I’m looking for a maxidress, spilt up one side, to wear to parties and events. I’ve been hunting for a while and have a reasonable budget, but haven’t found anything. Help.
Side-split maxidresses are big this spring. Part of the 1970s trend, they deliver a glamorous evening look, but also work for daytime parties. For versatility, and to follow the crucial rule of one (either legs or bosom), go for a style that’s demure on top. This bright, versatile jersey dress by Michael Kors (1, £1,915) works with flats or heels. Halston Heritage’s jersey style offers a similar look (2 £290). Helmut Lang’s black side-split maxi (3 £385) is more edgy; or, for a total contrast, check out Topshop’s floral dress (4 £150).
I’ll be attending a wedding when eight months pregnant and I want to look as un-whalelike as possible. I’m 5ft 2in, with chunky calves, so dresses that fall much below the knee look dreadful, but I don’t want to scare the other guests by revealing vast expanses of pregnancy cleavage, either. My budget is £150.
Mama-la-Mode.com has great easy styles designed for just this, and its long-sleeved knot-front dress (5 £89) comes in four shades and would be a great bet. Or check out Isabella Oliver. This jersey dress (6 £109) comes in great colours, and its asymmetric style flatters while taking full account of pregnancy cleavage.
Advertisement
I am getting married in July and hate satin wedding shoes. I don’t want anything too high, as we’re having a tepee reception and I don’t fancy sinking into the grass. Can you suggest something that’s stylish, can be worn again and is within my £120 budget?
These low wedges from Monsoon (7 £35) are romantic and quite relaxed — totally suited to a tepee wedding. For something with a bit more height, LK Bennett’s dusty pink wedges (8 £165) aren’t at all weddingy, but would work with a white dress — and, again, will avoid that sinking feeling.
Email your questions to wardrobe.mistress@sunday-times.co.uk