Wearing Maxi Dresses: Everything You Need To Know
Maxi dresses are a popular type of dress that has been around for decades, and they’re known for their long, flowing design that typically reaches the ankles or floor.
In this article, we’ll get into everything you need to know about maxi dresses, including what is and isn’t a maxi dress, what length you can find them in, if they’re in style, when you should wear them, and how they differ from other very similar dress types.
So if you love maxis and want to adopt them into your wardrobe, this is the guide for you.
What is a maxi dress?
A maxi dress refers to dresses with a skirt that falls between the ankles and the floor. The word “maxi” comes from the word “maximum,” signifying how the hem of the dress extends the full length of the leg.
Maxi dresses typically have a straight or flowy silhouette rather than lots of volume in the skirt, which is more associated with ballroom or princess gowns.
Even though a ball gown or a princess dress may touch the floor or have a maxi length, they not commonly referred to as “maxi dresses”.
The image below illustrates how a maxi dress should fit you relative to your body proportions and overall height.
Dresses can have a variety of different lengths but if the hemline of the dress falls within a few inches of the ankle and still fits the rest of your body accordingly, it can be considered a maxi length dress.
Where did the maxi dress come from?
Over the years, the maxi dress has continued to be a popular fashion choice, adapting to changing trends and styles. Before 1910, dress hemlines were strictly to the floor and were more utilitarian.
It wasn’t until the 1940s, that clothing began to shift from the austere and simple aesthetic that characterized fabric rationing during World War II, according to Anne Tyrrell, author of Changing Trends in Fashion.
In the 1950s, the maxi dress took on a more glamorous and feminine look, with prom-style maxi “princess gowns” made from tulle and chiffon, as worn by Elizabeth Taylor in the 1951 film “A Place in the Sun“.
In the 1960s, the maxi dress came under the spotlight, with more and more fashion designers adapting the maxi to different styles.
Designers like Laura Ashley, with her 1966 romantic, long-sleeve maxi dress, took on a more simplistic and vintage aesthetic (The Design Museum, 2009).
High-end fashion designer Oscar De La Renta, with his elaborate maxi designs from his 1968 runway show, is also closely associated with the success of the maxi dress.
The freedom to explore different styles and change with the times helped to keep long length dresses at the forefront of fashion history.
What length is a maxi dress?
The length of an average maxi dress falls within the range of 48–52 inches, or 122-132 centimeters based on the average height of a woman (CDC, National Health Statistics Reports, Number 122, December 20, 2018) currently 5 feet 4 inches (64 inches/163cm) tall with a shoulder height of 52 inches (132 cm).
As a general rule, the bottom hemline of a maxi dress should fall to your ankle or gently brush the floor without resting on it.
However, because women have different heights and body proportions, the length of a maxi dress varies depending on the measurements of the woman wearing it.
Do maxi dresses make you look taller?
There is no evidence to say that maxi dresses make you look taller; however, it has been suggested that maxi dresses create an elongating effect with a long, unbroken silhouette that goes from the shoulder to the ankle.
There are other factors to consider if you aim to look taller in a maxi dress, such as the pattern of the dress, the accessories you wear that may break the silhouette, the shoes you wear, and your overall posture.
A maxi dress alone may not make you look taller, but when worn in combination with other elements, it can create the illusion of height, even on a petite woman.
Do maxi dresses look good on petite women?
Yes, maxi dresses look good on petite women, but it depends on the style of the dress and how it’s worn.
For example, a maxi dress with a tight or slightly flared skirt can help create the illusion of a longer and leaner silhouette.
A maxi dress that grazes the floor by 2 or 3 inches can be overpowering for a petite frame, while a loosely fitting maxi dress without any structure can create an unflattering and frumpy silhouette, making you look shorter and wider than you actually are.
Wearing a maxi dress with heels or wedges can help elongate your figure, creating the illusion of more height. Paying attention to the length of the dress and ensuring that the hemline flows down the full length of your leg without resting on the floor can help to keep the lines of your outfit vertical and draw the eye upwards.
Wearing a maxi dress that flatters your body type and fits you well regardless of your height makes a good impression.
Are maxi dresses flattering?
Yes, maxi dresses are flattering on many different body types, but it depends on how well they fit you.
Maxi dresses can provide enough fabric to give shape to the body and accentuate your curves, or they can provide enough height to create an elongated silhouette. Maxi dresses keep the attention of your outfit in a vertical line by simplifying the focal points of your look.
Wearing a maxi dress with necklines such as a v-neck, cowl, or bardot style can help to highlight your décolletage.
Lightweight and floaty fabric may help to add a feminine and ethereal aesthetic and soften areas of your body that you want to minimize.
Maxi 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.
The key to wearing a flattering maxi dress is to find one that fits you well, accentuates your best features, makes you feel confident and comfortable, and ties in with your personal style.
Are maxi dresses in style?
Yes, a maxi dress is a fashion staple that rarely goes out of style. Their timeless design ensures they remain relevant even as fashion trends evolve and change over time.
While specific styles of maxi dresses may gain popularity and then fade away, the defining feature of a maxi dress— its length—has been consistently present on fashion runways for decades.
Below is an image of maxi dresses designed by some of the world’s most influential fashion designers, including an Oscar de la Renta maxi dress from from his 1967 Summer collection and a Chanel maxi dress on the runway for the 2023 collection. Maxi dresses have not gone out of style and are reinvented continuously to suit different occasions.
When to wear a maxi dress
Maxi dresses can be worn all year round, depending on the style of the dress. The fabric of a maxi dress can be warm or cool enough for different seasons.
The design of a maxi dress can be loose enough for extra comfort or fitted to provide more shape to the body. The length of a maxi dress makes it appropriate for a variety of occasions.
It’s worth noting that the specific occasion, time of day, and season can also influence how a maxi dress is worn.
For example, a summery floral maxi dress may be more appropriate for a casual daytime event, while a darker, more straight-lined maxi dress might be better suited for an evening occasion.
Additionally, layering with jackets, scarves, or knee-high boots underneath can make a maxi dress wearable in cooler weather.
Are maxi dresses okay for a black-tie event?
Maxi dresses can be appropriate for black-tie events, but it’s important to choose the right style of dress and to accessorize appropriately.
Black-tie events are typically formal occasions, so it’s best to choose a maxi dress that is both elegant and sophisticated.
A maxi dress with a fitted silhouette and high-quality fabric can create a timeless and elegant look and help to ensure that your maxi looks more like a gown than a casual daytime dress.
Dark or neutral shades in your dress, such as black, navy, or burgundy, go well with the formal nature of black-tie events, but if there is more of a celebratory mood, light and bright colors are also appropriate for a black-tie party atmosphere.
Are maxi dresses cocktail attire?
Maxi dresses are generally not considered cocktail attire. Cocktail dresses are traditionally slightly above the knee but often come in midi or knee-length styles too.
While a cocktail event is still an occasion to dress up, floor-length gowns are not necessary and should be avoided since they’re too formal.
However, if you wear a maxi dress as cocktail attire, there are ways to make it more suitable for the occasion. Try to offset the formality of a maxi dress by choosing a relaxed silhouette or a playful print with vibrant colors.
Choose accessories that are minimal and not too glamorous or eye-catching. Focus on striking a balance between a formal and casual look.
Are maxi dresses formal or casual?
A maxi dress can be both formal and casual, depending on what style it is and the features of the dress and accessories worn with it.
Casual maxi dresses may be made from more lightweight materials, such as cotton or jersey. They often have a looser and more relaxed fit, with understated features such as necklines or sleeves.
Casual maxi dresses often have playful prints like floral, pokadot, and stripe designs. For casual events, a maxi dress can be paired with sneakers, sandals, or flats to create a comfortable and relaxed look.
This makes it a good choice for sun coverage, going to brunch, or attending a low-key gathering with friends or family.
Formal maxi dresses typically feature more luxurious fabrics such as silk, satin, or lace and are often embellished with beading, sequins, or embroidery.
They may also have more structured and defined shapes, such as fitted bodices or full skirts with tulle or dramatic layers.
For more formal events, a maxi dress can be dressed up with heels or wedges and paired with statement jewelry or a clutch. This makes it an ideal choice for weddings and dressy occasions.
Are maxi dresses appropriate for the office?
Maxi dresses can be worn to the office, but it depends on the specific dress code of your workplace. If your workplace has a smart or business casual dress code, a maxi dress can be appropriate for the office.
However, if your workplace has a business, professional, or formal dress code, maxi dresses should be avoided.
A classic cut with a subtle print or business-like color palette such as grey, black, or navy can be paired with closed-toe pumps or loafers to create a professional look.
Adding a blazer or cardigan can also help make the outfit more work-appropriate. Try to avoid maxi dresses that are too tight or revealing.
Types of maxi dresses
Whether you’re looking for a casual or formal style, there are many different types of maxi dresses, each with its own unique style and characteristics. Here are some examples of the most popular types of maxi dresses available:
1. Maxi sundress: This style of maxi dress is a light and airy summer dress with thin straps or a sleeveless style and made with fabric that has a summery print.
2. Maxi empire dress: This style of maxi dress has a high waistline that sits just below the bust and flows in an unbroken line to the floor.
3. Maxi bohemian dress: This style of maxi dress features a flowy, free-spirited design, often with colorful patterns and embellishments.
4. Maxi chiton dress: This style of maxi dress has a draped, tunic-style silhouette that fastens at the shoulders and flows down the body.
5. Maxi kaftan dress: This type of maxi dress is a Middle Eastern-inspired, loose, flowing dress with large sleeves that may or may not be cinched in at the waist.
6. Maxi tunic dress: This style of maxi dress has a loose, relaxed fit that can be styled with a belt to create more shape or worn without for a more free-flowing silhouette.
7. Maxi tiered dress: This type of maxi dress features layers of ruffles that create multiple tiers and flow the whole way down the length of the skirt.
8. Maxi princess dress: This style of maxi dress has a fitted bodice with or without straps and a full, flowing skirt made from lightweight fabric like chiffon or tulle.
9. Maxi peasant dress: This type of maxi dress has a loose or slightly tiered skirt with ruched, voluminous sleeves that are elasticated at the hem.
How are maxi dresses different from other dresses?
When comparing maxi dresses to other dresses, it is important to remember its main point of difference, which is its length.
The maximum-length skirt is what gives the maxi dress its name and is its defining characteristic that helps to distinguish it from the length of other dresses such as a tea dress, a midaxi dress, a knee-length dress, or the length of a midi dress.
What is the difference between a maxi dress and a tea-length dress?
The main difference between a maxi dress and a tea-length dress is the length. A maxi dress typically falls between the ankle and the floor with a hemline that slightly grazes the ground, while a tea-length dress falls between the knee and the mid-calf.
What is the difference between a maxi dress and a midaxi dress?
The main difference between a maxi dress and a midaxi dress is the length. A maxi dress typically falls between the ankle and the floor with a hemline that slightly grazes the ground, while a midaxi dress falls between the ankles and the mid-calf.
What is the difference between a maxi dress and a knee-length dress?
The main difference between a maxi dress and a knee-length dress is the length. A maxi dress typically falls between the ankle and the floor with a hemline that slightly grazes the ground, while a knee length dress hemline stops right at the knees.