MAXImize your MAXIS!

Petite women often find that maxi dresses are too long for their diminutive figures. Those determined enough to wear the comfortable stylish look will cut off as much as a yard of cloth to fit their frames.

If they're really clever, tiny maxinistas will use the extra fabric to make a matching wrap or if they're adept seamstresses they might even make a cropped jacket or summer hat, making their maxi look even more chic.

Those of us with taller frames can get the same chic look by purchasing two identical maxis, cutting the bottom 12-18 inches off to make one of the dresses knee-length, and using the fabric to add a matching accessory or to add sleeves to the shorter dress.

Try to catch maxis on sale if you're planning to buy two, however. Either way, you'll end up with a unique look that will look quite a bit more expensive than what you actually paid, whether you buy one dress if you're petite or two if you're not.