Sandhya Garg resort wear maxi dress Chiara dress maxi check dress

Maxi Dress decoded by Angelica Guillen

by Sandhya Garg

The Maxi Dress: A Comfortable

Travel Dress by Angelica Guillen

Planning a vacation and not sure what to wear?

A maxi dress could be the answer to your needs. Maxi Dress is a long length dress brought back to the fashion radar by Oscar de la Renta in the ’60s;

it is the best piece of clothing to bring on vacation for multiple reasons.

.

Not just a comfortable travel dress but maxi dresses are fashionable and contemporary designers like Sandhya Garg make it count in their collections.

History Of the Maxi Dress

Sandhya Garg resort wear vacation beach maxi dress

The trendy maxi dress has had a long run. The fashion archives from the 1930s showed a natural and empire waist long crepe dress mostly in solid colors, with oversized necklines but nothing extravagant. Continuing in the 1940s with a simple shape but a richer pattern in florals, still with minimum details and decorations due to the war rations. In the 1950s the economy was shifting to stability, women’s started to spend and the fashion world delivered.

.

Chiffon and tulle princess gowns or prom style in pastels colors were favorites. Bright colors and psychedelic florals characterized the 1960s also defined by significant socials events and movements.

The first maxi dress made its official appearance on the runways in 1968. A very well constructed on bold prints and patterns helped the maxi dress to position itself as a popular trend. Elizabeth Arden was featured in the New York Times wearing a lacy cotton long dress which made it famous in the mainstream becoming the ‘It dress.’

Read our blog that explains everything "Resort Wear"

Sandhya Garg Resortwear vacation maxi check dress, checks maxi chiara dress

Sandhya Garg Resort Maxi dress checks maxi chiara dress

In the 1970s, the maxi dress was still trending but with a twist. The prints changed to a duller look, tiny florals and lace were popular. It was constructed mostly with cotton and polyester blends. The silhouette was influenced by Edwardian and Victorian eras.

The 1980s was a combination of bigger shoulders from 1940 and 1950 bodice with a stronger and sexier style.

The dress disappeared for about 2 decades, and it came back stronger than ever. It is safe to say that the maxi dress has evolved and it is no longer a trend but a timeless fashion item; just like an off the shoulder top, it has won a permanent spot in our closets. Its versatility makes it the perfect companion to travel and every fashion season designers showcase the best of the best on the runways.

The Chiara dress- Resort wear

Sandhya Garg, Project Runway Season 13 finalist, created the Chiara Dress, as she describes it “made of luxurious 100% cotton, featuring Amalfi coast inspired Madras checks”. A long flowy dress with an asymmetrical cut and artisanal embellishments.

The length is perfect for taller women, and the back design is fresh and innovative.

When and How to Wear a Flowy Maxi Dress

The Chiara dress could be worn for different occasions: weekend activities, a resort stay, a festival, family gatherings… It is the perfect choice to wear on vacation. Made of cotton, ideal for warm destinations.

This resort wear garment is one of a kind with its unique design of 3 different patterns linked by a beautiful lace. I wore it during a trip to the Dominican Republic, and it was a show stopper.

Depending on the accessories or shoes chosen, you can dress up/down your look. Wear a maxi dress with sneakers for a comfortable and more casual look. Adding a Panama hat will make you look effortlessly chic. Wear a belt to accentuate your waist, add a cute necklace and earrings to complement the whole look. Layer up with a jean or leather jacket for cooler temps or add a long sleeve shirt under the dress to add warmth.

Solid colors or pattern, strappy or long sleeves, wear it all year round. Definitely, a maxi dress is a wardrobe staple that any traveler should consider to bring when discovering destinations. Let’s take a look at some accessories to complement your look.

Shop Chiara Dress here

All text and photos by Angelica Guillen of Stylehopping

Angelica Guillen is a latina model, blogger, and actress. I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. I enjoy writing about fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and travel.

.

Sandhya Garg is a Project Runway d

esigner. She studied and specialized in women's fashion at London College of Fashion, UK and has worked at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London, Alice Temperley to name a few. She has her own successful resort dresses, special occasion dresses, wedding guest looks, swim coverups label. While on Project Runway Season 13, she won 2 challenges and was fortunate to show her collection at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. The brand has been featured in Marie Claire US, Ftv.com, Elle Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vogue online to name a few.

She designs limited edition high end printed spring dresses and swim coverups. Beautiful prints are inspired from around the world to be worn during travel, resort stay or cruise holidays.

Featured collection

About the

author

Sandhya Garg is a Project Runway fashion designer. She studied and specialized in women's fashion at London College of Fashion, UK and has worked at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London, Alice Temperley to name a few.

She has her own successful resort wear, vacation dresses, special occasion dresses, wedding guest looks, swim coverups label. While on Project Runway Season 13, she won 2 challenges and was fortunate to show her collection at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. The brand has been featured in Marie Claire US,Workshop at Macy's, Ftv.com, Elle Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vogue online to name a few.

She designs limited edition high end printed spring dresses, casual resort attire and swim coverups. Beautiful prints are inspired from around the world to be worn during travel, resort stay or cruise holidays.

See Sandhya's work