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 flatter your figure? What details should you pay attention to for a stunning result?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how crucial it is to know your body shape and enhance it. With the arrival of the warmer days, long dresses make a comeback in online shops and boutiques... but does this garment suit all women?

This guide on maxi dresses has been created to address this question and to share my best tips, specifically tailored for petite women, regardless of their body shape.

Wearing a long dress when you're petite is entirely possible! Just choose your dress model carefully, favouring solid colours or prints with small patterns that are proportionate to your size. In terms of length, opt 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 gives you confidence. Choose either heels or delicate flats to complete the look. Finally, finish off your outfit with accessories like a belt or a small bag that will enhance your overall appearance!

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

• What colours and prints to choose for your long dress,
• How to select a style that will flatter your shape,
• What shoes and accessories to wear with it,
• Tips to appear taller in a long dress,
• And fashion advice specially tailored for curvy and petite women!

What size should you wear for a long 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 suits them, as most designs are tailored to fit them. However, this does not mean that you have to give up on this garment if you are under 5 feet 5 inches tall! It’s all about knowing your body shape and choosing a style that flatters you. To achieve this, try things on in-store or make sure to compare the dresses to your measurements when shopping online! 😉

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

Are you wondering how to find the dress that will truly flatter you? Let's explore together some key factors to consider to ensure you 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 equally important. Thus, solid-coloured maxi dresses, particularly in darker shades, are ideal for making shorter individuals appear taller, simply because they are also slightly slimming and will elongate your silhouette.

Choose a Print Proportional to Your Size

Do you prefer a dress with lovely patterns rather than a plain one? That’s certainly possible, but do make sure that:

• The chosen print does not “cut” you in half: 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 are not too large: favour delicate and subtle details to avoid weighing down the visual effect of your dress.

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

Choose a fabric that complements your curves

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

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

Choose the Perfect Dress Length

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

To elongate them and enhance your entire 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

As long dresses already cover a large part of your body, I can only recommend showing off your legs by revealing your feet. High heels may not be the best choice, as they don't quite complement the bohemian style of a long dress. To stay in keeping with this look, you might want to consider heeled sandals instead.

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

Choose Accessories to 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 huge bag that could weigh you down.

The belt is also a great option for adding a chic detail to your dress and structuring your silhouette. Choose a model whose colour doesn’t contrast too much with your dress, so as not to visually divide your figure, and if possible, wear heels to offset the horizontal effect of the belt.

Long Dress Styles to Find That Flatter You

During your next shopping session, 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 a bit of your leg, split dresses prevent you from looking overly covered in fabric. Additionally, this adds 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 dress with a shorter front

This particular cut is truly practical: it combines 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 also, by optical effect, make you appear taller.

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 a wide range of body shapes. As long as it doesn’t sit too high on your hips or thighs, a dress in this style will be perfect for everyday wear as well as for special occasions. It guarantees a feminine and elegant look, ideal if you’re still uncertain about which style to choose.

A fitted dress, but with a high waist!

The separation created by the length between the top and bottom of the body plays a crucial role in deciding whether a long dress will enhance your petite frame. Indeed, if you wear a fitted long dress that sits too low, such as on the hips, it can shorten your silhouette by dividing it into two distinct parts.

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

What long dress should you choose if you're petite and curvy?

The advice I’m sharing in this guide applies to all body shapes, including those of women with curvy figures. However, if you belong to this group, you might want to pay special attention to the following:

• Choose a plain dress, preferably in a dark colour,
• Select a fitted style that cinches just above the waist to accentuate your curves,
• Emphasise your neckline and shoulders,
• Wear your dress with accessories that are proportionate to your body shape: a belt and wide bag straps will help enhance your look more effectively.

👉 There are many styles of long dresses specifically designed for curvy and plus-size silhouettes: don't hesitate 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 your size! Why not start right away by choosing from our collection of bohemian long dresses? We select these for their originality and elegance, to celebrate all women! Moreover, you will find many dresses featured in the illustrations of this guide! 😉

Bohemian Long Dress