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Style story: The sleeved maxi

Fashion forward and perfect for the Holy Month – the sleeved maxi is a Ramadan must

By Lucy Wildman, Fashion Editor, Scene magazine
Published: 11:08 July 25, 2012

Image Credit: Supplied picture
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Issa@ Mywardrobe.com
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Maximum impact: Demure has been de rigueur for seasons. With the catwalk’s enduring romance with low-key elegance and conservative silhouettes pushing well into 2013 and beyond, being covered up is seriously cool – which is great news for the fashionforward amongst us during Ramadan.

So, what’s the piece your wardrobe simply won’t function without during the Holy Month? The sleeved maxi dress. Having a major moment right now – and indeed ever since Kate Middleton got hitched in a longsleeved lace bridal gown last April, the sleeved maxi is an indispensable buy when keeping cool, conservative and respectfully chic in scorching temperatures is a priority.

A brilliant blank canvas that can be dressed up or down, whether it’s an elbow-grazer, kimono-inspired or a puff-shouldered button cuff, a great sleeved maxi will take you from office to iftar and beyond in one stylish step. And since covered up cool is T-town’s hottest trend to try, we won’t be ditching our new wear-anywhere wardrobe staple come mid-August.

We’ll be taking our cue from the A-list and rocking modern modesty in our super-versatile sleeved maxi dress well after the Eid-Al-Fitr celebrations have ended.

Style notes: How to wear the sleeved maxi dress

It’s all in the detail… look out for beading, statement sleeves, interesting zip details and embellishments that add edge to a more conservative silhouette.

Don’t go skintight – look for a cut that skims your curves, or opt for a floaty kaftanfor easy bohemian chic.

A long-line shirt dress in crisp cotton is a perfect choice for the office.

A sleeved maxi is fantastic for layering. Transform your look without overheating by adding a belt, some great necklaces, a stack of bangles, a lightweight scarf, a gilet, a hat – think Olivia Palermo-style accessorising.

During Ramadan, flesh-flashing is a no-no. If your fave maxi exposes your back or a lot of your arms, add a lace body or a slim-fitting silk tee underneath, or knot a long-sleeved shirt over the top for an on-trend (and temperature appropriate) coverup.
Similarly, a sheer maxi is made instantly wearable with the addition of a full-length, similar-toned slip.

For the full story, pick up this week's copy of Scene

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