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 enhance your look? What details should you pay attention to for a stunning result?

I will help you.

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

It’s to answer this question and share my best tips that I’ve put together this guide on long dresses, specially dedicated to petite women, no matter what their body shape is.

Wearing a long dress when you’re petite is definitely achievable! The key is to choose your dress style carefully, opting for solid colours or prints with small patterns that are proportional to your height. For length, go for a dress that falls just below your ankles. Don't hesitate to highlight your assets with a fitted dress, one that has a slit along the legs or a V-neckline: this will draw attention to what makes you feel confident. Opt for heels or sleek, flat shoes to complete your look. Finally, finish off your outfit with accessories like a belt or a small bag that will elevate your style!

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

• Which colours and prints to choose for your long dress,
• How to select a style that highlights your silhouette,
• What shoes and accessories to wear with it,
• Tips to look taller in a long dress,
• And fashion advice specifically for curvy and petite women!

What size should you wear for a long dress?

We often hear that you need to be tall to wear a long dress. But is that really true? Taller girls will indeed find it easier to find a long dress that suits them, as most designs are tailored for their height. However, that 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 with your measurements 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.

Play with Colours to Enhance Your Look

The choice of the cut of your dress is crucial, but its colour is just as important. For example, solid-coloured maxi dresses, especially in darker shades, are perfect for making someone of shorter stature appear slightly taller. This is simply because they are also a bit 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 solid colour dress? That's also possible, but just make sure that:

• The print you choose doesn’t “split” you in half: the patterns should be consistent throughout the entire length of the dress and should not differ between the top and bottom, so as to enhance your entire silhouette.
• The patterns aren’t too large: opt for delicate and lightweight details to avoid weighing down the visual effect of your dress.

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

Choose a fabric that hugs your curves

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

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

Choose the Ideal Dress Length

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

To lengthen and enhance your entire body, I would recommend:

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

Wear it with the right shoes

As long dresses already cover a large part of your body, I can only advise you to showcase your legs by exposing your feet. High heels may not be the best option, as they don't quite match the bohemian style of a long dress. To remain in that vibe, you could opt for heeled sandals instead.

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

Invest in Accessories to Look Taller!

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

The belt is also a great option to add a touch of elegance to your dress and enhance your silhouette. Choose a style that doesn't contrast too harshly with your dress, so it doesn't visually divide your figure, and if possible, wear heels to balance out the horizontal look of the belt.

Long Dress Styles to Discover That Will Flaunt Your Figure

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 part of your leg, split dresses prevent you from looking too covered up. Plus, they add a sexy touch to an outfit, making it perfect for a night out, a romantic date, or enjoying a lovely summer day with friends.

A shorter dress at the front

This specific cut is incredibly practical: it combines the best of both worlds by subtly showcasing your legs at the front while not compromising your silhouette, as it elongates at the back. The shorter hem at the front will, through an optical effect, make you appear taller.

A Flared Maxi Dress

Out 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 variety of body shapes. As long as it doesn’t cling to your hips or thighs, a dress with this cut will be perfect for everyday wear and even for special occasions. It guarantees a feminine and elegant look, making it ideal if you’re still unsure about which style to choose.

A fitted dress, but high-waisted!

The separation created by the waist size between the upper and lower body plays an essential role in determining whether a long dress will flatter your petite frame. Indeed, if you wear a long fitted dress that's too low, for example, on the hips, it may shorten your silhouette by dividing it into two distinct parts.

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

What long dress to choose when you're petite and curvy?

The tips I'm sharing in this guide apply to all body shapes, including women with curvier figures. However, if you belong to this group, you might want to pay special attention to the following:

• Choose a solid dress, preferably in a dark colour,
• Opt for a fitted style above the waist to accentuate your curves,
• Highlight your neckline and shoulders,
• Wear your dress with accessories that suit your body shape: a belt and wide bag straps will flatter you more easily.

👉 There are many styles of long dresses specifically designed for curvy and plus-size silhouettes: feel free to check out these designs for a sexy and sophisticated look!

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

Bohemian Long Dress