All About Gina Coole and What Women Want to Wear

Hi.  What Women Want to Wear represents my take on current fashion trends.  I focus firmly on clothes that are practical, gorgeous and offer great value for money.

As far as I'm concerned, catwalk fashion is way too pretentious, quirky and down right crazy as well as being totally unaffordable.

Here, at WWWW, you'll find simple practical opinions about today's fashion.  For starters, here is the Gina take on the Maxi Dress for 2012.

Incidentally, I'm currently diversifying where I write due to the ongoing Google algorithm changes (the dreaded Panda updates).  Hence me developing my own sites.  

Enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts!

 The Author

My name is Gina Coole and I adore travel, fashion and reading novels. I’m passionate, creative and sometimes naughty but always (well mostly) nice!

 My job (not as glamorous as it sounds) takes me all over the world so home is currently where ever my stuff is stowed.

I'm a freelance travel emergencies consultant that means I fly anywhere I'm paid to (Yes the Coole finances are permenantly hovering near empty thanks to the current economic climate).

I’d like to settle down some day, either alone but preferably with a future soul mate.  I love to write and have lots of stories to tell.  I adore men but struggle to understand exactly what makes them tick.  Sometimes, when some bloke has just trodden all over my dreams and left my ego in the gutter, I think a female life partner might be much easier!  

    You can find Gina Coole on HubPages

Femme Fatal Fashion Look for Autumn Fall 2012 - Inspired by Mad Men and The Hour

The popularity of Mad Men and The Hour mean that girls with fabulous figures are back!

Here we’ll look how today’s TV shows are reflecting the glamour of the 50s and 60s. That’s why one of my hot fashion picks for the Autumn (Fall) is the Femme Fatale look. Think figure hugging dresses that display your curves to maximum advantage.


So what is a Femme Fatale? Well, you’ll typically find her in the genre known as Film Noir. Originally filmed in Black and White and often involving a tough private eye in a trench coat, foul weather, gangsters and a lovely dame (the femme fatale) in a delicious coat. 

Add to that a fabulous figure hugging dress, a cigarette hanging from the her luscious red lips and sometimes a gun strapped to her thigh. Listen for her heels on the sidewalk, above the icy wind from the lake. Think Chicago. She’s seductive, dangerous and has legs to die for.

Rita Hayworth - Femme Fatale

Rita Hayworth, Barbara Stanwyck, Marlene Dietrich or Lana Turner fit the Femme Fatale bill perfectly, capturing their helpless lovers in chains of irresistible desire. But don’t mess with their affections or you might just get a bullet through the heart.

So, getting back to my point, the guilty feeling that you should be a size smaller may finally be put to rest by the Femme Fatale look.  You can now rejoice in your fabulous décolletage (cleavage), your sexy derriere and those slightly generous hips that nature (and in my case, chocolate) have kindly donated!

Mad Men, the drama about advertising in the 1960s, has been widely praised by critics and viewers alike.  Its appeal lies in those sumptuous, nostalgic sets, great acting and fabulous clothes.  

Christina Hendricks - in great shape for Mad Men!

 For years the fashion world has been preaching to we women that to make it to the catwalk you need to look like a stick insect.  These emaciated waifs are supposed to be our role models but look around you people!

The average woman in the US has vital statistics of around 42 35 44 (inches).  A far cry from the ideal 36 24 36 that was sometimes quoted in the 50s and 60s.  The average dress size in the US is a 14.  In other words a plus size.  Note UK readers (where I live) that a US 14 is equivalent to an 18 in the UK.  In the UK the average dress size is 16 (UK size).  Miss average UK is only slightly smaller than her US sister. 

Christina Hendricks, who plays Joan Holloway in Mad Men, has made curvy cool once more.  She has been voted the sexiest woman on the planet by Esquire magazine.  Christina is the sort of girl that turns men’s heads.  Let me emphasise, to those of you who don’t read men, guys like a girl with a bottom and hips.  They love boobs too.  Christina is where most men are at!  

Christina Hendricks - Turning Heads in Mad Men

Don’t misunderstand me.  I’m not urging us all to put on more weight.  But whatever size you happen to be, buy clothes that show off your figure to best advantage!  Think figure hugging, pencil skirts, typically emphasising your waist with a broad belt.

What about The Hour?  It’s a new BBC Thriller about a ground breaking TV News program in the 1950’s at the time when Egypt took over the Suez Canal.  Like Mad Men, the sets are authentic and the fashion fabulous.  The show is built around murder, a spy mystery and a love triangle between Bel Rowley, the young producer of The Hour, played by gorgeous Romala Garai, suave Hector Madden the anchor (played by Dominic West - remember him in The Wire?) and good looking journalist Freddie Lyon (Ben Whishaw).

Cast of The Hour set in 1956

Bel looks magnificent in figure hugging suits and elaborate brooches and is not afraid to allow her lovely legs (adorned in stockings) to beguile her predominantly sexist colleagues at the BBC.  The hour is currently screening in the UK on BBC2 and is coming to America soon.  Unfortunately we Brits favour tiny 6 part seasons but every minute of this 6 hour classic is a gem!

Bel and Freddie socialising in The Hour

For more on the Femme Fatale, Click Here.

Why not use Mad Men and The Hour as a source of fashion inspiration?  Look out for dresses, skirts or suits to give you that retro seductive air.  Let men see your feminine side.  Release your inner Femme Fatale and turn heads this Autumn (Fall to you Americans).   


A Trailer for The Hour


 

Predictions for Autumn, Fall Woman Fashion for 2011

The Fall Autumn 2011 Aviator Look

So what is on offer in terms of fashion for Autumn 2011 (or Fall if you're from across the Atlantic)? What will the cool girls be wearing as the weather gets colder?  Here are Gina’s thoughts about what clothes to wear when the leaves begin to fall.  Notice I didn’t say ‘buy’.  In these cash-strapped times its great to try to recycle what you already have.  Another budget-saving idea is to seek out some quality garments on the second hand market.  These can be supplemented with a few new purchases to give your look an authentic 2011 feel.

The Aviator and Military Look

Fortunately the modern fashion world tends to recycle styles so last Winter’s Aviator Look is almost certain to return again this Fall along with the Military coats and jackets.  Leather coats and bomber jackets also feature in the autumn collections and you can bet your bottom dollar that trench coats will be out there somewhere too.

You may notice my take on fashion is fairly simplistic and practical.  I find that many ‘professional’ fashion writers are so far off the planet that I can’t even understand what they are trying to say.  Fashion, like many other areas of modern life has its own secret language. “You mean bulls**t?”, I hear someone whisper. 

This article is fashion writing for the girl next door, on a limited budget, who can’t afford to spend her life on the catwalks of Europe throwing away several thousand dollars on a small bag and a pair of shoes.  Enough about me.  Back to Autumn fashion.     

1970s and the Maxi Dress

Another continuing trend is the maxi dress that has been around all this Summer.  Maxis were born in the 1970s and the experts predict the 70s will be big again this Winter.

The Original Dallas Cast - with Shoulder Pads!

 “Oh no, not the Dynasty/Dallas thing again,” I hear you say “Gargantuan shoulder pads and Sue Ellen’s angry, blackrimmed, smoldering eyes”.  I’m afraid I can’t remember back that far so ‘Who Shot JR? ’means nothing to me!

Jumpsuits are back but typically in prints rather than the single colours of the past.  Playsuits are also mentioned by the fashionistas.  These are basically jumpsuits with less material.  Think shorts and brief little top suitable for the beach or bedroom.  Even the name sounds a little bit naughty – exactly what kind of play is implied, anyway?

Incidentally, shear maxi dresses are a trend predicted to continue into the Winter months.  Personally, I’m a little fed up with showing my fabulous legs in minis and shorts and look forward to keeping one of my better features hidden (except for special occasions of a more intimate nature).  I’m of an age when I want people, and men in particular, to take me more seriously.  A see through maxi seems almost a contradiction.

Felt hat and a Midi Dress with a 1970s feel

Bohemian Rapsody?

Along with maxi skirts and dresses expect to see the bohemian look.  Think floppy felt hats and exotic, chunky jewellery.  Huge chokers on girly necks are predicted this Autumn.  Look out for wide metal neckbands and thick leather collars adorned with feathers. Super high platform shoes are also on the cards.  I think I’ll pass on this one, I’m scared of heights!  

Chuncky Chokers will be big in Fall Autumn 2011

What else? Slinky gowns and the Femme Fatale look.  I’m really into Femme Fatal and Film Noir style.  Retro fashion at its best in my opinion!  Check out the link to read more.

Also, wide-leg pants or flares with a high waist, given more shape with a serious belt.  Then there are blouses with a bow (no thank you!) and billowing sleeves.  Look out for silks and satins and roll neck sweaters tucked into pants or skirts. 

Knitwear but not like Granny Knitted in the 1970s!

Knitwear but not like Nanny Knitted!

Yes knitwear is back but hopefully not those awful 70s monstrosities that granny knitted from a pattern in a women’s magazine.  Bad enough on the unfortunate, slender model on the printed page but a total disaster on a teenager with puppy fat when knitted by short-sighted Gran who got the measurements all wrong!

Hot pants are also mentioned.  As I’ve said before I’ve had enough of short shorts and I don’t intend to freeze my petite derriere (bum or butt if you prefer) in the depths of an English winter.

Autum Fall Colours - think Vermont!

A bit far out for me but the Glamour Goth look and even Punk are also mentioned.  So expect lots of dark eye shadow and black fabric.  Also don’t forget Faux Fur (I know you want to!).  Call me a traditionalist but I like Fall colors.  You Americans think Vermont for your inspiration.  Give me coppery shades, gentle greens and yellows for my Autumn wardrobe.

Finally, I know all this talk of Fall seems a bit premature, particularly if you are sweating in the garden or back yard in only shorts and a teeshirt, but its never too early to plan your winter wardrobe.  Check out what is on offer on the web. Also, Ebay is a great place to seek out some second hand antique clothes or new bargains to complete your Autumn or Fall 2011 fashion wardrobe.

The 2012 Nautical Fashion Look

All Aboard for the Nautical Fashion Look this Summer!

Set sail in the Classic Nautical Fashion Look!

It's that time of the year again when we can finally escape the snow and winter chill and hopefully look forward to some fine summer weather later in the year together with Strawberries and Cream and a seat at Wimbledon. The onset of Summer gives me a chance to soak up some sunshine and experience a warm summer breeze on my pale English flesh.

Fortunately, summer 2012 once again features the nautical fashion look, a favourite look of mine. It doesn’t matter whether you are on the beach, strolling on the promenade, boardwalk or sailing on the ocean. The nautical look is classic and works well in just about every situation.

2012 sees the classic nautical stripes flavoured with the South Seas, South Pacific and jaunty sailor hats. Paris fashion week featured palm tree prints and sarong-gowns accessorized with leis, created a colourful collection infused with tropical colour and fun accessories. It makes me think of Marlon Brando's On the Waterfront or the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, South Pacific.

You can start your Nautical Look with a classic swimsuit or a bikini. Then add shorts, skirt or mini dress according to the time of day. For the evening, maybe a full-length dress would suit? Don’t forget to add some shoes or sandals and other accessories to keep the sea-going theme going.

Everything you choose can be mix and match giving you a huge choice of look to suit any occasion without breaking the bank. Remember, the sea-going look can be grown up and sophisticated or distinctly youthful and saucy depending on just how much you choose to wear (or NOT as the case may be!).

They do say that ‘all the nice girls love a sailor’ but it is also true that nice boys positively adore ship-shape girls!

Have you ever thought of going on a cruise? “Hey I’m 30 not 60,” I hear you cry. These days, not all cruises are stuffy affairs where you are forced to wear a formal gown for dinner and your man must sport a tuxedo or a dinner jacket.

Modern cruises can be as informal as you like, where dinner can be a barbecue by the pool in a bikini, as opposed to a 5 course silver service dinner accompanied by a string quartet playing Mozart.

Of course, your time afloat may be just a day trip around the bay to watch some whales or a party afloat? Whatever the reason to set sail, It is still a great opportunity to dress the part as a seaworthy sailor and a lively shipmate!

The Basics - Minimum Cover with the Bikini

Lets be optimistic and assume lots of sunshine. Therefore we can kick off our nautical look with maximum exposure and a classic, nautically themed bikini - blue will do nicely.

Cover up with a Mini Dress

But beware of too much sun so the next thing to think about, apart from some high factor sun tan lotion, is covering up in the midday sun. So look out for a loose-fitting mini dress that covers your shoulders that you can slip easily over your swimsuit.

Accessories

Next put together a collection of shoes, bags and jewellery that complements the nautical colours you’ve already chosen..

Smart and Sophisticated

When evening comes and the sun slips slowly into the calm tropical waters, then why not slip a full length dress over your swimsuit and you have a great piece of evening wear. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a sundowner before dinner!

Evening Cover Up!

It can get chilly on deck in the evening so be ready to add more layers. Find yourself a nice little cardigan that is warm yet stylishly short and not at all frumpy!

Finally

Start looking around for your own take on the nautical fashion look. Maybe you fancy white shorts of tight pants that finish below the knee. What about some big bold beads or shells you can wear as a necklace? Don’t forget a shawl and a sea-going hat or cap. Use your imagination and make the look your own!

Now, you have just one more accessory to find. A sea-going sailor guy to complete your wardrobe. Bon Voyage!

The Baby Doll Dress - Hot Fashion Item for 2012?

Baby Doll Prom Dress

Once again Spring is in the air and we can look forward to that time of year, in the UK, when we hear the satisfying 'dunk' of tennis balls on grass and the unfeminine grunts of energetic ladies' volleys. This is that special time when the rich and famous gather at Centre Court, Wimbledon to eat Strawberries and Cream, drink champagne and sometimes watch a little tennis. 

The warmer weather also signals that it is time to abandon coats and find something cooler to wear.  This year the Baby Doll dress is making a big comeback.  “What on earth is a baby doll dress?” I hear some of you ask.  Where did the name come from? Well here is Gina’s take on the Baby Doll, its history and what’s hot in 2012 with the Baby Doll Dress.

Baby Doll the Movie

It all began with a style of nightgown designed in the 50’s by couturier Nancy Mecher. Her first design was in light transparent nylon and this type of negligee is often associated with pin-ups of the time. You can trace the name Baby Doll right back to Carroll Baker who wore the revealing garment in the form of a nightie in the 1956 movie "Baby Doll."

!960s Baby Doll Nightie

Baker’s 19 year old ‘Baby Doll’ is a real tease, not helped by her habit of sleeping in a child’s crib in the nursery in her short nightie whilst waiting for her newly acquired middle-aged husband to consummate the marriage!  Pretty hot stuff for a 1956 audience.  The film brought Baker instant fame plus lots of notoriety. Both the film and the lingerie were a smash hit.

The 1950s Baby Doll was a simple flared negligee with a hemline that reached approximately six inches above the knee.  “But why baby doll?” I hear you ask.

Baby Doll relates back to the style of dress worn by a baby and therefore also by baby dolls. The short, flared hemline made nappy changing easy. Incidentally, Gina loves kids but not nappy changing.  I don’t want to think about it so lets move on quickly!

Baby Doll Lingerie

Babydoll lingerie continues to be popular to the present day but the design has evolved to match current fashions. Pastel colours and simple chiffon or lace have evolved into more raunchy colours such as red and black. Baby-doll lingerie is also often low cut to show off the cleavage.

The 2012 versions typically have shaped, supportive cups and are much more figure hugging than the 1950’s originals. This year you’ll often find a Burlesque feel to the baby doll nightie. The hemlines of the lingerie have also risen and are typically somewhere between the upper thigh or even navel height.

Baby Doll Nightie with a Hint of Burlesque

In which case, some of you may wonder why a girl would bother to wear them at all?  If you don’t know the answer to that then ask your husband, boyfriend or latest squeeze for their opinion!

So Where Does the Baby Doll Dress Fit In?

Come with me now back to the mid 1960’s when the fashion world went through a cataclysmic shift. Welcome to the era of free love, letting it all hang out when anything goes (or should that be went?).

Liberated ladies dispensed with stockings and suspenders, corsets and even the bra. Clothes were suddenly providing covering but nothing in the way of support. Think simple mini dresses, mini skirts and little if any underwear.

In 1969, Germaine Greer, Feminist Writer, described the Liberation of Women in the following flowery prose:

"The women kept on dancing while their long skirts crept up, and their girdles dissolved, and their n*****s burst through like hyacinth tips and their clothes withered away to the mere wisps and ghosts of draperies to adorn and glorify .."

Can you see from this why every teenage girl of the 1960s wanted to sleep in a baby doll?  Even if her parents banned her miniskirt and she had to wear a school uniform with a long skirt at least she could be liberated at nighttime in her own bedroom.

What Makes a Dress a Baby Doll?

Baby doll dresses first appeared in around 1966. They were more substantial than the baby doll nightie but were based on the same style. The Baby Doll Dress was flared from below the bust with cutaway armholes and/or a halter neck. They were typically made of transparent tulles, lace or chiffon mounted over a matching lining or crinkled cotton crepe fabrics.

Early 1970s Baby Doll Dress

The baby doll dress survives to this day and is undergoing a fresh surge in popularity just like baby doll lingerie. What makes a dress a baby doll? One of the key features is a raised waistline to just below the bust. The dress then hangs straight outward to the hem. In other words it isn’t figure hugging.

This is also known as the Empire Line and the baby doll dress is sometimes known as an empire line dress. Typically, however, baby doll dresses are shorter and more flared than empire line dresses.

Personally I think the Baby Doll Dress looks better with a lower hemline. Mid thigh is my absolute limit. But I do have a good friend (who shall remain nameless) who wears her baby doll dresses with the hem just below her bum.

Classic Modern Baby Doll Dress - Innocent Yet Sexy

As the evening wears on her knickers become all too visible below the hem.  Not a good thing if you want to be taken seriously.  I’ve told Cloe this several times but she takes no notice.  Damn now I’ve told you who she is.

The baby doll neck can be high, low cut or even be strapless. Alternatively it can look great with spaghetti straps or a halter neck.

The baby doll is, in some ways, similar to a maternity dress and can be used to hide other bulges such as those caused by excessive chocolate or too much cake.

Halter Neck Baby Doll Dress

It is also a very young look and can be surprisingly innocent depending on styling and length. But, like the lingerie of the same name, it can also be incredibly sexy (back to my friend and her knickers!). A current favourite of mine is the Burlesque look. The Baby Doll Burlesque Dress is typically black and red with a risque feel, decidedly saucy and looks hot with long black gloves.

Baby Doll Dress with Burlesque Feel

There are plenty of Baby Dolls around this spring in the shops and online. The baby Doll Dress is an ideal style to wear in order to let the summer breeze caress your limbs and blow away the last vestiges of winter.

So why not treat yourself to a Baby Doll Dress?  Just remember, unlike my ex-friend Cloe, to choose a style that keeps your underwear hidden.  Go on, you know you want to!

 Fashionable Womens Ponchos for 2012

Ponchos are a great way to stand out from the crowd and show you individuality.

However, ponchos for girls are often seen as quirky and odd. In the same bracket as harem pants, cloaks and furry boots. Something you are more likely to see on the catwalk than worn by real life women in the high street.

The Poncho is a bit like the British product Marmite (a salty, tart black paste in a jar). You either love it or hate it. No, I can't stand Marmite but lets get back to the poncho.

One of the good things about the poncho is that there are so many styles, colours and fabrics, that you can make a really positive statement about yourself if you select the right one. 

The poncho can have many roles including a beach cover up and sun screen in Summer or, for the heavy duty or waterproof versions, protection from extremes of weather in winter.

Here we’ll explore what a poncho is, its varied history and what fashionable 2012 versions of the poncho look like.

So what is a poncho? The simplest version, made famous by Mexicans in movies, is little more than a blanket with a hole in it for the head. It is also comes as a form of cape.

Poncho Facts

Cameron Diaz Understated in Beige Poncho

The poncho encloses the whole body while a cloak tends to be longer, wraps around the shoulders and can fasten at the neck.

So where do ponchos come from?

The poncho originated from South America, although its use as a garment has now spread to most parts of the world.

The word "poncho" was first used in southern Chile to describe a blanket with a slit in it that could cover both horse and rider in bad weather.

Local people called it a ‘chony' but the Spanish changed the name to Poncho.

Poncho Wearers

Ponchos crop up from time to time in popular culture but the result is not always flattering to the wearer or the reputation of the garment.

Poncho Wearers

George Bush was famously pictured wearing one in the company of Vladimir Putin and Chilean President Ricardo Lagos.

Another cultural icon wearing the Poncho is the unkindly named 'Ugly Betty' in the somewhat politically incorrect US TV series.

Betty's garment illustrates the reason why some people don't like ponchos! In spite of Betty's lack of style, however, the Poncho remains a garment with a multitude of possibilities.

I had a poncho with a traditional colourful blanket design when I was in my teens that I adored and still have hidden away in my closet.

I also have a lightweight, short poncho in creme cotton as a beach coverup that is very sassy and saucy and hopefully poles apart from anything Ugly Betty would wear!

Ponchos for Spring or Summer 2012

This spring, the traditional blanket styled poncho is not much in evidence, particularly on girls (thank goodness!) The ponchos girls are wearing this year are typically made with delicate or lightweight fabrics. Generally they are sexier and more stylish than ponchos from the past.

Gone are the heavy, horse-blanket style ponchos of yesteryear, replaced by delicate fabrics and sexy styles that complement every body shape. Remember, the fashion poncho can hide a multitude of sins!

Ponchos can suit all occasions and will provide anything from minimal cover over a bikini or swimsuit to protection from sun or tropical storms.

Whether you choose silky, sheer and sexy, or embroidered ethnic style, the poncho can be adapted for all sizes and all occasions.

Your fashion poncho can be thrown over a pair of jeans for a chic, casual look, or you can dress it up with a glittery brooch over your favorite little black dress for evening wear.

The hot fashion trend straight from the catwalk is the shabby-chic boho-style fashion poncho, ornamented with embroidery, beads and sparkles. Or the casually elegant cashmere poncho, perfect with your favorite jeans.

Ponchos also come short and long this season. The chic little shrug-style poncho clasped or tied on the shoulder in soft knits and delicate lace was featured by many European designers for spring/summer.

Also featured were longer, asymmetrical fashion ponchos in a rainbow-bright display of colors and patterns.

Anyway, love them or hate them the poncho is back but hopefully with more style and less of the hippy dippy homemade look!  Why not check out what's available in your neck of the woods or have a look for ponchos online?

Stylish Maxi Dresses for 2012
 
If you are like me then the Maxi Dress is a style you are vaguely aware of but don’t normally include in your wardrobe.  So, without further ado, lets get up to date with the 2012 Maxi Dress.

On the way we’ll look at the history of the maxi, how to wear it and why the hot fashion classic is back in this year.

Ankle length dresses have been with us for centuries but when was the title ‘Maxi Dress’ first used? To understand this we need to go right back to the 1960’s when London was ‘swinging’ and the Liverpool accent was the coolest dialect on the planet.

 This was when the world turned upside down with Vietnam protests in Washington, revolution in Paris and student unrest throughout the Western world.  The revolution wasn’t limited to the streets but impacted the arts, music and even the world of fashion

‘Free love’ was everywhere and teenagers rebelled against their parents and ‘let it all hang out’. Young women threw away stockings and suspenders, corsets and even their bras.  Some girls even burned their bras as a protest against female oppression.  

Women now found themselves with minimal covering and no support whatsoever in simple mini dresses, mini skirts and little if any underwear.

1970s and the Maxi Dress

1970s and the Maxi dress - Serious clothes for Serious Women?

But by the early 1970’s women were fed up with Mini skirts and mini dresses. Minis had become so short that the only way the hemline could possibly go was down.

Daughters of the 1960s were now bringing up families of their own and it was time for them to discover a more grown up look.

The term Midi was coined for skirts and dresses below the knee and the Maxi for hemlines nearer the ankles.

These clothes better matched the aspirations of women’s liberation and the idea women that women should dress for themselves and other women rather than to please mini loving men.

So What’s Good about the Modern Maxi?

• Maxis are figure hugging, flattering and sophisticated
• More material means more coverage and leaves more to the imagination
• They are smart and stylish and great for formal and evening wear – just look at today’s A-listers on red carpets for premieres or award ceremonies
• There are a rich variety of styles including maxi dresses designed to reveal legs for those who like to show off
• Winter versions can be warm and cosy (who ever heard of a warm and cosy Mini Dress?)
• You can wear anything you like under a Maxi including thick socks, tights or long pants in winter and no one will know

I’m a Recent Convert to the Maxi Dress

What about Gina, I hear you ask?  Well I’m a recent convert to the Maxi Dress.  You see, I need to be taken more seriously if I am to continue to put bread on the table at Coole Towers. 

My days of a hemline around my elegant ‘derriere’ (butt or bum to those of you lacking sophistication) are over and, though I still like my legs, I urgently need to look more sophisticated.

Short skirts can send out the wrong signal, particularly if you’re heading towards the big three zero.

Also, the Maxi is great for hiding the odd bulge and at the same time accentuating the fabulous Coole Curves while drawing attention away from my (slightly flabby) tum.

So What’s Not to Like about the Maxi Dress?

•     They can be unflattering to smaller, rounder women
•     If the maxi is too long it may drag on the floor, get trodden on or catch on low lying objects
•     They can be hot in summer, particularly if made of heavier fabrics

The solutions to these points are pretty obvious. Chose a style and design that suits your shape. Make sure that when wearing flat shoes your Maxi Dress hem is well above ground level and choose a style and fabric suitable for the season.

Show a Leg?

Talking of styles, If, like me you like your legs (someone has to!), then choose a maxi dress that delivers the best of both worlds.

Go for a style with ankle length elegance that also gives a glimpse (or more) of those fabulous pins.

For example, choose an asymmetric hemline, typically ankle length at the rear but rising to say knee length at the front.

Alternatively go for a slit at the front, the sides or the rear depending on which assets you wish to display.

With a bit of practice you can learn to switch quickly from demure innocent to femme fatale according to who is looking at you.

What about the  2012 Spring Maxi Dress Look?

The Spring 2012 Maxi is more feminine and light than some of the heavier versions from the past.  You’ll find maxi gowns that flow and are often open at the front to reveal legs.  Think chiffon, silk or cotton, best worn with strappy shoes or sandals.

There is also a trend for sheer fabric.  But I’m not too taken with a see through maxi dress.  In fact to me it’s a contradiction.  I think the contemporary maxi should look sophisticated and elegant; see through looks a bit cheap and tarty.

Bright colours are in such as honeysuckle pink, teal blue or even tangerine while shades of white features as a more conservative alternative. Look out too for floral prints. You can also find bold primary colours like purple, green and red.

What to Wear with Your New Maxi?

Keep your look casual and sunny.  Avoid formal jewellery and high heels.  Casual costume jewellery with some espadrilles looks great.  Think coral necklace rather than diamonds.

That's enough from me. Now It's time for you to find out what's out there in terms of Maxi Dresses on the web or in the stores.  Find something casual yet sophisticated, flirty yet smart to wow your friends and impress those you meet.  Happy shopping!