Holmes maximizes the maxi

Katie Holmes wears it right
Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage

Before heading to Miami last week I hit Henri Bendel's on Fifth Avenue in search of wardrobe options.  It wasn't until I stripped in the fitting room that I realized every piece I had pulled off the rack was a long day dress.  I tried on a strapless, ombre column; a bright silk skimmer from Alice & Olivia; and a Hawaiian-inspired floral number by Tracy Feith.  I ended up buying not one but two Diane von Furstenbergs, each with a totally different attitude:

Diane von Furstenberg: vintage print silk jersey halterDiane von Furstenberg: silk-nylon wrap

Shop now at DVF.com


A slinky retro halter and a breezy multicolored wrap, which I didn't top off with a hat (sidenote: Molly Sims has been snapped wearing a similar dress).

 

Katrina Szish beats the Miami heat in a mimosa-yellow Diane von Furstenberg

 

The best part about these dresses is that with a speedy accessories switch they can go from brunch to a beach wedding -- both of which I have coming up on my calendar.

Cheers to the maxi dress!

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Who makes this dress? I can't find it anywhere! I hear it's Bebe but can't find it on their website.

Posted by: Diana | July 03, 2008

Katrina,

I appreciate your comments on style observer, thanks. I love the Maxi when I see it on other people, but not so much on myself. However, I love the yellow one you have on. It seems to be slim through the body and gracefully falls to the floor - Good Choice! I'm guessing it's a DVF - I'm definitely going to try that one on. Looks like you had fun, and you rocked the look -Cheers!

Posted by: Jean Voute Pratt | May 19, 2008

I bought a maxi dress last fall and I can't wait to wear it! I wasn't sure what type of shoes would look best - but I am going to try the gladiator sandals. Thanks for the advice

Posted by: nicole | May 06, 2008

Great summer look. I got my new summer wardrobe pimped with some
great accessories from Beryll. Definitely a must have for this summer.

Posted by: sean | May 02, 2008

I would LOVE to see a picture, Sadie Lady!

Several answers to your question:
1. no stilettos, closed-toe shoes or high heels UNLESS it's a summery WEDGE, ideally crafted from natural fibers (cork, rope detail, etc.). I would opt for higher heels only if the dress is REALLY maxi and would drag rather than drape without the height boost.

2. for flats: metallic gladiator sandals would be on-trend, but any simple, lighweight, barely there sandal would look elegant.

Bottom line: the shoes should disappear
-- stay away from anything heavy, clunky or dark. Go for the illusion of bare feet.

Posted by: KATRINA/STYLE SPY | May 02, 2008

The MAXI Dress or, quoting Style Spy's words for this style....."Floor-Grazing Dress".....was my statement of fashion in the early 1970's. They are not gowns but attire to make every woman feel so feminine and fabulous.

Style Spy, I need your expertise. What is the preferred shoe style for 2008's MAXI?

Thanx!
Sadie Lady

Posted by: Sadie Lady | May 01, 2008

Dresses like this are so comfortable in the hot weather. I wore a couple of dresses similar to the bottom two while I was in the Domincan this last winter and they looked awesome but yet you felt like you were wearing nothing.

I'm not wild about the one Katie Holmes is wearing. Is it me or does she just take a trend and try too hard?

Anyway, love this trend--much better than mini dresses :)

Posted by: CindyM | May 01, 2008

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