Woe unto any woman who has not had a maxi dress in their fashion wardrobe. The maxi dresses are chic, stylish and are a fashion essential for every today’s woman.

Women and young ladies alike have been seen wearing their maxi dresses since the last season up to now. I love maxi dresses because for a plus size woman like me they make me so comfortable in them without having to feel squeezed when I am in a relaxed mood.

They come in all shapes and designs, ranging from bold prints to African prints.

Last week my daughter and I came across a young lady who had worn her maxi dress in African print and it looked exquisite! Maxi dresses are incredibly versatile and many celebrities like Nicole Ritchie, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Katie Holmes are seen in them.

The most wonderful thing about this piece of women’s clothing is that they are suitable for just about everyone whatever the body type may be.

Whether you are tall or short, slim or overweight, a maxi dress will flatter any figure and make one look like a diva, provided you choose the right one.

The maxi dress is one of the most flattering styles for larger women as it is ideal for hiding wide hips and big tummies. If you are busty, then skip bandeaux style necklines and instead opt for halter styles with thick straps or V necks.

Opt for solid and dark colours like black, green and electric blue and choose a cut that is not to voluminous at the bottom. The best silhouette in maxi dresses for larger women is a dress that has an A line skirt and does not cling too much too your body.

It should just skim your curves without looking boxy. The different styles of maxi dresses are very similar; the only small difference is the cut of the neck that varies significantly, aside from the colours and patterns.

Halter necks suit big busted woman best. Boob tube styles suit women with broad shoulders best, and spaghetti straps are best for small-medium sized busts.

Maxi dresses have been a fashion statement since 2009 and are still making pieces all on their own. Not so much clothing is needed if a lady is wearing a maxi dress. In fact if it is cold a basic cardigan or a shawl can do the trick.

Accessories too can make or break your look when wearing the maxi dress, so choose them with care. The ideal accessories to pair with maxi dresses are gold bracelets or thin gold bangles and a huge jeweled cocktail rings.

When it comes to footwear maxi dresses work best with gladiator sandals, flip flops, espadrilles, or high-heeled sandals. The maxi dresses are ideal for hot days, and therefore don’t look as good with anything that has a closed toe.

If you’re tall, wear a maxi dress with sandals for a comfortable, easy look. If you’re on the shorter side, go for the highest sandals you can find to add height – after all no one will see them under your dress!

Unfortunately I have seen my sisters around trying to wear maxi dresses to work. A piece of advice is that these dresses do not augur well with office environment more especially on weekdays, unless it’s a weekend then one can be excused, otherwise pair your maxi dress with a stylish straw tote bag for day and a clutch for the evening and be on the list of the fashionistas!

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