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Home » Outfits » 3 Chic and Affordable Petite Maxi Dresses

3 Chic and Affordable Petite Maxi Dresses

Spring is coming and right on it’s heels- Easter! This year there might be some hope for attending an Easter service or event outside of the home, so today I’m sharing some petite maxi dresses that would be perfect for Easter. Each one incorporates a spring trend as well.

While I’ll be sharing petite length maxi dresses that work for my 5’2″ height, I’ve got a treat for you. I’ve collaborated with Kristen of The Scarlet Lily to share maxi dresses, so you get even more inspiration and a look at dresses on a taller blogger (Kristen is 5’7″) for those of you who aren’t as short as me.

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Kristen is a midlife blogger who shares fashion, beauty, skin care and home decor. I love her classic feminine style, so be sure to check out the dresses she is sharing today. You can also find her on instagram.

Let’s address a couple of questions first.

Are maxi dresses still in style?

Yes! They ebb and flow in popularity but they come back every spring and summer. They are available at almost every retailer right now, and Who What Wear is including them in their 7 spring dress trends for 2021. Update: They still just as popular in 2022!

The silhouettes and trends that are included on a maxi dress may change, but a basic maxi dress will always be a classic wardrobe item. A maxi dress is the perfect spring and summer wedding attire. If the event is outside, you don’t have to worry as much about your dress blowing up and exposing you.

How to wear a maxi dress if you’re short or petite

The first way is pretty obvious- shop the petite department. That’s the easiest way to find maxi dresses in petite lenghts.

But don’t limit yourself. I found some options I can wear that aren’t specified as petite length maxi dresses. There is hope for finding long dresses for short women if you look close enough.

The key to wearing a maxi dress if you are of smaller frame and stature is to avoid the voluminous dresses and go for the more fitted, straighter styles. You can still wear flowy dresses, just make sure the fabric isn’t overwhelming your frame.

Solid colors and darker colors like navy will make you look slimmer and taller. A column of solid color will always make you look taller. That doesn’t mean you should exclude prints, but smaller prints will look better on a smaller frame.

A higher waistline or empire waist will also lengthen the body and give the illusion of longer legs.

How long should a maxi dress be?

I guess that depends on who you ask, because if you start searching retailers you will find dresses that qualify as midi dresses listed as maxi dresses. The second one in my line up doesn’t quite fit the classic definition of a maxi dress and even though it’s listed as “hits at ankles” it doesn’t hit their model’s ankles.

Having said all of that, a maxi dress is traditionally a dress that comes just shy of the ground or floor, or stops at the top of the feet. It should at least be an ankle length dress. Maybe we should just call it a long dress and wear the length we are comfortable with.

Personally, I like the ones that cover my ankles when it comes to a maxi dress. If I want my ankles to show in a longer dress, I will look for a midi dress.

For more information on dress lengths and styles, check out Fashion A to Z: Nine Styles of Dresses.

Petite Length Maxi Dresses for Easter

The first dress I’m sharing is from Amazon and is from the Amazon Essentials line. It’s soft, comfortable and well made. It’s the classic spring dress with bold florals.

It’s not specified as a petite length maxi dress and I’ve seen mixed reviews about the length of this dress, but this one I could actually wear with flats. I paired it with heels for a dressier look.

The floral is such a bold pattern that the dress stands out on it’s own so the only jewelry I added is a pair of statement earrings. I also accessorized with a crossbody bag, also from Amazon. This is the khaki colored bag and it’s well made.

bold floral petite maxi dress for Easter and springPin
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If you need another layer or sleeves, this dress pairs well with a blazer. You can also pair it with a denim jacket (I recommend a white one) and wedge sandals for a more casual look.

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Blazer- Loft similar/ Dress/ similar sandals/ purse/ earrings- option

Another petite maxi dress to consider is this floral v-neck tiered maxi dress from Loft Outlet. It comes in regular and petite length and hits just above the ankles. I’m wearing it in a petite. The elastic cuff sleeves has a slight puff to them, making this dress on trend for spring. I styled it with simple jewelry, block heel sandals and a blush tote.

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Earrings- Kendra Scott; bracelet- similar similar

I swapped out the shoes and bag to show how you can make this look a bit dressier.

womens petite maxi dress easter outfit ideaPin

Similar shoes/ beige quilted crossbody bag

Yellow and grey are Pantone’s colors of the year for 2021, so you can’t go wrong with a maxi dress in yellow for Easter. This sweet flutter sleeve maxi dress is from the Goodthreads line at Amazon.

The length is too long for flats on me but works perfectly with a heel. I chose a wedge sandal and a straw bag to compliment this dress. I still consider this a good choice for those who need a petite length maxi dress and don’t mind wearing a little heel.

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petite length maxi dress with pockets, Easter dress Pin

Earrings- Kendra Scott; similar wedges; similar straw tote

What are your thoughts on maxi dresses? Love them or hate them? Will you be dressing up for Easter this year? Drop me a comment and share your thoughts.

Edited: I’ve since shared this dress on Instagram that’s also petite friendly. It now comes in different colors than the one on Instagram, all great colors for spring and summer.

You may also like these spring dresses I’m smitten with.

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