Styling a Midi Dress for any Height | Style Cheat (2024)

By Mike Lewis

Styling a Midi Dress for any Height | Style Cheat (1)

The humble midi dress is a woman’s secret weapon; they’re just so versatile! Easy to dress up or down for all occasions, we firmly believe at StyleCheat that a classic midi dress should be in every woman’s wardrobe.

However, we can understand why some women may shy away from this style with their longer length. Whether you’re a tall goddess or short queen, we want to open your eyes to how a midi dress can be styled to suit your silhouette.

Find hints and tips here to find your dream midi dress, and thank us later!

The Definition of a Midi Dress

Before we jump into the tips and advice, let's define the midi dress. As the name suggests, a midi dress is the in-between length of a short mini style and a full-length maxi. The hem of a midi dress can fall between the knee and ankle, so we can’t assume that every midi dress is the same length. This is where some women can be turned off the midi dress, as they have tried one style and decided all midi dresses are to be avoided.

Well, we say give it another chance; you just haven’t found the right length for your body. But we’re here to help.

5 Style Tips for Wearing a Midi Dress for your Height

Here are some tips for both short and tall women when shopping for your midi dress. The advice here will ensure you choose a flattering length that works with your height, not against it!

1. Avoid the Mid Calf Length

No matter your height, you should be careful to choose a midi dress that has a hem either above or below the calf. You should avoid a dress hemline that falls at the midcalf at all costs.

When the hemline stops midcalf, this is the widest part of your calf and will result in your legs appearing much shorter than they are. Particularly, for shorter women, you should look for a midi dress that stops above the calf; this will elongate your legs and make you appear taller rather than the dress drowning your figure.

2. Don’t Be Afraid of Heels

It’s the age-old secret that a pair of heels is the perfect way to boost your height by elongating the leg. This is especially true for midi dresses if you are on the shorter side, as they ensure you don’t get a ‘stumpy’ look in a midi-length dress or skirt.

So, for short girls, we recommend you choose your favourite heels for a dressed-up style or even some platform-heeled sandals for a more casual look to create the perfect balance.

3. Opt for Lighter or Layered Fabrics

Another tip for shorter women is to choose a midi dress in a light fabric. Lightly woven fabrics or even mesh layered midi dresses ensure the whole look is not weighed down and contributes to a shorter, stumpy look. We also love midi dresses with a shorter lining with midi length mesh overlays that give the appearance of a midi silhouette while showing off your legs.

4. Don’t Forget About your Waist

This tip is one particularly for the tall girls, as we want to remind you not to forget to cinch that waist. When you have a tall and willowy figure, you automatically look elegant and graceful in a midi-length dress. But you don’t want to ignore your figure, and simply cinching your waist with a belt will ensure a flattering silhouette that works with your height.

5. Choose Solid Colours or Small Patterns

With a midi or maxi-length dress, you should avoid colour blocking if you’re on the shorter side. Instead, opt for solid colour dresses from top to toe or if you have fallen in love with a particular pattern style, ensure it is only small and delicate. For example, we love simple polka dots or ditsy floral patterns. This will ensure that your height will not draw attention away from your stunning outfit.

Finding the Perfect Midi Dress

Now that you have read through our tips on dressing for your height, we hope you have the ideas and inspiration to look for your perfect midi dress. But remember, you should always dress in what you feel most comfortable in and don’t change your style for anyone else!

If you’re looking for further shopping inspiration, don’t hesitate to explore our popular collection of midi dresses available at StyleCheat. In our range, you can find midi dresses in a wide variety of styles, from easy day dresses to the perfect occasion gowns, with styles to suit every height and shape.

Don’t forget to finish the look with shoes and accessories!

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Styling a Midi Dress for any Height | Style Cheat (6)

Styling a Midi Dress for any Height | Style Cheat (2024)

FAQs

Do midi dresses look good on tall people? ›

Midi dresses are the ideal dress length for anyone. With taller women it helps to highlight your longer legs and flatter your figure.

How to look taller in a midi dress? ›

Don't Be Afraid of Heels

It's the age-old secret that a pair of heels is the perfect way to boost your height by elongating the leg. This is especially true for midi dresses if you are on the shorter side, as they ensure you don't get a 'stumpy' look in a midi-length dress or skirt.

What body type looks good in a midi dress? ›

+ Midi dresses are ultra-versatile and will work on all body shapes thanks to the fact that they highlight the ankles - a flattering look on all women.

What is a flattering length for midi dress? ›

For most women, this means choosing a midi dress that falls just below the knee or at the mid-calf. However, if you are petite or have short legs, you may want to opt for a shorter midi dress that hits above the knee or at the knee. This can help elongate your legs and make you look taller.

What is the best dress length for a tall woman? ›

Midi and Maxi Magic: Skirts in midi or maxi lengths can be particularly flattering for tall women, offering a graceful flow that works in harmony with your height. Opt for pieces with movement and depth, like pleated maxis or structured midis, to add a dynamic element to your ensemble.

How to look taller fashion hacks? ›

High-waisted pants and skirts can work magic. They lengthen your lower body and give the illusion of longer legs. Pair them with a tucked-in top to show off that elevated waistline and enhance the visual of height. Wearing a single color from head to toe can help create a seamless silhouette, making you look taller.

How can I make my midi dress more flattering? ›

How to Create Flattering Proportions with Midis
  1. Choose a Dress. It's sometimes easier to feel fab in a midi dress than a midi skirt, because the single piece creates a vertical line. ...
  2. Choose a Tapered Silhouette. ...
  3. Choose the Right Length. ...
  4. Sport an Asymmetrical Hem. ...
  5. Add Waist Definition. ...
  6. Add Elongating Heels.
Sep 18, 2019

What is the most flattering dress length? ›

No matter your body type, the general idea is to have your dress end at a relatively small part of your leg. For example, at or just below the knee tends to be the most universally flattering skirt length, whereas anything hitting the widest part of your calves can create the illusion of a shorter leg.

Are midi dresses frumpy? ›

Designed to sit just below the knee of halfway down the calf, the midi has the potential to look stunning when executed properly. But get it wrong, and this iconic fashion item has the potential to make you look frumpy.

What length dress is best for short people? ›

The ideal length for women's petite dresses is mini or to the floor. Sheath dresses are perfect models for short beauties. Every girl wants to look like a princess. If you can't take your eyes off puffy skirts or ruffled tops, wear a high platform or heels, visually increasing your height and height/volume proportions.

What length dress should a 5'2" woman wear? ›

For someone who is 5'2", a maxi dress length that falls just above the ankle or at the ankle is recommended.

How to look good in a midi dress? ›

Style a midi dress with knee high boots.

If you feel like a midi dress would only work with sandals or heels, think again. One of my favorite ways to wear a midi dress is actually with knee high boots. This look is obviously ideal for fall and winter weather, but it's also a good option during transitional seasons.

Do tall girls look better in long or short dresses? ›

The Best Dresses For Tall Ladies

The issues with dresses for tall women will always be the length. Our fashion tip for tall women is opt for the Maxi! Tall women can easily suit maxi and midi dresses effortlessly. Styles like shift maxi dresses can accentuate your height which we love.

Do long dresses make you look shorter or taller? ›

A well-cut maxi skirt can actually make you look taller. Choose a solid colour or patterned maxi dress that will create the appearance of a long vertical line and ensure the hemline is as long as it can go. Team your maxi skirt with a tucked in t-shirt, cropped jacket and wedges for maximum vertical appeal.

What dress shape makes you look taller? ›

V-neck tops and dresses are great for creating the illusion of height. They draw the eye downward, making your torso appear longer. Plus, V-necks are super flattering for most body shapes, so it's a win-win situation. Remember, the deeper the V, the taller you'll look!

Do midi dresses suit everyone? ›

Midi dresses may not look good on everyone, so it is important to try on different styles and cuts to find the one that suits your body best and ties in with your style.

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