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Dresses come in a practically endless selection of styles. However, almost all dresses can be sorted into one of three categories: maxi, midi and mini.
Each category refers to the length of the dress. Maxi dresses are the most traditional type of dress and extend down to the ankles (or below). Midi dresses fall between ankle and knee length and are the most versatile. Mini dresses meanwhile are the most revealing option and have a hemline that sits above the knees.
Each dress is best worn on certain occasions and may look better when paired with certain accessories. This guide offers some brief tips on how to wear each one.
Maxi
Women maxi dresses are ideal for more formal or conservative occasions. They’re commonly worn at weddings and big family events, but can also be worn to dates and other social functions. Loose-fitting maxi dresses are great for plus size women or those wanting to achieve a leisurely boho look. More tight-fitting maxi dresses are available for those that want to show off their figure, and there are maxi dresses with slits that can even allow you to show off some leg.
Maxi dresses aren’t always the best choice outdoors or when doing anything physically active because they’re so long. They’re also not always the best choice in hot weather, although there are light and airy sleeveless options which can help you stay cooler.
There are many different types of footwear that work well with a maxi dress including ballet flats, strappy sandals and even retro sneakers. When wearing a jacket over a maxi dress, avoid anything oversized. Belts can be used to add shapes to loose-fitting maxi dresses.
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Midi
The midi dress is the most versatile option. When it comes to workwear, this is typically the most common dress length because it's not too revealing while also not restricting movement too much. Of course, midi dresses can be worn at all kinds of other occasions ranging from formal to informal events. Asymmetrical hemlines are sometimes popular with these types of dresses - providing some of the sophistication of a maxi and some of the edginess of a mini.
Midi dresses can be worn with pretty much any type of shoe. They are a better length for showing off boots than maxi dresses, but look equally good with sandals or ballet flats.
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Mini
Mini dresses are ideal for when you want to stay cool or show off your legs. When they first appeared in the 60s, they were viewed as a bit racy, but nowadays mini dresses and miniskirts can be suitable for many occasions including the workplace (providing they’re not too short and you style them properly). They are the most popular choice for nights out or wearing at the beach because of their length.
You probably don’t want to wear a mini dress in winter unless you’re wearing it with some warm tights. Mini dresses without tights also require you to keep on top of shaving your legs, unless you’re bold enough to go natural, so consider this before wearing one.
Mini dresses work with any type of footwear from sandals to knee high boots. Wearing them with sneakers can meanwhile provide a more casual look. In recent years, it’s become more trendy to contrast mini dresses with baggier jackets including trench coats or oversized denim jackets. And of course, mini dresses are great for experimenting with different tights.
