Dresses for End of Summer into Fall
I don’t know if it is the recent 50th anniversary of Woodstock or my impending 50th birthday but I am feeling all the feels for bohemian style maxi dresses. A maxi dress is a perfect transitional piece for end of summer and into the fall. So I am unleashing my inner hippy and stepping out in some pretty floral dresses for fall.
A great maxi dress has couple key ingredients. First, a pretty pattern which doesn’t overwhelm. I am always drawn to florals based in black but I am trying to branch out this season. Second, it needs to have some focal point detailing. A bib collar or tie waist detail to draw the eye to one area, so the overall pattern doesn’t overwhelm. Petite girls can get away with billowy maxi dresses with lots of fabric but for me, I feel like I am wearing a muumuu. I am definitely not hating on muumuus but being tall all that fabric just isn’t flattering. To ease the transition into fall, look for dresses with sleeves of some sort. Even long breezy sleeves can be worn during end of summer and will easily transition into fall.
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Why I’m Obsessed
What started my recent obsession: for my 50th birthday my BFF and I are headed back to Miraval Tucson to celebrate. We went to Miraval for our 40th birthdays (We are both born in 69 but she is 6 months, to the day, older. Yes, I said that for her benefit.) and a maxi dress just feels like the perfect spa vacation item. I started my search at Free People because they are known for their beautiful maxi dress. I found the Free People Rare Feelings Maxi Dress and was immediately sold. It has everything I love in a dress, black base with a small not overwhelming print and pretty details at the neck and arms.
Of course, in true fashionista fashion, one dress had me wanting more. So off I went in search of a few more maxi dresses to add to my collection. Truth be told, I also just recently donated the last of my 40th birthday trip maxi dresses. I purge my closet regularly but sometimes there are items which feel like they are timeless but ultimately just sit in my closet and become the 10 yr. old dress I don’t want to wear. Oh well! As we say progress not perfection.
Always Anthropologie
My next stop for statement making dresses is always Anthropologie. Honestly, I love Anthro for all their statement making items from dresses to accessories. They have curated a collection of unique items that are unexpected and delightful. I picked up several dresses to try. My favorite is the Dessa Tunic Dress which sadly sold out even before the recent Anthro Sale. The Anastasia Maxi Dress is similar but with beading and long sleeves. It has excellent reviews and can be worn more formally to weddings or other special occasions. My dress is definitely more casual.
Faithfull the Brand
Faithfull the Brand (not a typo) manufactures beautiful dresses in Bali. The patterns are inspired by vintage markets and travel and the cuts are feminine and sexy. The Faithfull La Falaise Dress is just such a dress with a delicate daisy pattern and flattering tiered cut. My one complaint is that their dresses run really small especially in the bust. I am wearing a Large and I would definitely like more space in the chest area.
Faithfull the Brand makes many of their dress cuts in multiple fabrics. I purchased this green Emilia Midi dress last year but for fall they have updated in a pretty old-fashioned rose floral at Nordstrom and yellow and blue daisy floral at Anthropologie. I am wearing an XL in the green. It is slightly big at the waist but just fits my bust. So if you consider yourself big busted, definitely size up.
Ok! So technically the green dress is more midi than maxi but I still feel it is a great transition dress. I wore this all winter long with tall brown boots and my favorite sweater blazer from J.Crew.
Madewell Maxi Dress
Madewell is another favorite for dresses. I love the red color of this Madewell Tulip Sleeve Maxi Dress in Tall Sunflower. The pattern is so pretty and the cut is extremely flattering. Unfortunately, the cut is just too revealing for me. I could definitely add a small bando bra in a neutral color to add modesty to the low cut dress. If you are big busted and don’t mind flaunting the girls, then go for it! This dress is low cut and oh so pretty. I am wearing a size 8 which is my usual size.
A good maxi dress transitions easily from late summer to early fall. You can easily wear with sandals now. Add boots and a blazer or cardigan for cooler mornings and days. Layering is key when the temperatures are fickle. There are so many great styles on the market right now as dresses are having a major moment. Here are several my other maxi dress picks.
