Dear Fashion Industry,
This is an open letter and plea.
I have done a quick reccie of my wardrobe and there are no fewer than 13 maxi skirts or dresses contained within.
They are not hanging there merely for show either. They are loved and on most days reached for in preference to jeans or pants or leggings.
I know.
I may have an incy wincy obsession. One that I feel is completely justified.
A maxi dress or skirt always looks more stylish than a shorter option.
You feel that bit more dressed up, even though you’re in a casual outfit.
If you’re in a dressy maxi, then you can easily do the mid-event switcheroo from heels to flats and no-one but your feet will be the wiser.
A maxi means you can be a little lazy-girl in the hair shaving department.
And lastly, should you choose your maxi well, they can be the most flattering garment in your wardrobe.
Oh, sorry for the ramble.
I do have a point. Yes I do.
Please, pretty please, can you never stop designing and making maxis.
That is all and warmest regards
Ms Maxi Lover 2012
PS. You may or may not be familiar with my Model and Me posts. I show what a garment looks like on a model and then what it looks like on me. See, I’m short on modelesque qualities. Pun very much intended.
Here’s the model wearing my latest wardrobe maxi addition. It’s a fabulous viscose black number from Virtu*. SO comfortable and the thick waistband means it sits well too. In my extensive maxi collection, I didn’t have a black skirt. So this skirt fills a “valid” gap 😉
And here is me:
Virtu Beth maxi skirt $69.95 | Country Road knit worn over Country Road black stretch cami | Seed scarf | Virtu Hartford jacket* $99.95 | Zoe Kratzmann Enthral wedges $220 | Uberkate Love Lines necklace | Mezi ring
Hair: Suite Three Hair | Lips: Innoxa Couleurs D’ete Summer Matte Lipstick in Tangerine $14.95
I wore this outfit to fly to Sydney on Wednesday*. When I travel, even a short distance, I like to be comfortable but I like to look put together. I think that comes from starting flying when I was little, in an era where people DID get dressed up.
What do you think? Do you like to look nice when travelling? What about the maxi? Do we need it to stay?
* Virtu gifted me this skirt and jacket in accordance with my disclosure policy.
** Qantas flew me to Sydney to attend the media conference announcing the designer of the next Qantas uniform – Paris-based Australian fashion designer Martin Grant. More on the blog next week as I’m one of five bloggers invited to apply to become Qantas’ fashion blogger, posting about the uniform development process over the next 12 months.
Comments 60
Another great Model & Me post Nikki – I think these are actually my fave of your posts. I’m a big maxi fan myself and I recently bought 2 of those black Virtu Maxi dresses that you blogged about a month or so ago ( I did have to take them up since I’m such a shortie -but that’s easy) Definitely going to have a look at that skirt. Keep up the good work!! x Nicole
Good on you for buying 2 of the Virtu maxis – they are incredible to wear! I reach for mine almost weekly!
As much as I like the look of floaty summer maxi dresses, I just find them an inconvenience. Such a large piece of material to wash and hang, you have to pick them up to sit down or walk up stairs, they crush more than a simple top and summer pants. I don’t like dresses for winter either so I guess I’m not a dress gal at all. I think I own about 5 dresses, most knee length, and don’t wear them.
The maxi dress/skirt has become my wardrobe fav. I LOVE them. You know I bought my first maxi skirt, at your suggestion, when we were shopping in Sydney? Now I have about six of them!
You’re a very good student! They are fabulous, indeed!
Wow I am loving your blog Nikki, and am addicted to the maxi dress and skirt posts!! Took myself off to Seed and picked up a maxi dress, hoping I can rock this look with my ‘biker’ jacket from country road. So great having something other than jeans to throw and feel good in!!
Thanks for the inspiration.
The biker jacket and a Seed maxi dress would work brilliantly – toughen up the look nicely!
Nikki is the lipstick newish? I think I need this shade!! Also would this dress suit a gal with hips? Ever since I had my baby my hips went wider!! True. I love your posts- its my me time when the baby sleeps! Just love your blog
No, it’s not that new I don’t think – it’s one of their best sellers. Check out Priceline! And, baby, I have I got hips (widest part of me!) – so yes it would work!
I know its about the maxi, but your lipstick is amazing Nikki. A standout. Great impact. Annie
I’m exactly the same as you, Nikki. I have always loved the grand romance of travel, as when I was first travelling and flying, it was to meet special people – grandparents, family, etc.
Working in the airport terminal retail precinct recently, I was able to see how LOTS of different people dress in many ways to travel. From the bogan buck’s nught boys in Southern Cross flag singlets, stubbies and things, to special little old ladies who still wear hats and gloves. I love this, as it shows the people you are meeting at the other end that you really were pleased to see them and put on a good show.
These days I tend to travel in jeggings for comfort, with cosy knee-high riding boots (as I get terribly cold toes), a drapey button-down shirt and a waterfall cardi or pashmina. I think my travelling style is elegant, but I’m always comfy enough in what I’m wearing to have a nap on the plane.
Oh, and a big pair of Jackie O sunnies are an essential, so that any nap-time mascara smudges can be hidden!
I LOVE your travel style – comfort and style is the ultimate combination in my books!
Yes I love the maxi, skirts and dresses. I’m exactly the same with air travel – time for dressing up, in the car I usually wear a comfy old top and have a good one handy to slip into in the car, just pop on the window covers in the back seat. Had to do this recently but took a maxi dress to change into. The only parking I could find after our 3 hour trip to Perth was right next to a some construction workers and a guy holding a sign. Well I had no choice, into the back seat, window covers up, got out kerb side in completely different outfit, I think he nearly dropped his sign lol.
Bahaha!! Desperate times, Annie …
I bought a black maxi skirt from Metalicus a few months back and I have worn it so many times! Looks the same as yours. Love it.
I’ve got an orange (surprise) one from Metalicus summer – they’re brilliant!
I cannot remember the last time I wore a skirt. I think I stopped around the same time I last started putting on weight. Four or five years ago? Am currently a pants-only girl. (Though I do wear something on top. Obviously!)
This skirt could easily take the place of pants for you Deborah. Truly x
Love the outfit, it’s definitely your signature look (which you can add to your other signatures such as orange)!! I would hope, pray and beg the Fashion Powers That Be to never ever let longline tanks, tops, sweaters and cardis go out of fashion and the same goes for leggings. It’s MY signature!! xx
Yep, I’d agree with your list. We need to start a petition!
Gorgeous Gorgeous! AND you are so right the maxi skirt is the perfect outer / casual item that can be worn to the markets with girlfriends right through to dinner with some added bulky jewels I couldn’t agree MORE!
Great for travelling for that very reason – takes up little room but so versatile!
You look gorgeous as always Nikki. I don’t have any maxi skirts. I bought my first maxi dress this summer, which I was loving. Seeing this I do feel a little inspired to keep and eye out for one. What types of winter shoes go with them for daytime?
I’m wearing ankle boots with my maxi skirts and dresses, Sandra.
Nikki, can I ask you about the gap? I almost always have a gap between maxi and ankle boot .I try to pull said maxi down as far as it will go. Long boots are good but when I wear ankle boots with a light colour, like the orange marl maxi is bare leg ok or skin colour stockings??
You look great by the way 🙂
Yes, I show a bit of bare leg … when it gets colder, I may add tights – black or a light coloured ribbed tight.
Unfortunately maxis do not suit me because I love the look of them. My knees/legs/ankles are far and away my best asset so I need to work them. You look great though!
I always like to dress for the plane. You never know when you might get an upgrade!
Corrine – working your assets is the best option. My legs are actually pretty good considering the lack of attention I give them which is why a streamlined maxi works for me.
I I must
… improve my bust!?
Disqus never works for me on your site – why is that?
Was attempting to say – I must get over my fear of the Maxi – but it never shows up?
I’m sure it’s personal 😉 And yes, embrace the maxi. You can do it!
Yes I like to look nice when traveling ,makes it a little bit special I think,in fact I like to look nice most of the time,except when sick,lazy or cleaning the house .
I agree Nikki ,I want maxi’s to stay in fashion forever too,love them they make me look taller are comfy and a little bit Boho Luxe which I love and I dunno just me I suppose , I have a black skirt just like that and like to wear it with jumpers and jackets and boots and tights if cold.Love your model and me posts and your keeping it real ones too, you look lovely by the way!!I love tan and black together looks very chic !
Thank-you Lisa xx
That skirt looks great and very versatile. Haven’t had a black Max I skirt since my faux-goth uni day but mght ge time to reconsider. What size are you wearing Nikki? And did you have to get the skirt taken up? Find virtu stuff really long usually.
I’m wearing a 14 and no, I didn’t get taken up. Am 167cm in height.
Keep these model and me posts and the keeping it real posts coming,Nikki! They are so inspiring! I too am a lover of the maxi. Summer finds me in cottony flowy numbers just fitted around the under-bust area (my narrowest bit :)) and winter in Melb is great for a country road grey marle maxi skirt with a fitted jacket and a lovely scarf, or the seed maxi tube dress. I always have a dilemma with shoes and winter maxi’s, love long boots but they don’t work with a long tube dress, and my ankle boots seem clunky under a maxi. Another down side for the tube maxi is that it reduces us long-striding walkers to a geisha shuffle! I’m dreading the day I’m out in public and have to hitch my tube maxi up around my butt in order to go in hot pursuit of my escape-obsessed toddler! Look out, Melbourne!
Kirsten I had to do that the “geisha shuffle” when wearing my seed dress I was running late for an appointment and had a long walk ahead so just hitched it up and went like a bullet ,probably didn’t look good ,but when you have to you have to!!!!
Hahaha! I’d like to see that. I’ve got more skilled at my geisha walking efforts – and I think an ankle boot is the best option – I wear the above and some that are open at the top but a little chunky on the heel.
That jacket!!! I want it!!!!
I like it because it has shape but is a heavy t-shirt knit so comfy and stretchy!
Nikki just wanted to say how much I love the fact you reply to everyone that comments on your posts. Not many do that & I think it makes you extra special.xx
Ahh, thanks Reannon. I truly believe that blogging is a conversation with readers. It would be pretty boring talking to myself!
I love the maxi-skirt/dress too! And I always like to dress up when travelling … I am always living in hope of an upgrade (it has happened) and it’s more likely if you look the part!
That is so very true Bronnie!
Choosing your traveling outfit is as important as the rest of the packing process. I LOVE that flying used to be such a glamorous affair and LOATHE that people now take the opportunity to dress like a slob ‘just because they will be on a plane’. You’ve done well, Nikki in choosing an outfit that will be comfortable and flattering at the same time!
As for maxi’s, worn well, I love them. However, I can’t tell you how many women I see wearing them that have clearly just ‘chucked it on’ because they can’t be bothered putting a real outfit together. Unfortunately I think the slobby ones are ruining it for everyone by making the maxi a last resort. We have to keep our standards up!
Flying for me has always been about the romance of it, even though nowadays so many people don’t seem to think so. And I think a maxi is a great chuck on garment but like anything you do need have the right accompanying pieces to make it work for you.
Love the maxi Nikki – you look fab. Can you suggest a maxi just like that one for size 8-10? I want one too!
PS. 13 is an unlucky number – you really should add just one more maxi for good luck!
Another Nikki, you’re correct, I do need to add another one – maybe some stripes? And re a maxi for your size, how about this one at Cotton On: http://shop.cottonon.com/shop/product/meliah-cable-maxi-skirt/ or Supre: http://www.supre.com.au/FITTED-MAXI-SKIRT.aspx?p71777
You are amazing, the way you just know the answers to every question and respond so quickly…. thankyou xxx
hi Nikki, i love these maxis too..though no triangle type string top for me with E cup boobs..i find that i need a ftted maxi (almost pencil) down the bottom to balance me out as being top heavy i can look frumpy even at a size 10.!
Those are E cups you’re looking at in the photo Sasha! I definitely can only do a fitted maxi too.
Good luck with the blogging gig. I like dressing up to travel, especially when it is to go away on holidays. Because holidays are good! I remember the days when people dressed up to do anything and then the 70s came along… I haven’t embraced the maxi, probably because of this, and I feel swamped in all that fabric. I’m too old for minis; prefer mid length although this does raise the hairy leg Spector. No wonder I live in jeans every winter!
Haha, Thea … I can only do streamlined styles like the above otherwise it’s not flattering at all on me!
You always look fabulous and are an inspiration to me! Really hope you get the Qantas gig.
Thanks so much Struth!
Bit of a fabulous leg lengthening pose there too, Ms Nikki! :). Tangerine lip is so good on you.
I’m working it! Also the skirt and wedge combo works to lengthen my legs. Probably why I’m addicted 😉
You would be AWESOME working with Qantas….keep us posted!
Thanks Renee – and I will keep you posted!