Long and simple: a class act for the maxi

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10 April 2012

This summer, fashion is straightforward, right? According to the powers that be in the industry, namely Celine's Phoebe Philo and Yves Saint Laurent's Stefano Pilati, it's all about minimalism. Therefore, in order to look remotely stylish you must seek out the perfect white T-shirt, tuck it in to a slouchy pair of chinos, fling on a blazer and head for the door.

Short of turning up to work in a six-year-old dressing-gown and slippers, getting dressed in the morning really couldn't be easier. But then we discovered this season's interpretation of the maxi-dress.

While maxi-dresses in all their Sienna Miller-inspired, frou-frou glory came to prominence three summers ago, this year's breed is decidedly toned down. Cut from soft jersey and available in a host of tonal shades of grey, beige and green, the new maxi is a far less outlandish affair.

And the best news: it's nowhere near as inviting to Colleen, Alex et al who, along with the rest of the Wag fraternity, have made brightly printed, bust-squeezing versions their own in recent years.

Pared-down maxi-dress styles popped up on the spring/summer catwalks at Stella McCartney and Sass and Bide but were by no means a huge story.

Luckily for us, the high street has embraced this look with gusto, so much so that you'd be hard-pressed to find a store that is not offering a version of the dress this summer.

Oasis has a beautifully-cut long dress in gunmetal jersey, Gap has a lovely khaki version and Dorothy Perkins a bargain-priced short-sleeved style.

They are a low-maintenance addition to our wardrobes — all this style of dress requires is that we fling one over our head and never mind the unshaven state of our legs. However, shopping for the right one demands a little more work. Of paramount importance is the length. Be sure to opt for a dress that falls below your ankles, or even skims your feet — tall girls should try H&M, which is offering long dresses in extra-long lengths this summer.

Then there is the crucial matter of fit. While it's divinely comfortable, jersey can be unforgiving on the tummy and bum, so it's a good idea to avoid styles that are too clingy. A sack-shaped maxi-dress as seen at Stella McCartney will do much to cover up a problem tummy area, while one with a subtle (not neon) print will detract attention from lumps and bumps.

This season's maxi is set to be the default dress for warm summer days, and balmy evenings if accessorised with a statement necklace and plaited belt. It looks best with a pair of flat sandals.

Now all we need is for the weather to be kind...

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