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

Are you shorter than 1.65 meters and wondering if you can wear long dresses? Would you like to know which style to choose to highlight your features? What details should you pay attention to for a stunning look?

I'm here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how crucial it is to know your body shape and enhance it. With the arrival of warmer days, long dresses are making a comeback in online shops and boutiques... but are they suitable for all women?

This guide on long dresses is designed for petite women of all body types. I've put together my best tips to help answer this question and share my insights with you.

Wearing a long dress when you're petite is definitely possible! Just be sure to choose your dress style carefully, favouring solid colours or prints with small patterns that are proportionate to your size. For length, go for a dress that falls below your ankles. Don't hesitate to highlight your best features with a fitted dress, a thigh-high slit, or a V-neckline: the goal is to draw attention to what makes you feel confident. Choose heels or elegant flat shoes. Finally, complete your outfit with accessories like a belt or a small handbag to elevate your look!

Do you want more details? Keep reading to find out:

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

What size should you wear for a maxi dress?

It is often said that you need to be tall to wear a long dress. But is this really true? Taller girls will indeed find it easier to find a long dress that fits, since most styles are designed for their body type. However, this does not mean that you should give up on this garment if you're under 5 feet 5 inches! All you need to do is understand your body shape and choose a style that flatters you. 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 will make you shine? Let's explore some key factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice.

Play with Colours to Enhance Your Look

Choosing the cut of your dress is essential, but the colour is just as important. Solid-coloured maxi dresses, especially in darker shades, are perfect for making someone petite appear a bit taller. This is simply because they are also slightly slimming and will elongate your silhouette.

Choose a Print that Suits Your Size

Do you prefer a dress with pretty patterns rather than a solid-coloured one? That's definitely possible, but be sure to keep in mind that:

• The chosen print doesn’t “cut” you in half: the patterns should be consistent along the entire length of the dress without differing between the top and bottom, enhancing your overall silhouette.
• The patterns shouldn’t be too large: opt for delicate and subtle details to avoid overwhelming the visual effect of your dress.

👉 Looking for a striped dress? Choose wisely! Avoid thick horizontal stripes that may not flatter your figure; instead, opt for diagonal lines at a 45-degree angle, as they are generally more flattering.

Choose a Fabric That Hugs Your Curves

Depending on the fabric you choose, your dress can either add bulk to your silhouette if it’s made of a thick material (like wool or velvet) or, on the contrary, give you a radiant and natural look. To achieve this, it’s better to opt for fabrics such as:

• Fluid jersey cotton,
• Natural or synthetic silk,
• Lightweight linen,
• Lace (for certain details, especially to add sophistication to your outfit).

Choose the Perfect Dress Length

When you're shorter, this detail is crucial! Avoid straight-cut dresses that fall right above your ankle at all costs, as their hemline creates a horizontal line that can make your legs look shorter.

To enhance your overall body and make it look its best, I recommend the following:

• A maxi dress that falls just above the floor,
• A midi dress that’s fairly long, reaching just below your knees.

Pair It with Appropriate Footwear

Since long dresses already cover a large portion of your body, I highly recommend showcasing your legs by revealing your feet. High heels may not be the best choice, as they don't quite match the bohemian style of long dresses: to maintain that vibe, you might want to opt for heeled sandals instead.

👉 If you prefer not to wear heels, you can opt for flat sandals, ideally with thin straps, to show off a hint of skin.

Accessorize to Look Taller!

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

The belt is also a great option to add a stylish detail to your dress and define your silhouette. Choose a model in a shade that does not contrast too much with your dress to avoid visually breaking up your silhouette, and if possible, wear heels to balance out the horizontal aspect of the belt.

Long Dress Styles to Find That Will Flatter You

During your next shopping trip, pay attention to the cuts of the dresses you come across. Certain details can be a real asset when you’re on the petite side! Here’s how to spot them.

A Long Split Dress

By showing off part of your leg, slit dresses help you avoid looking overly covered in fabric. Additionally, they add a sexy touch to an outfit that's perfect for an evening out, a romantic date, or simply enjoying a lovely summer day with friends.

A shorter dress in the front

This specific cut is incredibly practical: it combines the best of both worlds by subtly showcasing your legs at the front while elongating your silhouette at the back. The shorter hem at the front will, through the optical effect, make you appear taller.

A Flared Maxi Dress

Of all the dress styles, the flared dress, also known as a "A-line dress", is the most flattering for a wide range of body shapes. As long as it doesn't ride up on your hips or thighs, this cut will be perfect for everyday wear and even for special occasions. It guarantees a feminine and elegant look, making it an excellent choice if you're still unsure about which style to pick.

A fitted dress, but with a high waist!

The separation created by the fit between the upper and lower body plays a crucial role in determining whether a long dress will accentuate your petite frame. Indeed, if you wear a fitted long dress that cinches too low, such as at the hips, it may shorten your silhouette by dividing it into two distinct parts.

Therefore, I highly recommend that you apply the ⅓ above, ⅔ below proportions, which are perfect for elongating your silhouette and enhancing your figure. For this, a long, fitted dress cinched at the waist below the bust is ideal, as it makes your legs appear longer and accentuates them. 😉

What Long Dress to Choose When You’re Short and Curvy?

The tips I’m sharing in this guide apply to all body types, including those of women with curvier figures. However, if you fall into this category, you may want to pay special attention to the following:

• Choose a solid-coloured dress, preferably in a dark tone,
• Opt for a fitted style above the waist to accentuate your curves,
• Emphasize your décolletage and shoulders,
• Accessorize your dress with items that suit your body type: a wide belt and spacious bag straps will highlight your figure more effectively.

👉 There are many long dress styles specifically designed for curvy and plus-size silhouettes: feel free to check out these cuts for a sexy and elegant look!

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

Bohemian Long Dress