Are maxi dresses for everyone?

[AvonCallingBarksdale]

Oh, help. I'm 5'5" (just) and currently a 12 - nearer 12-14 rather than 10-12. I'd like some nice summer dresses, and everyone has maxi dresses. But whenever I try them on, they look shit . I have upper arms that are flabby, so I'm already paranoid about them and they're deathly white. Are there some body shapes (ie short and a bit podgy) that should just steer clear? What I see in my mind ain't what was looking back at me in the mirror!!

Not for everyone

Not for me.

Am just over 6 ft, I look like a bonkers giantess in one, it accentuates height...

Haha, crosspost with another tall one

IMO they are for no one over the age of 24 and size 10. They are hideous.

I am 39, the same height/size as the OP and live in maxi dresses. The vest type. So there.

Jersey maxis, vest or t-shirt type, with a straight skirt part are amazingly comfortable and flattering. I get loads of compliments when I'm wearing mine. So there!

primallass'was completely agreeing with you, not taking the piss btw.

I have been really reluctant to try the maxi dress due to my height deficiency (ie. I'm a shortie). At just over 5 foot i thought they would look awful.

However I got one in a block colour, it skims my ankles and is quite clingy. I'm a size 6-8 so didn't want anything too flowy otherwise I would look swamped - same with big bold patterns. I've had severel compliments on my tight maxi dress and am surprised.

My friend is a completely different shape, she is tall, gorgeous and curvy (boobs ahoy) size 12, she has a completely different type of maxi dress, it is patterned and colourful and slightly flowy. It compliments her height while making the most of her best assets.

Look for shape, cut and think about patterns or colour. There is probably a maxi out there that would suit most shapes, but shop around and really think about which assets you want to highlight - I would avoid it all together if you have fabulous legs ( ) as then you can wear shorts/skirts without an issue!