Glam but first coffeeWhich is the maxi dress for Petites that finally works? Maxi dresses are one of the most frustrating pieces for petite women. Too long, too overwhelming, and rarely designed with short proportions in mind.
As someone who is 4’11, I have tried countless maxi dresses that ended up sitting in my closet- until I found this Leon USA mesh maxi dress. Maybe you remember the interview I did with the founder of Leon USA. The interview was before I received the red mesh maxi dress. For the first time, a maxi didn’t drown my frame or require major tailoring.
In this post, I am breaking down exactly why this maxi dress works for Petites, how it fits on a petite body, how I style it, and I am also linking similar petite-friendly maxi dresses in case this one sells out. Therefore, if you have ever wondered “Can petites actually wear maxi dresses?”- this one might change your mind.
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Why maxi dresses usually don’t work for Petites?
Usually maxi dresses do not work for Petite women. Firstly, because they are always too long and too baggy. Most brands do not design dresses for short frames rather taller frames. It is difficult to find petite-friendly maxi dresses. Except, if you have my Petite brand list and shopping guide.
Secondly, a lot of maxi dresses (even if the length is right) has the wrong fit. It means that the waist placement, sleeves or shoulder placement is still off. Petite women are not only about the height, the whole frame is different from a regular woman.
Last but not least, the fabric plays a big role on how the maxi dress fits. If the fabric is too heavy, bulky or loose, it will create and ugly fit on shorter frame. Especially for curvy Petite women. However, I found the best maxi dress for Petites.
The best maxi dress for Petites that fits
Therefore, I am happy to own one of the best red maxi dress for Petites from Leon USA. It is a Posh red mesh maxi dress. The dress has a mesh, mostly transparent fabric and bodycon silhouette with freely falling skirt part. What surprised me the most is the price. It comes for $65 which is very affordable price for the good quality you get.
Why this maxi dress works for Petite women?
I am 4’11 or 150cm tall and the dress fits me. It is some inch longer. However, I would never wear the dress without heels on. Therefore, it is the perfect maxi dress for Petites. As the fabric is stretch and light, it is easy to work with it and pull it up or down to arrange it for your height.
Secondly, the maxi dress has this beautiful, lightweight mesh fabric. It is a transparent fabric on arms, tummy and legs creating this visual legs-for-days. The mesh and light fabric is the reason why the dress looks so flattering on petite frame. Most maxi dresses has very heavy and bulky fabrics that are not flattering for petite women. The fabric creates gorgeous, falling vertical lines that elongate and not overwhelm a short frame.
Fit notes on a 4’11 Petite body
As I mentioned before, I am a 4’11/150cm. I am wearing a size M or 38 in European size. The dress is a little bit too long for me. However, as the dress is very luxurious and elegant, I would only wear it with heels not flats or sneakers. Therefore, the height is perfect. It works even with a small kitten heel. Finally, I would not tailor it because it fits nicely and the lightweight falling fabric creates very elongating effect.
How I style this maxi dress as a Petite?
With the white cardigan for classy event
The red mesh dress matches perfectly with a faux fur cropped jackets, coats or cardigans. I have the perfect white fuzzy faux mink cardigan that fits perfectly. The outfit is stunning for a night out in theatre or opera.
With a cozy sweater
However, if you want to wear it down (in more casual evenings), find a cute sweater. I spent my Christmas at home but still wanted to dress up. Therefore I took my mesh maxi dress and styled it with the white turtle neck sweater. I love the sexy with cute and cozy styles matched.
With blazer for day to night
If you would look at the Leon USA website, you would notice they wear the maxi dress with a leather blazer. You can buy the red leather blazer from their own website. I think it looks very stylish with a nice, little oversize blazer. The outfit gives powerful energy and confidence. And yes, the blazer is on my wishlist!
Similar maxi dresses that work for Petites
ASOS Petite alternatives
Karen Millen Petite maxi dresses
Who this dress is best (and not best) for?
The red mesh maxi dress is the best for Petite women under 5’4. Specially for romantic date nights, opera and red carpet moment. But also for Valentine’s day date night. If someone invites me to a fashion week, I will happily wear it on a red carpet.
However, the mesh maxi dress is not ideal for: casual days out, casual events and tall women.
If you are Petite and have avoided maxi dresses, this Leon USA mesh maxi dress proves that the right proportions make all the difference.
This is one of those rare maxi dresses that actually works for short women- no tailoring, no styling stress. I have linked this dress and similar petite-friendly maxi dresses below so you can find the best option for your body and budget.
Last but not least, if you love Petite fashion tips that save time, money, and frustration, make sure to bookmark this post and check out my other petite-approved outfit guides.
