I know we've talked about winterizing maxi dresses before. And I especially loved reader Amber's method for shortening hers. But. Sometimes, the details matter. And if you don't have that one specific necklace, or a jacket *quite* like the one in your inspiration pic...the outfit doesn't seem to come together.
This was the case with my stand-by J.Crew maxi. I just couldn't seem to winterize it in an interesting, yet comfortable way. And then I found these old pics.
These pics are actually from last Fall. I had somehow forgotten to post them. Even worse, I also forgot the styling that I had already worked out. Sigh. Mom brain? I suspect that the whole skirt knotting thing must have been in the back of my mind when I was styling Sarah's maternity maxi dress recently.
Anyway. My issue with this particular maxi dress is that when covered up, it's pretty snooze-worthy. The fabulous drape gets lost, as does the waist, as does the sexy flash of bare shoulder. Additionally, I have trouble with boots and maxi dresses. Sandals always work, but boots? So often they look strange. And nothing was cohesive. It looked like I was wearing a very boring, too-summer-y dress with a long cardigan and clumpy shoes. I hate when my outfits scream I AM DETERMINED TO WEAR THIS SUMMER DRESS IN WINTER BECAUSE I AM A CREATIVE FASHION BLOGGING TYPE.
You know?
(wearing: J.Crew Aimee Maxi dress and scarf, ancient long cardigan and belt, Banana Republic boots - but am thinking these would be rad, fringed bag - another cool one, Plush tights)
So here's the thing: The knot helps to reveal that I'm actually wearing cute boots. This year, I'll probably swap out the tall boots for ankle booties. But either one works.
The belt helps to define my waist (even under a washed-too-many-times cardigan) and the ruggedness of the belt keeps things cohesive. The overall take-away is Fall, not Summer-wanting-to-be-Fall.
A cute bag and a woolly scarf tie finish off the look.
Mamas, are you still wearing your maxi dresses? Any other styling ideas?
xo,
S
