Spring Takes It to the Max

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Skintight dresses and mini skirts are so last year. Granted, they're not completely out of style (raw sex appeal never will be), but ankle-length dresses have made a comeback. No longer for schoolmarms and nuns, the floor-dusting frocks have reappeared for spring 2011, this time looking less hippie-chic and more just plain chic. The casual jersey tunics of last year have expanded to cover more leg, but the subtle curve-hugging silhouettes can be sexier than a painted-on mini-dress. Think resort-appeal and summers spent on yachts—cinch waists with novelty belts, keep your feet in chunky platforms or wedges (which will be especially helpful keeping the off-the-rack dresses from literally dragging the floor), but consider a tote or cross-body bag and a floppy hat. Statement accessories are a must with a maxi-dress in order to keep the style from looking too frumpy or plain. Unfortunately, the trick to looking effortless is to actually put some effort into it.
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