There’s just no getting around it, the maxi dress is a must-have summer staple. And luckily for us ladies, this is one trend that screams femininity – a full-length frock is about as womanly as it gets. What’s more, the maxi dress is great for making a statement while still creating a practical and workable look for everyday wear. You’ll find oodles of choice on the high street and online and all you’ll need to determine is whether you’re best to maxi dress it up with bright colours and bold patterns, go tribal with strong ethnic patterns or be girly and chic in feminine hues like pinks, reds and yellows.

And don’t be put off by thinking maxi dresses are for taller figures. There’s a way to wear this trend for every shape. Read our guide to how to wear this season’s hottest trend and you’ll be working it to the maximum in no time.

How to wear the maxi dress:

A chunky belt to cinch you in at the waist can really flatter the maxi dress look – especially if the one you’ve chosen has layers of fabric.

If you’re tall, accessorise with flats and some attention-grabbing bangles.

Don’t be afraid to be girly – it’s what the maxi dress is all about. Florals are the print of choice and maxi dresses in pretty summer colours, like pinks, reds and whites pack a mighty style punch.

If you’re petite, go for a maxi dress that’s long and lean. Voluminous styles can make you look shorter and wider while a close fitting A-line cut is much more proportionate to your frame. Choose smaller prints so you don’t drown in pattern.

Team your maxi dress with chunky-heeled jewelled wedges or strappy sandals to add height and glamour.

Complement the look with chunky jewellery, super-sized sunglasses and oversized totes.

If you’re larger busted go for v-necked, bandeau, or halter top maxi dresses that’ll make the most of your assets.

The spring/summer 09 catwalks were teaming with butterfly and ethnic pattern maxi dresses. Look to Diane Von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs for key inspiration.

Above all just make sure your maxi dress is long. Ankle swinging frocks are not a good look.

However hot the weather is if you follow these top tips for maximum maxi dress power you’ll be a little scorcher.

10 best maxi dresses:

1. Floral Garden Halter maxi dress, £110, French Connection

2. Per Una Digital Floral maxi dress, £49.50, Marks & Spencer

3. Floral Stripe maxi dress, £34.99, New Look

4. Uttam lilac maxi dress, £40, Dorothy Perkins

5. Coast Hermoine Colour Block maxi dress, £135, House of Fraser

6. Ted Baker Buro Shattered Crystal Print maxi dress, £139, John Lewis

7. Per Una Pure Cotton Tropical Floral maxi dress, £39.50, Marks & Spencer

8. Miss Sixty maxi dress, £79 now £47, very.co.uk

9. Foxglove and Navy giselle maxi dress, £95 now £66.50, Debenhams

10. Jasmine Guinness Marble Print Silk maxi dress, £89 now £44, very.co.uk