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

Its basically all I wear in summer. But we have a much longer summer than you do in UK. Most of them are t-shirt type material, striped (some are plain) and all are ankle length. I have a bit of a phobia about my legs so I never ever wear anything that shows them off, so maxi's are perfect for me.

I'm slim, but a bit hippy and they look fine on me (well i think so).

Ah yes Maraladybird, what is with that asymmetrical hem, I see its out AGAIN for our next summer. (not sure if we are ahead of or behind UK)

Many posters come on pointing out most women you see in maxi dresses look terrible. A minority of posters come on insisting they look fabulous in theirs. hmm Still, confidence is a good thing.

Well you are not taking into account that a maxi might just look less shite than another summer option.

This is me in mine, 6 months pg. I think I look alright!

You look great in your maxi BeautifulBatman. (better than most that aren't pregnant)
That jersey material is really flattering. I think you are the right age as well. Bare, toned, young arms look good with a maxi.

If you're older and have to cover the arms me - then there is way too much material going on and it spoils the effect.

I'm 40. Arms are going south!

Looks lovely batman, love the colour

I like how people seem to think that if you wear a maxi dress, you automatically get VPL and back fat, admittedly some do but not all of us

I'm 56 and don't have bingo wings. I will carry on wearing maxis.

I wear a lot of maxi dresses and they really suit me, but they need to have some sort of shape to them. I'm a size 16-18 and 5"5.

Marks and spencers laser cut pants are a god send nannyplum - I'm very concious of vpl, back fat and bingo wings.

I can't say about the others as the pic doesn't show but your bingo wing free Batman

*You're

Ha. Clever arm position

Batman, you may be 40 but your arms aren't

I'm 5 ft 4 and a size 14. I look bloody awful in them apart from the long tshirt ones, those look ok

I'm 5ft nothing. I love the idea but in reality they look wrong on me. I do have a few but I only ever wear them on holidays.

I love dresses but have real problems buying ones that fit due to my height. I need dresses to be above my knee. If anyone could recommend shops with good petite ranges I'd be v. Grateful. I don't really like shopping so if they do home delivery even better!!

I'm 55, six feet tall and slim. I have a couple of slim Jersey column style ones which are simple but elegant.
Hate the voluminous tents...women look as if they're on castors

I'm 5ft 7, size 10/12 and a bit boho, tanned skin, dark messy hair, fringed bags, Roman sandals (you get the picture) and I love the floaty styles. Here's one I've worn to death this year, I love it but I'm well aware most probably hate it

I like it but I wouldn't wear it - I need tighter fitting dresses as anything slightly floaty makes me look as wide as I am tall. And if it doesn't have lycra, it's a compete no no!

Thanks jenen!

I think they are the pits and rarely see anyone who looks ok in them - one of the problems these days is all this jersey - I think crepe (like the Ghost ones) can look great because it hangs better. However I think a silk slip is a must to make it skim.

I am pregnant. It is the ONLY time I have enjoyed wearing maxi dresses. The rest of the time they make me look pregnant....which obviously isn't an issue at the moment.

I love the idea of them but think it needs time investment to get it right. Bought one last summer. Took it on holiday. Tried it on to go out in the evening several times. Brought it home unworn and took back to shop. It was about £75 from memory and from warehouse and it was all polyester and looked ok but the material was awful and not worth the money.
I'm 5'5" and slim with a post-twins and c section stomach that will never be the same again.

ooh, a timely maxi dress thread. thanks OP.

but.. having just read through this it seems maybe I should be avoiding this look. I am desperate. I always struggle with clothes for warmer weather and was hoping that the maxi might be the way to go.

I was looking for chiffon material ones that are floaty and not clingy, but haven't found anything online that I think will suit.

I have huge boobs, 32GG and a c section pouch and rather large thighs and legs. I don't like my legs out as they are veiny and always feel a bit tree trunky.

the dresses with spaghetti straps are no good due to my parachute style bra straps. same with racer back or halter styles. I'd probably trip over my boobs if I wore a boob tube style one as I have never found a good strapless bra to fit that stays put.

I don't like skirts and tops as I can never get them to look right although I like the way maxi skirts can look on some people.

I'm a size 16 and 5'6 so is there any hope for me? if there are styles I should aim for, could someone point me in the right direction please?

Many thanks

Maxi dresses always remind me of the supermarket scene at the end of 'Stepford Wives'.
I am 5'3'', the only ones that suit me are the ones that look like a long vest top.

I used to love maxi dresses, but haven't found one for ages which doesn't make me look huge and frumpy. 5'10" and 14/16 with ahem chunky middle.

HOWEVER...

I've discovered a winning combination of maxi skirts which are jersey and slightly bias cut, along with a looseish top and a layering vest underneath. I've worn a few versions of this and got compliments each time.