Can Petite Women Wear Maxi Dresses?

Choose a maxi dress in a single solid shade for a continuous line; avoid tops and bottoms in different colors and patterns. While solid looks are preferable, a small print is less likely to swallow you up than a large-scale pattern. Stick to fabrics that are flowy and softly draped -- think jersey or lightweight cotton -- but avoid overly structured, stiff material to keep the look delicately streamlined.

While the skirt on a maxi dress is typically flowy, take care to avoid billowy, tiered or flared styles that may engulf your frame. Up top, keep the look fitted; halter and V-necklines help to elongate, and an empire waist extends your natural waistline to give the illusion of a bit more height. Allow your maxi dress to hit all the way to the top of your toes -- ankle-grazing styles will cut you off. Add additional height with a pair of wedge sandals for the ultimate lengthening effect.