STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Mad for Maxi

Warm weather is coming slowly but surely to New York City. Want a great piece to keep your legs warm on those still-cool spring days? Look no further than the maxi skirt, the must-have item of 2011. We’ve seen this trend everywhere, from stylish celebrities to designer runways. Kate Bosworth, Mary-Kate Olsen, and Olivia Palermo are a few of the many starlets who have been seen taking it to the max in style. Designers Chloé, Jil Sander, and Alexander Wang all featured these super-long skirts in their spring/summer 2011 collections. This trend is not just for the nuns – the maxi skirt's back and it's both practical and stylish. It’s perfect for the changing weather, or if you just don’t feel like shaving your legs! Topshop offers a great price option for a basic maxi skirt with an elastic waistband for extra comfort.

This Fashionista rocks the maxi look right. The jersey material keeps with a casual style and its ankle-grazing length adds the perfect amount of height. The long skirt softly drapes and adds a good amount of movement to her ensemble. I like how this Fashionista knotted her skirt at the bottom to spruce it up (this is also a helpful technique to keep it from dragging during those April showers). By defining her waist with a leather belt, she gives herself a distinct silhouette and adds shape to her voluminous skirt. She chose to pair her maxi with a sleek tee and a chunky jacket for a cool day look. When choosing what to wear with your maxi, remember that the skirt is the statement. Take this Fashionista’s advice and wear a simple tee that gives your outfit the right proportions. A little V-neck helps show a little skin under that long, flowy skirt. Her fitted leather jacket doesn’t add too much volume either, and the tough material adds accent. When wearing a long skirt, it's best to stick with flats as this Fashionista did with a studded rocker chic pair.

The maxi skirt is without doubt a key piece for the season. The look is dramatic and easy to pull off, just throw it on and you’re all set – it’s the centerpiece of any outfit. Maxi’s are casual and versatile, they can be styled for any season: wear them with sandals or flats and a tank in the spring and summer or with a motorcycle jacket and ankle boots in the fall. The options are limitless. Take it to the max!