With the sun still shining abnormally bright in SF, I figured there was no better time to wear my favorite summer dress. I’ve always loved the look of maxi dresses, but lamented over the idea that petite girls couldn’t pull them off the way taller girls could. After many trial and errors, I found that the vertically-challenged could indeed wear them if the fit was right! (Hashtag success!)

Read on for my tips on how petite girls can wear maxi dresses like pros.

I just love how this dress moves when I walk. It makes me feel graceful… something I’m totally not!

This dress just makes me want to twirl 🙂

Sometimes handbags can be such a bother, especially when you need to carry a lot and want to keep your hands free. Backpacks have come a long way since I was in school; there are so many stylish options now!

Tips for petite maxi-wearers:

Fit: A proportional fit is key, with the waistline hitting in the right place. If the waist is too low, it will drag the eye down, making you look short.

Style: Stick to slimmer styles and avoid fuller skirts that will overwhelm your smaller frame. Be sure the silhouette of the dress doesn’t hide your waist, either, otherwise you will look short and boxy. You can always add a belt if you need to create a waistline.

Length: This is probably the most tricky part of maxi’s. It’s arguable which length is more flattering, ankle or floor-skimming, and while I prefer floor-skimming myself, it’s really up to you and what you feel most comfortable in. If you are planning on wearing heels or wedges, let your toes peak out from under the hem. If you are wearing flats, floor-length is better. The key here is to not let your ankles show. In the likely event that the dress is too long, visit a tailor and get it professionally hemmed. They are pros and can offer advice if you can’t decide which length to choose.

Color: Opt for solid colors instead of loud prints to give the appearance of added height. One color will create a continuous line for the eye to follow, which will elongate the body.

Hope that was helpful! Have a great weekend, everybody!

Outfit details:

Blazer: Target (old, similar here),
Dress: Forever 21 (old, similar here)
Shoes: Nasty Gal (similar here)
Bag: Aimee Kestenberg (similar here)
Accessories:
– Necklace (old, art fair find)
– Stella & Dot bracelet
– Rings from Rocksbox/Gamine and Stella & Dot
– Anne Klein watch (similar here)
– UP by Jawbone wristband

Photographer: Ryan Chua