maxi length, maximum chic

The daytime maxi is the new height of chic this fall – and I have Net-A-Porter’s selection to pore over. Cotton, multi-tier gypsy-esque maxi skirts and halter beachtime dresses are heading back into the closet as the weather grows crispier. This doesn’t mean the only time for a floor skimming dress is the evening. Sumptuous jersey maxi dresses and skirts are the perfect pre-fall staple for transitioning into the new temperatures.

In fact, I’m adding to my wardrobe a charcoal gray T by Alexander Wang long sleeve v-neck maxi dress tomorrow when Mr. UPS delivers my black box of sartorial wonder. The maxi dress is a great wardrobe basic that works versatile wonders. With a sleek, tailored blazer or jacket the dress can be dressed up for work or evening while a cropped biker or aviator jacket will add personality and urban chic to the simply luxurious look.

I hesitated when I saw the semi-sheer black version of the same dress so I shied away from buying it. Regret is the only word of the moment as both are sold out on Net-A-Porter. (Hurry to Saks Fifth Avenue for the gray one at least!)

Nonetheless, I’m still looking to add another one or two maxi dresses to my wardrobe. The likely candidate is another T by Alexander Wang piece, but the single cap sleeve and asymmetric cut makes this a killer look for an evening out.

T by Alexander Wang jersey maxi dress $140 from Net-A-Porter

A sheer long sleeve number in black from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row caught my eye at Barneys the other day. Net-A-Porter’s selection includes the gray variant.

The Row jersey maxi dress $375 from Net-A-Porter

For a sportier take on this autumn must-have style, Acne’s hooded jersey maxi dress in a season-appropriate forest green looks with strong high-high ankle boots or booties and an urban cropped jacket.

Acne hooded jersey maxi dress $270 from Net-A-Porter

Just as versatile as the maxi dress is the maxi skirt. Hands down, Rick Owens Lilies has the best maxi skirt for maximum length, chic, and sexiness.

Rick Owens Lilies maxi skirt $695 from Net-A-Porter

striped down

There’s definitely an undeniably sexy quality about a man in uniform. Think Richard Gere in An Officer and a Gentleman, Tom Cruise in Top Gun. This summer women have been making sailor stripes their own. I have always loved the French blue and white striped shirts, especially the style made famous by Jean-Paul Gaultier. Almost every store/boutique I walked into these past six months have carried one variation or another of this classic, Parisian-inspired look. Needless to say, exploring my nautical tastes was definitely on the to-do list.

More so than enjoying men in uniform, I found myself wanting to dress the part instead. In the past months I have purchased a handful of items to satisfy this urge. I opted for a flirty jersey skirt and ruched-short sleeve top from H&M, a men’s long sleeve tee, a blue and gray striped racerback maxi dress,….the list goes on. I also agonized over the five or so different options J. Crew put out for women (not to mention the men’s versions!). Sail away into the sensual summer weather in stripes, said the fashion forecast.

But of course during the hottest days of the season I begin to seriously plan my key pieces for fall. My first purchase for the new season was actually quite a steal.

For under $100 I snagged this wool-blend jersey dress by French label Zoe Tees from The Outnet. (The Outnet is by far the most fabulous online offspring any major website has created.) The way the item is styled is nearly exactly how I plan to wear the dress in the coming weeks (we’ve been getting “previews” of usual soggy Seattle weather these past few days). With some opaque tights and patent leather Stuart Weitzman booties, this black and cream striped dress will transition this spring trend into my (pre-)fall wardrobe rather smoothly.

Here are some of my pre-fall picks to get striped down for the new season.

French Connection sweater $88 from Nordstrom

Kain jersey T-shirt dress $115 from Net-A-Porter

Anna Molinari knitted tank $142 from The Outnet

Vince jersey T-shirt $98 from Net-A-Porter

M Missoni leggings $215 from Nordstrom