S/S 2016 Trends: How To Wear Maxis This Summer

The maxi dress is a summer staple and is undoubtedly the season's most effortless piece. Which is why when JD Williams asked me to share my summer style tips, I instantly knew I wanted to do something around maxis because the maxi style is coming back with a bang this summer. This season, the trend has been given a few updates, making it an even more versatile seasonal piece. Try the oversized style, the luxurious textures clashes and minimal 90s styles, or even a more boho and feminine approach. There is something for everyone whatever the occasion may be. And, if you find yourself wondering whether you actually can pull one off, take a look at my mum and tell me she doesn't look smashing!

When I first told mum that I wanted to photograph her in a maxi dress, her words were "no way". Her argument was that she was too short for it and that no style would suit her figure and, of course I wanted to prove her wrong. I took into consideration how she felt about her height and weight and chose a dress considering the following:

V-NECK: This elongates the upper body and draws attention to the face, great if you're petite or have a short neck.

SOLID COLOURS: These are your best bet as they give the body a long continuous line from top to bottom. If you really like your print, consider small prints or consistent patterns but nothing that "screams" too much.

LENGTH: The idea is to maximize the line of the dress so anything too short or too long is not your friend!

SKIRT: Nothing that poofs out too much, the skirt should follow the line of your body; it's all about the right fit.
FABRIC: Think weightless and comfy, so go for fabrics that are soft and flowy for the ultimate summer look.

These rules of thumb work for any body, shape or height and with them in mind, when I saw this dress here I knew it was the right choice for her. We went with a mix of girly and cool-girl edge accents like this flowery necklace and the wedges that add the much needed height (this could have worked with a nice pair of summer sandals too). Added a cool and trendy bag to finish the outfit off and I'm happy to report she was very pleased with the result and now can't wait to wear the dress again. Mission accomplished! 

Whilst her look is about keeping it classy, I went all out and the result is very boho inspired. Festival ready, am I right? Fringes are hot this season and I've talked about them before here. The choker is the essential S/S16 accessory and every cool girl's must have (not that I think I'm cool or anything) and, the round sunglasses are a nice touch and ever since getting them I can't take them off!

Her Look: Maxi Dress*: JD Williams (here) // Wedges: similar here // Handbag: Accessorize (here)

My Look: Top: similar here // Maxi Skirt*: similar here // Wedges: Renata Mello (similar here) // Handbag: Accessorize (similar here)

Whether you're off to a summer wedding, garden party with friends or even the office, a long summery dress or skirt is always a great option. But tell me, what do you think of maxis? Got any other tips to share? Let me know below!

Thanks for reading beauties!

xoxo

SEE ALSO

S/S 2016 Trends: Bomber Jacket & Adidas Superstars

S/S 2016 Trends: The Hottest Hairstyles for This Season

S/S 2016 Trends: Stripes T-Shirt Dress & All-White Sneakers

S/S 2016 Trends: '70s Boho-Chic Inspired

S/S 2016 Trends: The Hottest Shoes for This Season (Part 2)

S/S 2016 Trends: Paperbag Waist & Lace Ups

S/S 2016 Trends: The Hottest Shoes for This Season

S/S 2016 Trends: Bardot Stripes & Button-Down Denim

S/S 2016 Trends: Culottes & Leather

S/S 2016 Trends: Stripes & Cropped Flares

 

* Contains PR Samples & Gifted Items. All opinions are my own (disclaimer here).