For the fashion-savvy woman, the secret is in the cut. Tall, willowy goddesses like Kate Moss and Paris Hilton can get away with any style, but mere mortals under 5’4" need to give their dress styles more thought.
Maxi Dresses for Mini Women
- Whilst Keira Knightly and Rachel Bilson look great in their flowing gypsy skirts, this shape can make a short woman look even shorter and larger. Choose a style that is well cut and avoid tent-like diaphonous skirts, to prevent being swamped.
- In Zoe Manzi’s Daily Mail article, "Maxi dresses – the must-haves this summer "(05/14/07), she advises shorter women to “avoid being drowned by your maxi by making sure your dress is well cut and in proportion with your petite frame. Keep things fitted up top and avoid an overly voluminous skirt.”
- "To stop a full, long skirt from swamping you, teem it with chunky heels and a fitted waistcoat." is the fashion advice from In Style magazine, UK Edition April 2007.
- A closer fitting empire line will flatter most figures, and if you need to disguise a big tummy then a drape of material at the front will cover the lumps and bumps.
- With careful style selection a maxi dress can add extra height rather than take it away. Many of the high-street dresses feature a Kate Moss-style flowing floral maxi, but a sleeker, stylish A-line or bias cut, is more complimentary for shorter women.
- For extra height, dresses can be accessorized with patent platforms, wedges or feminine toe-covered sling backs. Set-off these dresses with long, chunky jewelry and this season's oversized shades and bags.
- The maxi dress enables larger women to feel more feminine. This full-length dress covers thick thighs, and can hide wide hips. Whilst last year’s mini dress proved suitable for only those with skyscraper legs; this year’s fashion trend is a lot kinder to the average woman.
- Big-busted women may find the maxi dress harder to pull-off. A halter-style or bandeau top is preferable to thin spaghetti straps, as they are more flattering to the bust. Avoid elasticated tops unless you have a figure like Jessica Simpson. A V-neck draws attention away from the bust and is flattering for the fuller figure.
- Loud prints and bold colors are kinder to larger frames. Avoid smaller patterned floral or paisley type prints, which look better on petite frames.
Fashion Colors for 2008
Pantone, Inc, the provider of professional color standards for the fashion design industries for the last 45 years, recently released its spring colors for 2008 for New York fashion week (Sept 5-12, 2007)
The bolder colors from Panetone’s Fashion Color Report Spring 2008 are best suited to a heavier frame. A full version of the report can be downloaded from their website.
Their stronger, richer hues of Cobalt and Olympian Blue, Tomato and Poppy Red, Blackberry and Plum and Rich Cappuccino and Cocoa are more flattering to lumps and bumps than lighter pastel shades.
Above all this season’s floaty and feminine maxi dress provides freedom of movement and is glamorous and easy-to-wear. It is likely to prove this season's biggest fashion statement.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
