Trends on Campus: The Many, Many Facets of Maxi Dresses
Duncan College freshman Mary Anderson’s idealization of the trend, for dressier occasions.
Sky high hemlines are taking an exit and being replaced with a modest alternative — the maxi dress. As worn by Baker College freshman Andrea Rogers, the maxi dress is an easy way to protect yourself from the harsh Houston rays without compromising style.
Maxi dresses come in countless styles: from bell sleeves to strapless, or from flowing floral prints to the basic monochromatic lines expressed on Rogers' look. She gives a minimalist approach to her look by not using numerous accessories, allowing the focus to be on the maxi dress itself. By accentuating any body shape, the maxi dress has had sustained popularity over the years.
This everlasting style originated in the '60s after overtaking the mini-skirt. Maxi dresses were first formally presented when legendary designer Oscar de la Renta designed a ruffled lace cotton version for the Elizabeth Arden Salon, instantly catapulting it to a classic. The maxi dress also gained greater acceptance during the women's rights movement of the '70s in that it contrasted to the strict conforming styles women had been previously been under. The loose flowing fabric not only gives freedom of movement but symbolizes the freedom and rights women desired during the time. Throughout the years, the style may have lost some of its symbolism, but the dress still supplies women with the release from more constricting trends.
Since the '70s, the style has been worn in numerous ways and has been adapted by both high and low-end brands. Maxi dresses, which are usually associated with spring, due to most dresses coming in lighter colors and fabrics, can easily be transitioned to the colder temperatures through clever accessorizing. By pairing a dark corduroy blazer over the lighter dress, the look is instantly taken to the fall. Also, try pairing flat lace-up boots that will give a stricter edge to the lightness of the maxi-dress look. Unlike some styles which are only suitable for certain ages, maxi dresses can easily transcend generations due to their longer lengths. The versatility and classic ease of the maxi dress has only increased its appeal over the years — affirming that the maxi dress is here to stay.
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