The Maxi Dress

Okay ladies, I need your opinions.
The Maxi dress made it's appearance by celebrities in the summer of '07, bled into mainstream last summer, and this season they're everywhere from Old Navy to Target, all the way up to high end designers. I'm not one to run out and jump right into the most popular trends, but I feel like I've waited long enough.

When "the dress" made its comeback a few years ago, I was right there along with it. Dresses are comfortable, cute, cool, and much more put together looking than shorts or capris. Pair any dress with a cute pair of wedges, flip flops, or gladiator sandals and you are an instant fashionista.

My main concern with the maxi dress is looking like I'm wearing a muumuu. And, as many of you know, I'm cheap. I feel like this dress won't be as versatile as my shorter jersey knit dresses. I'm afraid I will need a special occasion to wear it, lowering the ratio of times worn into cost.

So I'm taking a nation-wide poll, or at least a poll of the half dozen people that actually read this, what their thoughts are on the subject.

Are you male/female?

Do you already own a maxi dress?
Do you plan on purchasing a Maxi dress this season?
How much is too much?
Is it the term "maxi" that actually ruins the trend for you and not the fit?
Should I keep the navy maxi dress I already bought?

If you are considering the maxi, here are some helpful tips that I came across in finding the right fit for you. Believe it or not, there are do's and don'ts of wearing a sack over your body.

1) Get a good cut: if you have an ample top, make sure the girls aren’t spilling out everywhere, and that’s just for starters. Make sure your waist is still defined, whether with an empire style or with a belt, and make sure that your not going to trip over a too-long hemline.

2) Prints: beware of busy prints that induce headaches or blurry vision, because that’s a lot of fabric to deal with. If you are particularly unsure or self-conscious, go with a solid print maxi dress to start.

3) Accessorize: another reason to go with a solid colored maxi dress is that it is going to be the easiest to accessorize with. Long necklaces, scarves, and look-at-me handbags go great with a maxi dress. Still not sure what to wear those trendy gladiator sandals with? Try them with a maxi dress to double up on trends.”