What is a maxi dress?
A maxi dress is a full length dress with a hem that reaches the ankle or the floor. It can be casual in cotton or linen, or formal in satin or chiffon.
When to wear a maxi dress
A maxi dress suits more occasions than any other length, because the fabric sets how formal it is. A cotton or linen maxi dress is for weekends, holidays and the beach. A maxi dress in satin, crepe or chiffon suits formal events, weddings and black tie. Maxi length is also the usual choice for bridesmaids at formal weddings.
A maxi dress is usually the wrong length under a graduation gown, and a formal maxi dress can look overdressed at a cocktail event.
Who it suits
A maxi dress covers the leg and makes one long line from shoulder to hem. The shape changes the effect.
- A column maxi dress falls straight and narrow from shoulder to hem.
- A wrap maxi dress ties at the waist and forms a V neckline.
- A tiered maxi dress has a skirt of gathered layers and the most volume.
- A slip maxi dress has thin straps and a fluid fabric that skims the body.
A defined waist, a split in the skirt or an open neckline breaks up the length. A split is called a slit in the US. Length matters more on a maxi dress than on any other style, so compare the dress length with your height and the shoes you plan to wear.
How to style it
The shoes decide where the hem of a maxi dress sits. Flat sandals suit a casual maxi dress, and the hem should clear the ground in them. Heels and block heels suit a formal maxi dress, and the hem should just cover the top of the shoe. Sneakers work with a casual cotton or shirt style maxi.
A denim jacket or a cropped knit keeps a maxi dress casual. A tailored blazer or a wrap dresses it up. Keep the layer short, so the long line of the dress still shows.
Mini, midi and maxi compared
| Length | Where the hem falls | Dress codes | Most worn to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini dress | Mid thigh, well above the knee | Casual to cocktail | Parties, birthdays, date nights, warm days |
| Midi dress | Between the knee and the ankle, most often mid calf | Casual to formal | Weddings, work, cocktail events |
| Maxi dress | The ankle or the floor | Casual to black tie | Formal events, weddings, summer days |
A gown is a formal floor length dress. Every gown is maxi length, but a casual maxi dress in cotton or linen is not a gown.
Shop maxi dresses
See all maxi dressesCommon questions
What is a maxi dress?
A maxi dress is a full length dress with a hem that reaches the ankle or the floor. It can be casual in cotton or linen, or formal in satin or chiffon.
Can short women wear maxi dresses?
Yes. Look for petite lengths or a hem you can alter, a defined waist, and one colour or a small print from top to bottom. A shoe with some height helps the hem clear the ground.
How long should a maxi dress be?
A maxi dress should end at the ankle or just above the floor in the shoes you plan to wear. A hem that drags on the ground is too long, and one that ends at mid calf is a midi.
What shoes go with a maxi dress?
Flat sandals suit a casual maxi dress, and heels or block heels suit a formal one. Sneakers work with cotton and shirt style maxis. Choose the shoes before altering the hem, since they set the length.
What is the difference between a maxi dress and a gown?
A gown is a formal floor length dress in an evening fabric. A maxi dress is any full length dress, casual or formal. Every gown is maxi length, but a cotton maxi dress is not a gown.
Is a maxi dress formal?
It depends on the fabric. A maxi dress in satin, crepe or chiffon fits formal and black tie dress codes. A maxi dress in cotton, linen or jersey is casual, whatever its length.