Maxi dress for summer

CEBU, Philippines — Most people have an idea of what a maxi dress is. They can picture it in their minds. But when asked how it is different from the classic long dress – or even a long gown – they’d stop. Gotcha!

The sound of the word “maxi” alone suggests looseness; hence, comfort. Particularly in the summer! A maxi dress is all kinds of fun to wear in the sun – although this fancy floor-grazer can work in any season and for any occasion.

A maxi dress is a floor- or ankle-length informal dress. It is formfitting at the top and loose flowing at the bottom, cut to flow over the body. It is usually made out of cotton or polyester and come in a variety of necklines, colors and patterns.

“Informal” is the thing that distinguishes from the other long dresses. But a maxi dress can be styled to suit various events – from posh black-tie affairs to chic city wedding ceremonies, a day on the beach to smart shirt-types perfectly suited to the office. It is unquestionably a most versatile dress.

A maxi dress is very easy to throw on, chic and super comfortable. It can be worn with flip flops for a casual beach look or dressed up with fun accessories and some summer wedges! It can be fashioned in any way the imagination may concoct.

Barbara McMillan, at www.telegraph.co.uk, cites common summer affairs that a maxi dress may fit in:

Black-tie event. A glitzy evening invitation calls for something spectacular, and that something is usually a maxi dress. The lady may go for a black slinky style and team with heels, re-working her evening piece for day by wearing it over a simple white t-shirt with flats.

Off-duty time. Slinging on a tough-looking leather jacket and a pair of well-trodden trainers and she’s got herself the perfect off-duty outfit. Length is key when wearing the dress with trainers, where it should sit just below the ankle. The look may be completed with a cool cross body bag and statement sunnies.

Going to the beach. It’s a most practical thing to pack when going off for a day at the beach. A floaty maxi dress can ideally hold for day-to-night dressing. White boho-inspired styles are the look of choice right now, as is anything with shoulder detailing. Tassel strap detail, cool cut-outs, off-the-shoulder shapes – anything goes. It shall be kept simple and teamed with tan flats.

At work in the office. Crisp shirt-style fabrics work well for the office. Layered over a smart trouser and teamed with a structured jacket, and a block heel shoe added to finish, the maxi dress will be just right.

On a hot summer day. A maxi dress goes along very well with the balmy summer days. Fun flouncy fabrics and pretty botanical floral prints shall be the choice and styled with a low heel suede sandal or lace-up leather flats.

Attending a wedding. Floor-grazing fluid styles make a nice look. The lady shall keep to modest cuts. It’s never a good idea to have too much on show. But she may mark the occasion with daring ruffles or a standout print.

Well, of course, it doesn’t have to take a special occasion to enjoy the comfort and have fun styling the maxi dress. Any regular day will do. Whether strolling in the park or in the shopping mall, one in a maxi dress appropriately matched with sunnies and a suitably posh hat and bag is always a looker.