Maxi Dress for the Short Girl

Finally we can shed our winter clothes and put on something a little lighter because the heat wave is upon us and we need stuff to keep us cool! So this spring and summer there is no better way to keep cool than with a maxi dress.

Now the maxi dress looks amazing on tall silhouettes such as Kate Moss and Paris Hilton, but for those of us who are 5’4 and under (me!), the maxi dress must be given more thought before being worn.

How to Pull off a Maxi Dress if You’re on the Short Side

• While Rachel Bilson and Keira Knightly look great in their flowing gypsy skirts, this shape can make a short silhouette even shorter and wider. Choose a style that is well cut and avoid tent-like diaphonous skirts, to prevent being swamped.
• In Zoe Manzi’s Daily Mail article, “Maxi dresses – the must-haves this summer “, she advises shorter women to “avoid being drowned by your maxi by making sure your dress is well cut and in proportion with your petite frame. Keep things fitted up top and avoid an overly voluminous skirT
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  “To stop a full, long skirt from swamping you, teem it with chunky heels and a fitted waistcoat.” is the fashion advice from In Style magazine, UK Edition April 2007.

  
  
• Choose a close fitting empire line maxi dress which flatters most figures

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• Choose a sleek, stylish A-line or bias cut, as this style flatters shorter silhouettes

  
  
• For extra height, dresses can be accessorized with patent platforms, wedges or feminine toe-covered sling backs. Set-off these dresses with long, chunky jewelery and this season’s over sized shades and bags.