Style story: The sleeved maxi

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.

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