This post is about How to Wear Maxi Dresses for Petites, Petite Maxi Dresses
I’ve always loved the idea of maxi dresses. The flowing fabric, the elegance, and the casual yet sophisticated vibe—but being only 5’2”, I couldn’t imagine how a maxi dress would work for someone like me. In my mind, they were made for tall women with model-like frames, and I’d always thought they’d drown me. That is, until one day, I put one on, looked in the mirror, and thought, “Wait! I can actually pull this off!”
It’s that moment when you realize that maxi dresses can be super flattering on petites—it’s all about creating that long, unbroken vertical line that makes you look taller and leaner. But, like anything in fashion, you have to be selective. You need to be just as picky as when you’re looking for Mr. Right. And trust me, once I figured out how to style them for my height, maxi dresses became a staple in my wardrobe. Here’s how I learned to make petite maxi dresses work for me, and how you can rock them, too!
Can I wear a maxi dress if I am short?
Yes! A short person can absolutely wear a maxi dress. The key is to choose the right style and length to avoid being overwhelmed by the length. Focus on dresses that define the waist, and consider pairing them with heels or nude-colored shoes to elongate the legs. Here’s a more detailed look:
Waist Definition:
Maxi dresses that cinch at the waist are flattering for petite figures. This creates a focal point and helps balance the length of the dress.
Hemline:
Look for maxi dresses that fall just above the floor or a bit shorter than the ankle. Avoid hemlines that are too long, as they can make you appear shorter and less proportionate.
Fabric:
Opt for lighter, flowing fabrics that won’t add too much volume to your frame. Heavily textured or voluminous fabrics can be overwhelming for short figures.
Shoes:
Heels or strappy sandals are great for elongating the legs and creating a more balanced silhouette. Nude-colored shoes can also help to blend with the skin, further lengthening the appearance of your legs.
Overall Look:
A maxi dress can actually make you look taller, especially if you choose a style that fits well and is paired with the right shoes and accessories.
How long should a maxi dress be on a short person?
One of the most common questions I get about petite fashion is, “How long should a maxi dress be if you’re short?” It’s a good question. I’m 5’2”, and after experimenting with different lengths, I’ve found that the best maxi dress outfit length for me is between 41 to 45 inches.
I usually wear a dress that’s about 42 inches long, which hits right above my ankle—about 2 inches above my foot. This length is perfect for casual wear, especially when you’re rocking casual petite maxi dresses with flat sandals. As much as I love heels, I’m running after my kid most of the time, so flats are my go-to. But even when I need to dress up a bit, a dress that’s this length can still work with heels.
If I’m feeling a little more daring and want to go a bit longer, I’ll go for a 45-inch dress. This is the longest I would go without heels. Standing barefoot, the hem brushes just over the top of my foot, but it still works with flat sandals or low heels. I wouldn’t go any longer than this because I’d be tripping over myself! But I’ve noticed that in places like New York City, where petites are rocking long maxi dresses left and right, I’m constantly amazed at how they manage to make it work. I still don’t think that length works for me—unless I’m wearing heels.
The Magic of Wrap Maxi Dresses for Petite Women
If you’ve never tried a wrap dress, you’re missing out. I first saw someone in a wrap maxi dress on the subway in Manhattan, and I swear, I was blown away. I couldn’t stop staring. The way the dress hugged her body and elongated her frame? I was like, “I need that.” I now have an entire collection of wrap dresses, all in different lengths, and they are universally flattering.
If you’re a petite woman, wrap dresses are your best friend. They’re super flattering on all body types—hourglass, apple shape, and even if you have a larger bust. The way the fabric hugs your curves and defines your waist gives you the appearance of more shape without being clingy. Plus, with the added bonus of a maxi length, these dresses give you the height-boosting effect we’re all after. It’s like a magic trick: hug your curves, but also elongate your frame at the same time. If you’ve never tried one, trust me, it’s worth it. You’ll be surprised at how flattering they are.
Petite Outfit Ideas: How to Style Your Maxi Dress for Every Season
Once you’ve got the right petite maxi dresses, it’s all about how you style them. I mix things up with different accessories and layers depending on the season:
Casual Petite Maxi Dresses with Sneakers: This is my go-to for laid-back summer days. A simple petite summer dress with a pair of white sneakers is both cute and comfortable. You can throw on a denim jacket or even a maxi dress with sleeves for cooler days, and you’ve got an outfit that looks effortlessly stylish.
Maxi Dress with Boots:
When the weather cools down, I love to wear a maxi dress with boots. You can make this work even in winter by layering a maxi dress winter outfit with a long cardigan or a leather jacket. I also love pairing petite dresses casual with boots—it’s the perfect combo for chilly months.
Maxi Dress with a Jacket:
For a more polished look, pair a flowy maxi dress with a structured maxi dress with jacket. This adds balance and makes the look feel more intentional. A cropped jacket works best to define your waist and keep the look in proportion.
Tricks to Create the Illusion of Height
A great trick to cheat the illusion is to wear a belt a touch higher than your waist to make it appear like you are longer than you are, so that your outfit looks less frumpy. Or a great winter-time trick if you want to wear a dress that falls below your knees, but want to avoid looking shorter, is to wear over-the-knee boots with heels. It’ll give you the illusion of looking taller as well, keeping the skirt or dress from looking like it’s falling at an awkward length on you. In general, pairing below-the-knee skirt or dress lengths with a heel can work wonders.
The Power of Slits, Waist Definition, and A-Line Silhouettes
Here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years—if you want to look taller in a maxi dress, you need some elements that break up the fabric and create shape. For example, look for maxi dresses with slits. They’re a game changer. A maxi dress with slit or even two slits gives a peek at your legs and draws the eye down, which helps make your frame appear taller.
If you’re looking for something that really defines your body, go for a dress that highlights your waist. A defined waist gives your outfit structure, which counterbalances the long length of the dress. And don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be tight. An A-line silhouette works wonders. The way it flares out from the waist creates an illusion of height while accommodating different body shapes. Plus, it’s way more comfortable than a body-hugging dress!
Petite Maxi Dresses for Special Occasions
For special events like weddings or fancy dinners, a maxi dress summer or petite dresses casual can be dressed up with a statement piece or a chic jacket. Look for dresses that have diagonal lines or prints that draw the eye vertically. I recently wore a dress from Express with a diagonal line down the side, and I couldn’t believe how slimming and elongating it was. The diagonal pattern pulled everything together and helped me look taller and leaner.
And if you’re really feeling fancy, maxi dresses with sleeves are perfect for formal occasions. The sleeves add a touch of elegance and can help balance out a longer hemline.
Heels vs. Flats
It’s no secret that shoes can make or break an outfit, especially for us petite women. For casual days, I’ll pair maxi dresses casual with flat sandals or sneakers. But when I want to add some height, I’ll go for wedges or strappy sandals. Wedges are perfect for maxi dresses because they add height without the discomfort of regular heels. If I’m wearing a maxi dress outfit casual that’s a little on the voluminous side, wedges help balance it out and elongate my legs.
For dressier events, I turn to pumps or strappy heels. The key is to find shoes that don’t make you feel like you’re constantly worrying about tripping—comfort is just as important as style. With the right shoes, you can pull off that elegant, elongated look without sacrificing comfort.
Maxi dresses are not just for tall women
Maxi dresses are not just for tall women—they can work wonders for petite girls, too. It’s all about choosing the right length, silhouette, and accessories. Be selective when shopping for petite dresses—they’re not all created equal, and the right one can really change how you feel about your height. With the right styling, a maxi dress can elongate your frame, create the illusion of height, and make you look fabulous in no time.
So, the next time you’re in the dressing room wondering if you can pull off a maxi dress, just remember: it’s all about finding the right fit, adding those slits, cinching your waist, and making sure the length works for you. Trust me—you’ve got this!
About the Author
Hello! I’m Maleesha, a fashion lover and style blogger who’s passionate about helping petite women feel confident and chic in every season. At just 5’1 “, I’ve spent years experimenting with proportions, tailoring, and layering to create outfits that flatter smaller frames. Through Outfit on Point, I share honest tips, outfit inspiration, and capsule wardrobe ideas to simplify style without sacrificing personality.
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