You’ve probably heard the cliché that shorter women should stick to shorter hemlines, but maxi dresses can be just as flattering for petites as mini ones. While short skirts and dresses do elongate the legs, the right maxi dress, styled appropriately, can create balanced proportions and even make you appear taller.
Length Matters
When choosing a maxi dress, avoid lengths that drag on the floor—it can make walking difficult and overwhelm your frame. Similarly, dresses with excessive volume or wide, billowy designs (popular now!) are not the most flattering for petites. Opt for ankle-length maxis, which create a sleek, elegant look and add height to your silhouette.
Prints and Colors
While I’m not a big fan of prints, I know many women adore them. If you prefer prints, choose vertical over horizontal patterns, small over large polka dots, and avoid oversized prints or bold stamps that can overpower a petite frame.
For petites, solid colors are often the best choice for maxi and midi dresses, as they create a clean, elongated silhouette. However, if you love prints, stick to subtle ones for a balanced look.
Check out the photo below of me in a small-dotted maxi dress. The understated print flatters my figure without overwhelming it:
Shoes
An ankle-length maxi pairs beautifully with both flats and heels. I typically choose nude or transparent heels for an elongating effect, or smart, pointed-toe flats for a chic touch.
If your dress has a slit in the back, you can even pair it with ankle boots. However, avoid wearing boots if the slit is in the front or on the sides, as they can cut the line of your legs and make them appear shorter and wider.
Petite Glam’s Maxi Dress
The design of our Petite Glam maxi dress has been thoughtfully crafted with petites in mind. Its length—from the neckline to the ankles (green line)—creates the illusion of a taller silhouette (red line). The black colour and fitted waist enhance feminine curves while discreetly concealing imperfections (pink arrow).
Pair it with nude-coloured shoes to seamlessly elongate your legs (yellow arrow). Alternatively, opt for shoes that match the dress for the same effect. Avoid white or brightly coloured footwear, as these can visually shorten your frame.
Our Petite Glam Maxi Dress is now available in our online store: https://petiteglam.eu/products/claudia
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