Maxi dresses were first popularized int the 1970s, but this summer the maxi made an extreme come back.  According to Drapers Magazine, animal print maxi dresses are in fashion for Spring and Summer 2010.

The most important factor in making your own maxi is fabric!  Try one of these: 

1. Stretch fabrics
2. Stretchable Jersey knits
3. Printed silk
4. Velvet
5. Border Prints
6. Light-weight cotton
7. Challis

Simplicity 9354 (1971)

The dress with elastic casing in lowered round neckline and at midriff has self fabric ruffle and raglan sleeves with elastic casings.  Midi-length.  V. 2 and 3 have short sleeves.  V. 2 has self fabric tie belt. V. 3 is made of border fabric only. 

S5372 (1972)

 Halter Maxi Dress with bodice stitched to skirt front above normal waistline has back zipper, front slit opening at neckline and in skirt and self fabric drawstring slipped thru neckline casings. 

 S5364 (1972)

Designer Pattern.  Halter Maxi Dress with skirt gathered to bodice above normal waistline has back zipper and back straps.  The bodice crosses in front and fastens at back neck with loops and buttons.

S9062 (1971)

Evening maxi dress with gathered skirt gathered to bodice has back zipper and set-in sleeves.  Low round neckline and long sleeves.

 B3458 (80s)

 Close fitting evening maxi dress, in flippy above-knee length or A-line evening length, gathered into one shoulder seam has side zipper closing and slightly cutaway armhole. 

 M3206 (1972)

 Bare shoulder maxi dress has hooked halter neckline, self fabric belt tie belt included in center front seam. 

M3733 (1973)

Maxi dress with back zipper and underlined midriff.  Cross-over bodice and long sleeves.

V7905  (70s?)

Okay…this is technically a nightgown.  Can you believe it?  I don’t know about you, but I’d wear it as a maxi dress.  High empire waistline with scoop neckline.  Sleeve variations.

How to wear a Maxi dress in the fall or winter

     SHOES

1. Roman sandals until it’s too cold
2. Boots (flat or high-heeled)
3. Sandals with string until it’s too cold
4. Flat shoes: Mary Jane and ballerina styles

     FOR THE ARMS

1. Wear a cool thin leathered jacket.
2. With a sweater
3. Make a long sleeved maxi
4. A tight fitting shirt or sweater with a high collar

     ACCESSORIES

1. Hippy jewelry that’s not too clunky
2. Hobo purses
3. Big rings-real or faux…just make it big, bold and shiny
4. Bracelets-shimmering, slinky and dangly
5. Chokers made of fabric, leather or metal
6. Headbands, scarves and cool floppy hats