Everyone's talking about it, and no, it's not Lindsay Lohan's latest escapade. Everyone's talking about the maxi dress, the hottest frock of the season. It's the complete opposite of last year's mini dress, and it's proving to be the dress for all ages, shapes, and sizes. Indeed, anybody can wear maxi dresses; the trick is not to let this quintessential woman's dress wear you.

The Maxi Dress for The Mini Woman

Maxi dresses look naturally great on stars like Angelina Jolie and Kate Moss with their willowy frames and legs as long as skyscrapers - that's a given. The height-challenged, however, would have to give it a bit more thought. A dress such as the maxi with long, flowing lines have the tendency to easily swamp a smaller frame. It is, therefore, a must for a petite woman to pay close attention while shopping for a maxi dress.

The skirt is the biggest challenge for a woman with a smaller frame. Maxi dresses generally sport diaphanous skirts that could shelter a brood of children, usually in the flowing gypsy style. The voluminous style of the maxi, can however make your profile look wider and shorter. A close-fitting, well-cut skirt in a bias or A-line cut will keep this casual or formal dress proportionate to your small frame.

For the small frame, follow the principle of keeping the top part as close to the body as possible. A halter dress with a fitted top is usually a safe bet. The empire cut is another choice you can go for. This flatters most figures, so you can avoid being drowned by the dress. A cotton halter neck dress that combines both elements will let you maximize the maxi look.

The whole idea of the maxi is to add height, not take it away, so it's a good idea to accessorize this day or evening dress with chunky-heeled wedges and platforms, or strappy stilettos. Compliment the maxi dress with accessories like chunky jewellery, oversized sunglasses, and large bags. This allows you to maximize the look; although, do take care not to overdo it.

The Maxi Dress for The Maxi Lady

The great thing about the maxi dress is that it's very kind to the average woman, including the well-endowed. Without much painstaking thought, even larger woman can look feminine. With a maxi dress, you can subtly disguise an ample derrière under gracefully flowing skirts.

Even woman that might be slightly top-heavy can pull-off maxi dresses easily. Although spaghetti straps should be avoided like the plague, you can go for V-necked, bandeau, or halter-style tops to flatter your assets. Avoid elasticized tops, though. Over-straining can happen, this is not only uncomfortable, but can be embarrassing.

Do choose your colors and prints with prudence. Colorful prints and bold colors are the way to go with the maxi this season. Black is obviously just as pleasing. Avoid small floral patterns and pastels - these are better suited for more petite figures.

Once in awhile, a rare trend comes along that everyone can enjoy. This year, it's the maxi dress. So whether you're looking for a prom dress, or a frock to wear on a pleasant day out, the maxi gives you maximum style with minimum risk.