Drop your hemlines, ladies! Floor grazing maxi skirts and dresses are having a moment right now. Maxis have always been a style staple for me. I love this style so much I have designed a number of variations for my LC Lauren Conrad collection as well as Paper Crown. They are comfortable, easy, incredibly flattering, and down-to-earth (literally). Plus, the style is versatile and perfect for transitioning your summer wardrobe into fall. What’s not to like? That’s why I was pleased to see designer labels such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Missoni, and J. Crew feature fresh takes on the trend in their fall runway shows.

While maxis are certainly experiencing a renaissance, if you will, up until the 21st century women had few options aside from this ankle skimming length. Even though we might see the floor length trend as “new,” the fact is the maxi has always had a place in women’s closets. (I suppose this is where I must state the obvious: Fashion always recycles itself.)

When worn correctly, maxi skirts and dresses are as flattering as they are fashionable. However, playing with proportion can be tricky. With longer lengths, it’s all about balance. To avoid being a fashion victim, follow these tips for maxi-friendly dressing…

1. The sky’s the limit. No matter your height (yes, I am talking to you, petite ladies) you can wear floor length dresses and skirts. That’s why they invented heels.
2. It’s a balancing act. Keep the scale of the skirt in mind. Floor length skirts look lovely with tighter fitting tops (tucked in and/or belted at the natural waist). If the skirt is cut closer to the body, opt for a looser fitting top. Cropped jackets and sweaters also work well with floor length dresses and skirts. One of my favorite casual outfits is a simple maxi dress paired with a cropped denim jacket. 
3. Be bold! Fashion is all about taking risks, I’ve seen girls style their maxi skirts with slouchy sweaters, tied denim shirts, and simple tucked-in tees for an effortlessly unfussy yet chic look.

Now it’s time to get inspired. Here’s a few styling suggestions…



How will you be wearing the maxi skirt this season?

Upload a photo of yourself wearing this show-stopping style. I’ll feature some of your photos in a follow up post! (Click here to learn how to upload & submit photos.)

XO Lauren

Photos: altamiranyc, sterlingstyle, pinterest, chictopia, atlantic-pacific, pinterest, streetpeeper

Instead of doing a Tuesday Ten post today, I decided to blog about the recent resort 2012 runway shows. From New York for Paris, dozens of designers showcased their collections for the post-holiday season. Here are my notes on the season’s key looks along with some tips on how you can incorporate these trends into your daily wardrobe…

But first, what is resort wear?
Many designers have started showing resort collections in addition to their standard spring and fall lines. Resort was originally known as “cruise wear,” which was promoted by upscale fashion houses and stores to appeal to their wealthy clients who typically vacationed in warm weather climates after the holidays. However, resort wear has evolved to something much more mainstream. Now, the fashion industry views resort wear as a “specialized year-round clothing style and fashion season.” The idea is that many people visit or live in tropical or resort-like destinations. To accommodate, designers have created “resort collections.” Resort wear is characterized as easy to clean, travel-friendly and most importantly, fashion-forward clothing. Simply put, think of resort wear as year-round fashionable travel and leisure clothing.

Now for the major trends spotted on the resort 2012 runways…

A look from Michael Kors

Catch a wave! Weather it’s scuba inspired gear at Michael Kors and Derek Lam, Hawaiian print pieces at Stella McCartney and Givenchy, or south-of-the-border cuts at Proenza Schouler—one thing is clear for 2012: surfs up! To work this trend, I suggest playing with texture and fabric. For example, try a neoprene bandeau top layered under a lightweight tank. Or, opt for a pair of tropical print shorts and a color block top. Either way, just be careful and limit yourself to one aspect of this trend. Too many at once can be the makings of a wipeout!

Sporty zipper details at 3.1 Phillip Lim

Athleticism. In the words of fashion’s newest design darling, Joseph Altuzarra, “zip-up and go” is the key phrase for 2012 resort trends. Other fashion houses that hit the note: Bottega Veneta, Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Balenciaga. Translate this trend to your closet by stocking up on shorts, strappy heels, and sporty dresses and zip front tops.

Colorful (cropped) pants at Prabal Gurung

Color code. After the onslaught of greys and blacks that overtook the fall runways, it was refreshing to see designers make use of color! I personally love wearing color, so I was pleased to see Prabal Gurung incorporate unexpected pops of grapefruit pink, turquoise and yellow throughout his collection. Other notable collections include Chloe’s orange outbursts, Alice + Olivia's punchy colored pieces, Burberry Prorsum’s canary yellow coats and aqua blue accents and BCBG Max Azria's rainbow of draped, flowy garments. Take this trend to the streets by embracing color. Instead of wearing that black skirt, swap it out for an orange one. Or, wrap a brightly hued belt around that LWD (little white dress).
 
Other major resort trends included ladylike layers and tailoring (seen at Chloe), cropped pants (seen almost everywhere), tea and knee length skirts, and graphic floral prints (as seen at Marc by Marc Jacobs and Celine).

Click here and take a look through the resort shows. Tell me which one is your favorite in the comments below!

XO Lauren

Photos: Style.com