Guide to Dresses: Mini, Midi, Maxi and Everything in Between

Picking out a dress for your next occasion, a casual event or just another day at the office? On top of choosing cuts, colours and patterns, there are also different dress lengths to consider. 

So, would a chic mini dress, a charming midi dress or a gorgeous maxi be best for you? 

In this guide, we'll unpack where to wear each of these dress types, as well as offer a handful of need-to-know styling tips, straight from the Joe Browns experts, so you'll turn heads whichever dress you choose.

Types Of Dress Lengths Explained

Dresses really do come in all shapes and sizes. But which fit will flatter your figure most? Choosing between a maxi, midi, or mini dress depends on lots of factors, including the setting, time of year and more. However, the biggest factor is, of course, which dress style leaves you feeling your absolute best. 

As the name suggests, a mini dress is short in length, with a hem that sits above the knee. Made popular by the fabulous flappers of the 20s and the mods of the swinging 60s, these fun and flirty styles are the ultimate go-to for drinks with the girls or a night out dancing. 

A fitted mini dress is perfect for a polished style, while a tunic-style mini dress puts a boho spin on the cut - so you can master the mini no matter your aesthetic. 

If your legs are one of your best assets, you’re sure to look and feel fabulous in a stylish mini dress. If you’re looking to accentuate your figure further, add some elegant heels to lengthen those lovely legs even more and prepare to step out in style and confidence! Then, up the trendiness some more with oversized sunglasses and statement accessories for the ultimate glamorous finish. 

The short style of a mini dress is also a great opportunity for some dynamic layering. Pair it with a long cardigan or trench coat jacket for a mini dress outfit with real flair.

Want to wear your mini dress somewhere a little more professional, like the office? Pairing your dress with leggings allows you to keep the look conservative while still enjoying all of the mini’s chic style. This is also a handy trick to keep warm while wearing your mini dress in winter. 

Learn more about styling dresses through the seasons in our guide.

A midi dress is easily one of the most versatile dress styles out there, lending itself effortlessly to both casual and formal occasions alike. The length of a midi dress can vary from on the knee to mid-calf. This dress length is so adaptable, it really is the dress that suits nearly every occasion on your calendar. 

Whether it’s a more casual knitted midi dress worn for work in winter, an A-line midi dress at a spring garden party, or a velvety midi worn to dinner, this cut does it all. 

The midi dress can be styled just right for your occasion. Make it casual with trainers, or dress it up with heels. Look cosy with a fluffy cardigan, or sharp and sleek with a blazer. 

If you’re wearing your midi dress to a slightly fancy soiree, dress it up with glamorous jewellery and the perfect shoe-and-handbag combo. For something more relaxed, like a lunch or a shopping trip, wear your midi with boots and a leather jacket for a stylish look that’s sure to attract admiration without feeling too formal.

This 1940s favourite sits a few inches above the ankle, and it’s a lovely compromise between midi and maxi styles for when a flowing, floor-length dress seems a little much. We love tea-length dresses for semi-formal parties, spring and winter weddings, or visiting a fancy restaurant. 

Embrace vintage style in your tea dress with a string of pearls, a structured handbag, and some T-bar or Mary Jane shoes. This timeless look never fails to flatter.

 Ankle boots are another firm favourite for matching with the tea dress, as the hem is the perfect length to show off any embellishments or embroidery your boots may sport.

A maxi dress is typically between ankle and floor length. You might automatically envisage a maxi dress as a formal frock worn to balls, galas, weddings and awards ceremonies. Don’t forget about more boho-style maxi dresses, though, which are fantastic for smart-casual parties, festivals and summer days.  

Heading to a formal event in your magnificent maxi? Add glittering jewellery and a charming clutch handbag. If you want to add some real flair, elbow-length gloves are an exquisite choice. For shoes, heels never fail for a formal event, but some sophisticated slip-ons are a wonderful option, too. Try ballet flats or mules.

Going for a boho look with your maxi dress? Add a denim jacket for a beautifully bohemian texture clash, pairing with wedged sandals in summer and delightfully clunky boots in winter. 

For more free-spirited fashion tips, visit our boho style guide.

If you’re pairing your maxi with heels, ensure that the dress will be ankle length when your heels are on. This way, the skirt of the dress won’t get caught up in your footwear, and you can show off your stunning shoes. 

Which Dress Length to Wear for Different Settings and Occasions

Now you’re all clued up on dress lengths, it’s time to explore how to match your dress to the setting or occasion. 

You might associate dresses with “dressing up”, but day dresses are a perfect style for relaxed outfits. In casual materials like jersey or denim, day dresses are usually midi-length, but you’ll also find casual maxi styles. 

Simply wear them with trainers and a denim jacket, or with boots and a leather jacket, for an easy everyday look that’s perfect for grabbing coffee, strolling in the park, or enjoying a few pints at the pub. 

Picking out a party dress is almost as fun as the party itself, but the dress style depends entirely on the party.

A dinner party demands something sophisticated and graceful. Opt for a floor-length dress with some simple accessories. A night on the town, however, requires something you can dance in. Try a colourful mini dress or a midi dress with a skirt that’s fab for twirling in. 

Is it a daytime party, like a garden or tea party? A midi or tea dress is perfect, or try a more boho-style maxi. A fabulous floral dress is always a favourite for a daytime occasion. 

A dress worn to work should be modest and typically no more than two inches above the knee. Midi dresses are a lovely business-casual workwear choice, especially paired with a blazer for structure, opaque tights for a professional finish, and, of course, smart shoes. 

We’ve got lots of corporate styling tips, including for dresses, in our guide to office dress codes. 

Every wedding has its own dress code, which helps you judge which dress length is best. If the invitation says ‘formal’ or ‘black tie,’ a floor-length or ankle-length maxi in a luxurious fabric is a safe bet. 

Perhaps the invitation says ‘smart casual’? Our guide to smart casual dress codes can help you here. For a wedding, it’s best to err on the smarter side of smart casual. A vintage midi dress in a 1950s swing style would be perfect.

A mini dress typically isn’t the best fit for a wedding - unless, of course, the wedding dress code states otherwise. Our wedding guest outfit guide can advise you further.