Drawstring maxi dress: Weekly steal

What it is: Women's drawstring-tube jersey maxi dress, Old Navy, $33

How to wear it: When it's hot-hot-hot outside, keep your cool by keeping things simple with a lightweight maxi dress. This ravishing red number from ON will keep your body temp down while keeping your style quotient high. Dress it up with gold strappy sandals, a stack of Bollywood bangles and a metallic clutch for a party on the patio or pair it with nude flip flops, a straw satchel and an oversize summer hat for a casual-cool weekend look.

Why I love it: The built-in waist helps accentuate my curves  and provides a flattering feminine shape. I am just smittin' with this style and colour (it reminds me of a strawberry sundae), so you'll find me sporting it with a chunky turquoise statement necklace, a chic straw tote and a simple pair of silver sandals.

Editor's note: How to find a maxi that fits
I used to think that because I was short the maxi dress was off limits because it would me stumpy but I was wrong. The key to finding the perfect maxi dress is to pick one with the right proportions.

Three styling tips when choosing a maxi:
1. Focus on the fit first. Pick a style that works with your body shape.
2. Don't be scared to go up a size if you need a little more room.
3. You can always alter the length if the dress fits and flatters everywhere else.