What is a Maxi Dress and How to Style it For a Petite Frame?

If you’ve been shying away from maxi dresses because you think your petite frame can’t pull it off, it’s time to reconsider. At Joe Browns, we're big fans of the versatility and style that maxi dresses can offer to everyone, including petite women. 

Let’s explore how petite women can rock maxi dresses and look absolutely fabulous doing so.

A maxi dress is a long dress that typically reaches the ankles or the floor. Known for their comfort and versatility, maxi dresses are designed in various styles, making them suitable for casual outings and more formal events. When styled correctly, the right maxi dress can flatter any body type, including petite frames.

Discover your dream maxi dress in our collection.

Contrary to popular belief, maxi dresses can be wonderfully flattering for shorter women. The key is selecting the right features that enhance a petite stature without overwhelming it. With strategic styling, you can create an elongated silhouette that flatters your petite frame beautifully.

Would a chic mini dress, a charming midi dress, or a gorgeous maxi be best for you? Our blog explains how to pick the perfect dress length for you.

Finding the perfect maxi dress for a petite frame can be a game-changer for both comfort and style. Here are some tailored tips to help you select the best maxi dress that not only fits well but also enhances your petite proportions.

Vertical patterns and prints are your best friends when creating the illusion of height. These designs draw the eye upwards and lengthen your silhouette, making you appear taller. 

High-waisted cuts are also incredibly flattering for petite frames as they emphasise the smallest part of your waist and extend the length of your legs. Our maxi dress collection features a variety of pieces that incorporate these elements to enhance and flatter your figure.

The length of your maxi dress is pivotal in achieving the right look. For petite women, selecting dresses that hover just above the ground without dragging is essential. Maxi dresses that gently brush the top of your shoes are ideal as they create a neat and elegant appearance. 

This careful consideration prevents the fabric from bunching up at your feet, which can make the dress look oversized and your frame smaller.

Choosing the right fabric is crucial in avoiding a bulky look. Lightweight materials such as chiffon, silk, or fine cotton blend elegance with comfort, draping beautifully without overwhelming your frame. 

These fabrics also move gracefully with you, adding a dynamic and fluid component to your outfit. They're perfect for creating a breezy, ethereal look for day and evening wear.

While loose, flowing maxi dresses are popular, choosing a fitted or semi-fitted style can be more flattering for petites. These styles accentuate your natural curves without adding excess bulk. Look for dresses with a defined structure or adjustable features like a drawstring waist or shirred back to tailor the fit closer to your body shape.

Adding a belt to your maxi dress is a fantastic way to define your waist and break up the length of the dress, which can help proportion the outfit to your petite scale. Similarly, choosing the right jewellery, like long necklaces, can draw the eye vertically and add to the elongated effect of the outfit.

Check out our accessories collection today.

Footwear can dramatically affect how a maxi dress looks on a petite frame. Heeled shoes or wedges can give you a subtle height boost, making the dress look more proportionate. Alternatively, visible footwear such as stylish sandals or chic flats that show just below the hem can also enhance the appearance of height.

Step out in style with our footwear collection.