Fashion You Want: Petite Maxi Dresses
Wondering how petite girls can wear maxi dresses without being swallowed up by excess fabric? It’s simple: follow our 8 tips for buying petite maxi dresses; we break down what to look for and what to stay away from. Keep reading to learn how to take it to the max(i).
1. Pay Special Attention to the Neckline
When you wear a maxi dress, especially as a petite woman, it’s important to be aware of your sightlines. Maxi dresses can overwhelm the frame if you’re not careful. Show a little skin with a beautiful neckline—this draws the eye up and highlights your gorgeous face. A sweetheart neckline, V-neckline or strapless version will look great and get the job done.
2. Stick with Slim Fits
Voluminous maxis are a no-no when you are petite. Bodycon maxi dresses or slim-fit maxi dresses are ideal for women on the shorter side because they highlight your figure—think column maxis and belted maxis.
3. Pick Solid Colors
Sticking with a petite maxi dress in one solid color helps elongate your figure. Without any prints or panels, there’s nothing to break up the sightline, which makes you appear longer. Sensing a trend here? Looking long is the goal.
4. If You Wear Prints, Keep Them Small
Prints are not off-limits! Embrace your need for a little sartorial fun with printed petite maxi dresses. Small-scale prints are key when you’re working with a lot of fabric; you don’t want the print to overpower your figure. What’s trending? Tiny florals will bloom new life into your closet, plus a little plaid never hurt anybody.
5. Go with Slimming Vertical Lines
Petite maxi dresses featuring vertical lines draw the eye from top to bottom. This helps give the appearance of an elongated frame, which helps you look longer and leaner. #Goals, right? Colorblock panels along the sides are a great option for short girls.
6. An Elastic Waistband is Your Friend
It can be easy to lose your shape while wearing a maxi dress if you’re not careful. Pick a petite maxi dress featuring an inset elastic waistband to help showcase your curves. If you prefer a flowing maxi, this is one way to get in on the trend while still looking polished and proportional.
Style Tip: Use a belt to break up a maxi dress (or any top for that matter) to define your waist.
7. Pick the Length Based on Your Shoes
Whether you want to wear heels or flats, your maxi dress should ever-so-slightly grace the ground. We think maxis look great with a heel or wedge on short girls—the extra height helps you stand a little taller whether you’re in the boardroom or at brunch. Still, when life calls for flats, sandals showing off your pedicure color or flat mules peeking out from underneath the maxi are both excellent choices as well.
8. Break It Up with a Jacket
A cropped jacket is another way to help define your waist while wearing a maxi dress. Petite ladies can easily get lost in fabric, so it’s important to define your shape when wearing one-piece favorites. A long-sleeve petite maxi dress is a great option to pair with a cropped jacket, too.