A Summer of Maxi Dresses

Caroline Graham Swann

Wow, the maxi dress is really a trend this summer! The maxi dress was a major fashion in the 60’s and 70’s.; it seems everything old is new again. Jackie Kennedy’s sister, Lee, was remembering that era and how easy it was to dress for a party in a recent article I read. One could run to any shop and find a beautiful caftan or maxi dress in a flash, as the caftan style required no alteration. Lee, of course, did not run to just any shop. She was famous for wearing Halston designs, and he created the most beautiful caftans and maxi styles with lovely fabrics, some with crystals and beading. I think of all the marvelous times during one of the happiest periods of my life, when I was often wearing my favorite Halston powder blue caftan. Oh, the memories! Certain styles of clothing can bring back memories just as songs remind one of experiences form the past..

The maxi is being worn everywhere this summer: the grocery store, work, meetings, restaurants, church – just name a place and the scene will be swishing with stylistic maxi dresses.

Most maxi-style dresses are sleeveless, but if one chooses to wear a cropped cardigan with the dress, that is the fashionisata look. If a maxi is styled with a very straight skirt, the result can be fabulous. A short blazer is smart and great for the office or church.

I have noticed the maxi-wearing girls look at each other with approval and a smile, sending a non-verbal message of “we know a fashion-savvy look, we share a sense of style.”

There is a definite connection with fashion !