The first thing you’ll want to consider when shopping for a midi dress is the length. Obviously, this depends in part on your height and body shape, but the construction of the dress in question also has something to do with it. As a general rule, you want your midi dress to end slightly before or after the middle of your calf. The middle of your calf is the thickest part of your leg, and a dress that ends slightly above or below will create the illusion of a longer dress.
You’ll also want to think about what shoes you’ll wear with the dress. High heels can counteract the stumpy look often given off by some midi dresses. As a general rule, you’ll want to stay away from bulky or heavy shoes like boots, sneakers, or platform sandals. If you’re struggling in this department, you might picture what a particular dress would look like with your favorite pair of shoes that you currently have in your closet.
Each dress offers a different sleeve length. Most dresses offer ¾ inch sleeves, which can be great for a variety of temperatures and seasons, in addition to looking great whether you’re going for a formal or casual appearance. There are also sleeveless or short-sleeve options on this list, so you’ll be able to choose the sleeve length that best fits your preferences.
Some midi dresses are made with lighter fabric, while other fabrics are thicker in nature. A lighter fabric may look better on most individuals, as it won’t add any additional weight to your figure. It will also give your entire outfit a light and airy feel, without making more petite individuals look short or stocky. Common fabrics in midi dresses include polyester, rayon, spandex, viscose, and elastane. Usually, you’ll see a blend of fabrics, with polyester or rayon being the main material used.
Lastly, you’ll want to think about how to wash and dry your dress. In most cases, dresses are machine washable but should be air-dried rather than going through the dryer to prevent shrinking or damage. If you need to iron your dress before wear, you can do so on a low heat setting in most cases. Keep in mind that some dresses are hand wash only, and we’ll make sure to point these dresses out as we go.
This dress is machine washable. The manufacturer suggests air drying and ironing the dress on low if needed.
The thin material this dress is made from provides just the right amount of stretch.
This dress uses a thicker material, making it a great choice for colder days.
You’ll love this soft, smooth, luxe dress that is fitted through the chest and flares gently to the hem.
This dress is silky, has a lot of stretch, and feels like nothing when you’re wearing it.
No matter what size you need, you’ll love the scoop neckline, ¾ inch sleeves, and trapeze silhouette.
These dresses are designed with care, sewn with precision, and chosen for comfort.
These dresses are made with buttery-soft fabric that stretches well and feels good against your skin.
This dress includes an elastic waist, making it a suitable option to be worn as a maternity dress.
A: If you’re wearing a midi dress during the spring or fall, you might choose to wear a light jacket over it to stay warm. You’ll likely want to choose a pastel print, or something featuring another bright color perfect for the springtime. If it’s summer, you can look for dresses that are lighter in fabric and color as you think about what sandals or sunglasses might match nicely with that particular dress. Also, summer dresses will often show more skin by featuring spaghetti straps or sitting slightly off your shoulders. Finally, if you’re shopping for a midi dress to wear to a more formal gathering, you’ll want to look for something with darker colors. You might also want a fabric that is shiner in color, possibly even with sequins or sheer fabric. You’ll likely pair this dress with matching heels or coordinating accessories, along with your favorite formal hairstyle.
A: The difference really comes down to the length. Maxi dresses are dresses that come all the way to the floor. Mini-skirts typically hit around the mid-thigh, while a traditional skirt is almost always knee-length. You can expect a midi-style dress to always hit you somewhere around your mid-calf.