I’m going on a cruise in August and you better believe I’ll be packing a maxi dress, one of this summer’s hottest trends. Now I know many of you dread the idea of wearing a floor-length frock during the day, but let me try to, cough, minimize your maxi-dress fears:

First, yes, you can wear this look even if you are short. Flaunt your bosom, wear heels if you’d like, and choose a body skimming cut that drapes vertically to the ground - nothing flouncy.

Second, know where to wear one. Think summer parties, an outdoor concert, picnic, art festival, BBQ, day of shopping, or dinner date…just about any event with a casual-chic dress code is fair game.

Thirdly, don’t spend a lot on this trend. We found a ton of cute, cheap maxi dresses for well under $50 (with the exception of the dress from Mango featured above, which is on sale for $68.99.)

Lastly, if you’re not feeling this trend, and you feel like a damn fool when you test it out, just skip it. No use trying to push a trend that doesn’t make you feel fabulous, right?

[1] Forever 21 Paisley Chiffon Maxi Dress, $24.80
[2] Lulu’s* Cavanaugh Yaught Dress, $42
[3] ELLE Floral Maxi Dress at Kohl’s, Was $50 Now $36.99
[4] MangoShop “Amelia” (ref. 63439945), Was $139 Now $68.99
[5] The Summer Dress Store White/Green Long Dress, $40.50

If you’re looking to score some cute, cheap dresses for summer, the AB Studio collection for Kohl’s has some stylish options, and right now when you buy one item you can get one FREE (of equal or lesser value).

Trendy patterns include bold floral, geometric and retro prints, yet all the silhouettes are sweet and simple. I just wish Kohl’s did a better job showcasing the products on their website - awkward dress forms and a clunky zoom feature really make things look drab compared to real life. (Just picture all the dresses above with cute belts - much better, right?)

SPREAD YOUR WINGS Take a cue from Alexander McQueen (who took his cue from Mother Nature) and transform your Spring wardrobe with some unexpectedly stylish butterflies.