Save money now by recycling summer style

Aviators, summer scarves, gladiator sandals, maxi dresses. . . they hit the scene last summer, but this year, they're even bigger. We'll show you how to keep the same pieces looking fresh for '09. Plus, Shape Magazine's Jacqui Stafford explains how to choose the best maxi dress for your body type. 



Not all maxi dresses are created equal, and each particular style flatters a different shape. To wit:  1. Dramatic ruffles and sexy necklines--accented with a piece of trendy, chunky jewelry--are Jacqui's picks for girls with fuller figures. 
2. Empire waists are extremely flattering on apple shapes, i.e. girls with narrow hips and less-slim middles. For an '09 update, dress them up with some embellished headbands a la 'Gossip Girl.'
3. Halter-styles enhance small busts, and an intense pattern (like a swirling paisley) gives the look some flair. (Paisley made an appearance last summer but became even more popular this spring.)
4. Pear-shaped girls look fantastic in strapless cuts which show off their shoulders and cover up wider hips. Bright, monochromatic colors like magenta--which flatters virtually every skin tone--are most slimming. The Thread saw this one coming! Our very first episode ever highlighted the magenta trend. 
Click-to-buy: Maxi-dresses To Flatter Your Body Type

Full-figured           Apple-shaped         Flat-chested                Pear-shaped
Ruffle-hem maxi dress from Old Navy, $29.50

Ruffle-hem maxi dress from Old Navy, $29.50

Printed empire maxi dress from Kohl's, $44.80

Printed empire maxi dress from Kohl's, $44.80

Candie's Paisley halter-neck maxi dress, $40.80

Candie's Paisley halter-neck maxi dress, $40.80

Smocked bandeau dress from Walmart, $15

Smocked bandeau dress from Walmart, $15













A big thank you to the Ava Lounge at the Dream Hotel in New York City, for a great sunny day and a fantastic rooftop view!

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 26
  • Amy's Avatar
    Posted by Amy Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:02pm PDT

    that lady giving fashion advice looks tore up!!! i won't be taking advice from her today....

    Report Abuse
  • Lucky's Avatar
    Posted by Lucky Thu Jun 25, 2009 5:25pm PDT

    When it is super hot the long dresses look too warm and let's face it ladies, a long dress always makes you feel too dressed up for those lazy days of summer. Mid calf is long enough and you can still be cool and feel snazzy.

    Report Abuse
  • Lai's Avatar
    Posted by Lai Sat Jun 27, 2009 3:24am PDT

    Good night

    With polite style and fashion,ladies look snazzy and amiable,if have get friends such be feel great realy

    Report Abuse
  • ChyrilT's Avatar
    Posted by ChyrilT Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:01pm PDT

    please post more photos on styles 2009 why not for middle aged women in 40's please..we find some dresses style to trendy and for less 20's.executives like us needs prim and proper dressing..thanks and hola....

    Report Abuse
  • Tina's Avatar
    Posted by Tina Wed Jul 1, 2009 7:32am PDT

    it,s great

    Report Abuse
  • Tina's Avatar
    Posted by Tina Wed Jul 1, 2009 7:47am PDT

    it,s great

    Report Abuse
  • dee's Avatar
    Posted by dee Thu Jul 2, 2009 5:38am PDT

    thats all well and good, for the younger ladies, now, what about the 70s , we want too look chic too. so please include us older women.

    Report Abuse
  • Cindy's Avatar
    Posted by Cindy Thu Jul 2, 2009 5:47am PDT

    vidionya kok gak keluar . .

    -

    Report Abuse
  • Swet's Avatar
    Posted by Swet Fri Jul 3, 2009 3:54am PDT

    hi jan

    Report Abuse
  • Armanusah's Avatar
    Posted by Armanusah Fri Jul 3, 2009 10:17pm PDT

    nice style but...i cannot see the video?????

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 26

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