A maxi dress is an ankle or floor length dress designed for casual wear. Not to be confused with a formal long dress, the maxi has more of a bohemian look. A maxi style dress is usually flowy, and made from comfortable, easy wearing fabrics like jersey, cotton, modal or viscose.
Like many current trends, we have the 1960s and 1970s to thank for the maxi. Oscar de la Renta created a long sleeved lace maxi in 1968, and Julie Christie popularized the style through her wardrobe in the film Dr. Zhivago.
Depending on your company’s culture, a floor length dress at the office is tricky. But a maxi is a dress that is begging to go to brunch, the farmer’s market, a baby or wedding shower, and most definitely on vacation or to the beach. It’s effortlessly chic, and so easy and comfortable to wear.
That all depends on the design of your maxi. Some maxi dresses are loose from top to bottom, like a caftan, while others may be fitted on the top with a loose skirt. Maxi dresses can be strapless, sleeveless, or have short or long sleeves. A sleeveless, beachy maxi pairs well with sandals and a fun hat, while a long sleeved maxi can take you through cooler seasons with boots and a big tote. You can even glam up your maxi with wedges and a cute clutch.
Shop sale maxi dresses from brands like Free People, Ella Moss, James Perse, Alice & Olivia, and Young Fabulous & Broke.
