A maxi dress is the most versatile item in your wardrobe, taking you from work to play and dressed down to dressed up. The best news is that there is a style to suit everyone.
Petite celeb style icons such as Nicole Richie, Kylie and Kim Kardashian have made maxis their own by following a few simple style rules; after all, who wouldn’t want to elongate their silhouette and look effortlessly stylish?
Go monochrome
When you are short, shopping for clothes can be a nightmare, which is why the maxi is such a great choice. The easiest way to create the optical illusion of a longer and leaner profile is to go for a maxi in a dark, solid colour. If you are as tiny as Nicole Richie, lighter colours can also look amazing. What you need to avoid is cutting up the silhouette, so avoid colour blocking and stay monochrome.
Pick the perfect print
Prints and maxi dresses are made for each other – you only need to look at the collections from fashion brands such as www.axparis.com/collections/maxi-dresses to know this is true. The important thing is to pick a print that is perfect for your proportions. Remember that you are wearing the print rather than the print wearing you, so don’t get overwhelmed. Choose a vertical profile print with a medium-sized pattern and you will look fantastic.
The right cut
Do you know why 5’3” Kim Kardashian looks amazing in a maxi? She chooses body-skimming cuts with an empire waist that effortlessly elongate the body to give the illusion of height. Leave the stiff materials and billowing styles for the other girls – a sleek style in a flowing fabric paired with killer heels will make your legs look endless.
Get the length right
Contrary to what you might believe, ankle-grazing styles are not your friend if you are small. If you are buying petite sizes, check that they work for your height and won’t end up mid-calf or trailing on the ground. The best length is always floor length; in this way, the dress doesn’t cut your silhouette and make you appear shorter than you are.
Pay attention to detail
V necks and asymmetric necklines, sexy strappy sandals with or without heels and the right accessories all complete the look, adding glamour and the illusion of height.
