Maxi Dresses Aren't What They Used to Be

Here's your proof

Maxi dresses have come a long way.

What was once made strictly for breezy beach style, is now fully equipped for the many lenses of street style photographers everywhere. See Alessandra Ambrosio (far left) for an example of the dress' original prototype. It was bohemian, flowing and effortless, but its basic ways have since evolved into new prints, styles and silhouettes.

Take Karlie Kloss' T-shirt-maxi hybrid for instance! The dress has a cool collar, short sleeves and a row of buttons that flow just above the knee. All of the sudden, maxi dresses are city-appropriate. Paired with cute loafers, the look would be amazing for summer weekends in NYC.

The style expansion, obviously, didn't stop there—say hello to its many other personalities by clicking here.