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Home » Style » What is a Midi Dress & How To Style a Midi Dress If You’re Short

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What is a Midi Dress & How To Style a Midi Dress If You’re Short

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What is a Midi Dress?

Before we jump into midi dress shopping and styling tips let’s 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.

Continue reading to discover the best mid-length dresses, midi dress shopping tips, and plenty of style tips on how to style and what to wear with a midi dress.

The Best Midi Length Dresses

The wonderful thing about midi-length dresses is that you can wear them most of the year because of the length. Midi dresses are stylish in the spring, summer, fall, and maybe even winter, depending on where you live. I live in Austin, Texas so it really doesn’t ever get too cold here and I have the advantage of opting to wear a dress year-round.

The style of midi dress you buy depends on the occasion and season. So let’s take into consideration different seasons and occasions in which you could choose to wear a midi dress.

Stylish Spring Midi Length Dresses

Spring is when dresses come to the scene in full force. Paisley, floral, polka dot, windowpane, gingham, and so many other beautiful prints hit the stores. Look for dresses in beautiful pastels (if pastels look nice on your skin tone), lively prints, and bright spring colors.

Look for spring midi dresses with side slits and interesting necklines. The sleeves can be off the shoulder, long and airly, spaghetti strap, or simple cap sleeve.

When styling a midi dress for the spring always bring a jean or cotton jacket to wear over the dress in case it gets chilly. During the start of spring, it can get a little breezy to make sure to layer with a cool jacket!

I’ve linked some of my favorite spring midi dresses right below this sentence! I hope they give you plenty of spring outfit inspiration!


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Stylish Summer Midi Length Dresses

Once summer hits you’ll want to wear a mid-length dress that is lighter in fabric and in color. Think dresses white and cream. And you could go on the other end of the spectrum to yellow, green, brown, or orange. 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, and your favorite sunglasses! These are some of my favorite summer midi dresses.


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Stylish Formal Midi Length Dresses

Headed to a fancy event, yep you guessed it! You can wear a formal or dressy version of the midi dress. The fabric, shape, and style will be different from what I mentioned above. For a formal midi dress look for deeper darker colors and of course that includes black. As you can see from the shopping options I linked right below, these dresses are sequined, shiny, and some styles have a sheer fabric on top. Like the formal midi dress, I’m wearing in this outfit example.

For a fancy event, the shoes to wear with a midi dress can be high heels in black, metallic gold or silver. Depending on the accessories you wear make sure that your heels match. So if you’re wearing gold accessories wear black or gold heels. In my outfit example, my accessories are silver so the heels I opted for are black with silver accents.


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Midi Dress Style Tips

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: This dress creates the perfect illusion of a longer dress. The metallic dress underneath the mesh fabric ends above the mid-calf, but the mesh fabric ends slightly below the mid-calf which helps distribute the fabric. If you can find a similar midi dress, I recommend it. 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 sexy heels: To elongate the leg and combat the stumpy look that a midi dress might give, wear strappy high heels. I’m referring to sexy minimal heel sandals that give you height without the extra weight of a clumpy shoe, like the ones I’m wearing in this midi dress outfit.

If you’re wondering what shoes to wear with a midi dress, I would suggest avoiding anything that is too clunky or heavy. By this I mean heavy boots, platform sandals, or sneakers. Unless that is a look, you’re going for great. But most petite gals can’t pull off a midi dress with clunky shoes.

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, like the midi dress I’m wearing in this post. This metallic dress with the mesh windowpane pattern layered over it gives the outfit a light and airy feel. This openness helps me avoid looking short and stocky.

4. Cinch in the waist with a belt: You don’t want to wear a midi dress without giving your waist definition, you’ll look like a short block of fabric. Make sure the midi dress you choose looks flattering with a waist 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. If you’re going to a formal event or even a dinner, try experimenting with a belt and see how it changes the outfit.

5. Opt for a solid color or the 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. By small pattern, I mean a small floral pattern, tiny polka dots, or something along those lines. I’ve linked some of my favorite stylish midi dresses to shop below.

The other thing I look for in a midi dress is that it’s simple and elegant, remember I love to dress classy. If it’s a midi dress I plan to wear to a spring event or the beach I would want it to be flirty as well. 😉 If you need some outfit ideas for summer make sure to check out 21 Cute Beach Outfits for Your Summer Outfit Inspiration.

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 shorter readers 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. If you love it, fantastic. If you don’t, at least you gave it a try and scratched the curiosity itch.

Let me know if you think I pulled off the midi dress. I’d love to know what you think about these midi dresses and what do you wear with midi dresses? Leave me a comment below!

Stay Stylish,
-V

P.S. If you liked the style tips you read here, make sure to check out my style guide on jumpsuits! Another piece that could be difficult to wear but so stylish when you get it right: How to Wear a Jumpsuit – 5 Must-Follow Style Tips

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 black mid length dress Visit Stylishlyme.com for more outfit inspiration and style tips
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  • Sheron
    June 29, 2020

    Love the look of this dress but every article I’ve read about petite and wearing midi length says NOT to wear ankle strapped shoes!

    Reply
  • Jo
    June 11, 2020

    Hello,
    Where is your dress from, it is beautiful! Also thank you for the style tips.

    Reply
  • Mc
    October 30, 2019

    Where can i get this dress?

    Reply
  • Jackie
    October 23, 2019

    Hi, you definitely pulled it off, you look great! I love all your tips and will let you know what I decided. Thanks

    Reply
  • Sasha
    September 21, 2019

    Who makes this black dress? I want to find something like it

    Reply
  • Nomsa
    April 5, 2019

    beautiful dresses how to get the collection?

    Reply
  • Shopsbazaar
    January 7, 2019

    beautiful… gorgeous collection.. keep it up

    Reply
  • ZeeDiamonds
    January 7, 2019

    Wow.. very nice..beautiful dress. love it

    Reply
  • Best 13 Mid Length Dress Outfit Ideas: Ultimate Style Guide for Women - FMag.com
    January 1, 2019

    […] source […]

    Reply
  • Ursula
    January 1, 2019

    Onsolutly outrageously, beautiful I have never seen clothes like this living in a small Village now once city, but still would love to have one of those full skirt mid calf dresses!

    Reply
  • TheNetline
    December 17, 2018

    The metallic dress underneath the mesh ends above mid-calf but the mesh ends slightly below mid-calf which helps distribute the fabric.

    Reply
  • Flair junkie
    December 11, 2018

    Very nice.. beautifull dress.. love the black color.

    Reply
  • Dark Sarcasm
    September 3, 2018

    I’m sorry my friend, but this plain, dull looking woman looks pathetic in that over styled outfit and the height of the heels looks ridiculous with the ugly dress. Could you possibly have found a more unholy trinity than that black cosplay looking mess of a dress, the unappealing woman and those ugly shoes?

    Reply
  • Kadınlar ve Erkekler için Acil Giyim Dolabı! – GazeteBilkent
    August 27, 2018

    […] https://stylishlyme.com/style/midi-dress/ […]

    Reply
  • 40 Unboring Casual Work Outfits for Women Over 40 - Fashion Enzyme
    July 29, 2018

    […] Image Source […]

    Reply
  • Nicole
    January 29, 2018

    My word you did you look gorgeous and slim.
    Thank you for the article I want going to buy a mid length dress being detured by hight.
    Do you think being 5’2 I can pull this off too? Anyone else feel free to comment on the dress I like

    Reply
  • 15 Best Outfit Ideas on How to Wear Black Midi Dress - FMag.com
    December 11, 2017

    […] source […]

    Reply
  • Christina Marcella
    September 8, 2017

    I agree with you completely. A very well written article. Black is such a trendy and gorgeous color.

    Reply
  • agapito
    April 3, 2017

    that dress is sizzling hot, it looks trendy and very gorgeus.

    https://ownthelooks.com

    Reply
  • 11 Trendy Western Dress Design For Women in 2017 - Ferri Style Tips
    January 6, 2017

    […] Tips: Some people believe it looks great for tall but it is not shorter people also look awesome in a midi […]

    Reply
  • Nonita Vajor
    November 21, 2016

    Gorgeous frock type midi dress. I love such type of midi dresses very much and black color is my favorite. You are looking really very beautiful in this dresses. The belt adds this dress’s attractiveness.

    Reply
  • Midi Dress Definition | clothingcharming.com
    November 20, 2016

    […] How Short Women Can Pull Off the Midi Dress […]

    Reply
  • 7 Popular White Dresses for Any Occasion
    September 15, 2016

    […] heard of maxi dresses, but how about midi dresses? The midi dress is so-called because its hemline falls to your mid-calf. It’s the perfect solution for those times when you want to show off a bit of leg, but don’t […]

    Reply
  • Mini, Midi or Maxi? A Dress for All Occasions – Fashion in my eyes
    May 10, 2016

    […] really, just about anywhere. These come just below the knee, sometimes by just a few inches, but anything below the knee is often referred to as a midi. Actually, the term came from dresses that became en vogue somewhere […]

    Reply
  • Stylish Black Midi Skirt Outfit for Petite Gals
    February 18, 2015

    […] a petite girl it can be hard to pull off midi skirts or dresses. I previously shared with you how to petite women can pull off the midi dress, so it’s only appropriate that we now talk about a midi […]

    Reply
  • AB
    October 24, 2014

    The dress is beautiful !
    http://www.audreyisaboy.com/

    Reply
  • Katherine Luna
    October 16, 2014

    Omg this is the best thing I’ve seen all day! I’m obsessed with midi dresses, but as a petite girl I always thought they’d swallow me up. Thanks so much for the tips! You look amazing and I will definitely be putting these tips into action. 🙂

    Reply
  • The Fashion Panda
    October 15, 2014

    Thanks for sharing those tips ! You look gorgeous !

    http://www.thefashionpanda.be
    http://www.thefashionpanda.be

    Reply
  • Caroline
    October 15, 2014

    Such a great post, and OMG how gorgeous and chic you are !
    Love your dress and shoes !

    http://www.pardonmyobsession.com/

    Reply
  • Cintya
    October 14, 2014

    You wear that dress beautifully!

    Reply
  • Sabina B
    October 14, 2014

    Such a beautiful dress, love this look!

    http://jeansandroses.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  • Maybe by Catalfo
    October 14, 2014

    Beautifully styled! That is a gorgeous little black dress.
    Our party dresses would be stunning on you. Let me know if you’re looking for any holiday dresses. Would love to collaborate with you!

    Xo
    http://wwww.maybebycatalfo.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • Trish
    October 14, 2014

    love the dress! You look so pretty!

    Reply
  • Heidi D.
    October 14, 2014

    This dress is beyond gorgeous on you and these are some great pointers!

    Heidi D.
    http://www.wishesandreality.com

    Reply
  • Ashley
    October 14, 2014

    This dress looks fantastic on you! I love the first picture!

    Reply
  • rachel and leah
    October 14, 2014

    Wow, gorgeous outfit and the tips are so helpful! Thanks for sharing! x

    http://www.beyondthevelvet.blogspot.co.uk/

    Reply
  • Megan
    October 14, 2014

    These are great tips, and I will keep them in mind! I love the mesh-like fabric of this dress. It makes it stand out more, and it’s so chic!
    poshprime.com
    ~~Megan~~

    Reply
  • Pilar Ayuso
    October 14, 2014

    Gorgeous!! you are stunning!! this dress is so lovely!! kisses!!

    http://www.rednailsladies.com

    Reply

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