Understanding dress lengths is essential when shopping online for women’s dresses. Why? Because you’ll need to make a choice about which length of dress best suits your body, your personal style, and the occasion you’re headed to. For those seeking stylish yet modest dress options that work well in a range of settings, both midi and maxi dresses are versatile choices. They both cover the upper legs, so tick the ‘modest’ box, they offer a flattering silhouette for most women, and they’re both suitable frocks to wear to a wide variety of spring occasions.
So what is the difference between midi and maxi dresses? A midi dress length sits between knee and mid-calf, and maxi dress length extends to between the ankle and the floor, depending on the dress. The difference between these dress lengths might not seem like much, but these centimetres matter. The dress length will impact how formal the dress looks, how it complements your body, how easy the dress is to wear, and how the dress moves.
In this post, we’ll focus on midi and maxi dresses, both of which are staple dresses in Australian women’s wardrobes, and offer their own unique features. Let’s look in detail at both women’s dress styles, why it can sometimes be confusing determining if a dress is midi length or maxi length, and discover what occasions each style is suitable for. We’ll also offer some helpful tips on styling midi dresses and maxi dresses.
Maxi & Midi Dress Definitions
Maxi Dresses
What is a maxi dress?
Let’s define maxi dresses. A maxi dress length is between the ankles and the floor. Many formal, floor-length gowns fall into the ‘maxi dress’ category, but there are plentiful casual and semi-formal maxi-length dresses out there.
If we were to sum up what is maxi dress style, it’s best described as effortlessly elegant. Flattering maxi dresses are suitable for occasions like brunches, garden parties, beachside outings and date nights. Formal versions, such as floor-length gowns, are suitable for weddings and black-tie events.
Benefits of maxi dresses:
- Enhanced length: Due to their long skirt, maxi dresses offer an elongated appearance. They are ideal options for tall women looking to balance out a long torso.
- Loose-fitting comfort: Casual maxi dresses are often made in a loose and relaxed fit, using lightweight, flowy fabrics, like viscose, cotton and linen. The waistlines are often cinched in and elasticised, accentuating your natural shape. Some maxi dresses come with a waistbelt, which offers an illusion of structure, whilst still being loose and adjustable.
- Variety of styles available: Maxi dresses come in a range of fabrics and visually-appealing prints and colours. Some are sleeveless, some have short sleeves, and some long. Sleeves may be cap, puffed, flared or fitted, so there’s plenty of variety to choose from.
A number of maxi dresses available to buy online include embellishments such as ruching and embroidery. Tiered or ruffled skirts, or skirts with sheer overlays are also common. Maxi dresses also come with a variety of necklines, including low V-necklines, scooped necklines, and off-the-shoulder styles, and some have button-down fronts.
When to choose a maxi dress:
Choose a maxi dress if you are seeking an elegant and modest look for your next occasion. During the warm spring and summer seasons, a maxi dress will offer plenty of coverage from the sun, and keep you feeling cool thanks to lightweight, breathable fabrics and flowy design. Dress your maxi up with heels and statement jewellery for a special occasion, or keep it casual with sneakers or sandals and a denim jacket or vegan-leather jacket.
Wearing maxi dress as a petite lady:
If you’re shorter, opt for maxi dresses with hemlines that skim the tops of your feet, rather than those that reach the floor, otherwise you can look a little swamped in fabric. Also choose a flattering maxi dress with a defined waist or with a side slit, which helps to show your actual shape, rather than you looking like you’re all dress.
Midi Dresses
What is a midi dress?
Midi dress length can be variable. Some midi dresses have hems that sit just below the knee, and some extend to the mid-calf, so there’s no single definition of a midi dress., as so many dresses fall into this category. These dresses include classic cocktail dresses, wrap dresses, bodycon dresses, slip dresses, and pleated tea-length dresses.
Benefits of midi dresses:
1. Flattering for All Body Types
Midi dresses are incredibly versatile when it comes to fit. The midi dress length can help balance proportions and elongate the body. Whether you choose an A-line, wrap, bodycon style, or something else, the midi dress length is flattering for a wide range of shapes and sizes.
2. Balancing Modesty with Style
With a hemline that sits between the knee and ankle, midi dresses provide modest coverage. They also look chic, so will ensure you appear stylish in casual, professional and formal settings.
3. Versatile for Any Occasion
Midi dresses are a suitable length to wear in a range of settings, including in the workplace, for general ‘smart casual’ wear, and to parties. Midi dresses can be dressed up or down with ease. Pair them with a blazer and neat flats for a polished work look, heels and statement jewellery for a party, and sneakers and a denim jacket for a relaxed vibe.
When to choose a midi dress:
Opt for a midi dress when you want a look that balances elegance and practicality. The mid-calf length makes it a versatile choice for almost any occasion, offering enough coverage for modesty while keeping things light and breezy. Midi dresses are perfect for work, weddings, cocktail parties, or weekend outings, as they can easily be dressed up with heels and accessories or kept casual with sneakers or sandals. Their timeless silhouette suits a variety of body shapes and seasons, making them a go-to option for stylish, effortless dressing.
How to Choose Based on Your Height or Body Type
- Petite? Opt for a fitted maxi or midi dress with a cinched waist.
- Tall? You can rock both, depending on occasion.
- Curvy? A-line midis or empire-line maxis flatter most.
FAQs
Q: Midi and maxi dress lengths — what’s the difference?
A: A midi dress sits below the knee to mid-calf, while a maxi dress extends to the ankle or floor.
Q: How long is a midi dress?
A: Midi dress length ranges from just below the knee to the middle of the calf.
Q: Are maxi dresses flattering?
A: Yes — especially for taller women. Shorter women can wear maxis too, but should choose a fitted style and pair it with heels for balance.
Q: Can short people wear maxi dresses?
A: Absolutely. The key is selecting the right maxi dress — one with vertical lines, a defined waist, and a hem that just grazes the feet.