2010 - The Year of The Maxi Dresses

Just one year prior, the fashionable woman could often be seen baring her legs in a miniskirt, but for the summer of 2010 one of the hottest ladies' fashion trends were on the opposite end of the spectrum?ow-hanging maxi dresses. Casual yet chic, sexy and sophisticated yet comfortable, this bohemian inspired style recently turned the fashion world on its heels when stars like Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston started revelling in their immense versatility. Once relegated to the barefoot, hippie set, maxi dresses have now become revered for their fashionable flexibility. A deceptively clean and simple style despite boasting yards of fabric and expansive roominess, maxi dresses aren't just for plus size women and they aren't just maternity wear. Rather they are made for women of all shapes and sizes. Floor length dresses like these are ideal for taller women, yes, but even petite frames can stand out, stunning in a maxi dress hemmed up the ankle. Maxi dresses come in as many different styles as there are shapes and sizes of women who look flattering wearing them, at the same time all sharing an accommodating one-size-fits-all appearance. Maxi dresses come in floral patterns, lace, tiered, and geometric patterns, in single solid colors, even white or black, as well as in intricate, eye-catching graphic prints. For 2010, designers went wild releasing an unstoppable array of novel new looks in maxi dresses, including abstract jungle prints, like leopard, and 70's inspired looks, like tie-dye. Both strapped and strapless styles, sleeved and sleeveless are all available, with some cut to hang biliously and others to tightly skim the body's curves. Maxi dresses are likewise made in fabrics suitable for all the different kinds of occasions in which they can be worn, such as light, breathable cotton for casual wear, and sheer, sleek satin for formal wear, even soft, smooth silk for anything in-between. Appropriate whether relaxing on the beach or enduring long travel days, for everyday shopping trips and grand events, maxi dresses add elegance to the most mundane occasion and a vivacious, flowing, freedom to any gala affair. It also hasn't hurt their popularity that maxi dresses are so easy to don and remove. Maxi dresses go best with flat shoes, like espadrilles, gladiator sandals, wedges shoes, even flip flops, though they also look stylish in high-heeled sandals. Many ladies add a bit of extra flair to the outfit by choosing footwear embellished with beading or studs. They accessorize well with an over-the-shoulder handbag on a long strap. The predominant hair style to complement a maxi dress is long, flowing locks that hang below the shoulders, but even ladies with close-cropped hairdos can look stunning in such an outfit, especially when they accentuate the garment with a bared neck displaying a standout choker or necklace. Large, flashy, dangling earrings also complete the casual-chic fashion plate image that maxi dresses project. The popularity of maxi dresses makes perfect fashion sense in 2010, as they're truly an eclectic design that befits the wide range of looks the modern woman seeks in her wardrobe?ooks ranging from modest to glamorous, vintage to modern, subdued to zesty and zany. At the same time classy and comfortable, with a style belonging to every personality and body type, it is no wonder maxi dresses were one of 2010's hottest fashion trends.