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How To Pull Off A Maxi Dress If You're Petite

How To Pull Off A Maxi Dress If You're Petite

Fashion
By Karmen on 05 Dec 2019
Digital Editor
Has severe RBF but is fairly jolly and carefree on the inside. Degree of life satisfaction is heavily influenced by food.

If you're a petite lady, you might think that you'll look swallowed up by a maxi dress and that they're made only for the vertically-blessed. But that's not true!

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Petite girls can actually look taller in a long maxi dress. All you have to do is pick the right dress.

Keep reading to find out our tips on how to choose a maxi dress that will flatter your petite size!

#1 Solid colours

asian girl wearing a maxi dress

Pick a maxi dress that has just one solid colour as it draws the eye up and down the entire length of your dress which will make you appear taller. If you're a plus size petite, go with dark solid colours for a slimming effect.

Avoid vertical lines or block patterns in your dress as this visually halves your body to make you look shorter.

#2 Small prints

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asian girl wearing a maxi dress Photo from Pinterest

If you love your prints, pick a dress that has small prints as a long dress plus large patterns will overwhelm your petite frame.

#3 Close-fitting cut

asian girl wearing a maxi dress Photo from Pinterest

Petite women tend to look better in maxi dresses that are cut close to the body but not too tight. Choose one that has a high waistline to create the illusion of long legs.

#4 Soft, flowy fabrics

asian girl wearing a maxi dress Photo from Pinterest

The best fabrics should hug your body’s natural curve not too loosely or tightly and create a feminine and flattering silhouette. Some good options are chiffon and cotton.

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Avoid boxy or oversized silhouettes and dresses made of a stiff or thick material as they may exaggerate your small frame.

#5 Floor-length

asian girl wearing a maxi dress Photo from Pinterest

The longer the dress, the taller you'll look! When you wear heels with a dress that covers your ankles, you'll look like you have legs that go on forever.

While ankle-length dresses are a lot more comfortable and practical, try a floor-length one if you want to look taller!

#6 Side slit

asian girl wearing a maxi dress Photo from Pinterest

Maxi dresses with a high side slit look especially flattering on petite women.

By showing part of your legs with a side slit, it will avoid making you look swamped by the fabric and make you look taller.

#7 Elongating details

asian girl wearing a maxi dress Photo from Pinterest

Pick a maxi dress that has details that will elongate your silhouette. This includes dresses with a V neckline or a single vertical line running through it.

Share this article with your fellow petite friends! 

Text by: GirlStyle SG