When it’s a hot Aussie day and you’re heading out, choosing the right summer dress makes all the difference. But do you choose a short or long dress? Whilst it’s not something to overthink, comfort is imperative during summer, so making the right choice really helps. When choosing dresses to buy, you might also want to consider which dresses will crossover the seasons, so that your summer dresses can also be worn during the transition into autumn.
Let’s look at summer maxi dresses and mini dresses and break down the pros and cons of each, so that you select exactly the right dresses for those summer occasions.
Maxi Dresses: The tasteful and elegant choice
The pros of the maxi dress: Whilst it might be surprising that a long dress is a popular choice for Australian fashion lovers in summer, maxi dresses have become a hot weather staple—and for good reason. Maxi dresses are a feminine and elegant choice that offers plenty of coverage, making for a modest choice that fits in well at special summer events, as well as in casual settings. Their length also offers good protection from the sun, which means you don’t need to slather sunscreen all over your legs. Also, as the heat of summer dies down, a maxi dress will keep your legs a little warmer than a short dress will.
Maxi dresses tend to be flattering on pretty much everyone, as they elongate the figure. So if you’re tall, curvy, or petite, a maxi can work for you.
Maxi dresses are often made using very lightweight and breathable fabrics, like linen, cotton and viscose, so despite being well covered, you stay cool, and as the summer/autumn transition happens, you can just change up your footwear and add outer layers, like a biker jacket or a blazer, and a maxi dress still works.
Maxi dresses come in very flattering designs, with sleeveless, off the shoulder, and long sleeve options available. There are also a plethora of attractive maxi dress colours and prints that bring an extra stroke of flair to your summer outfit (floral maxi dresses and boho maxi dresses are popular options). Add to all that, maxi dresses easily transition from day to night events, so with the right styling and accessories, you can wear them to relaxed brunches, beach outings and evening dinners.
The cons of the maxi dress: Some people may find that the extra-long hem on a maxi dress is a little restrictive around the legs, or they just don’t like the feeling of fabric on their legs during summer at all. If this is you, either bypass maxi dresses completely and choose short dresses instead, or else opt for maxi dresses in loose designs, with slits, or in wrap styles, as these will offer a little more room for movement.
Mini Short Dresses: The fun and carefree option
If you like the feeling of air on your legs on a hot day, then a short dress is an obvious choice. Short dresses allow for plenty of movement and are good options for trips to the beach, summer events like festivals, and even just for relaxing walks on hot evenings. With a range of classic designs available, including shift dresses, A-line dresses and wrap styles, you can look stylish whilst staying comfortable and cool. Add to that, short dresses are available in some great summer prints and in lightweight, breathable fabrics, including cotton, viscose and linen. You also have your pick of sleeve lengths, with sleeveless dresses, short-sleeve, and elbow-length sleeve dresses available.
Short dresses tend to make your legs look long and lean (the shorter the dress, the longer and leaner the illusion).
If transitioning a short dress from summer to autumn, you can easily amp up the warmth with closed-toe footwear, and outer layers like cardigans or denim jackets.
The cons of the mini (short) dress: If you prefer to have your legs covered, then a Short dress might not be the right choice for you. Also, with a short dress you need to consider applying extra suncream if you’re wearing it outdoors during summer.
For sit-down events, wearing a short dress in the heat can result in your legs sticking to the chair, so you might want to choose a midi dress or maxi dress, or alternative style of part dress for these occasions. But if those things aren’t a concern, then a short dress in summer is a must-have item!
And the winner is…
Well, there is no clear winner. Sorry! When it comes to choosing a casual or formal dress for summer, it all depends on your preferred style and what you think looks best on you. Do short dresses flatter your figure more than maxi dresses? If so, opt for mini dress styles. Do you like a more modest look? Then opt for maxi dresses. Do you look great in both dress lengths? Stock your wardrobe with both!
Of course, during summer, you always have practical considerations, like comfort, the occasion you’re dressing for, the density and breathability of the dress fabric in the heat, and covering up from the sun. Select your dress accordingly, as you don’t want to feel hot, constricted, or like you’re over-exposed at an occasion when it’s not called for.
Casual dresses at Femme Connection
We have plenty of short dresses, maxi dresses, and midi dresses in our casual dress collection at Femme Connection.
Need something a little more formal? Check out our cocktail dresses and engagement part dresses.