STYLE: Long story

to the max

s the heat hits and the layers come off, some of us are left wondering: what could possibly feel as good as lying in front of the AC with nary a stitch on? The answer is nothing — but we’ve got a close second. A Enter this season’s summer “it” dress. Breezy fabrics are a must for the hottest months, but the apparel goddesses have smiled upon us even further, bestowing such gifts as comfy bandeau tops, neck-grazing halters and forgiving elastic waistbands.

And while temps may be rising, hemlines are most certainly lowering. Mini and midi lengths are still simmering, but the maxi dress is by far the star. Make no mistake — this girl works overtime. Can you run errands in it? Check. Brunch with pals? Check. Impromptu beach trip? You know it. And that’s just daytime fun. In the evening, the maxi brings drama (of the good kind) on its own. Pair with some intricately beaded accessories, pop on a pair of puffy woven mules and go from lounge to lavish in one fell swoop. Now that’s haute. W

photos and styling by Drewe and Kate Branding Co. | intro by Nina Bays Cournoyer

Blue JUMPER, available at Edet by Island Passage

Dixie printed JUMPSUIT, available at Island Passage

Dixie tiered ruffle maxi DRESS, available at Island Passage

On Noel: All That Ruffled MINI DRESS, available at Edet by Island Passage On Skylan: Pink about It Romper, available at Edet by Island Passage

On Tyler: Printed SUNDRESS by Lavender Brown, black sunglasses by Z Supply Eyewear, and Posy Heels SANDALS in mint raffia by Dolce Vita, all available at Island Passage On Bella: Floral printed maxi DRESS by Fate, black sunglasses by Z Supply Eyewear, and paily heeled SANDALS in black by Dolce Vita, all available at Island Passage

MODELS: Tyler Albright, Bella Britt, Skylan Jacobs, & Noel Klomp

LOCATION: The Cotton Exchange, 321 North Front Street & Lumina Station, 1900 Eastwood Road

WARDROBE: Island Passage & Edet by Island Passage (islandpassageclothing.com) On Tyler: Pale Banana SUNDRESS by Shore Brand, tortoise SUNGLASSES by Z Supply Eyewear, straw TOTE by Amuse Society, and straw SANDALS in natural raffia by Dolce Vita, all available at Island Passage On Bella: Floral printed maxi DRESS by Fate, black sunglasses by Z Supply Eyewear, and paily heeled SANDALS in black by Dolce Vita, all available at Island Passage