How to Wear a Maxi Dress if 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 flatter your figure? What details should you pay attention to for a stunning look?

I'll help you out.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how important it is to know your body shape and enhance it. As soon as the sunny days return, long dresses make a comeback in online shops and boutiques... but does this piece of clothing suit all women?

It's to answer this question and share my best tips that I've put together this guide to long dresses, specially designed for petite women, regardless of their body shape.

Wearing a long dress when you're petite is definitely possible! Just be sure to choose your dress style wisely, opting for solid colours or prints with small patterns that are proportionate to your frame. When it comes to length, go for a long dress that falls just 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 either heeled shoes or sleek flat shoes. Finally, finish off your outfit with accessories like a belt or a small bag to enhance your overall look!

Would you like more details? Keep reading to find out:

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

long dress for petite

What size should you wear for a long dress?

You 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 locate a long dress that suits them, as most styles are designed with their height in mind. However, this certainly doesn't mean that you should give up on this type of clothing if you're under 1.65m! It all comes down to understanding your body shape and choosing a style that flatters you. To achieve this, either try on dresses in-store or make sure to compare the sizes carefully if you're shopping online! 😉

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

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

long dress for women by Nicole Richie

Play with Colours to Enhance Your Look

The choice of style for your dress is crucial, but the colour is just as important. Solid-coloured maxi dresses, especially in darker shades, are ideal for making someone of shorter stature appear a bit taller. This is simply because they are also a bit slimming and will elongate your silhouette.

Choose a print that suits your size

Do you prefer a dress with lovely patterns rather than a plain one? That’s definitely an option, but just make sure to keep the following in mind:

  • The print you choose shouldn’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, to enhance your entire silhouette.
  • The patterns shouldn’t be too large: opt for delicate and subtle details to avoid weighing down the visual effect of your dress.

What long dress to wear when you're petite

👉 Fancy a striped dress? Choose it wisely! Avoid thick horizontal stripes that might not flatter your shape; instead, opt for diagonal lines at a 45-degree angle, which are generally more flattering.

Choose a fabric that flatters your curves

Depending on the fabric you choose, your dress could either add bulk to your figure if it's made from a heavy material (like wool or velvet) or, conversely, give you a radiant and natural look. To achieve this, opt for lighter materials such as:

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

Choose the Perfect Dress Length

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

To enhance your overall body and make it appear longer, I would recommend the following:

  • A maxi dress that falls just above the ground,
  • A midi dress that's quite long, reaching just below your knees.

long summer dress for petites

Wear it with the right shoes

As long dresses already cover a large part of your body, I can only suggest that you highlight your legs by showing off your feet. Heels may not be the best choice, as they don’t quite match the bohemian style of the long dress: to keep with that vibe, you might want to opt for heeled sandals instead.

👉 If you’re not keen on wearing heels, you can opt for flat sandals, but preferably with thin straps to show off a bit of skin.

Opt for accessories to help you appear taller!

Always choose accessories that are proportionate 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 for adding a stylish detail to your dress and defining your shape. Choose a model in a shade that doesn’t contrast too much with your dress, so it doesn’t break up your silhouette, and if possible, wear heels to balance out the horizontal line of the belt.

long dress for petite sizes

Long dress styles to find that flatter you

During your next shopping trip, pay attention to the styles of the dresses you come across. Certain details can be a real advantage if you're on the shorter side! Here's how to spot them.

A Long Split Dress

By showing a bit of leg, split dresses prevent you from looking overly wrapped up in fabric. Additionally, they add a sexy touch to an outfit, making it 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 style is truly practical: it brings together the best of both worlds by subtly revealing your legs at the front while elongating your silhouette at the back. The shorter hem at the front will, in addition, create an optical illusion that makes you appear taller.

long bohemian dress for petite women

A Flared Maxi Dress

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

A fitted dress, but high-waisted!

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 frame. If, for instance, you wear a fitted long dress that sits too low, such as on the hips, it may shorten your silhouette by dividing it into two distinct sections.

I highly recommend that you apply the ⅓ proportion at the top, ⅔ at the bottom, as this is perfect for elongating your silhouette and enhancing your figure. To achieve this, a tailored long dress cinched at the waist just below the bust is ideal, as it will make your legs appear longer and highlight them beautifully. 😉

what dress to wear when you're petite

What long dress should you wear when you're petite and curvy?

The tips I’m sharing in this guide are suitable for all body types, including those of women with curvy figures. However, if you fall into that category, you may want to pay particular attention to the following:

  • Choose a plain dress, preferably in a dark colour,
  • Opt for a fitted style just above the waist to highlight your curves,
  • Show off your décolletage and shoulders,
  • Wear your dress with accessories that suit your body shape: a wide belt and bag straps will showcase your figure more effectively.

long dress for petite curvy women

👉 There are plenty of long dress styles specifically designed for curvy and plus-size silhouettes: feel free to take a look at these designs for a sexy and elegant look!

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

Looking for inspiration? Take a look at our maxi dresses tailored to enhance petite shapes. Explore Our Maxi Dress Inspirations