Wanna know something that might blow your mind? Up until this summer, I’d never owned a maxi dress in my life. And let me just say, I feel like everyone who’s ever worn one has been holding out on the world’s best kept secret. They’re so comfortable, versatile, and perfect if you’re in a place with hot, muggy weather!
I guess what kept me from stocking up on maxis was that I always thought they would be too long for me, and also, that with my short stature, I wouldn’t be able to pull them off. But I’ve found the secret to maxi’s for petite gals is that you either need one that’s a little more body forming, or you need to belt it at the waist to keep it from overtaking you. {Get more photos after the jump!}
I’m completely in love with this colorblock maxi (Banana Republic was kind enough to send it to me — it’s part of their new Milly for Banana Republic collection!). It’s easy and light enough that you can wear it during the day, but dress it up at night with fun jewelry and a statement clutch (this one would be perfect). The dress comes with it’s own tie ribbon to belt at the waist, but if I had access to my full closet (most of which is in storage at the moment!), I think it would look great with a bright yellow belt.
For now? I threw on a few jewelry staples (this necklace and bracelets that I got for my rehearsal dinner last year), and some simple peach colored flats. Topped off with a neutral clutch, and it’s the perfect outfit for running around town.
In This Post:
Milly Collection Colorblock Pleated Patio Dress (c/o) | Kate Spade Chain of Command Necklace
Sam Edelman Gigi Flats in Peach Melba | ASOS Clutch (old), similar here
(and PS, I’m wearing the bra mentioned in this post!)
That dress is darling!! I never owned a maxi (well, I think I had one that I’d never worn) until last year myself-it’s tough not to feel like you’re drowning in it and they also felt too dressy for me for everyday, but once I actually put one on I realized they could definitely work. I would never guess that you’re on the petite side by these photos if you didn’t say you were!
Rose
Blonde in this City
Love seeing more pictures of you! Dress looks great!
That is a really cute dress! I’m on the opposite end of the height spectrum (6’1”) so I have never been able to find a maxi dress that’s long enough!
Same with the cropped pants trend this year, it’s driving me mad! I guess all heights have their problems :)
The colors & pleats of this dress are simply perfect for summer…you look gorgeous!
http://www.pennypincherfashion.com
Everything in the BR & Milly collabo is superb and so is that dress. You look very pretty.
xo
http://pinksole.com
You are the cutest!
I didn’t own one until this year either. It’s hard for petite girls to find maxis that work. Love this one on you! Might be my favorite piece from the Milly collab.
You look so pretty, Victoria! I actually don’t own a maxi either–they’re tough to find the right one!
Alright, you convinced me… I had one maxi a few years ago but I stopped wearing it because I felt I was too short to pull it off. This summer, I’m trying it again!!
As a fellow petite, I’ve struggled finding maxis that are a perfect length. You look beautiful!
http://www.olivedoesthecity.com
I still haven’t hopped on the maxi train either, but I do think this summer is going to be the one. I love that in maxis you can sit like a normal person without worrying about showing… well, you know. I love the look of this dress: great colors and just fitted enough.
well you’re working this maxi well for a first-timer! love the color
kw ladies in navy
I LOVE that maxi! It looks so good on you and that oversized clutch is AHH-mazing!! : )
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
suuuuper cute. i’m still not sold on myself in a maxi, but i do own a few.
That dress is gorgeous on you! I too was holding out on maxis, and now I love them!
Kristina does the Internets
i got my first maxi skirt last year and i now want more! it is the perfect thing to wear in the summer because it will keep you warm inside with air conditioning and will keep you cool outside in the heat.
That dress is perfect! You look gorgeous.
Darling! And you’re so right, maxis require something to cynch them in at the waist of else they look like a mumu!
it looks great victoria! i love that you’ve been doing outfit photos as well. so cute!
Yes, I thought the same thing about maxi dresses at first, but now I love them! Totally comfy and perfect for days that are warm, but not quite warm enough to bare your legs.
This maxi dress is so pretty on you. I love the color combination and the pleats.
I love this dress and I wish it worked for me but it didn’t…looks gorgeous on you though! And that clutch is so fun.
http://asequinloveafair.com
That dress is stunning on you. Just perfect!
Lauren x
Gordon + Gold
Love the colors on that dress! It looks fab on you! :)
I’ve never owned one either, and I live in Texas – i.e. hot, muggy weather (as you know). The dress looks great on you :)
That dress looks great on you! I’m thinking of getting the elephant shorts from the Milly for BR collection..to wear after the baby bump of course.
never owned a maxi!? welcome to the club & you look great – and that oversized clutch is so so cute!!!
http://itsthelittlethingsblog.blogspot.com
I had the same experience of thinking I was too short for a maxi dress. Many are, in fact, too long, at least without sky-high wedges, but now that I’m into them I think they’re flattering on any height!
Bevin
http://www.magnoliareverie.com
I have been eyeing this dress and love that BR has it in petite. It looks great on you. Thanks for taking the time to have dinner with us during our visit. It was great to see you guys again! xoxo
Hey there! Just discovered your blog while browsing and I’ve already bookmarked it. Am petite and am always looking for style inspiration… :)
Loving your blog.
You look great here. But if be honest, you’ll do better with a maxi dress without colour blocking in the vertical. The first thing that strikes me is that it is just cutting away your height. And also the neck line / strap area is such that it is pulling your frame down further
I don’t want to offend you. Just some constructive criticism. Please don’t mind… Keep up the good work… :)
Cheers!
Anu