Fluttering Lashes: The Maxi Dress

I'm loving the revival of the seventies era this season and after a naughty little shopping spree last week to secure my key items, I thought rather than delve further into my overdraft and shop more, I'd have my dose of this trend by writing a nice little feature about fashion's biggest love affair this season, so here goes.

Who says fashion is fickle? It isn’t always about adopting the newest look or design from the catwalk. Sometimes being in style means keeping a favourite friend, an outfit that will see you through everything life can throw at you – through thick or thin.

This season fashion is staying true to one of last summer’s surprises – the Maxi dress. The seventies revival enjoyed by so many last year, is still here – this time with a twist.

It’s all about the clash right now, so go for some bold prints and colours, if you dare. Lush and vibrant nature inspired patterns have been storming the high street, but it’s not just florals that we have been seeing. ‘Tutti Frutti’ inspired pieces from designers such as Stella McCartney, Moschino and Prada have arrived. These dramatic prints take this season’s vivid colour palette one step further. With their fruity concoctions of a twist of lemon and a chunk of lime, these eye popping designs will have you thinking summer is already upon us.

Glamour is heavily influenced by the Seventies trend. Marc Jacobs showcased beautiful shades of sapphire and emerald, ruby reds and yellows; every eye popping colour across the spectrum was sauntered down the catwalk creating glamour worthy of Studio 54. Haider Ackermann also projected the elongated silhouettes of the maxi dress to the top of the style charts. With Miss Selfridge, Topshop, New Look and every other high street store embellishing their windows with floor skimming gowns it’s not just the filthy rich who can afford to wear this timeless beauty set to be the hottest trend of the season.

And it’s not just the one ‘in style’ trend for the highly anticipated revival of the Seventies style. From daytime elegance to evening glam, this look is one that evokes pure opulence in each and every wearer.

The maxi dress is the perfect investment piece and something that the S/S ’11 designers are championing. Dresses fall like shimmering water, embracing a definite theme of romanticism. From delicate cuts, to flowing silks, there is an overtly feminine feel for this spring.

A statement item for any wardrobe, a striking maxi dress compliments every woman of every shape and size. Accentuating height, skimming those bulky bits and with the right accessories transforming from daytime chic to evening glam in the blink of an eye, you cannot afford to miss out. For a true Seventies feel go for a halter neck style, cinched under the bust, with a slit up the leg if you dare. It’s all about pushing the boundaries this season, so sex it up and add a touch of glam to this essentially romantic look.

Seventies style icon Lauren Hutton is the perfect example of how to wear this seasons trends effortlessly. Simple accessories such as a floppy felt hat or a set of bangles can totally transform an outfit from Seventies Peasant to Seventies glamour. Whether you’re a fan of the boho look or prefer a more demure, sophisticated elegance it’s all down to the accessories. A cute pair of sandals with a bow in long tousled hair for a bit of gypsy chic, or slip into a killer pair of wedges, bold eye makeup and a big messy bun fit for the red carpet. The opportunities are endless.

And here are a few of my favourites, enjoy...