Having just recently returned from a trip to Anguilla, one of the pieces we made sure to pack was a maxi dress. Besides a great swimsuit, shades and our other beach vacation essentials, this pretty one-piece is something we think you shouldn’t leave home without. Super packable, comfortable and easy to dress up in the evening or throw on over your bathing suit in the day, this is one hot destination dress that is a travel must.
1. ONE by Erin Fetherston halter maxi dress, $724, shopbop.com.
Starting late in 2011 and still on trend for spring, sheer maxi dresses were spotted on the Spring/Summer 2012 runways at shows like Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Giambattista Valli. We love the butterfly print and halterneck line, which is a little more unique than your average maxi dress. Imagine wearing this on a hot evening in Rome or out to dinner in St. Lucia.
2. Old Navy chiffon tie-front maxi dress, $50, oldnavy.ca.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a maxi dress like this affordable one we found at Old Navy. A sunny hue with a floral pattern, this will work nicely in the day exploring or with a cute pair of wedges and jewellery come evening.
3. Joie Erykah dress, $270, dealuxe.ca.
Don’t think you have to limit a maxi dress for the Caribbean, in fact when the weather’s right, it’s a great city dress too. Throw on a jean jacket and cross-body bag and you’ll be ready to hit the shops in Santa Monica or breeze through the galleries in Paris.
4. Issa printed silk-satin kimono maxi dress, $725, net-a-porter.com.
Another twist on the spaghetti-strap maxi dress, this kimono-style version from Issa boasts a gorgeous print and feels super comfortable on, being 100% silk. Ultra-chic, it’s definitely more of a evening-dress than après-beach.
5. Parker silk zig-zag dress, $302, saksfifthavenue.com.
Throw on this pretty printed maxi dress and you can practically leave your room without much else. Try with a pair of flat sandals and an arm-full of bracelets.
6. MARC by Marc Jacobs Santiago jersey dress, $328, marcjacobs.com.
Comfort and style meld perfectly with this jersey maxi from MARC by Marc Jacobs. We love the one-shoulder and floral pattern, which would be perfect for a Hawaiian vacation or anywhere else tropical really.
7. Roberto Cavalli shell-print silk-chiffon kaftan, $2,090, net-a-porter.com.
OK, so this maxi is most definitely a splurge, but one you won’t regret. Pack it now on your beach vacation and save it come summer for a glamorous evening out. Gold is your friend with it comes to accenting with this dress, be it your drop-earrings, evening clutch or sandals.
