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Whether willowy or wide, skinny or short; no matter what your frame, with careful selection of styles and fashion accessories, every woman can feel feminine and glamorous in a versatile maxi dress.
- DO buy a style with the right length for your height. Overly long hemlines can take inches off your height so make sure you get the right length to flatter your figure.
- DO choose heels which will give you enough height to make you look feminine and glamorous not lumpy and large. Patent platforms and wedge heels are great for this season.
- DO teem with this season’s oversized bags, large shades and a headscarf for a real LA celebrity look.
- DO accessorize with long, chunky jewelry and a panama hat or embellished headband.
- DO consider an empire line if you are conscious about your stomach. The focus is on the breasts with the fabric falling from just beneath them. The flowing skirt acts as a tent without hiding your entire figure.
- DO buy a lime green maxi – a fashion 2012 must-have according to the Pantone Report for Spring 2012
- DO go for a Lyndsey Lohan-style tiered color block maxi if you want a figure-flattering and true celeb style.
* DO ooz sex appeal and sophistication in an all-purpose, well-cut black maxi.
- DO avoid gathered waists if you are bulky around the middle. “why do you want a bulky skirt - isn't a bulging stomach enough?” say UK TV style gurusTrinny and Suzanna in The Rules.
- DO make sure your maxi style skims rather than clings, if you are big breasted or are trying to hide flab.
- DO rescue your old Laura Ashley prints and flowing skirts from your closet. Reinvent them with accessories in this season’s colors.
- DO wear dresses in this forthcoming season’s top 10 colors, such as Spring Crocus, Cantaloupe and Freesia. “Classic, versatile neutrals punctuated by splashes of invigorating brights” according to the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2011.
- DO be creative. If you are very short then invest in an elasticated waist, super-long Boho skirt and cover your chest with a cropped cardigan.
- DO stop a long, full skirt from swamping you by adding a fitted waistcoat on the top.
- DON’T over accessorize a flowing maxi with a belt as it will ruin the line of the dress
- DON’T wear small floral patterns if you are curvy. Opt for block-colors or larger prints.
- DON’T choose a light color if you want to hide your lumps and bumps. Darker colors disguise flab and are more sophisticated for the forty-somethings.
- DON’T teem your maxi with cowboy boots, these is so last season!.
- DON’T layer your clothes. A simple shrug or cropped cardigan will do the trick. Alternatively choose a short fitted jacket.
- DON’T be afraid of volume but choose the cut wisely. An empire line with a flowing skirt flatters the narrowest part of the body and doesn't swamp your frame.
- DON’T be afraid to wear it casually – walking the dog, a picnic or shopping expedition. The maxi is no longer just for ‘dressing up’ in the evenings.
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