When Vogue adorns an item with the title summer saviour , I just couldn t not write about it.

When Vogue adorns an item with the title "summer saviour", I just couldn't not write about it. After all, summer style strife is a seasonal epidemic and it seems no sooner have we toasted in the New Year than the cycle starts again; bikini or one-piece? Gladiators or sandals? Bronzed or Porcelain? Enough decisions already-a summer saviour is just what the Doctor ordered. But who would have guessed that the antidote to our summer struggles would be the trusted Maxi Dress? Forget the "I'll look pregnant" qualms and garish '60s prints, for the Woodstock days are over and summer beckons, so embrace the Marvellous 2010 Maxi; wearable, simple, glamorous.

This season the Maxi has assumed the role of 'Canvas'. It's long, floaty characteristics have acted as the foundations on which different designers have painted their own signature stamp. This couldn't be more evident than with Aquascutum. The British label teamed glorious maxi dresses, in stone and ochre, with their classic trench coats-belted at the waist. Far from their sharp, starched typical trenches, these summer altenatives were wrinkled, scrunched and creased reflective of a relaxed, lazy summer. Equally, Missoni didn't disappoint. In lilacs, corals and magentas, Missoni Maxis added a vibrant pop to the earthy palette of S/S 2010.

There is no denying that champagne hues are most definitely the colours of the season. Featured everywhere from Chanel's coveted Particuliere nail polish to the natural materials of espadrilles, canvas satchels and woven belts, the elegance and laissez-faire quality that oozes from these shades is no-better shown than on the Maxi dresses of Alberta Ferretti; romantic and Grecian-esque.

Additionally, Emilio Pucci's take on the Maxi packed a punch. The chiffon creation in a blue Pucci-print had a real ethereal quality and flowed with elegant volume. Its sheer quality, daring but nevertheless high-fashion was also present in Kenzo's Maxi's. Reminiscent of kimonos, their deep necklines and striped fabric added a subtle nautical quality to the Maxi. Plunging necklines were also present on Stella McCartney's Maxis. Her big-floral print in mink and dark aqua, in particular, moved with true grace and was reminiscent of the airy, delicate Flora by Gucci advertisement. Also featured on McCartney's Maxis were a big trend of 2010; ruffles.

Ruffles have caused ripples this season and were donned on her print-example, adding body and shape to the draping quality of her Maxis. Also, Ruffles quite simply made her Trapeze-shape Raspberry Maxi, giving swing and "wow" to the dress.

Fundamentally, S/S 2010 Maxis are a failsafe. Their floor-length quality proves elegant on anyone; be it tall or petite. Bought in colours such as black or navy, Maxis can be worn in Summer with sandals or in Winter with ballet pumps and a tailored blazer, as a cover-up on the beach or as an evening-dress. A 'hippie' item no more, a plain Maxi combined with a vintage denim jacket, a la Miranda Kerr is the stuff of Vogue. Their simple, nonchalance is effortlessly chic and with the Maxi being the 'it' piece for summer, a sumptuous array of types are there for the taking. In terms of buying, act fast, is my advice, for the Maxis flattering appeal is becoming fast acknowledged, and the last thing you'll be wanting to do is order your 'perfect' Maxi from America as it has sold out on Net-A-Porter. Yes, Mummy, I am talking about you.