Styling the Trends

Is it impossible to wear a trend like a maxi dress? I'm not sure. I bought this at Target recently for several reasons. One: it's a trend that means you're covered up. I don't like dressing like a teenager, since I'm not one. (J Crew, would you please make at least ONE skirt that is long enough for women as opposed to teens?) Second: the maxi pre-dates me, making it safe along the "if you wore it the first time, don't wear it again" guidelines (no 80s brights for me, except in flat *plain* ballet slippers). Three: the print is more sophisticated and the cut, with the cowl neckline, seems more "grown up" than the other halter-style maxis I've seen in the store.

So how to style this thing? I wound up washing it in very hot water because it was really long- almost "trippingly" so. I'm unsure most of all about shoes, because I see most young women wearing these dresses with flip flops. Flip flops are for the beach or for the state park shower, at least where my feet are concerned. My toes are meant to be covered in public! Would a fisherman's sandal work? I've got two pair-- one sporty style from Keen, and a heavier one from Dansko. Both are black, which means either would match the print.

Now to the accessories: a scarf seems a logical choice. I have a lightweight black one would again match the print. I also have multiple pairs of black earrings (I wear them a lot for work). Nothing else, I think, since the dress is still sort of casual.

Will I feel a bit ridiculous? Probably. I think it's important to try the trends, though. Fashion's supposed to be fun, after all.