Maximum

As the Summer heat continues to assault my sweat glands, I find myself wishing I was naked pretty much everywhere I go. I mean really. The thought of a layer of clothing even touching my skin makes me cringe. Thus, I opt for maxi dresses as perma-summer-wear. They’re simple, comfortable, lightweight & make me feel naked enough to stay sane.  However, I have a weird love//hate relationship with them. The length has to be just right, the print can’t be too OC Housewife, but above all is my footwear-if the shoes ain’t right, it ain’t going down. & more frustrating than my own obsessive commitment to maxi-perfection is other babe’s struggle with it.

So, today I’ve created The 5 Commandments of Maxi’s. How to wear them, what footwear to rock & why prints matter, so we can all look polished & Summer-ready, no matter the occasion.

Let’s go.

Commandment #1: No flip flops allowed. Ever. Throwing on a pair of cheap flip flops only perpetuates the laziness factor. Unless you’re backpacking in Europe or your name is Kate Moss, just don’t do it. Instead, spruce up your look with a cute sandal or heel [if you dare] & complete the entire look.

Do’s & Don’ts:
          Commandment #2: Length matters. Looking comfy is great, looking frumpy is just sad. The length of your maxi dress can entirely change its intention. Too long says “I just bought this cuz I was in a rush & the mannequin looked cute in it.” Before you take that maxi home, see where it hits on your leg. Ideally the perfect fit should hit right at or just below your ankle, to accent your shoes & show just a little skin.

Do’s & Don’ts:                  
          Commandment #3: Print is everything. Even perfectly-fitted, beautiful-shoe-wearing maxi outfits can be hindered; without the right print & color the dress is rendered useless. Although the actual style of a maxi rarely changes, the prints are constantly being updated. Stay current & age appropriate & you’ll nail this look.

Do’s & Don’ts:

        
Commandment #4: Leather is the perfect addition. Almost always. Eventually the Summer sunshine will let up & you’ll likely be left shivering in the cold of the night. Thus, I team my maxi dresses with a leather jacket or blazer, but be wary, as fit & style are key to nailing this outfit addition. Tip: less is more.

Do’s & Don’ts:
        Commandment #5: To shoe or not to shoe? I haven’t quite decided my thoughts on wearing full blown sneaker with a maxi dress. I see it happening everywhere & I don’t know if I love the casual-factor or absolutely hate it. However, I think it’s important that we at least attempt to style this look, so here goes: when wearing a shoe with a maxi, be sure you focus entirely on casual pieces. Don’t team lacy//chiffon//floral-print dresses with Chucks. Go all cotton, all solids or just don’t even. Tip: if you do take on this look, clean your sneaks first.

Do’s & Don’ts:

      Summer has some of the trickiest, but most rewarding styling options, you just have to take a few extra minutes to find what pieces work best for you. The ultimate goal to styling a wardrobe is to make the user feel like their best self.

If you feel as comfortable & free as you do dancing around your apartment//condo//house completely naked to MJ’s Greatest Hits, yet you’re really just rocking a full blown killer maxi outfit…then you’re doing it right.

Go be your maximum self, babes.

Xx.