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

Are you under 1.65 meters tall and wondering if you can pull off wearing long dresses? Do you want 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 know how important it is to understand your body shape and know how to accentuate it. With the arrival of sunny days, long dresses are making their comeback in online stores and boutiques... but does this style suit all women?

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

Wearing a long dress even if you're petite is totally achievable! Just be sure to choose your dress style wisely, opting for solid colours or prints with small patterns that are proportionate to your height. 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. You can choose heels or stylish flats, but make sure they're elegant. Finally, complete your look with accessories like a belt or a small handbag to elevate your style!

Want more details? Keep reading to find out:

• What colours and patterns to choose for your maxi dress,
• How to pick a style that will flatter your figure,
• What 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 should you choose 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 may indeed find it easier to find a long dress that fits them well, as most designs are made to suit their frame. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on wearing long dresses if you’re under 1.65m! 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 with your measurements if you're shopping online! 😉

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

Wondering how to find the dress that will make you shine? Let's explore some key factors to consider so you're sure to make the right choice.

Play with Colours to Enhance Your Look

The choice of the cut of your dress is essential, but its colour is just as important. Therefore, maxi dresses in solid colours, especially the darker shades, are perfect for making someone of shorter stature appear a bit taller. This is simply because they are also a bit slimming and will help elongate your silhouette.

Choose a Print That Fits Your Size

Do you prefer a dress with pretty patterns instead of a plain one? That’s completely fine, just remember to ensure that:

• The pattern you choose shouldn’t "cut" you in half: the designs should be consistent all the way down the dress and not vary between the top and bottom, enhancing your entire silhouette.
• The patterns shouldn't be too large: opt for delicate and light details so as not to weigh down the visual effect of your dress.

👉 Looking for a striped dress? Choose wisely! Avoid thick horizontal stripes as they might not be the most flattering for your body shape. Instead, go for diagonal lines at a 45-degree angle, which are much 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 thick material (like wool or velvet), or it can 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 some details, especially to add sophistication to your outfit).

Choose the Perfect Dress Length

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

To enhance and elevate your overall body, I would recommend the following:

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

Pair it with the right shoes

Since long dresses already cover a significant part of your body, I would strongly recommend showcasing your legs by highlighting your feet. Heels may not be the best choice as they don't quite match the bohemian style of long dresses; instead, to stay in tune with that vibe, you can opt for heeled sandals.

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

Accessorise 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 may weigh you down.

The belt is a great option to add a chic detail to your dress and help define your silhouette. Choose a style that doesn’t contrast too much with your dress so that you don’t visually split your figure in half. If possible, wear heels to balance out the horizontal look of the belt.

Long Dress Styles to Discover That Will Flaunt Your Best Features

When you're out shopping next, pay attention to the cuts of the dresses you come across. Certain details can really make a difference if you're on the shorter side! Here's how to spot them.

A Long Split Dress

By showing a bit of your leg, slit dresses prevent you from looking too covered up. Plus, they add a sexy touch to an outfit that's perfect for a night out, a romantic date, or just enjoying a lovely summer day with friends.

A shorter dress in the front

This specific cut is really practical: it combines the best of both worlds by subtly showing off your legs at the front while elongating your silhouette at the back. The shorter hem at the front also creates an optical illusion that makes you look taller.

A Flared Maxi Dress

Of all the dress styles, the flared dress at the bottom, also known as the “A-line dress”, is the most flattering for a wide range of body types. 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 ensures a feminine and elegant look, ideal if you’re still unsure about which style to choose.

A fitted dress, but with a high waist!

The separation created by the waistline between the upper and lower body is crucial in determining whether a long dress will flatter your petite frame. If you wear a long, fitted 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 stick to the ⅓ on top, ⅔ on bottom proportions, which are perfect for elongating your figure and enhancing your overall look. For this, a long fitted dress that cinches at the waist just below the bust is ideal, as it makes your legs appear longer and highlights them beautifully. 😉

What long dress to wear if you're petite and curvy?

The tips I'm sharing in this guide are applicable to all body types, including women with curvier figures. However, if you fall into this category, you might want to pay special attention to the following:

• Choose a solid-coloured dress, preferably in a dark hue,
• Go for a fitted style above the waist to highlight your curves,
• Showcase your cleavage and shoulders,
• Wear your dress with accessories that suit your body shape: a belt and wide bag straps will complement you better.

👉 There are many long dress styles specially 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 by choosing from our collection of bohemian long dresses? We select these dresses for their uniqueness and elegance, to celebrate all women! Plus, you’ll find many dresses featured in the illustrations of this guide! 😉

Long Bohemian Dress