Summer Essential: The Maxi Dress

What's the one boho chic thing you need in your closet for the summer????  The Maxi Dress of course!  I love maxi dresses.  They're so comfy, they're easy to dress up or down, and they make you look sooooooooooo tall!

This is a Cynthia Rowley design for Simplicity.  At first I had a hard time figuring out the waistband but once I figured that out it was smooth sailing. 


Still in the Simplicity stock line-up!

The straps are self made bias binding.  I was nervous about this part because I figured there was no way the straps would end up being the right length, but they were!  They fit perfectly.

Here's a close-up of the pattern on the fabric.  It's a very slippery slidey polyester.  I know, I know, euwwwww.  Everyone hates polyester.  But sometimes it works.  Sometimes it flows, and sometimes it washes 10 times better than other fabrics....so sometimes I use it.  Besides, I figure if I'm going for a 70's vibe I might as well go all the way~

And because I like you guys so much I'm going to share another maxi dress!  (Two for one, just for you)

For this one I used this great vintage pattern from 1979.

The pattern is a sort of basket weave look (yes, more polyester).

How about you?  Do you go for the maxi dress?  I think they're great for everyone, every size, every shape.  There are so many variations.   What's your summer go to outfit?  Leave a comment~