Maxi-tastic!!!

[tulpe]

Have just bought this for wearing to Chelsea Flower Show (but also for as general use ) and this for an evening do.

The second one is gorgeous - drapes beautifully and looks far more expensive than the 28 quid it cost

[Pinkmarshmallow]

they're gorgeous! lucky you!

[jenduff]

I like those tulpe - what sort of length are they? I'm tall so would be worried they'd be calf length

[traceybath]

That red one is stunning and the floral one is very pretty - good buys indeed!

[darkandstormy]

gorgeous, I am really getting into the maxi thing. At least when getting ready you don't have to think about matching seperates.

[tulpe]

jenduff - they are both proper floor skimming maxi length. I am 5'6" and can't abide maxi's which finish on the calf.

The floral one is great because I found lots of tiered maxis are very voluminous from the breast down. This one is actually quite body skimming until quite low on the hips.

The red jersey doesn't cling anywhere either, which has been my fear with the more fitted versions in jersey that are in stores now.

darkandstormy - the separates thing/what shoes etc to wear/tights or no tights etc has been doing my head in when trying to find the right outfit for these two events. I figured with both, I can wear my flat strappy sandals from last year and very simple jewellery. A cardi with the floral and a wrap with the red.

Also, I realised a great advantage is the ability to layer beneath in case of cool weather! I shall be able to put leggings beneath both if its cold without anyone seeing!

[jenduff]

tulpe thank you! Am off to DPs then! The red one looks perfect for a (not too posh) summer ball that I'm going to!

[tulpe]

jenduff - they also have it in black in the store (sold out online). However, I felt if you were going to wear such a gorgeous dress you should make a statement in it and not fade into the background

[SirCharlieStinkySocks]

I just bought this which I love but am now tempted by the red one as that is really gorgeous.

[jenduff]

tulpe - what shoes would you wear with it?

[TrillianAstra]

Oooh, love the red one!

I just wore 3/4 leggings under a maxi dress for a chilly wedding, it's great!

[tulpe]

Jenduff - I will wear either flat strappy gold sandals or strappy gold heels.

Trillian - its a great idea to wear leggings beneath, no? I was stressing about the tights/no tights issue with a knee length dress. This solves all problems......chic and warm

[tulpe]

SirCharlie - I saw that dress in store too. It's lovely

[ReshapeWhileDamp]

How tall do you reckon you have to be to carry off maxis? I used to swish about in ankle-length skirts when a student (it was the early 90's!) and still do if I feel like it, but I'm 5'2" and suspect I look ridiculous in them. Doesn't the same go for maxi dresses? I'd love a couple to live in this summer, as am pregnant, but perhaps I'd just look odd.

[tulpe]

I think they can work on women your height. It's all about proportion. Nicole Ritchie looks fab in them and she is hardly supermodel height

[LetThemEatCake]

really pleased you found something! both lovely

[tulpe]

Thanks Cake You were my inspiration with the maxi - I kind of wanted to do it but kept thinking I might feel silly if it were raining. Hopefully though the weather will be glorious - it was during my last visit 2 years ago. I envisage myself wafting around the show gardens looking confident and chic (rather than the poor dears who turn up in heels and short dresses whose feet will be killing them!)

I also worried it was a bit dippy hippy for a "corporate event" but DH loves it (he is very honest in his opinions when it comes to me mixing with his work colleagues!!) so I feel reassured

[scratchmyback]

I love these maxi dresses but I am really struggling to find one that is floor skimming for me, I am 5ft 10. Has anyone seen any really long ones anywhere?

[BessieBoots]

Looooove the floral one!
Scratchmyback, I am 5ft11 and have a New Look one that skims the floor.

[tulpe]

maxis for tall,leggy lovelies here at Top Shop

And several at Long Tall Sally

[jenduff]

oooh Bessie which one? Thanks for gold suggestions tulpe - I may copy you on that

[scratchmyback]

oh thank you Bessie and tulpe.

I cant decide now, which do you ladies prefer?

www.longtallsally.com/dresses/maxi-dresses/kosmari-dress/brown?category=f-013_dresses

or www.longtallsally.com/lisa-for-long-tall-sally/dresses/maxi-dresses/moonwalk-dress/black# - too dressy for holidays?

or www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=19551&s toreId=12556&categoryId=42383&parentcategoryrn=42379&productId=1737920&langId=-1

I want to wear it with flats for evenings on holiday and dont want to look too dressy.

[BessieBoots]

Sorry jendulp,it was in last summer's collecion, but I'm guessing the lengths will be similar, no?

[tulpe]

scratch I prefer the second one from LTS.

What is your skin tone like? That one from Top Shop is very muted. If you are naturally pale, that won't really work for you - it'll make you look washed out.

Also I think the second one could work with lots of different cardis/wraps etc and dress up or down. The Top Shop one is definitely "down time" iyswim.

[bobbiewickham]

I love maxi dresses, but they all seem to flare out and make me look pregnant.

Are there any straightish ones about?

[tulpe]

Bobbie - that first DP floral one is perfect for avoiding the pregnancy look. It is semi-fitted down to the hips.

Also check out ASOS. THey have some belted maxis which are in plain jersey.