FASHION AND ACCESSORIES SUMMER STREET STYLE: MAXI DRESSES
Meet Charlotte. I spotted her this weekend working one of the summer’s hottest trends: the maxi dress. She’s not alone either; take note from Karl Lagerfeld favourite and Harry Potter starlet Emma Watson. Fresh from shooting the new Burberry campaign, Emma manages to combine a red carpet luxury with hippie bohemia. Love the ¾ length sleeves, which add edge to this ethereal look.
Style star Blake Lively chose a bright orange maxi for a premiere last summer, but, as her fashion credentials dictate, the dress is so on trend right now, nearly a year on. The rich, daring colour has been seen all over the catwalks as well as the high street and the simple, flattering shape screams St. Tropez at sunset. The Gossip Girl teamed her maxi with a bold orange ring and a gold cuff to make her look really shine.
The reason I really like Charlotte’s look is the way she’s made it her own, “I’m quite tall, so I wear my maxi as a high waisted skirt and put a simple plain white tank with it.” Her hair and make-up are simple and natural, perfect for that effortless, hippie look. What really makes her outfit are the various bracelets on each arm, “My bangles and bracelets are a mix of old, new, borrowed and collected.” This mismatched, stacked effect looks great and really personalises the outfit, making it look less forced.
Maxi’s have been seen all over the catwalk, from new wonder boy Josh Goot - who featured colourful graphic prints on his dresses - to D&G, Etro and Matthew Williamson. The key to this trend is adding a quirky twist - at Etro it was a slick one-shoulder and at D&G we saw eccentric lamé detailing.
To get this look nailed, why not mix this Gold and Wood Bangle Set £8.00 with this Chunky Green Bead Bracelet £5.99. The key to this trend is for it to look natural and eclectic, so also mix in whatever you can find in your jewellery box. Don’t worry about matching or tidiness - keep it stacked and messy! Add one of our many fringed handbags to complete the outfit.
By Shannon Monteith - Catwalk Trend Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.
