The Maxi kicks out the Mini

The influx of minimalism into the fashion world has called for an easier, simpler way of dressing. Whilst there will always be room for dramatic haute couture and fiercely embellished cocktail dresses, relaxed style is flying the fashion flag for SS11, and I for one can’t get enough. The leader of the laid-back pack is, without a doubt, the new, longer length skirt.

From Chloe’s blush-toned ballet-esque skirts, to Jil Sander’s tongue in cheek approach to couture, the skirt is having a major makeover. Gone are the days of the mini – length, silhouette and modesty is where we’re headed for the foreseeable future. A previous advocate for the invigorating power of the teeny tiny skirt, I’m now well on my way to a wardrobe pumped full of mid-length sheer pleated skirts and draped jersey maxis.

Chloe spring summer 2011

Cerruti spring summer 2011

Whether you’re a sleek and elegant sophisticated person, or a boho hippie chick, SS11 has catered for all. Midi-length black dresses at Calvin Klein channelled Audrey Hepburn’s timeless style, sheer and sporty was catered for by Cerruti, ‘Black Swan’ inspired Chloe gave us a modern day ballerina and fun and flirty geek chic tottered down the runway at Charles Anastase.

Calvin Klein spring summer 2011

Jil Sander spring summer 2011

And the work of the maxi doesn’t stop at the daywear. Jil Sander’s luxe maxi skirts, in a range of rainbow colours, paired with plain white tees made a long awaited vision of pared back eveningwear become a reality.

Charles Anastase spring summer 2011

But why is this simple but oh-so-effective item so coveted? In an age where time is precious and our lifestyles are taken over by hectic scheduling, easy pieces are becoming not just wardrobe staples, but wardrobe essentials. Forget skin tight pencil skirts and daring minis, the maxi has revolutionised our wardrobe by making it quick, easy and right on trend. Whilst the era of the mini is nowhere near over (well, in my opinion at the very least), the maxi and it’s mid-length pal is certainly having a bit of a fashion moment.

Text by Sian Levett, www.style-brief.co.uk.

Photo credits: Style.com.