How to Wear a Midi Dress | Style Tips 2019

How to Wear a Midi Dress

Midi dresses are an indispensable item in any woman’s fashion arsenal. And although 2018 has been hailed the year of the midi dress, it is likely to remain fashionable for the years ahead. In fact, among the dress trends predicted to reign in 2019 — an article by Who What Wear highlights prairie styles, sheer fabrics, and artsy prints — most come in stylish midi hemlines, and for good reason. Midi dresses strike the right balance between the mini, which can be too skimpy at times, and the maxi, which can be overwhelming on many body types. These make them incredible options for everything from work and events to dates and casual days out.

However, not all midis are created equal, and bad styling can easily get in the way of a truly great midi look.

A garment for every gal

As with many other types of clothing, tall and slim women often have the upper hand when styling midi dresses. But it’s important to understand that this particular style is definitely not exclusive to the aforementioned body type, as midi dresses can be flattering on almost anyone. The key is to find one that ends just above or below the middle of your calf. This will make your legs appear slimmer and longer.

Certain styles are also great for petite women, who have long been told to avoid midi skirts. Contrary to popular belief, midi-length dresses can create amazing silhouettes on even the shortest of women — as long as you choose the right type. InStyle recommends going for an A-line cut to lengthen your silhouette or opt for classic pencil skirts to show off your curves.

Image credit: Dorothy Perkins

Another unfairly propagated myth about midi dresses is that they are not for plus-size women. The rise of plus-size bloggers, brands, and trends have begun the push against the fashion world’s long-held exclusion of bigger bodies, showing everyone that there are just as many ways to style and dress plus-size women as more “straight”-sized ones. Body positive clothing site Woman Within has a wide range of midi dresses from sizes 12 through 44. From button-downs to ruffle-trim dresses, there are many midi options available nowadays for plus-size women. For curvy and pear-shaped women, it’s best to choose a dress that defines your waist. In this regard, wrap dresses are especially wonderful for emphasizing your middle and skimming over your hips. Image Credit: Woman Within

It’s all in the details

There are many ways to style your midi dress. One of the most effective of these is to experiment with statement shoes or socks. Take advantage of how the length of the hemlines draw the eye down, which means that the right boots, heels, or playful socks can really make your outfit. Image credit: Free People

You can also use a midi dress to showcase your legs. Just because the skirt ends at your calves, doesn’t mean that you have to look frumpy! This Nordstrom midi dress showcases a powerful yet subtle slit, and can be paired with boots for a very casual look.Image credit: Nordstrom

While you’re at it, be sure to experiment with hues and prints to add a element of high fashion into your look. Balance it off with neutral layers, and you should be good to go! Image credit: H&M

If you’ve mastered all these tips, then you just might have what it takes to become a personal stylist or fashion blogger. Learn all about how to make your mark on the fashion world here on Sterling Style Academy.

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