goldenpig

44 Comments

• Tanya replied 11 years ago

  I think that the general view here is that casual maxi skirts/dresses are best avoided. I believe that was the view even before midi was trendy and has nothing to do with trends, more practicality. However, maxis for evening/formal wear are more than encouraged.

  Having said all that, there are ladies who pull of the look and look wonderful in it, so no firm rules :)

• replied 11 years ago

  I have to agree with Tanya. My motto is no maxis .... ever. They do not appear flattering when I see them on the street and I can't imagine seeing one in a professional setting.

• Diana replied 11 years ago

  I love my casual maxi skirts, although they are harder to style than shorter skirts (I find midis hard to style too though). I prefer them to be streamlined and drapey and almost touching the floor.

  In principle, I love casual maxi dresses too but I find most of them to be unbearably skimpy on top for whatever reason so I don't own any. It's really hard to find one that has sleeves! To my mind, it defeats the purpose of the breezy, swishy feeling of a maxi if I have to layer something under it to remain decent. I would buy one if it had a top part like the third dress you showed though.

  PS-I find maxis are hard to photograph. They are much better in motion and in person.

• replied 11 years ago

  I think mine was voted off the island due to fit: Too much volume, not fitted enough, perhaps too long. I think it is a function of me not looking good in anything loose, no matter how hard I try to come off my bombshell persona.

• Sara L. replied 11 years ago

  I think you look cute and summery in #1 and I especially like the striped maxi in #2.

  I have a maxi dress that I love and wear all the time. I usually get complements on it from the forum when I post pictures. I think maxis are one area where you really have to just decide on your own whether to wear them or not and not pay too much attention to other opinions. I choose to wear mine because I love the pattern and length, but I know it's not a style everyone likes.

• rae replied 11 years ago

  I don't think they're banned on principle, Natalie. I just think they're really. tough. to pull off. The silhouette has a bunch of very strong connections: nightgowns, formalwear, bohemia...

  That said, I believe Janet just recently posted a maxi skirt outfit that got great reviews here. http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ry-weather

• modgrl replied 11 years ago

  Celia also posted a lovely maxi a while ago, but it seems that she removed it. The thing that worked with hers was that it was a streamlined cut, fit perfectly and had an interesting pattern. It also went all the way down to the floor. To my eye, the only way they really work is if they go all the way down to the floor. Well that's not too practical as it is grazing the ground, falling in dirt and dragging along the subway floor the whole time you're wearing it.

• goldenpig replied 11 years ago

  Tanya, you confirmed what I suspected--evening maxis are OK but not daytime ones. Yet the daytime casual ones are the only ones I see around town and in all the stores for summer.

  Mary--I agree, I wouldn't wear a maxi dress to work, but I might consider a maxi skirt if I found the right one. It would be tough though!

  Diana, I've seen you in maxis and you definitely rock the maxi style!

  Zap, you and me both! I think that is why I haven't worn that maxi dress yet. Not fitted around the waist so it makes me look bigger than I am.

  Sara--would love to see you in your maxi dress. Do you have a link to your WIW?

  Rae--thanks for the link. That is an awesome maxi on Janet! It looks like the Bailey 44 dress. I would definitely wear that skirt.

  Rita--yes, floor skimming is definitely not practical for chasing toddlers when MOTG, which is where I'd mostly be wearing it.

• Angie replied 11 years ago

  Natalie, I have written many posts on this subject:

  http://youlookfab.com/2011/01/.....ay-or-nay/

  http://youlookfab.com/2011/01/.....ay-or-nay/

  http://youlookfab.com/2009/05/.....be-dressy/

  http://youlookfab.com/2008/12/.....ring-2009/

  http://youlookfab.com/2008/06/.....r-daytime/

  I LOVE long skirts and dresses - but they *must* be dressy or uber formal. The casual vibe does not work to my eye no matter how you slice and dice it (you can read all the posts if you like). This is one of less than a handful of items that will never make it through my style filter. As soon as the dresses and skirts show a bit of leg in a casual setting, the picture improves by a billion percent. I cannot see it otherwise, and I have tried.

  Of course, this is a subjective opinion and you are free to formulate an opposite opinion. There are many lasses who like to wear casual maxi dresses and skirts here, and if you want to as well - be my guest! I also have a few clients who love their maxi skirts and dresses. We agree to disagree and we can all live in peace.

• catgirl replied 11 years ago

  Maxi dresses to me are reminiscent of housecoats in India (which I love, but for lounging around the house). Not to mention they are the least flattering thing on earth for me. I occasionally see pictures I like in magazines, but hardly ever one that I like IRL.

  Maxi skirts seem to be a little more acceptable though equally hard to wear IMHO. I tried really hard at one point and never got it right.

  Just not a fan.

• Angie replied 11 years ago

  Futhermore Natalie, there are quite a few things that I love (and I wear all the time), that don't get much YLF love, or blogosphere love at all:

  - stiff button down shirts
  - suits
  - ballet flats and flats in general
  - closed Summer shoes
  - tapered Bermuda shorts
  - fitted turtlenecks
  - very short hair (debatable)

  And it's okay! :)

  There is no one way to be stylish. Style is an expression of individuality and so very subjective. I offer my 2 cents to those who seek it and always reiterate that the recipient take my feedback for what it is worth to them. Sometimes it's worth something, and sometimes it means nothing. That's okay too! :)

• christieanne replied 11 years ago

  Who doesn't love ballet flats? That's a shock to me.

  Back to the maxi's - I think it's a hard silhouette to wear but it CAN work. I remember Celia's and also Diana's and they were great. Also, I think Kiwichick with her's this week (it is adjustable, so she can fold over the waist band sand make it shorter) looked fantastic.
  I liked how it was sleek, body hugging but not tight and not overwhelming. Also she wore with flat sandals and a shorter top which worked for me.

  I think of loungewear or beach wear when I see a maxi. Occasionally a floral print can veer into nightgown territory. They can be great for really warm weather probably. Yours in the first picture looks very summery and great for a bbq or cruise or entertaining at home. I guess I am kind of old school because to me the maxi is not "go to town" wear.

  The alternative is a very dressed up maxi or long skirt - sort of a dressed down ball gown look. I love that for evening wear but not many occasions to sport it.

  But if it's a look you love, try it!

• Kiwichik replied 11 years ago

  Ok I'm a boho lover & I totally love both maxi skirts and maxi dresses but only for casual wear. I really like all the dresses you have posted and if you are worried about the spaghetti straps why not wear with a short sleeved cropped cardi? I really like the early 70s and maxis always make me think of that time period and make me smile.

  If it makes you feel good do it!

• ManidipaM replied 11 years ago

  Natalie, of all my mad skirts on parade through the early part of my wardrobe overhaul, while the midi-length pencil skirt won hands down, in second place was one of two maxis. Take the generalizations with a pinch of salt, therefore, sez I! :-p

  I'm LOL at Una's remark, meanwhile. Not only is the 'maxi' synonymous with housecoats here, it's also become uniform for housemaids and household help, de facto --- usually with a long scarf draped over the bust for modesty. Now *there's* a hard style to rescue, when starting with a garment sans waistline plus gathered ruffled yokes!

• Beth Ann replied 11 years ago

  Natalie: I think it might also make a difference where you live -- in Chicago, there are fewer casual maxis, and they are generally reserved for young lasses meandering through the stalls at outdoor festivals. They don't come off as well in the 'burbs. If I remember correctly, you live in the Bay Area. I'm guessing there is a lot more love for maxi's there. You maxi is vibrant and beachy, if it gives you joy, absolutely wear it and enjoy! Of the pictures you posted, I love the hi-low dress and would wear that here. I also might consider Janet's maxi skirt, since it has a more tailored top. I've been looking for a very long midi skirt -- lower calf, to try for summer.

  You have a wonderful sense of style, Natalie!

• Chrizzle replied 11 years ago

  I was disheartened by the maxi-hatred on YLF at first, but then I decided that maxis work for me and I don't care what others say. I've got eczema all over my legs and I'm just not going to wear pants all the time in warm weather! I'm tall, I'm from the Caribbean, and I wear my hair in dreadlocks, so I believe that I can pull off a sort of "haute-Afrocentric" look when I accessorize a maxi dress or skirt with great sandals, a waist-defining belt (or not), and bold jewelry. I prefer an ankle-grazing to floor-grazing length because its more practical for running around town, and because my ankles are the only parts of my legs that still look good.

  I doubt I'll ever post my favorite maxi outfits here, as they're hard to photograph flatteringly, and I already know the politely disparaging response they'd get. I dress more conservatively for work, but I feel gorgeous and like *me* when I wear an outfit like the one I just described.

• replied 11 years ago

  I love maxi dresses, they are very feminine! I have a black one. I had to alter it on top by shortening the shoulder straps so it is modest (it's straight across, not a v-neck).
  It isn't formal or dressy, but cute and casual. I'm a Pastor's wife and I've worn it to Wed evening services with a 3/4 sleeve cardi. I would not wear it for Sunday services. I don't work outside of the home, I homeschool and raise 5 children, so this style of dress suits my lifestyle perfectly.

• replied 11 years ago

  P.S. I should mention I live on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, but I would also have worn this maxi dress when we lived in touristy Northern Michigan. And while I LOVE NYC, I would not wear it there!

  I just read the other responses, and wanted to add that it is possible to look great and wear long skirts! I do it every single day of my life. I don't wear pants (ever) and ALL of my skirts are below the knee, MOST are near ankle length. I go to a lot of functions with other churches where the ladies are dressed in long skirts and dresses and they are very stylish! Yes, some are a frumpy mess, but that can be said of women across the board! I think it's not the length of skirt/dress that matters....it's the WHOLE look and the woman wearing it. ;)

• celia replied 11 years ago

  Oh my, I just realized you were talking about me :D
  This is the only maxi dress I own. As you can see from the picture I have no issues taking it to the playground but I do make my clothes and shoes work hard.
  My feelings on the subject are the following:
  Yes, I do like occasionally to wear my maxi dress but am aware that this is one of my rebellious items and I clearly want to send a message here. I wouldn't wear it as a work appropriate outfit.
  My theory is that there are items that are not to be stylish or even to have a consensus of appreciation.They are simply items that make you happy, make you dream and have a specific place on your wardrobe and in your everyday wear.

  (recently I bought another item that most probably falls in the same category and won't get a lot of love here)

  1
• znip replied 11 years ago

  I'm considering a maxi dress this summer. It just seems SO practical for a mom during a New Orleans summer. The trick, I'm thinking (for my style anyways), is to find one that's simple and streamlined. Something like this:

  1
• Jjsloane replied 11 years ago

  I am open to the right maxi as well, but for casual wear (vacation, lounging around home, BBQs) I wore them for my pregnancy with DD (born in Sep) and loved them. What I haven't found in a maxi is the same problem I have with most sundresses - lack of appropriate top cover to allow me to wear a bra. I think they look adorable on those LA beach girls types and even saw a cute one on Halle Berry recently, but again it's where you live that makes it more acceptable as everyday wear.

• replied 11 years ago

  Celia had me at:
  "My theory is that there are items that are not to be stylish or even to have a consensus of appreciation.They are simply items that make you happy, make you dream and have a specific place on your wardrobe and in your everyday wear"
  I think I'm going back for my dress, one size down. I really like it, can't stop thinking about it. Not for the wedding though. It is going on my beach vacation capsule.

  And ETA: I do appreciate the honesty and feedback, I know is not my best look ever but I figure that at $39.99 I can have the felon around.

• Chrizzle replied 11 years ago

  I totally subscribe to Celia's theory! Zapotee, I think you should get the dress for vacation if that's how it makes you feel.

  JjSloane, I sometimes wear a snug-fitting tee under maxi dresses that don't allow for a bra, or that are more revealing than I'd prefer. Probably also not a YLF-approved solution, but it works for me. I hosted a party the other day and wanted an outfit that felt "hostessy", and would be covered, comfy, and not show dirt. I wore a black tee with fitted short sleeves and a scoop neck under a black crossover-bodiced maxi dress, added bronze gladiator sandals, and piled on a bunch of necklaces. Got many compliments and felt great all night. Might be too boho for others but I felt like I was expressing my heritage and being who I really am in my own house.

• Janet replied 11 years ago

  I like Celia's theory as well, and Celia, I never saw that photo before, but honestly, it's one of my favorites I've seen of your outfit photos. I think the colors and cut are very flattering on you! How's that for going against the grain? ;-)

• Janet replied 11 years ago

  BTW, I tried on a maxi dress in Anthro today that I really liked -- blue and white print, quite flattering, nice casual vibe. I didn't buy it because I thought it was too pricey for the quality -- I noticed an issue with the fabric at the neckline -- but I still plan on rocking another maxi.

  We all have fashion biases and loves, and just because something is or isn't wholeheartedly endorsed by a particular group or individual, doesn't mean one person should never (or always!) wear it. I like Angie's list above -- it reminds me that we each have one of those lists in our heads, based on our style, body types, etc. I happen to think my body type actually works well for maxis, so I'll continue to enjoy them. :-)

• rae replied 11 years ago

  Just to add to the theme that fashion is all subjective, I'm one of those people who doesn't like ballet flats! I think the small curve of vamp on a ballet flat often looks like a hoof... can't get over it, but can't deny they are classic.

• Auburn replied 11 years ago

  I bought and wore this dress out to dinner during my bachelorette party in Palm Springs last weekend:
  http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tr.....tback=1265

  It seemed like the perfect thing for the weather and it got RAVE reviews from all my girlfriends. However, when I got home and showed it to my fiancee, he was not enamored at all. Like Angie, he simply does not like the look of maxi dresses because you can't see legs. Pants, he feels, are totally different, because you can still see the shape of one's legs.

  I still love this dress and liked that the top had a wrap effect that is flattering on me, but now I have a dress that I know my fiancee doesn't like and so likely won't wear much in front of him (e.g., on our honeymoon). Sigh.

• Chrizzle replied 11 years ago

  Love that dress, and I bet you looked gorgeous in it! How annoying that your fiancé hates it.

  The fact that you can't see the shape of my legs is a big part of what I love about maxis. My legs are long, but I've always disliked their shape. I was mocked and bullied for it as a kid. I had to wear a school uniform that stopped just above my knees so there was no hiding my legs. As an adult, I had just gotten to the point of accepting my legs when eczema left permanent dark blemishes all over my calves and shins. I just realized that maxis make me feel secure - nobody can make fun of my legs if they can't see them! I can handle it when people don't like other aspects of my appearance, but I'm hypersensitive about my legs.

• ManidipaM replied 11 years ago

  I just had to chime back in to tell Celia: LOVE you in that dress! Very flattering fit and style.

• HelenInCanada replied 11 years ago

  There's maxi-dress hate?! I wasn't aware of it. YLF has such a diverse range of styles, there should always be room for something so boho and romantic! I have seen some STUNNING maxi dresses and skirts. I have a couple that I wear in the summer months (much tougher in snow and sleet!) The question is, do YOU like maxis? If so, go for it!

  In regards to Zapotee's dress, the only reason I gave it a Nay was I thought it was a bit too casual (print, fit, or fabric-wise) for a wedding, and thought tailored or more 'dressy' was the better way to go. The cut is really important. I love slim column-fit maxis and, when in a certain mood, peasant-style loose style. So many to try out! (P.S. Ankle-length abounds at formal affairs, though, are you kidding?)

  I like all the dresses you posted here.

• velvetychocolate replied 11 years ago

  I kind of like it when there are clear distinctions and preferences!

  I am not going to run out and get a maxi-dress, but I've seen some maxi styles on Sarah that really do look fab:

  http://www.thedailysophisticate.com/search?q=maxi

• Echo replied 11 years ago

  I've seen maxi dresses look great on some people, but after trying countless styles myself, I have decided I am not a maxi dress kind of person. I look awful. And while I understand that with a voluminous bottom half the top should be a little more fitted or bare, the tops of a lot of maxi dresses are bordering on obscene on me.

  The high-low hem, however, makes a dress or skirt something other than a maxi to me. If it doesn't reach the ankles in the front it ends up being a completely different silhouette, and probably a lot more flattering to those of us who don't look good in regular long dresses.

  Longer skirts are occasionally okay on me, provided they are a hippie-chic, boho style and worn with a fitted tank on top. Or maybe they aren't flattering and I just like them anyway!

  There aren't any hard and fast rules about maxi dresses, IMO, but the style has stuck because it is so easy for so many people. For me, midis are the answer because they still provide enough coverage for easy movement and modesty, but are a little more flattering because they show a little leg.

• Sara L. replied 11 years ago

  Natalie - Here's some of photos of my maxi dress, styled a bunch of different ways. I'm not sure I've posted all of them. They all have a sweater or jacket because I got the dress this winter and it hasn't warmed up enough to wear it plain and the straps are too thin to wear to work without some sort of topper. My work is super casual (my boss regularly wears jeans) so a maxi skirt isn't inappropriate.

  1 2 3 4
• goldenpig replied 11 years ago

  Wow, thanks all for the wonderful insights! Angie, thanks for the links...I think it's great that you stick to your guns, but that you are still so accepting of differing viewpoints.

  I just want to say that I love all of the maxi dresses that have been posted on this thread too! Celia, what a dazzling picture in your maxi--I love the pattern mixing. I totally would wear that one. And your statement is brilliant and so true..fashion should make us happy first and foremost! Auburn, too bad your fiance didn't like the dress because it's really cute. I know how that is when the BF/DH doesn't approve, it really kills the enthusiam--I can sympathize. Sarah and Janet look gorgeous in their maxis too--very glamorous. Sara, I love that black and white ikat print--so crisp and graphic. Chrizzle I would love to see your maxi dresses too--that outfit sounds so hip and so you, esp. with your hair. Zap, I'm glad you're reconsidering the blue & white maxi dress--my maxi dress is in my beach vacation capsule too! Kate Spade had a similar maxi dress to your H&M one, but much more $$$.

  I agree with JJ, the skimpy tops are what make most maxi dresses unworkable. I think ethnic prints, bright colors and graphic patterns work really well for casual maxi dresses. I do think I have a bit of boho in me, but it tends to be more Boho Luxe. So this thread was very helpful, because I just had an epiphany! I think I have to go back to my rubric (color, structure, pattern, luxe, and flair) and use those key elements to look for a maxi dress that will work with my style! Thanks for the inspiration everyone!

  ETA: I think I found a maxi dress that fits my rubric! It's kind of a bombshell-y maxi with a fitted waist, thicker shoulder straps (bra-friendly), and bright colors and print. And it looks luxe and has a bit of flair too! I'm going to give it a try! It sounds like it's shorter than it looks on the website--hopefully it won't be too short on me. It's a floral, but hopefully doesn't look too much like a nightgown. I can wear this on tropical vacations, and maybe even for casual date night!
  http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/vi.....tback=2092

  1
• RoseandJoan replied 11 years ago

  My maxi skirt is wool and tailored. I wore it to an evening reception (picture below) but have also worn it to the office with a white shirt. I do like it but often catch my heel in the hem, have to adjust my regular stride and find it difficult to climb the stairs, for these reasons I will not be adding another to my wardrobe.

  1
• BlondeAmbition replied 11 years ago

  goldenpig, I love your maxi dress. I try not to listen to the naysayers because I love maxi dresses, always have always will. I grew up around fashionistas and I envied how flowy and effortless they looked in their maxi dresses and I associate maxi with summer, no frills ease and style.

  With a body type like mine I feel incredibly beautiful in maxis. I have wide hips, I hate my legs so I would never wear shorts or short dresses, and maybe to those who are not encumbered by lower body insecurities they have the luxury of passing up the maxi in favor of the mini. Not me! I absolutely love my upper body eventhough I'm big busted my decolletage is attractive and if the dress is a bit too skimpy I throw on a little cardi or jean jacket, better yet I love the look of a maxi with a leather jacket in the spring/fall and a ballet flat. But generally a maxi for me is a summer staple worn with flat sandals. I consider myself a glammy bohemian so it suits my style and Angie's right, her list of musts is my list of don'ts. We all have different styles and fill our closets with the things that make ourselves feel good. You can't hate an article of clothing just because someone told you to.

• Janet replied 11 years ago

  I find it very interesting that a few of us who have posted the maxi love seem to describe ourselves as having fuller hips or thighs, and long legs, but not legs we particularly love to show off.

  In the right maxi, I feel long and lean, but I know what RoseandJoan is talking about with stairs! I find myself holding up the hem of my skirt when taking stairs.

• Vix replied 11 years ago

  I am generally a huge casual maxi lover (I prefer a fairly streamlined silhouette vs tiers) and LOVE the ones everyone is sharing in this thread.

  [And wow, Celia -- you are pulling off multi-pattern + maxi so well!]

  I was at an outdoor party last summer and saw so many women of different heights, shapes, and sizes wearing what Chrizzle calls "haute-Afrocentric" and looking stunning. Wish I had photos to share. [Most dresses appeared to be jersey.] Just a timeless, goddess-y look IMO.

  Signed, Still Wearing 10+ y.o. Silk Chiffon Maxi

• Astrid replied 11 years ago

  I loved wearing maxis in my teens, but I passed all the maxis I owned down to my sister in the meantime because they were too small. I'm not actively searching for a new maxi skirt or dress, but I plan to snatch the perfect one up if I stumble upon it. I love how comfortable they are and I never had problems with the length - I always held the hem up without a second thought when I took the stairs. I also automatically smooth my skirt when I sit down on the subway, even if I'm wearing jeans. ;)

• Fruitful replied 11 years ago

  GP, OT but my 3.5 year old just selected your orange maxi picture from the lookfab wall as THE one we must click on! I think that's an unequivocal endorsement (and you know I love this look too!)

• Elly replied 11 years ago

  I think more casual maxi skirts and dresses (with real tops/sleeves) have a place when traveling to hot climates with intense sun-- places you'd like to stay breezy but covered-- particularly in places with conservative cultural or religious values revolving around women. There are many non-touristy parts of the middle east, rural highland mexico, north africa, and parts of asia that I would prefer to be the conservatively and respectfully dressed westerner erring on the side of caution and would employ maxi skirts in a walkable length to do so since they would be cooler and more conservative than trousers.

  Likewise, when attending social and religious dancing and events on reservations I choose to wear maxi skirts (or very long midis) if I plan on participating actively rather than spectating as long, loose skirts and dresses are considered the most traditional and respectful thing for a woman to wear in those situations. People can and do wear other things---Jeans are perfectly fine for spectators, but women inside of dance arenas typically dress more conservatively as a measure of respect, cultural member or not.

  Outside of these occasions and situations I generally dislike the casual maxi, especially when skimpy up top or paired with dated or frumpy things. It isn't a flattering look on me and don't find it particularly flattering on many other women, although there are some that pull it off flawlessly because of personal style or body type.

  Of course, formal maxis are lovely as well.

• Amy replied 11 years ago

  This is thought-provoking. Thanks for raising the question, Natalie!

  Chrizzle, I'd love to see photos of you in your maxis. Your descriptions make them sound wonderful.

• Chrizzle replied 11 years ago

  Thanks, Amy. If I can get a decent photo, I'll post next time I wear one. As I said, I always like them better in person than in photos.

• goldenpig replied 11 years ago

  Yes Chrizzle, can't wait to see your version as well!