Click here to get more.
Being a whopping 5&#;3&#; on a good day, sometimes shopping can be a little difficult. I am sure all my fellow short girls completely understand me. Pants being too long, skirts too long, and dresses and skirts that make you look like a Catholic school girl. For this exact reason I have always stayed away from long dresses.
However, I feel like this year more than ever, longer hems have been everywhere. Of course mini dresses will always have my heart, but midi dresses are popping up everywhere! They are so cute, classy, chic, I just love everything about the look of a midi dress!
I was so hesitant to buy a midi dress because I feel like it is an awkward length, especially for us shorties. I felt like since I was short, it wouldn&#;t hit me at the right spot, it would make me look like a potato sack, and I just didn&#;t think they were for me. But I finally ordered a few, and I am sold!!!! Not only are they flattering, they are probably some of the comfiest dresses in my closet now. You will be sure to find me in all of the lightweight midi dresses this summer!
Before we jump into midi dress shopping and styling tips lets define what is a midi dress first. A midi dress or midi skirt is where the hem ends halfway between the knee and ankle. Traditionally speaking a midi dress ends mid-calf but you never really want it to end right at your mid-calf as you&#;ll read in the midi dress styling tips below.
Spring is when dresses come to play full force. Paisley, floral, polka dot, gingham, and so many other beautiful prints hit the stores. Look for dresses in beautiful pastels, lively prints, and bright spring colors.
Look for spring midi dresses with side slits and interesting necklines. The sleeves can be off the shoulder, spaghetti strap, puffed, short sleeve, whatever you fancy!
Once summer hits you&#;ll want to wear a mid-length dress that is lighter in fabric and in color. Think dresses white, cream, and of course pink! Summer midi dresses are flirty and show off more skin! They are more often spaghetti strap, off the shoulder, or no sleeve at all. I also love a midi length slip dress that you could wear to the beach or a relaxing dinner.
Pair your summer midi dress with your hair in a bun wrapped in a scarf, your favorite summer sandals, a crossbody handbag, straw hat, or your favorite sunglasses!
There are a variety of ways to style a midi dress, but there are some general rules that I follow no matter the occasion or season. Since I am a shorter gal, I make sure the outfit is stylish and looks great on my petite figure.
Here are the 5 style guidelines I follow when wearing a midi dress.
1. Select a length that is slightly above or below mid-calf: You don&#;t want the midi dress to end exactly at mid-calf, which is the thickest part of your leg. Look for a midi dress that is slightly above or below.
2. Wear heels: To elongate the leg and combat the stumpy look that a midi dress might give, wear a heel. A wedge, sandal, strappy anything works. Heels help make you look like you have legs for days! I have not given the midi dress and sneaker combo a try yet. I see girls pull it off all the time- maybe this summer I&#;ll give it a try!
3. Look for a midi dress in lighter fabric: For your midi dress look for a fabric that is light and doesn&#;t add much weight to your figure. Search for a layered dress, or dresses with little added details or slits. This helps me avoid looking short and stocky.
4. Cinch in the waist with a belt: Y&#;all know I love an easy breezy look, but some women like to create more of an hourglass figure. The best way to do this with a midi is add a belt. Even if the midi dress you buy doesn&#;t come with a belt, add one. Unless of course, you&#;re going for that easy, breezy summer look like me!
5. Opt for a solid color or same pattern from head to toe: This is not a dress you want to color block. Buy a midi dress in a solid color or one that has the same pattern from top to bottom. If you do want a dress with a little bit of pattern look for a dress with a small pattern to start. By small pattern, I mean a small floral pattern, tiny polka dots or something along those lines. You know I love bold patterns, so I am all for the fun spring and summer prints!
There you go! Now you know what is a midi dress, how to style it, what to wear with a midi dress and what to look for when shopping for midi length dresses!
I hope this has helped my petite girls feel confident to give midi dresses a try. Don&#;t be afraid to try a style out and make it your own, even when most say you should avoid it.
Dresses come in a variety of different lengths, styles, and shapes, and the midi dress is a very distinct type of dress that can only be recognized by someone in the know. In this article, I&#;ll explain what I&#;ve learned about the world of midi dresses, including what makes them midi dresses in the first place, what length they typically are, how relevant they are to today&#;s fashion scene, the best ways to wear them for different situations, and how they differ from other types of dresses out there.
A midi dress is an inclusive term for any style of dress with a skirt hemline that hits halfway between the knee and the ankle. The word &#;midi&#; comes from the word &#;middle,&#; signifying how the hem sits halfway down the leg at the middle of the calf or mid-calf.
The image below illustrates how a midi dress should fit you relative to your body proportions and overall height. Once the hemline of the dress falls within a few inches of the middle of your calf and still fits the rest of your body accordingly, you&#;ll know that it is a midi dress.
The midi dress took its place in fashion gradually. Before , dress hemlines were strictly to the floor but became increasingly shorter throughout World War One for the working woman with the help of French fashion designer Coco Chanel, according to fashion journalist Caroline Young in her book &#;Living with Coco Chanel&#;.
After its introduction in the s, it was overshadowed shortly after by the knee-length dresses associated with the flapper movement of the s, during a period known as &#;The Roaring 20s&#;. It was not until , when Christian Dior debuted his &#;New Look&#; collection, that the midi dress was widely embraced by women amongst a growing array of socially acceptable dress lengths. (Olds, Lauren, , &#;World War II and Fashion: The Birth of the New Look)
The midi dress was overshadowed once again with the arrival of the mini dress, popularized by Mary Quant in the s. However, by the s, it had seen a revival that was associated with the growing trend for &#;vintage&#; clothing and inspired by designers such as Jean Muir, who reintroduced nostalgic-style calf-length dresses. (The Design Museum, )
The length of a midi dress depends on the height of the wearer. Taking the average height of a woman, currently 5 feet 4 inches (64 inches/163cm) tall with a shoulder height of 52 inches (132cm), the approximate length of an average midi dress falls within the range of 40&#;44 inches, or 102-112 centimeters.
This estimation is based on where the hemline hits the middle of the calf. However, because women have different heights and body proportions, the length of a dress varies depending on the measurements of the woman wearing it. As a general guide, the bottom hemline of a midi dress should fall midway between your knee and your ankle.
There is no evidence to say that midi dresses make you look taller; however, it has been suggested that midi dresses create an elongating effect with a long, unbroken silhouette that goes from the shoulder to the knee.
There are other factors to consider if you aim to look taller in a midi dress, such as the pattern of the dress, the accessories you wear that break the silhouette, the shoes you wear, and your overall posture. A midi 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.
Yes, midi dresses look good on petite women, but it depends on the style of the dress and how it&#;s worn.
THE MIDI. Product Page
For example, a midi dress with a fitted waistline and a slightly flared skirt can help create the illusion of a longer and leaner silhouette. A midi dress with a loose or boxy fit can overwhelm a petite frame, and a skirt that is too voluminous can widen your silhouette and make you look shorter.
Wearing a midi dress with heels or wedges can help elongate your figure. and create the illusion of height. Paying attention to the length of the dress and ensuring that the hemline hits below the widest part of the calf can help to keep the lines of your outfit vertical and therefore draw the eye upwards.
Wearing a midi dress that flatters your body type and fits you well regardless of your height makes a good impression.
Yes, midi dresses are flattering on many different body types, but it depends strongly on how well they fit you.
Midi dresses can provide enough shape and fabric to give you an hourglass shape and accentuate your curves, or they can provide enough height to create an elongated silhouette. Midi dresses help to simplify the focal points of your outfit and draw the eye upward towards the shoulders. Therefore, wearing a midi dress with necklines such as a v-neck, cowl, or bardot style can help to highlight your decolletage. You should also pay attention to the fabric and texture of the dress, as some materials may cling or bunch up in unflattering ways.
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. The key to wearing a flattering midi 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.
Yes, midi dresses are a fashion staple that rarely goes out of style. Their timeless design ensures they remain relevant even as fashion trends come and go. While specific styles of midi dresses may gain popularity and then fade away, the defining feature of a midi dress&#; its length&#;has been consistently present on fashion runways for decades.
Below is an image of midi dresses designed by some of the world&#;s most influential fashion designers, including a Christian Dior midi dress from the s and a Tom Ford midi dress from his collection. Midi dresses have not gone out of style and are reinvented continuously to suit different occasions.
Midi dresses can be worn all year round, depending on the style of the dress. The fabric of a midi dress can be warm or cool enough for different seasons. The design of a midi dress can be loose enough for extra comfort or fitted enough to provide more shape to the body. The length of a midi 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 midi dress is worn. For example, a summery floral midi dress may be more appropriate for a daytime event, while a darker midi dress might be better suited for an evening occasion. Additionally, layering with jackets, scarves, or leggings can make a midi dress wearable in cooler weather.
Midi 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 midi dress that is both elegant and sophisticated. A midi dress with a fitted silhouette and a classic neckline can create a timeless and elegant look. Alternatively, a midi dress with a flowy, A-line silhouette and a feminine neckline is a good option for fun and flirty looks.
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.
Midi dresses can be worn as cocktail attire, depending on the style and the occasion. Traditionally, a cocktail dress is knee-length or slightly above the knee, but a midi dress can also fit within the cocktail category if it is styled appropriately.
To wear a midi dress as cocktail attire, it&#;s important to look for styles that are classy but stylish and not too formal. A midi dress with a flowy silhouette and vibrant colors is a good option for informal cocktail parties, while a fitted midi dress in a dark solid color is a good option for corporate and formal events.
A midi dress can be both formal and casual, depending on the style and features of the dress.
Casual midi dresses may be made from more lightweight and comfortable materials, such as cotton or jersey. They often have a looser and more relaxed fit, with simple and understated designs.
For casual events, a midi dress can be paired with sneakers, sandals, or flats to create a comfortable and relaxed look. This makes it a good choice for running errands, going to brunch, or attending a low-key gathering with friends or family.
Formal midi dresses typically feature more luxurious fabrics such as silk, satin, or lace, and are often adorned with embellishments like beading, sequins, or embroidery. They may also have more structured shapes, such as fitted bodices or full skirts with tulle or layers.
For more formal events, a midi 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, cocktail parties, or professional looks for work.
Midi dresses can be worn to the office, but it depends on the specific dress code of your workplace. A classic cut with a subtle print or business-like color palette such as gray, 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 the types of dresses that are too tight or revealing.
Whether you&#;re looking for a casual or formal style, there are many different types of midi dresses, each with its own unique style and characteristics. These are just a few of the most popular types of midi dresses available:
2. Bodycon midi dress: This style of midi dress is form-fitting and hugs the body closely.
3. Wrap midi dress: This type of midi dress features a wrap design that creates a V-neckline and a cinched waist.
4. Blouson midi dress: This style of midi dress features a loose-fitting bodice that is gathered or cinched at the waist, creating a billowy effect at the top.
5. Bardot midi dress: This type of midi dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline that creates a ruffled or folded layer over the bust and arms.
6. Shirt midi dress: This style of midi dress is inspired by a shirt and features a button-down front and collar.
7. Slip midi dress: This type of midi dress is inspired by lingerie and features a slinky and sleek design.
8. Sheath midi dress: This style of midi dress features a form-fitting dress that is typically tailored with a narrow silhouette that skims the body without being to tight.
9. Petticoat midi dress: This type of midi dress is a vintage-inspired style that features a fitted bodice and a full, flared skirt created with layers of petticoat underneath.
When comparing midi dresses to other dresses, it is important to remember its main point of difference which is its length. The midi length is what gives the midi 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 maxi dress.
The main difference between a midi dress and a maxi dress is the length. A midi dress typically falls halfway between the knee and the ankle with a hemline that hits the mid-calf, while a maxi dress is a floor-length dress that reaches down to the ankles or the floor.
The main difference between a midi dress and a tea-length dress is the length. A midi dress typically falls halfway between the knee and the ankle with a hemline that hits the mid calf, while a tea length dress falls between the knee and the mid calf. This places a tea length dress between a midi dress and a knee-length dress in terms of length.
The main difference between a midi dress and a midaxi dress is the length. A midi dress typically falls halfway between the knee and the ankle with a hemline that hits the mid calf, while a midaxi dress falls between the ankles and the mid calf. This places the midaxi dress between a midi dress and a maxi dress in terms of length.
The main difference between a midi dress and a knee length dress is the length. A midi dress typically falls halfway between the knee and the ankle with a hemline that hits the mid calf, while a knee length dress hemline stops right at the knees.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of midi fashion. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.