How to Wear a Maxi Dress When You're Petite?

Are you under 1.65 metres tall and wondering if you can wear long dresses? Would you like to know which style to choose to highlight your figure? What details should you pay attention to for a stunning result?

I'm here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how important it is to know your body shape and enhance it. With the return of warmer days, long dresses make their comeback in online stores and boutiques... but do they suit all women?

This guide on long dresses has been created to answer this question and share my best tips, especially for petite women, regardless of their body shape.

Wearing a long dress when you’re petite is definitely possible! You just need to choose your dress style carefully, favouring solid colours or prints with small patterns that are proportionate to your size. When it comes to length, opt for a dress that falls just below your ankles. Don’t hesitate to showcase your best features with a fitted dress, one that has a slit up the legs, or a V-neckline: the goal is to draw attention to what makes you feel confident. Go for heels or elegant flat shoes, but make sure they’re refined. Finally, complete your outfit with accessories like a belt or a small handbag that will enhance your overall look!

Want more details? Keep reading to find out:

• What colours and patterns to choose for your maxi dress,
• How to select a style that flatters your figure,
• Which shoes and accessories to pair with it,
• Tips to appear taller in a maxi dress,
• And fashion advice specifically for curvy and petite women!

What size for wearing a maxi dress?

We often hear that you need to be tall to wear a long dress. But is that really the case? Taller girls will indeed find it easier to find a long dress that fits them, as most styles are designed with their height in mind. However, this doesn’t mean you should give up on this garment if you’re under 165 cm! All it takes is understanding your body shape and choosing a style that enhances your figure. To do this, try on dresses in-store or make sure to compare the dresses to your measurements if you're shopping online! 😉

6 Tips for Wearing a Long Dress When You're Petite

Are you wondering how to find the dress that truly enhances your beauty? Let’s explore together some key factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice.

Play with Colours to Enhance Yourself

The choice of your dress style is essential, but its colour is just as important. Solid-coloured maxi dresses, particularly in darker shades, are ideal for making someone petite appear a bit taller, simply because they have a slightly slimming effect and will elongate your silhouette.

Choose a print that matches your size

Do you prefer a dress with lovely patterns rather than a plain dress? That's definitely an option, but make sure to keep in mind that:

• The chosen print doesn't "split" you in two: the patterns should be the same all the way down the dress and not differ between the top and bottom, in order to enhance your entire silhouette.
• The patterns aren't too large: opt for delicate and light details so as to not weigh down the visual impact of your dress.

👉 Fancy a striped dress? Choose it wisely! Avoid thick horizontal stripes that may not flatter your figure; instead, opt for diagonal lines at 45 degrees, which are generally thinner.

Choose a Fabric That Fits Your Curves

Depending on the fabric you choose, your dress can either make you appear heavier if it's made from a thick material (like wool or velvet) or, on the other hand, give you a radiant and natural look. To achieve this, it's better to opt for fabrics such as:

• The flowy jersey cotton,
• The natural or synthetic silk,
• The lightweight linen,
• Lace (for certain details, especially to add sophistication to your outfit).

Choose the Perfect Dress Length

When you’re on the shorter side, this detail is crucial! Steer clear of dresses that hang straight just above your ankle, as their hem creates a horizontal line that can make your legs appear shorter.

To elongate and enhance your entire body, I recommend the following:

• A maxi dress that falls just above the ground,
• A midi dress that is fairly long, reaching just below your knees.

Pair it with the Right Shoes

As long dresses already cover a large part of your body, I highly recommend showcasing your legs by revealing your feet. High heels aren’t always the best choice, as they don’t quite match the bohemian style of a long dress: to stay true to this vibe, consider opting for heeled sandals instead.

👉 If you prefer not to wear heels, you can opt for some flat sandals, preferably with thin straps, to show off your skin.

Use Accessories to Look Taller!

Always choose accessories that are proportional to your size: it's better to carry a small crossbody bag or a lightweight tote bag rather than a massive bag that could weigh you down.

The belt is also a great option to add a stylish detail to your dress and shape your silhouette. Choose a design that doesn't contrast too much with your dress, so it doesn't visually divide your figure in half, and if possible, wear heels to balance out the horizontal look of the belt.

Long Dress Styles to Highlight Your Beauty

During your next shopping session, pay attention to the cuts of the dresses you spot. Certain details can be a real advantage if you're on the petite side! Here's how to recognise them.

A Long Split Dress

By showing a bit of your leg, split dresses help you avoid looking too covered up. Plus, they add a sexy touch to an outfit, making them perfect for a night out, a romantic date, or simply enjoying a lovely summer day with friends.

A shorter dress at the front

This particular cut is incredibly practical: it combines the best of both worlds by subtly revealing your legs at the front while not compressing your silhouette as it elongates at the back. The shorter hem at the front will also, by optical effect, make you appear taller.

A flowy maxi dress

Of all the types of dresses, the flared dress at the bottom, also known as a “A-line dress”, is the most flattering for a wide range of body shapes. As long as it doesn’t cling to your hips or thighs, a dress with this cut is perfect for everyday wear and even for special occasions. It promises a feminine and elegant look, which is ideal if you’re still unsure about which style to choose.

A fitted dress with a high waist!

The separation created by the length of a dress between the upper and lower body plays a crucial role in determining whether a long dress will flatter your petite figure. If you wear a fitted long dress that sits too low, for instance, on the hips, it may shorten your silhouette by splitting it into two distinct parts.

I highly recommend applying the ⅓ at the top, ⅔ at the bottom proportions, which are fantastic for elongating your figure and enhancing it. For this, a long dress fitted at the waist just below the bust is perfect, as it helps to make your legs look longer and showcases them beautifully. 😉

What Long Dress Should You Wear If You're Petite and Curvy?

The tips I’m sharing in this guide apply to all body shapes, including those of women with curvy figures. However, if you identify with this group, you may want to pay particular attention to the following:

• Choose a plain dress, preferably in a dark colour,
• Opt for a fitted style above the waist, to accentuate your curves,
• Highlight your décolletage and shoulders,
• Accessorise your dress with items that suit your body shape: a belt and wide handbag straps will enhance your look more effectively.

👉 There are plenty of long dress styles perfectly suited for curvy and plus-size silhouettes: feel free to check out these designs for a sexy and elegant look!

You now have all the keys to find a long dress that will make you shine, no matter your size! Why not start right away to choose from our collection of bohemian long dresses? We select these for their uniqueness and elegance, to enhance all women! Plus, you'll find many dresses that are featured in the illustrations of this guide! 😉

Bohemian Maxi Dress