TREND: Maxi Dresses

Last week’s winter weather was a big tease and I think we are going to continue to have fall-like weather for a while. That being said, we have more time to wear cute, light combinations! I have a current love affair with maxi dresses. Maxi dresses have taken stores by storm and you can basically find one everywhere you go. Maxi dresses are very versatile and can be taken from day to night extremely easily. As it starts to get cooler, you can throw on a cardigan or slouchy button-up sweater to keep you warm but not ruin the look of the dress. This dress from a local boutique in California is great because it has subtle details that do not overwhelm the dress. Because the dress is already dramatic, there is no need to buy long dresses that have lots of flashy items on them. Prints and solid colors are always a good idea. For footwear, try flat, strappy sandals like the ones from Target shown below. Try to stay away from wedges; they tend to make the look overdone. Some of my favorite maxi dresses that I’ve seen recently are a strapless, tie-dye dress from the boutique Cry Baby and an acid-look dress from every girl’s go-to store, Forever 21. Maxi dresses are a great throw on and go item so take advantage of this trend that will inevitably be seen for many seasons to come.

 

TREND: Maxi-mize your options

This summer, maxi dresses were literally everywhere. Their bohemian appeal captured most of the female population last season and I would bet most girls reading this have one stashed away in their closet for warmer days. But this fashionista maximized her long, multi-colored maxi’s wearability by pairing it with a jean jacket. The jacket takes the dress from looking boho to almost a rustic look – which is so in this season.

Hint: For a jacket like hers, try this one from GAP. For warmth, pair this season’s must have boot – an over-the-knee flat boot.

Style On,

Allison

TREND: Great Lengths

With summer coming to a close, the chance to wear summer trends is almost over. Maxi dresses were a major style this summer. Tie dyed ones were huge and followed the hippy inspired look we all wanted to show. This Fashionista decided to go for a more glamourous look by pairing her simple black dress with a statement necklace.

Hint: Pair your dress with an

TREND: ADVENTURES IN VINTAGE

While my best vintage finds have always been perfectly worn-in T-shirts, this Fashionista has clearly topped my now meager style steals. She manages to make old look new again by choosing both a trendy cut with her maxi skirt, as well as a neon floral print. A monochromatic T-shirt and simple bag balance out the bottom half of her silhouette, leaving her look funky yet polished all at the same time. While we can't recommend any specific vintage steals (vintage IS one of a kind, after all) we can recommend some amazing fashion websites that make vintage shopping less tedious. ShopNastyGal and Spanish Moss Vintage are my two personal favorite sites; both stock of-the-moment pieces at amazing prices for both their new and vintage items. If you're more of an in store girl, you can always check out your local Goodwill as well as the many on-campus vintage stores (mostly located on State Street).

Style On,

Brittany

 

WHAT TO WEAR: Weekend Getaway

It might just be the overdose of sunshine I’ve been soaking up lately, but all that’s been on my mind has been taking a scenic weekend getaway – so much so, in fact, that my sister and I decided to plan our own East Coast road trip adventure this summer.  I already have my favorite sunnies tucked away and a romantic maxi dress just waiting for its debut on a Carolina beach.

Whether you’re headed to a remote, sunny location or the bright city streets, dressing stylishly while on the road involves constructing multiple outfits from minimal pieces to create the illusion of a full wardrobe. I usually stick to one pair of pants, a few tops to mix and match, a pair of leggings and a maxi dress that I can dress up or down for day and night.

Maxi dresses are the perfect juxtaposition of casual and dramatic. This Fashionista caught my eye in an instant gliding through the streets of Oakland in her Lanston jersey maxi dress. The draped racer back delivers extra drama, while the nude color and cinched waist are extremely feminine and flattering. With a multitude of waistlines available in maxi dresses (empire, A-line, etc.) all Fashionistas are bound to find a style, print, fit and color that is perfect just for them. Try one similar to this in a sunnier color or pattern for summer days or an elegant silk one for nights.

Any weekend getaway with minimal clothing options requires accessories to experiment with. A delicate hand chain is an unexpected accent that’s been on my radar lately. Paired with a chunky ring on the opposite hand, this Fashionista’s adornments couldn’t be any more harmonizing. Her Lucky Brand sandals are neutral enough to pair with just about any summer outfit. Try a fancier, embellished pair of sandals or fun wedges when taking this dress from day to night.

Comfortable, fun and flattering are all key aspects to keep in mind, especially for a vacation wardrobe. Maxi dresses embody all three of these traits, and Fashionistas from coast to coast are guaranteed to find the perfect one just in time for summer.

One Simple Change: If you have an upcoming graduation to attend, a maxi is an appropriate outfit choice for the occasion. Add a denim jacket and some statement earrings to spice up the dress and you’re good to go!