Maxi Monday

I'm at home today sorting out some life admin (dull), and with that in mind, combined with the fact that I'm just about over a rubbish cold that lasted most of the weekend (double dull), today I needed the comfort-food equivalent of an outfit. Soft grey jersey/brushed cotton and comfort go hand in hand for me, so I reached for one of my ever-favourite maxis, and added a long-sleeved navy Tshirt and some tights underneath so I wouldn't be cold, and draped hubby's stripy scarf around my neck for colour (doubling up as a neck warmer). Teamed with my sheepskin-lined slipper boots, I'm so snuggly it hurts. Perfect for tackling gruesome tasks such as tax returns and a hundred and one loads of washing, yawn...

Dress, Asos.com; top, UniQlo; scarf, Jack Wills; slippers, Debenhams

Transseasonal dressing

I loved my maxis so much over the summer that I can't bear to pack them away for AW. So I won't. I will instead be utilising the clever process of layering, in order that I can drift seamlessly into the new season in one of my summer must-haves. Today I made my maxi AW-ready by adding a checked shirt over the top and knotting it in the middle, then wearing it with thin socks and ankle boots. Incidentally, it's my husband's Superdry shirt. Must get my hands on one of those babies myself, as I'm always nabbing his, poor soul. 

I also like the idea of layering with a thin V-neck sweater over the top, and with a long-sleeved Breton top either underneath (with a belt to avoid bulkiness) or over the dress. Or simply slipping a longline cardi on, leaving it open and belting it around the waist, to add shape (see 1 maxi, 6 ways). Ankle boots, long boots and loafers all work well with maxis when the weather gets cooler. 

Transseasonal dressing - it's just a case of clever layering.

Shirt, Superdry; maxi, Topshop Boutique; ankle boots, Peacocks

1 maxi, 6 ways

I'm slightly obsessed with my maxis this summer. They're so versatile - which is handy really, as you can never count on the weather. I discovered this at the weekend when I put together a couple of looks with just one jersey dress. So, in the aim of research - and with AW10/11 just around the corner, meaning we'll need to make our summer pieces more trans-seasonal - I've been working a handful of maxi looks for you, to show just how far you can take these little beauties. Dress them up with wedges, keep it slouchy with a hoody and lace-ups, and layer up or down depending on whether the sun is shining or not. Which is your favourite?

Khaki jersey maxi dress, New Look; Straw trilby, Primark; Sunglasses, Foster Grant; Pink scarf, gift; Grey woven belt, H&M; Bronze gladiators, New Look

Grey hoody, Uniqlo; Grey lace-up pumps, Primark

Long grey cardigan, New Look; Rope necklace, Accessorize; Tan belt, New Look; Snakeskin platform wedges, Matalan

Striped top, River Island; Wayfarers, Ray-Ban; Tan loafers, Primark

White thin cotton T-shirt, Banana Republic; Tan belt, New Look; Bangles, Primark; Espadrille wedges, from Spain

White and pale blue pinstriped shirt, Ralph Lauren; Tweed hat, New Look; Tan belt, New Look; Tan ankle boots, Peacocks