I have been trying to avoid the maxi length trend for some time now and I actually seem to be getting away with it. This may be because I haven’t been out in a while due to a newly refurbished home. (When I say out, what I mean is – yes, I have been to Asda and to the odd dinner party, but I have been quite lax in attending fashion shows and events). Instead, I have been getting some work done in my new office, working on the redesign of StyleAble and sending numerous emails…yes, that is what I call work.
So, in theory I could have avoided the maxi trend right until the end of season.
Except for the fact that London Fashion Week is fast approaching, I have put on a couple of extra pounds around the thigh area and a maxi dress may now be my only option. This is a real shame because the maxi will never be my length of choice – I love legs, and they are my best feature…despite the extra pounds.
What’s worst is that maxi dresses aren’t the best when it comes to navigating around, especially when running up the stairs – the longer they are the more likely you are to step on the hem – I had my whole chest exposed whilst wearing a particular strapless number on a date…the memory makes me cringe to this day.
So, if you are blind or partially sighted, this could cause a bit of a problem. Using your hand to elegantly lift your maxi dress whilst climbing the stairs is going to be a real hassle, especially if you have a guide dog and/or carry a cane. Not to mention the very real risk of tripping on the ridiculously long boho maxis that are everywhere this season – and not just your own!
This said the maxi does have some benefits, including the fact that you will never have to worry about VPL or SSK (skirt stuck in knickers). So I suppose weighing up the options you could go either way.
Me…I am staying clear until I have to.
Do you love or hate the maxi? How do you deal with the maxi length?
I agree that having to pick up a dresses hem to go up stairs can be annoying when my hands are full of my cane and other essentials. I still like long dresses for some reason. Maybe I’m just used to the length, because I am petite, so many dresses that were not intended to be long end up looking that way on me. Restricting my choices to only petite selections is often difficult or extremely boring. I also find the swish of the material around my legs as I move satisfying. It helps that I actually prefer high heels,–with secure straps–when I’m dressed up. My legs aren’t great, but there’s nothing wrong with my ankles.
Hey Sarah,
I have to agree that there is something quite cool and swishy about a maxi if you don’t mind the hassle! If you team your maxi with some wedge heels (or gladiator sandals if you like flats) throw in some tie-dye or lace somewhere – maybe an accessory or top – you’ve got this season’s ‘modern hippy’ look sorted. Also, the floor sweeper kaftan is really popular at the moment, but if you have good ankles I’d keep the hem just above to show them off.
Ps. You are totally right not to let shop sizing restrict you! I often go for oversized stuff too, it can have a really nice drape and can be belted to fit me the way I want it to. Try on everything I say!
Happy shopping! 🙂