Maxi vs Mini: Which Dress Suits You Best?
So much choice, so many designs, prints, colours, honestly, what is a girl to do when it comes to picking out dresses? And that’s before you get into the different styles. Trouble is, pick the wrong one and you’ll end up either looking old before your time or mutton dressed as lamb. So how can you decide, without your best mate stood beside you telling you the honest truth, what suits you and what does not? Let us be your next best friend and give you some simple style tips that’s how. For the younger generation, mini dresses are not always the right clothing choice to opt for, for example, plumper girls will look much more fashionable if they choose a beautiful plainer maxi dress, that fits them properly, and flatters their curves, than if they squeeze themselves into a tight bodycon mini dress. And older ladies can wear minis still if they have the figure and are lightly tanned. Read on for more tips and examples of our favourite dresses in both categories.
Mini Dresses – Who Can Wear Them?
Anyone with a decent figure, a great pair of legs and who have not been tangoed can get away with a mini dress these days. Remember the old fashion rule however, and that is if you are showing a lot of leg, keep the cleavage covered and vice versa; this is especially true if you are over a certain age. Mini dresses always look great with heels, you can wear wedges or stilettoes, again, younger ladies should go for stilettoes and older ladies stick to wedges to avoid the mutton tag. The bolder the print the less accessories you need and the blockier the colour the braver you can be with accessorising. Here are some of our favourite minis to get you going!
Hedonia Gold Lace Dress - £75.00
For cool and feminine party wear, Hedonia is the brand. This deep v skater style dress comes in a luxurious gold print fabric. Available in sizes 8 to 14. Materials are mixed fabric.
Lipsy Tribal Printed Skirt 2 In 1 Dress - £40.00
This stunning 2 in 1 dress has a contrast tribal print skirt and black low back vest top, add wedges to complete your look. Wearing length 86cm. Available in sizes 6 to 18. Materials are: Top 95% Viscose 5% Elastane, Skirt 91% Polyester 9% Elastane, Lining 100% Polyester.
House Of Dereon Cowl Neck Dress - £75.00
Perfect for day to night wear, this House Of Dereon dress features a bodycon skirt with ruched detailing, and a cute printed cowl top. Available in sizes 6 – 14. Material is 100% polyester.
Candi Loves Misha Peplum Skirt Dress - £69.00
By 80′s inspired fashion brand Candi Loves, this stunning bodycon has a slim fit, strap cut out back and flattering peplum waist. Available in sizes S/M and M/L. Material is 100% polyester.
Maxi Dresses – Who Can Wear Them?
Maxi dresses are a godsend for the larger figured ladies but this does not mean they do not look great on skinnier girls as well. The problem is that they can look a tad old fashioned on younger girls if the pattern is dated or the shape is not trendy. If you are younger and want to wear a maxi dress, choose one with a halter neck, a blocked colour and steer clear from tribal or animal prints; these tend to make you look a little ‘Costa del cheap’. Older ladies can wear maxi dresses with ease and team them with ballet pumps, gladiator sandals, even heeled wedges to give them more oomp for an evening out. Accessories should be tailored to the individual dress so pick out colours in the dress if the print is bold and if the material is plain go for larger than life bangles, layering them, choosing metallics over colours for a more sophisticated look.
Lipsy Cut Out Back Maxi Dress - £45.00
For a chic day look, this jersey maxi will add a touch of glamour. Features cut out design on back and floral zebra print throughout. Wearing length 147 cm. Available in sizes 6 to 16. Material is 95% viscose & 5% elastane.
House Of Dereon Ruffle Maxi Dress - £110.00
This stunning maxi by House Of Dereon is a must have this season. Featuring a pretty butterfly print design with gorgeous ruffle detailing, and with cross over straps and zip fastening to the reverse. Available in sizes 6 – 14. Material is 100% polyester.
Little Mistress Embellished Lace Insert Maxi Dress - £70.00
This embellished maxi dress by Little Mistress has been crafted from a lightweight, chiffon fabric with a semi-sheer overlay. The details include: a round neckline, embellished shoulder straps, a pleated bodice with a split to the centre, a contrast cross-over ribbon detail to the waist with sheer lace inserts, sequin and bead detailing, a double layered skirt with soft pleating, a wide shirred panel to the reverse and ruched shoulder straps. The dress has been cut with a fluid finish. Available in sizes 8 to 14. Material is 100% polyester.
Twist & Tango Maxi Dress - £95.00
Maxi dress by Twist & Tango. Crafted in a textured woven pure cotton. Featuring a wide v neckline with a cross-over front, contrast straps at the shoulder, a high, empire-line waist with gathered pleats to the skirt and a scoop back to reverse. Designed with a relaxed fit and a maxi length. Available in sizes 6 to 14. 100% cotton.
Available from Lipsy
