15 maxi dresses we'd actually wear

Maxi dresses are one of those enduring styles that never really goes away and this season is no different, thanks to the prairie chic fashion trend that dominated the catwalks of McQueen, Alberta Ferretti and Erdem.

Every summer, floor-length floaty styles are wheeled out and someone like Sienna Miller wears one and we all forget how difficult they are to wear and head to the changing rooms to be reminded, once again, that you should never buy something on account of the fact Ms Miller looks good in it.

There is something rather nice about maxi dresses in that they have the capacity to make you feel rather serene in a folky Joni Mitchell way. They also don't require you to shave your legs, which is a wonderful gift to us all.

The trick to not looking like you're wearing a tent or wearing your nan's nightie is, firstly, make sure it fits. It's a basic requirement, but if you need to hoik your dress up every 10 minutes it's a no-go. Also you don't have to play up to the boho thing if you don't want to - the prairie trend is romantic, yet free-spirited and not as overused as boho. I am not one for fashion dictums, but avoid wearing maxis with flip-flops or run the risk of looking like you're on the beach - team folky styles with an ankle boot insead. The 90s revival offers another way of tackling the maxi; it has a more grungy edge. Think Courtney Love and her slip dresses and leather jackets.

See 15 dresses we'd actually wear above.