When you are petite, buying clothes can sometimes be a struggle. While tops etc are usually easier to size correctly, things like jeans, pants, skirts and dresses can be hard to get the length spot on! Especially things like maxi dresses and skirts that are long anyway! Add buying online into the mix and it can get a whole lot harder!
When buying a maxi, there’s usually two issues petite girls run into – finding a maxi that’s the perfect length and finding a maxi that doesn’t make you look short or too “swamped”. In today’s post I’m going to share how you can find a maxi that fits perfectly, and works for your body shape.
Scroll right to the bottom for information on this dress and fit tips! Shop this maxi dress here and use the code SARAHLILLY10 for $$ off!
HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT LENGTH MAXI
Many maxi dresses seem to be sized for women who are on the taller side to ensure the perfect maxi length. Which means if you are on the shorter side like me, a maxi can end up being super long!! If you are shopping online, chances are you’ll refer to the models info to see how the item might look on you. The majority of models seem to be around 170+cm and a maxi hits them around ankle length, making it the perfect length for them, but for someone shorter…. not so much! I’m 163cm or 5’3” which is on the taller end of petite and I find it can be still super hard to work out whether a maxi piece will suit me or whether it who be far too long.
Some companies list the skirt or dress length and this allows you to measure where the item will finish on you. If the company doesn’t have the length listed, just send them an email or DM – most companies will be happy to measure the garment for you! For dresses, the length is usually from the shoulder down, and for skirts just work out where you want the skirt to sit (waist, high waist or hip) and go from there. Many maxi dresses with elasticated waists can also be worn as midi dresses too!
Another thing you can do is to shop for midi dresses. Many of these are midi length on the 175cm model, which means they can often end up being close to a maxi length on someone shorter. You will need to know the measurements of the garment and measure them against yourself to ensure they fall to the correct length, but this is another sneaky way to buy a dress that’s the perfect fit. Often, and especially if you are shopping boho styles, there is a maxi and a midi dress released in the same print.
The other thing I often do is look for dresses or skirts that are able to taken up at the bottom. I go for ones that don’t have too much of a border at the bottom and don’t have any fringing or other detail near the bottom. This means it’s much easier to be altered a few cm. You can either do this yourself or take it to a tailor to get professionally done – it doesn’t cost much.
When I doubt add heels. Heels help to add a few precious cms and to make your dress not quite as long. I love the maxi and heeled booties combo – super cute!
HOW TO FIND A MAXI THAT FITS WELL
Many petite gals have the fear that a maxi length will make them look shorter – this really isn’t the case! And in fact, the correct maxi can actually make you look taller! Here’s a few things to consider!
Monochromatic or darker printed dresses are often the most flattering on petites, as they elongate your frame, therefore making you look taller. If you are a fan of prints rather than solid colour, go for something smaller and more delicate, rather than a big print that can overwhelm your frame. Also avoid horizontal stripes as they will also make you look shorter – vertical patterns are a winner!
Generally, dresses that are fitted through the bodice are going to be the most flattering -avoid anything too floaty or oversized, or you will end up looking like you are wearing a tent! Fitted through the body, into a flowy loose skirt is a gorgeous style on petite girls, and the empire waist is also a great way to give the illusion of extra height!
Choosing a V-shaped neckline can also be a great way to add the appearance of length as it draws the eye downwards. I personally don’t like anything too low cut, so the maxi I am wearing in these photos is perfect for me.
Choosing the right shoes is also important. Of course adding a pair of heels will help to give you extra height, and generally open toed, strappy sandals go best with maxis and will help to create the illusion of extra height. Pumps are also an okay option if your dress is floor length. While they are on trend at the moment, if you are a petite gal, avoid pairing sneakers with maxis! Nude or tan shoes are also a great way to go as they don’t give the appearance of cutting your legs in half!
This maxi I’m wearing is the Indigo Maxi Dress and it’s from Jaase via Salty Crush. It’s such a beautiful cut, style and print and is one of my favourite maxis ever. Salty Crush have some absolutely stunning maxi dresses, and is my go to site – their staff are super helpful too!
Fit tips: I’m wearing the Indigo Maxi Dress in a size XS and it’s the perfect fit for a size 6-8. For reference I’m 163cm (5’3″ tall) and this maxi is the perfect long length on me if I’m wearing a small heel. I am considering getting this maxi taken up, but will just see how I go!