The romantic maxi dress is one of the most versatile pieces a girl can own. The dress doesn’t require much thought to pull on during the day and the length provides enough drama when you head out for a fancy night event – just add accessories.
But in Singapore where shorter seems better, this same floor-grazing length intimidates many, especially with so much material involved. But I’m here to convince you that everyone, whether you are petite, curvy, or pear-shaped, can look great in a maxi dress.
Girls, meet your maxi dress match.
H&M black collarless dress, $79.90
PETITE
Think that long dresses are a no-no for smaller girls? Think again. Follow these tips when picking out a maxi dress and the style will be your new best friend. Go with a solid colour to create one long line for an elongating effect – large prints can be overwhelming on a smaller body. Plus, the cut is important here. Forget floor-length, make sure the hem ends at the ankle to reveal your feet so you won’t appear dumpy. Petites can get away with a curve-hugging fit so go for one that emphasises your figure like this H&M one.
For a list of H&M store locations, go to www.hm.com/sg/store-locator.
Zara dress, $79.90
CURVY
While it might be intuitive to flaunt your god-given curves, why not adopt a softer, bohemian approach for maxi dresses? This romantic Zara dress is clinched at the waist so you still show off your waist and the chiffon material will skim your curves, subtly highlighting an hourglass silhouette. Unlike petite girls, you can carry off this vintage floral print – smaller, complicated patterns will appear too busy.
For a list of Zara store locations, go to www.zara.com/sg/en/stores-c11108.html.
Iroo dress, $143.80
BOYISH
If there’s anyone who can pull off this Iroo jersey maxi dress, it’s girls who are straight up and down. Thanks to a boyish build, the dress won’t be that clingy and hangs off your frame for a cool, casual look. You can always grab a belt to cinch your waist in to create curves but I much prefer styling this dress with a sweater tied around the waist paired with sneakers that’s right on the sporty chic trend.
Iroo is at #B1-52 to 55, Ngee Ann City; #B2-97 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands; #01-179 to 182, Vivo City and #01-45/46, Great World City.
Island Shop Baroque embroidery maxi dress, $129.90
PEAR-SHAPED
To keep the attention away from your hips, play up the top part of your body by baring your shoulders, either with a halter-neck or spaghetti straps. I like how this Island Shop piece has strategically placed baroque embroidery from below the knee that work to further distract from any wide hips.
Island Shop is at #02-11 Tanglin Mall, #01-03 Great World City, Tangs Orchard Level 2, Tangs Vivo City Level 1, Isetan Katong Level 1, Isetan Serangoon Level 2, #01-35 Central.
Whole9yards Twilight sweater, $189 and Ariel Maxi skirt, $249
TALL
OK, so tall ladies don’t need any help in the maxi dress department but why not try a fresh maxi-skirt combination instead? The fashion-forward pairing of this Whole9yards ombre sweater and sweeping maxi skirt is incredibly chic and grown up. Celeb fashionistas like Diane Kruger and Olivia Palermo have been spotted in this same look.
Whole9yards is available at whole9yards.com/ and at #02-06 Orchard Gateway, #01-05 Wisma Atria and Robinsons Orchard Level 3.