Who doesn’t love maxi dresses? They’re stylish, can be figure flattering, and they’re appropriate for nearly any situation.
With that being said, not every maxi dress is going to work on every body type. You have to consider your stature before choosing one, otherwise, it may not look as fabulous as you initially hoped.
If You’re Petite
Maxi dresses for petite girls can be very tricky, because you have to avoid choosing one that overwhelms you, drags the floor like a wedding dress, or just makes you look like you’re swimming in fabric.
First of all, if you’re petite, choose a form fitting maxi dress. That will help prevent the appearance of your head being inside a tent.
A plunging neckline is also great if you’re petite, because it will make your body look longer. If you’re worried about a dress being too long, pair it with heels.
If you’re going to get a printed dress, don’t choose a print that’s extremely large—it will overwhelm your body and take center stage. Small prints work well for petite bodies.
If You’re Plus Sized
Long dresses can be great for plus sized women, because they don’t show as much skin as shorter dresses, which you may prefer.
When you’re choosing a maxi dress, look for options with thick straps. Thin spaghetti straps, or strapless maxi dresses can make you look bigger than you are, while thick straps provide a nice proportion to your upper body.
Unlike petite girls, a large print can work well for a full-figured girl, because again, it’s all about proportions.
You can still opt for a dress that fits close to your body, just be careful that it’s not too clingy. A lot of this has to do with the fabric choice you opt for in a dress.
What Else To Know About Maxi Dresses
- It’s fun to experiment with prints and bold colors, but maxi dresses are also great in neutrals, since they can go so easily from day to night, and work well in a variety of situations.
- If you want to look taller and thinner, aside from choosing a maxi dress in a dark neutral color, you can also choose a pattern or print that’s long and vertical. Since the dress itself is long, having a vertically-oriented print is going to do a lot to elongate you.
- If you’re worried about looking too boxy in a maxi dress, there are two great options. You can either belt it, or choose a wrap-style maxi dress. Both will serve to cinch in your waist and add shape to the dress. If you’re larger, choose a very wide belt, because a thin belt is only going to make you look bigger.
- Sandals are always a great shoe option with nearly any maxi dress, but if you want to dress it up or add height, a round toe nude colored pump is going to make you look tall and slim. Avoid pointy-toed shoes and boots with maxi dresses.
What are your favorite tips for choosing great maxi dresses?