Why do most maxi dresses look so terrible on?

[jenenberry]

They always look so good on the hanger.
But, get them on most bodies (mine included) and they make a person look

Frumpy.
Pregnant.
3 X the size they normally are.
A lumpy sack of spuds!
And all that material = A billowing ship in full sail.

Am I right in thinking that only a small minority of women can pull the look off.
and it's not me

I have one from Cos and it gets a lot of compliments. Doesn't look beachy either.

I think they look nice in warm weather.

I've yet to see a nice floral maxi & agree that walking down the high street in any maxi looks wrong but do think if you get it right they can look amazing. Got to be well fitted in a decent fabric with appropriate undies (inc slip if there's any chance of dress disappearing into butt crevice ) in either a single colour or funky but not too busy print. I've got a black jersey one with coral beaded top that I love & always get loads of compliments but have yet to find a pattern I'd wear. 5ft6 sz 10/12

Has anyone had a style consult done? Like colours but it tells you what suits you in terms of fabric and cut etc. Based on body shape? For example my top and bottom halves are in proportion so I don't need to accentuate or hide one or the other. I'm a curvy hourglass so lighter fabrics which follow my curves suit me. I would look hideous in a structured outfit with heavy fabric. I also come out as someone who is naturally quite casual and it's important to me to be comfortable. I wanted her to tell me how to look perfectly turned out right down to my accessories. But in reality I learnt that it is hard to fight your natural style (or lack of!). I can also wear three different colours. (Sorry if it sounds a bit Trinny and Susannah lol). A maxi dress fits all these criteria. And i feel good in tye right ones and that's a) telling and b) it shows. Also I wouldn't spend less that 50 quid on one so the fabric is likey to be better quality. As I said up thread, I believe I have the right shape and also I can get away with bold prints. Put me in a different shaped dress/fabric and I can look ridulous though.

Maxi dresses only work on me if they're
A) Plain
b) cotton/Jersey
C) slim fitting
d) reach to the ankle bone but don't drag on the floor.

They're quite hard to come by and I always wear decent underwear to prevent any wobble. Sometimes tie a silk or sheer shirt over the top for a bit of arm coverage and to give me a waistline as I'm a bit straight up n down.

I love them. Im 5ft 9 and wear them in a bodycon style with long necklace and flat flip flops. Very relaxed look.

I have to say, i feel overdressed in a maxi dress. I have a few long dresses but they are about to just above the ankle and are just right with sandals for daywear. I have one thats a neat fit from athropologies sale last winter. I havent worn it yet. Another thing that lies in my wardrobe as i cant find the occasion.

www.theoutnet.com/en-GB/product/Splendid/Always-stretch-cotton-and-modal-blend-maxi-dress/615503

I have this one, and a few similar. Not flowery, tent like or anything like that. The racer back is very flattering.

I've got this one and it's very flattering on me. I'm 5 ft 5 and a busty size 14. Bloody love it!

m.houseoffraser.co.uk/on/demandware.store/Sites-hof-Site/default/Product-Show?$$ja=cgid:8742990475%7ctsid:44970%7ccid:176424355%7clid:93679840675%7cnw:g%7ccrid:52157620555%7crnd:16241242957661850213%7cdvc:m%7cadp:1o2%7cmt:%7cbku:1&pid=218346404

I don't like maxis for formal/smart wear. Love them for casual though. This is my current favourite. Looks great wth flat sandals and a denim jacket.

Destiny, that is beautiful. love that green too....

I daren't after I saw a mum at sports day with a coral one one which was slimmer fit. Unfortunately you could clearly see the thong vpl and bow on her knickers with a see through element chucked in.
I just know id get it wrong so I daren't try them!

The jersey clingy ones are better. I'm only 5 foot (nothing) and think I look ok in my maxi dresses. Think I actually look taller cos my body isn't broken up, it's just a column of plain colour. Have to admit I think boobs and bum stop it from looking too straight up and down.

For tall, slim, lithe (willowy body type), sure.

Apple/rectangle body types especially - avoid.

Batman that one is lovely

I'm allergic to dresses so can't wear them. Agree slim fitting is the only way. Worst ones are the strapless boob tube type ones worn with hair scragged back into a scrunchie. Loads of women in the high road working that look. Does nothing good for your boobs, stomach and back.

code, those strapless boob tube ones are alright on holiday, as a cover up to go for lunch - over the cozzie.

Yes Kvetch,
Usually if something feels right on, then it usually looks right on.

I'm tall but with a larger top than hips. Dresses look crap on me, I become instant shapeless frump in one.

I love them. I am 5'7" and a size 10 and they suit me.

Big boobs can make the stomach area pooch out - hence the preggers look you often get in a maxi dress.

Small boobs here

Love 'em.

I think they suit pear-shaped figures.

(Loved the Trinny and Suzanne programmes - taught me a lot about what styles suit me)

Maxi dresses are my favourite thing to wear.

I'm 5'7" and size 12 (in a dress)

I have seen some horrors though - leopard print viscose with asymmetrical hem and heaving bosom to go to Tesco...eurgh. Or even worse (for me) those ones with a beggy blouson style top with an elasticated waist that's too low. Make me look like a tree trunk even though I'm an hourglass.