Saturday, July 12, 2014

The Maxi Dress: Transfer the Classic Summer Look to Fall

What fashion trend epitomizes summer style? I'm sure there are various answers but one we can't disagree with is the maxi dress. Flowing, airy, versatile, simple, and sexy, it can do no wrong if you find one that is perfect for you. 

Shopping for a maxi dress can sometimes be like shopping for a car in that there are so many questions to be asked. What colors does it come in? Is this brand reliable? How many miles (wears) will I get out of this dress before it falls apart? Is it a good fit for me? With so many styles to choose from, I assure you there is one for you so don't settle. With all that being said it'sJuly and fall styles will creep up on us faster and faster until we blink and it's Labor Day. The maxi dress will be on sale and be pushed out to make room for mixed knits, leathers, and darker prints for fall. If you love a great sale, absolutely stock up! The bigger question is how do you take a summer favorite and make it work for fall? I'm here to answer that burning question. 

First, let me share with you what I wore today:


I picked this outfit because it just came in the mail and I just had to put it on. Truth is, this 85 degrees weather did not require that blazer. Blazers are one of the best ways to take a maxi dress from summer to fall. You can probably already find fall blazers available or may even have one in your closet from last season. A blazer is a great investment since it can add a classy touch to nearly any outfit you add it to. Adding it to a maxi dress takes it from the beach to the office, wedding, event, or any other more formal settings. The long sleeves will keep you warm on cooler days/nights but can still be taken off for one last impromptu trip to dip your toes in the sand. Roll up the sleeves to 3/4 for a more casual look. I personally love this high back blazer since it keeps the shape of the dress obvious without making it look boxy. 

Dress- www.forever21.com
Blazer- www.forever21.com
Belt- www.rainbowshops.com
Necklace- www.bezelbox.com
Sunglasses- www.forever21.com
Shoes- www.lanebryant.com

Other ways to turn your maxi dress into a fall outfit try putting a sweater over the top to give the illusion of a maxi skirt. If it gets very cold, a pair of leggings keep the legs warm without anyone being the wiser. If a blazer isn't your style you could always opt for a shrug or even a long sleeve tee. Choosing maxi dresses with bold primary colors or black are easiest to transfer over to fall, but geo prints, animal prints, even some pastels will transfer over as well. 

An outfit like this may only require a cardigan or long sleeve crop top (try a new trend without stepping out of your comfort zone!) to go from summer to fall. A feather accented hat is seasonally universal. 
Dress- www.forever21.com
Necklace- www.gstagelove.com
Hat- www.forever21.com

Fall 2014 is set to see lots of 90s inspired grunge looks, sheer looks, continued trend of geo prints, even some 60s neon and pastel pieces are expected. Keep this all in mind before you shove all your summer clothes in that space saver bag and banish it to the back of the closet! You may just get more use out of your summer clothes and maxi dresses, through layering, than you expected. 



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