The style dish from Katrina Szish

(InStyle) -- I spent the weekend in Miami Beach, not just for the sun and surf -- or the mojitos -- but for InStyle's fourth annual Inside InStyle event.

During this two-day, uber-chic extravaganza, we invite readers to visit our lavish beachside tents for fashion shows, manicures, facials, wedding advice, giveaways, goodie bags, cocktails, canapés and live musical performances.

Better yet, 100 percent of ticket proceeds go to charity. I was on-hand giving trend talks and fashion tips, and I even got to hang out with The DEY -- the sexy bilingual hip-hop group who sizzled on stage.

I particularly enjoyed scoping out the trends that real people are actually wearing for the summer: bright colors, floral prints and straw bags were hot, but I was most impressed by the number of fashion-forward women who sashayed about in sophisticated maxi dresses.

These sand-skimming sundresses create a long, lean silhouette and give the look of carefree chic. Top it off with a loose chignon, some delicate dangling earrings, an oversized, unconstructed bag and flat gladiator sandals, and suddenly you're projecting a luxe-bohemian vibe a la Talitha Getty. Check out some of the hot new trends »

But keep in mind that we're not talking peasant skirts, sloppy patchwork and devil-may-care hair -- this look is all about effortless elegance, more highbrow than hippie. Yet whatever your budget, there's a maxi dress out there for you (I've spied them everywhere from H&M to Anthropologie to Diane von Furstenberg).

Fit tip: this look can be universally flattering, as long as you remember the top should be nicely tailored (not too tight, not too baggy) and the skirt should be long (floor-grazing is most dramatic) and flowing; it shouldn't conspicuously cling to curves. Watch Katrina talk about the 'Inside InStyle' event »

When not spying on style, I spied on shopping, snacking and sunning spots. My favorite destinations: Casa Tua for an intimate al fresco dinner (make reservations in advance!); Espanola Way -- the quaint, am-I-really-still-in-America?, flower-lined street -- for European cafe-hopping; the pool at The Raleigh Hotel for lounging Old Hollywood style; the rooftop pool at The Hotel (yep, that's the name) for a great view and a cool breeze; and South Collins Avenue for shopping galore.

From Barney's Co-Op to Sephora, from Ralph Lauren to one-of-a-kind boutiques, this is the homestretch for stylish spending.

Miami Beach has always been the de facto destination for good-natured debauchery (nothing wrong with that), but this Deco beach town seems to offer more each time I visit.

Whether you're looking for an authentic Cuban sandwich in an old-school diner, a tropical paradise with palm trees and historic architecture, or a one-of-a-kind, hand-embellished caftan that no one else will have back home, South Beach is the place to be. E-mail to a friend

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