To the Maxi

One trend we've seen a lot of this season is maxi dresses. You know, those long, flowing dresses that hang to the floor and look oh-so-comfortable? At first I resisted the trend but today found myself trying on a handful of maxi dresses and REALLY liking how they looked. I guess at 5'9" I'm a great height to pull off this floor-grazing length. What I also like is that many of them have an empire waist and the potential to make me look much thinner than I am. But what if you're not tall and thin? There's a maxi out there for most of us. Here are a few guidelines to follow when selecting one for yourself.

1/ Choose a dress that is in proportion with you. You don't want to drown in your dress. If it's too long, it can be shortened, but look at overall scale, fullness, etc. and make sure it creates a balanced look.

2/ Most maxi dresses have an empire waist and can take inches off your midsection. If you have a tummy be careful because this can cause you to look preggers. Look for a maxi that has less fullness in the front and lies more flat in front than on the sides. This will keep rumors from getting started...

3/ For shorter women, opt for a sleek A-line or bias cut rather than a straight column.

4/ Maxi dresses range in length from lower-calf to floor length. The longer the dress, the lower the heel you should wear. Floor length dresses will best be set off with a sleek, flat sandal. Try one of the season's embellished gladiators or thongs for a smart look.

5/ Add bold, chunky jewelry, oversized sunglasses and a large satchel for a dash of celeb chic.

6/ Many maxi styles are sleeveless or strapless. If you need a little more coverage opt for a shrug or a simple cropped cardigan, or look for a style that has short or 3/4 length sleeves. They do exist (I just bought one myself).

While the maxi dress looks chic and sleek on those rare nights out they also work great as day dresses. Take the accessories down a notch and don a pair of Havaianas and a denim jacket, or your fave pair of Rainbows and you're set. A maxi dress can also double as a stylish swimsuit cover up. When it comes to maxi dresses, the possibilities are wide open!