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

Are you shorter than 1.65 metres and wondering if you can pull off long dresses? Would you like to know which style to choose to highlight your figure? What details should you pay attention to for a fabulous look?

I'll help you out.

As a fashion enthusiast, I know how important it is to understand your body shape and know how to enhance it. With the arrival of warmer days, long dresses are making a comeback in online stores and boutiques... but does this garment suit every woman?

This guide on maxi dresses is designed to answer that question and share my best tips, specifically for petite women, regardless of their body shape.

Wearing a long dress when you're petite is definitely achievable! Just be careful in selecting the right style, favouring solid colours or prints with small patterns that are proportionate to your height. For length, choose a 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 aim is to draw attention to what makes you feel confident. Opt for heels or delicate flats. Finally, complete your look with accessories like a belt or a small bag to elevate your outfit!

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

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

What size dress should I wear for 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 suits them, as most designs are made to fit their proportions. However, this doesn’t mean you should give up on this style if you’re under 1.65 metres! It’s all about knowing your body shape and choosing 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 Maxi Dress if You're Short

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

Play with Colours to Enhance Your Look

The choice of dress cut is essential, but the colour is just as important. Solid-coloured maxi dresses, particularly in darker shades, are perfect for making short individuals appear a bit taller. This is mainly because they are also somewhat slimming, which helps to 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 absolutely possible, but make sure you keep the following in mind:

• The chosen print doesn't "cut" you in half: patterns should be consistent throughout the entire length of the dress rather than differing between the top and bottom, to enhance your overall silhouette.
• The patterns aren't too large: opt for delicate and understated details so as not to overwhelm the visual effect of your dress.

👉 Fancy a striped dress? Choose it carefully! Avoid thick horizontal stripes that may not flatter your figure, and opt instead for diagonal lines at a 45-degree angle, which are generally finer.

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 from a heavy material (like wool or velvet), or it can give you a radiant and natural look. For this reason, it's best to opt for lighter materials such as:

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

Choose the Perfect Dress Length

When you're little, this detail is crucial! Avoid straight-cut dresses that fall just above your ankle at all costs, as their hem creates a horizontal line that can shorten the appearance of your legs.

To lengthen and enhance the appearance of your entire body, I recommend the following:

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

Wear 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 might not be the best choice, as they don’t really suit the bohemian style of long dresses: to stay in line with this vibe, you could 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 bit of skin.

Choose Accessories to Look Taller!

Always choose accessories that are proportionate to your size: it's better to carry a small shoulder bag or a light 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 shaping your silhouette. Choose a model in a colour that complements your dress rather than clashing with it, so as to avoid visually dividing your silhouette. If possible, wear heels to balance out the horizontal nature of the belt.

Long Dress Styles to Discover That Enhance Your Look

During your next shopping trip, pay attention to the cuts 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 off a bit of your leg, split dresses help you avoid looking too covered up. Plus, they add a sexy touch to an outfit, making it perfect for an evening out, a romantic date, or just enjoying a lovely summer day with friends.

A dress with a shorter front

This specific cut is incredibly handy: it beautifully combines the best of both worlds by subtly revealing your legs at the front while also 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 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 sit too high on your hips or thighs, a dress with this cut is perfect for everyday wear and even for special occasions. It guarantees a feminine and elegant look, which is ideal 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 is crucial in determining whether a maxi dress will flatter your petite frame. If you wear a fitted maxi dress that sits too low, such as on the hips, it may shorten your silhouette by dividing it into two distinct parts.

I highly recommend that you apply the ⅓ on top, ⅔ on the bottom proportions more than ever, as they are perfect for elongating your silhouette and enhancing your appearance. For this, a long dress fitted at the waist just below the bust is ideal, as it makes your legs look longer and showcases them beautifully. 😉

What Long Dress to Choose if You're Short and Curvy?

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

• Choose a solid dress, preferably in a dark colour,
• Opt for a style that is fitted above the waist to accentuate your curves,
• Highlight your décolletage and your shoulders,
• Wear your dress with accessories that are suited to your body shape: a wide belt and bag straps will enhance your look more effectively.

👉 There are plenty of long dress styles specifically designed for curvy and plus-size figures: 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 truly make you shine, no matter your size! Why not start right away by choosing from our collection of bohemian long dresses? We select these for their uniqueness and elegance, to enhance every woman! Plus, you’ll find many dresses featured in the illustrations of this guide! 😉

Bohemian Long Dress