Maxi dresses for the vertically challenged???

[Froufie]

So on a few of the posts I have heard mention of short women saying they can't wear maxi dresses - and I was wondering about that being one of those 'vertically challenged' individuals :)

 

I don't really wear dresses at all - but would LOVE to find a suitable maxi dress - they look so comfy and easy to wear and pack.....but of course having trouble finding one that fits and looks good.

 

So it is because we are 'short' that we should not wear maxis? Would they make one look shorter? Is it because they need a huge amount of hemming to work? (I know I had to reject many of them due to specific patters on the bottom half or a ruffle - both of which would be an issue when shortening the dress).....

 

I am fluffy carrying all my weight in my midriff/stomach area so need one that is 'empire' style - flowing out from under the bust to cover any 'problem areas' - and would love something flowing and pretty.....but just can't seem to find anything and very scared of ordering something like this online (and let's not even get into the 'bare arms' discussion) ha ha ha.

 

Your thoughts?

[Froufie]

Dare I wear something like this? (yes I would lose some ruffles at the bottom)

 

http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/showimage.aspx?gid=1636706&image=667012412&images=667012412,667012447&formats=0,0&format=0

The above comes in black and quite a few other colors (it is also 'made to order' so wonder if I could request a specific length?)....

 

While not a 'true' maxi - I like this one - and would probably be pretty long on me anwyays? :)

 

I like the flyaway style of this one - but too complicated to shorten!!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jessica-London-Womens-22-Flyaway-Maxi-Dress-Plum-Blue-Print-RTL-119-99-NWD-/370846175356?pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item565827907c#ht_2239wt_1386

 

...and here's one that wouldn't work either - due to flower pattern on the bottom :(

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Plus-Size-Flower-Print-Solid-Maxi-Dress-Aqua-Fuchsia-/251279544857?pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&var=&hash=item3a816d9219#ht_521wt_1148

[Scrapnana]

Oh, Froufie, I adore that white dress in the picture. It is gorgeous! I find that with many of my long dresses, the picture shows it on the model right above her ankles - for me it is floor length. Works out nicely for formals for cruising. I thinks it is the prints in many maxi dresses that keeps me away. Being short and fluffy the prints do nothing for me even before you consider hacking off a few inches of pattern (like in your last link). I really like the Jessica London one but agree that hemming it would be a bear. The dress in your first link looks like it is too long on the model. Depending on where you had to cut off that last ruffle could throw the whole proportion of the dress off (notice how each level of ruffling is about the same length).

[iheartmarshall]

I think you could totally pull of a maxi! You just have to be careful of the cuts though, which you are already aware of :)

 

I'm not sure how formal you're wanting to go, but here's a few casual options that might work. They come in petite sizes and could easily be dressed up with the right jewelry and wedges or dressed down with flipflops. You can also pair cardigans with them if you're not comfortable with bare arms.

 

Long sleeveless option from Old Navy

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41725&vid=3&pid=649426062

 

3/4 Sleeve option from Old Navy -- very cute!

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41725&vid=3&pid=649444052

 

This is a dolman-style dress with a high-low hem that would look really pretty!

http://www.target.com/p/labworks-petites-dolman-sleeve-chiffon-maxi-dress-multi-print/-/A-14303987#prodSlot=medium_1_28

 

This one is simple yet very pretty and comes in a TON of colors

http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-petites-sleeveless-v-neck-maxi-dress-assorted-colors/-/A-14283250#prodSlot=medium_1_50

[Langley Cruisers]

Aww Froufie, you are so sweet. I totally hear you with your concerns. The thing is to wear your lovely dresses with pride and confidence - the bare arms/weight in the middle applies to many of us, not just you in a crowd alone. Please don't even worry about it.

 

Do you have a Penningtons or Additionelle near you? I don't know that you would normally shop in a specialty store or if you simply take a larger size in a regular store. While the dresses iheartmarshall gave us the links to are super cute, I thought I would look up some maxis modelled by a, well, fluffier woman to give us an idea of what is available. Not all of us are thin like the models; sometimes, I think we need to see clothing on a little larger model to get a sense of what we might be looking at.

 

I'll include a few links but as you can see, the dresses are cute and do not go to the floor. I think a shorter woman can indeed wear and enjoy maxis. Let's see:

 

http://www.1-plus.com/multicolor-print-maxi-dress/717464,default,pd.html?dwvar_717464_color=Blue%20Print&start=7&cgid=AE-Apparel-Dresses <---love it!

 

http://www.1-plus.com/tropical-print-maxi-dress/306438,default,pd.html?dwvar_306438_color=Leaf&start=3&cgid=AE-Apparel-Dresses

 

http://www.1-plus.com/border-print-maxi-dress/720431,default,pd.html?dwvar_720431_color=Black%20White&start=1&cgid=AE-Apparel-Dresses

 

http://www.1-plus.com/Keyhole-halter-top-dress/721457,default,pd.html?dwvar_721457_color=Black&start=19&cgid=PE-Apparel-Dresses <---cute!

 

http://www.1-plus.com/Printed-halter-maxi-dress/721059,default,pd.html?dwvar_721059_color=Purple&start=17&cgid=PE-Apparel-Dresses

 

 

So just a few examples. Have fun shopping and a great cruise. :)

 

.

[Froufie]

Thanks for all the support and suggestions - did I forget to mention as little as possible of my body should be showing? LOL...and no lump/bumps or any other extrusions allowed.

 

yes I am very picky and think I shall stay away from any busy patterns as I think that may make me look shorter?....and no halters/strapless or low cut things as parts of my body will surely fall out and be on display!! :)

 

I have visited the local'additional-elle' and there a maybe a few possibilities? But need to get to the Penningtons - 15 min drive - and see what they have there.

 

I also found a couple more 'sedate' options on ebay:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261234253371?var=560207819600&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111107395160?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1239wt_726

 

And at lunchtime I went out walking (in the steamy steamy heat) and somehow wandered into my favorite luggage/travel shop (I am looking for a new carryon) and they seem to carry a few lines of travel clothing - they had these very 'interesting' dresses made by Yes World Boutique - kind of gauzy flowy things - so I googled it when I got back and found the website - check it out: http://www.shopyesworld.com/categories/yes-world-boutique-design-collection.html and especially have a look at the dancing goddess dress - they had it in white and black and I may have to try it out? :D

http://www.shopyesworld.com/products/dancing-queen-remix-dress-white.html (you may need to use the 'zoom' to see the details)......

 

They also had a lovely lavender dress - hi/low with some ruffles on top - unfortunately I can't find it on the website - but it was also pretty cute (altho would have to try it on to see how the 'length' works on me).

[Debinnova]

Froufie,

 

I'm right there with you girl, similar issues!

 

I have resigned myself to the fact that I look best in flowy chiffon palazzo wide legged pants and a beaded top and wrap with strappy low heeled blingy sandals.

 

I want to try to find a dress, but especially since I cannot wear very high heels due to balance issues, I have been reluctant to go the dress route.

 

I like some of these styles for our "issues" and I guess the key is to find one that handles those issues and that could be hemmed easily.

 

I keep thinking that a medium weight drapey fabric with elbow or 3/4 sleeves with a nice V neckline *which elongates the neck* that has some sort of wrap or empire or other feature at waist that will flatter. Even a simple black could be dressed up with sparkly brooch, wrap, etc.

 

I will be sure to post any links to any I see that would work for you/us, as well!

 

Debbie

[Straitlover]

How short are we talking aobut? I'm 5 ft 4.5 in (gotta have that 35 inch, lol!) and "fluffy" (size 18-20). I put maxi dresses off for the longest time. Recenlty, I tried some on becasue they were on a really good sale, and some of them looked pretty good! I have ended up buying 4 of them, and they will all be going on my Labor Day cruise as they will pack way easier than capris and tops for dinner.

 

Before ordering on EBay, I suggest going to a few stores and trying on differnet styles/patterns to get an idea of what looks and fits good and what doesn't. Too wild of a pattern makes me look dumpy, but a solid makes me look short and wide. I ended up w/ two w/ big flowers, one leopard print, and one black and white that that sublimation fabric (not this actual dress, but you see what kind of fabric I mean:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NWT-Apt-9-scroll-embellished-sublimation-dress-w-beautiful-beaded-neckline-/360550200467#ht_345wt_934 ).

[Froufie]

Thanks for the good input on what to look for and I agree that going to try some on might be in my very near future!:)...and it seems I am not the only one with this 'issue'! LOL

 

By the way I am 5'1" if I stand real TALL! :D (I don't wear high heels at all but do have a few nice wedge sandals - about 2.5 heel so that should help a bit?)...

[Lois R]

Hi,:) I am about 5-3....and I think it really depends on the dress.

I don't like the "Empire Wasteline"....seems they always make me

me look heavier than I already am:rolleyes:....some maxis are cut that

way.....they make me look pregnant:eek:....no thanks.

I don't wear alot of them.....but I have a black and white dress and

I love it. Bringing it on my next cruise:D....27 more days...but whose

counting?;)

But I do understand the issues though.....many of them are not good

for us short folks.......

 

Here is the photo of me in that dress......

 

[Froufie]

Lovely dress Lois - just wondering did you have to try a lot on to find one that fit and looked good? Also did you have to hem this one? (how tall are you and are you wearing heels?) :)

 

P.S. Also still wondering what people think of this dress (yesboutique.com)...dancing queen (white or black?)

 

 

[Lois R]

Lovely dress Lois - just wondering did you have to try a lot on to find one that fit and looked good? Also did you have to hem this one? (how tall are you and are you wearing heels?) :)

 

You know the brand SOMA? It is part of Chico's and they used to

only sell undergarments...bras/panties/sleepwear, etc... Well, now

they have dresses too...really cute ones!:D I found that one at SOMA.

I wasn't in the market of "going to try on dresses" but the Chico's

store AND the Soma store are right near where I live....they always

have good sales:D.....I just saw that dress and thought I would try

it on......fits really nice and NO HEMMING needed! I am about 5-3....

I think I was wearing a black sandal (slide style) that is probably

about 1.5-2 inch heel.....I don't wear anything much higher than

that......the length of the dress is perfect:)

 

Oh, thanks for the compliment:)

[cruising_family]

I so have the same issue. I'm just under 5' and am on the lightly fluffy and a bit older side and many of the maxi dresses I find are built for the skinny young lady and look silly on me. Petite dresses are typically too long on me so I don't get them. I know the wrong style/print makes me look short and dumpy so I shy away. I love this question and all the advice posted.

[jkudzu]

I'm 5' 2" and I wear maxi dresses. Love them! I've found some at Ross that didn't even need to be hemmed. Yes, they might make me look short but big shock :eek: I am short!:D I'm sure you'll look beautiful.

[Ehpride]

I'm 5'3" and I can wear long dresses depending on the style. I have almost an hour glass figure so most of my longer dresses are empire waists, are more fitted/streamlined on top and aren't too full at the bottom.

 

I've tried on some that have too much material at the waist and it just doesn't look the best on me.

[royalcruz]

 

I love this dress but it might make you look too hippy. I am 5'2'' and I have a bunch of empire waist maxis...the higher waist makes me look taller. I have to hem them if they aren't petite (I do it myself, by hand). I even have a petite one that I cannot wear with flats. I agree with Lois, I love Soma's maxis. They are so soft and pretty. I buy them at Soma.com. I've also bought some at TJMaxx, Dillards, and Loft. These are all maxis...the green one is from Soma and the straps are removable and can be attached several ways. The black one looks like an evening gown but it's just a nice black jersey maxi dress all dressed up.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=369556550486&set=a.72422650486.150591.836985486&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-prn1%2F10932_369556550486_4858678_n.jpg&size=603%2C441

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152339224285487&set=a.10152339205950487.934704.836985486&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-prn1%2F63727_10152339224285487_2137776794_n.jpg&size=531%2C640

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152339216015487&set=a.10152339205950487.934704.836985486&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-prn1%2F28057_10152339216015487_470862142_n.jpg&size=640%2C480

[Langley Cruisers]

...Also still wondering what people think of this dress (yesboutique.com)...dancing queen (white or black?)

 

I guess I am a bit confused because in your reply to me, you seemed quite clear that as little skin as possible be showing, and no bare arms. The dresses, both white and black, are lovely but considering what you told us, I would not have picked them as something you would wear. *shrug*

 

EDITED TO ADD: Sharon, as of right now, your Facebook photos are not showing - could be privacy settings?

 

.

[Froufie]

No SOMAs here and may be hard to ship to Canada or expensive - but would love to see the styles - Sharon - good tip on the higher the empire waist the taller/longer you may look - that does make sense.....and not too much material or too fussy either I would presume.

 

Karen - I guess I meant no 'strapless or halter styles' and if sleeveless I would most like bring/wear a coverup or something if I didn't feel comfortable. I do agree those might make me look wider at the hips and actually I am not that hippy to begin with - kind of disproportionate - like bigger top and smaller bottom - I think the next step would be to go try a few different styles on to see if anything looks remotely decent - despite knowing how depressing that might be :(.....

[Langley Cruisers]

...I think the next step would be to go try a few different styles on to see if anything looks remotely decent - despite knowing how depressing that might be :(.....

 

I think this is key - I would not feel comfortable ordering a dress off ebay or anywhere online as I just can't try it on. I think it warrants a shopping trip, you're right. :)

[royalcruz]

Sharon, as of right now, your Facebook photos are not showing - could be privacy settings?

 

.

Thank you...I fixed it.

[maureencruiser]

I think the next step would be to go try a few different styles on to see if anything looks remotely decent - despite knowing how depressing that might be :(.....

it's not depressing, if a dress isn't right for you, it is the dress's fault, not yours. Move on to the next one, it is the dress's loss of a sale, not yours. I am short n fluffy. I am one of the ones who said no maxis. Maybe I should reconsider based on what others have posted. I just know that I look best in dresses to the knee. When I walk and the dress is swishing around my legs, I feel good! I would feel like I was in a burqa in a maxi. Try some on and if YOU like them, wear them! :)

[Langley Cruisers]

Thank you...I fixed it.

 

Please. I could die, you are just so gorgeous. Your husband is so handsome! You two always look like you are having so much fun. :)

[Froufie]

it's not depressing, if a dress isn't right for you, it is the dress's fault, not yours. Move on to the next one, it is the dress's loss of a sale, not yours. I am short n fluffy. I am one of the ones who said no maxis. Maybe I should reconsider based on what others have posted. I just know that I look best in dresses to the knee. When I walk and the dress is swishing around my legs, I feel good! I would feel like I was in a burqa in a maxi. Try some on and if YOU like them, wear them! :)

 

OHMYGOSH - this was the best thing to read first thing in the morning:D:D

 

Why didn't I think of that? Not my fault - stupid dresses fault - their problem not mine LOLOL Thanks!;)

[jcgld62]

Froufie, I think you are adorable! I say go for it, you will look great!

I am also vertically challenged (5'2") and I have a couple of maxis that I love because they are so comfortable and they cover the legs in case it gets chilly. I wear flat sandals with mine since they are more casual, but wedges would also look good.

[Lois R]

Hi again.....:) now that you got me in a "dress mode":D

 

Here are links to Chico's and Soma's.......

 

www.chicos.com

www.somas.com

 

And I just ordered these 2 dresses.......I like the styles and colors of

both:)

One is a maxi and the other is the "hi-lo" hem........

Found them on the Chico's site....the blue stripes? I think that one

will elongate me a bit;)

Both on sale and I had a 25.00 off coupon too.....they are being shipped

and if they don't work? Both stores are within a 5 minute drive of my home.

I can return them without any issues.....will let you know how they fit!