How to Find a Maxi Dress for Shorter & Larger Women

Maxi Dresses for Mini Women

• Whilst Keira Knightly and Rachel Bilson look great in their flowing gypsy skirts, this shape can make a short woman look even shorter and larger. Choose a style that is well cut and avoid tent-like diaphonous skirts, to prevent being swamped.

• In Zoe Manzi’s Daily Mail article, "Maxi dresses – the must-haves this summer ", she advises shorter women to “avoid being drowned by your maxi by making sure your dress is well cut and in proportion with your petite frame. Keep things fitted up top and avoid an overly voluminous skirt.”

• "To stop a full, long skirt from swamping you, teem it with chunky heels and a fitted waistcoat." is the fashion advice from In Style magazine.

• A closer fitting empire line will flatter most figures, and if you need to disguise a big tummy then a drape of material at the front will cover the lumps and bumps.

• With careful style selection a maxi dress can add extra height rather than take it away. Many of the high-street dresses feature a Kate Moss-style flowing floral maxi(original by Marc Jacobs), but a sleeker, stylish A-line or bias cut, is more complimentary for shorter women. UK online retailer Asos.com currently offers a wide range of different maxi dresses in various, and celebrity inspired styles.

• For extra height, dresses can be accessorized with patent platforms, wedges or feminine toe-covered sling backs. Set-off these dresses with long, chunky jewellery and this season's oversized shades and bags.

Maxi Dresses for Larger Women

• The maxi dress enables larger women to feel more feminine. This full-length dress covers thick thighs, and can hide wide hips. Whilst last year's mini dress proved suitable for only those with skyscraper legs; this year’s fashion trend is a lot kinder to the average woman.

• Big-busted women may find the maxi dress harder to pull-off. A halter-style or bandeau top is preferable to thin spaghetti straps, as they are more flattering to the bust. Avoid elasticated tops unless you have a figure like Jessica Simpson. A V-neck draws attention away from the bust and is flattering for the fuller figure.

• UK Designer The-Blackberry has a range of different, reasonably priced styles which are ideal for the more well-endowed. Their drape maxi is particularly good for concealing a larger tummy and their wide- strapped halterneck dress supports a big bust.

• Loud prints and bold colors are kinder to larger frames. Avoid smaller patterned floral or paisley type prints, which look better on petite frames. Credit: womens-dresses-skirts.suite101.com