GAP (San Francisco, USA) Striped Maxi Dress

An extended weekend getaway—happy replacement holiday for FT Day and a slightly early happy Thaipusam!—calls for cozy, throw-on-and-go pieces that can take you from morning lazing-arounds to afternoon excursions and even out to dinner, like this effortless, drapey maxi dress from Gap!

Some people say horizontal stripes are never flattering on a woman's body, but these celebs have proved the fashion critics wrong.

Sandals, oversized bag, cardigan/cropped jacket, a beautiful scarf, a belt, Starbucks coffee, baby—a striped maxi works with literally anything :-)

ALICE BY TEMPERLEY (London) Embroidered Maxi Dress

Exquisite feminine beauty rooted in bohemian English aesthetics is a label signature for London luxury brand ALICE by Temperley. Both elegant and eye-catching, this maxi dress is embroidered with folk-inspired florals that have been designed exclusively in-house.

Maximise the gorgeous silhouette with platform heels.

(RRP £495)

TEMPERLEY LONDON

The contemporary line of luxury British designer label Temperley London, ALICE by Temperley has now just been merged into its mainline collection. Founder-designer Alice Temperley was trained at London’s Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and finished her studies with a Masters degree at the Royal College of Art; she also specialised in fabric technology and print. Since being awarded an MBE in 2011 for her contribution in fashion, Temperley has become an institution in British fashion known for her feminine glamour with a dose of romance and a hint of exotica. High-profile clients include Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

ACNE STUDIOS (Sweden) Maxi Dress

Inspired by the garden of his new Stockholm home, Acne Studios creative director Jonny Johansson showed a collection of functional, fluid pieces imbued with the label’s signature deconstructed cool. This simple yet edgy maxi dress is cut from flowy tencel, with a slouchy bodice detailed by pleating behind the neck.

Wear yours with flat sandals by day, switching to pin-thin heels for low-key evening events.

(RRP US$160)

ROBERT RODRIGUEZ (New York) 'Illusion' Chiffon Silk Gown

There seems to be a lot of weddings coming up this month! These celebrations are perfect for showing our affection for uniting lovers; they're also ideal for showing off—period!

If you've got a particular grand wedding to attend, consider this stunning ‘illusion’ gown from Robert Rodriguez Black Label, an exclusive collection of special-occasion clothing and eveningwear created by the New York designer.

The sheer neckline adds a sense of allure, while the billowy skirt is flattering to your bottom half. Wear yours to the opera with heirloom jewelry and a metallic clutch.

Sky-high heels (to elevate the flowing hem), dropped earrings, and a simple box clutch are the only additions you'll need.

(RRP US$795)

BY MALENE BIRGER (Denmark) Maxi Dress with Embellishments

Made for the spotlight, this stunner from Copenhagen collection By Malene Birger oozes understated old-school glamour and will make you look and feel like a woman with star quality.

The skirt is full enough to conceal flaws, yet the wrap-front style also offers a discreet, fleeting glimpse of an exposed thigh as you walk.

Wear with old Hollywood style jewels and heels.

BY MALENE BIRGER

Award-winning Danish designer Malene Birger creates pieces inspired by the classic styles of the ’50s and ’60s and infused with signature Scandinavian cool. By Malene Birger the label has a mega following around the globe, including celebrities, Denmark's Crown Princess Mary (aka the world's most stylish royalty), and Duchess Of Cambridge (and new mama!) Kate Middleton.

SASS & BIDE (Australia) Embellished Maxi Dress

One of Australia’s most respected and loved fashion labels, Sass & Bide is the namesake label of Sarah-Jane Clarke (Sass) & Heidi Middleton (Bide). These best friends broke the rules, followed their hearts and today enjoy international success.

The sense of free-spirited confidence and contradiction that defines the designing duo’s style is evident in this free-flowing, eclectically embroidered (and very expensive!) maxi dress. Keep your accessories to a minimum to ensure the embellishment pulls focus. At most, give it a wanderlust touch with gladiator sandals and simple cuffs.

(RRP US$795 / £560)

TRELISE COOPER (New Zealand) Printed Maxi Dress

A New Zealand fashion powerhouse that has successfully cemented its presence on the international stage, Kiwi designer Trelise Cooper is known for her unashamedly feminine and vibrant style.

Printed with a kaleidoscope of butterfly wing-tips, this maxi design is the perfect choice for al fresco cocktails or a sun-soaked vacation. Pack this piece for your next weekend getaway, teaming it with wedged sandals and oversized earrings.

(RRP A$599 / US$625)

TRELISE COOPER

Launched in the early 1980s, Trelise Cooper is a big name in fashion in New Zealand. (Some even say, the Queen of NZ Fashion.) Although she has never had any formal training, Cooper’s eye for pattern and fabric has for the past 20 years firmly bonded a broad fan base across the globe. Dynamic and expressive, Cooper’s designs have been described as a challenge to the ‘dark and intellectual’ label often used by fashion commentators to describe New Zealand fashion.

THEYSKENS' THEORY (New York) Cutout Maxi Dress

Be the envy of every fashionista with Theyskens’ Theory printed silk maxi!

Along with a dynamic print, this alluring piece features cutout sides and a cape-like overlay— and handy pockets, too— that will make the fluid design a fresh and fabulous choice for your next event.

Simply add sleek black accessories (strappy heels, clutch) to ground the look.

(RRP US$695)