What is a midi dress?
A midi dress is a dress with a hem that falls between the knee and the ankle, most often at mid calf. It sits between a mini and a maxi, which makes it the easiest length to dress up or down.
When to wear a midi dress
A midi dress suits the widest range of dress codes of the three main lengths. A satin or crepe midi dress fits cocktail attire, most weddings and many formal events. A linen, cotton or floral midi dress suits work, lunches and warm days. It is the usual choice under a graduation gown, and a safe answer when an invitation gives no dress code.
A midi dress is usually too short for strict black tie, where a floor length gown is expected.
Who it suits
A midi dress ends on the calf, so where the hem lands matters more than the shape. A hem just below the knee or at the narrow part of the lower calf is the easiest to wear. A hem across the widest part of the calf can shorten the leg.
- A slip midi dress has thin straps and a fluid fabric.
- A wrap midi dress ties at the waist and forms a V neckline.
- An A-line midi dress is fitted at the top and widens to the hem.
- A bodycon midi dress is tight and stretchy from top to hem.
The same midi dress sits lower on a shorter person and higher on a taller one, so check the length measurement against your height.
How to style it
Most shoes work with a midi dress. Heels and pointed flats lengthen the leg below the hem. Flat sandals and sneakers suit a casual midi dress. Knee high boots work when the hem covers the top of the boot, and ankle boots work best with a little leg showing or with tights.
A cropped jacket or a blazer that ends at the hip keeps the proportions balanced. A long coat should be at least as long as the dress.
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 |
Midi and tea length compared
| Midi | Tea length | |
|---|---|---|
| Hem | Below the knee to mid calf | Lower calf, a few centimetres above the ankle |
| Compared with a maxi | Clearly shorter | Slightly shorter |
| Most worn to | Work, cocktail events, weddings | Formal events, weddings |
Some shops use tea length to mean midi. On this site, tea length is longer than a midi and shorter than a maxi.
Shop midi dresses
See all midi dressesCommon questions
What is a midi dress?
A midi dress is a dress with a hem that falls between the knee and the ankle, most often at mid calf. It sits between a mini and a maxi in length.
What shoes go with a midi dress?
Most shoes work. Heels and pointed flats lengthen the leg, sandals suit a casual midi, knee high boots work when the hem covers the top of the boot, and ankle boots work best with a little leg showing or with tights.
Can you wear a midi dress to a wedding?
Yes. A midi dress in a dressy fabric such as satin or crepe suits most weddings, including cocktail and many formal ones. For a black tie wedding, choose a floor length dress.
What is the difference between a midi dress and a tea length dress?
A midi dress ends between the knee and mid calf. A tea length dress ends lower, at the lower calf, a few centimetres above the ankle. Some shops use the two names for the same length.
Is a midi dress formal?
It can be. A midi dress in satin, crepe or velvet fits cocktail attire and most formal dress codes. A midi dress in cotton, linen or jersey is casual. Strict black tie usually calls for a longer dress.
Where should a midi dress hit on the leg?
A midi dress is easiest to wear when the hem lands just below the knee or at the narrow part of the lower calf. Check the dress length against your height before buying.