Petites: can you wear maxi dresses?

[Downsizeddumpling]

I was tempted by a maxi dress in H&M with a shirted top half and straps. I’d have to wear a t shirt underneath to disguise my upper arms though.

Do maxi dresses ( not from petite ranges) work on petites?

I've got yet another maxi dress (midi for the normals, it'll be maxi on me) ordered online and on its way. It'll probably go back like all the others. I'm 5ft. I look awful in the ones that are gathered at the waist, I'm a little overweight and it just makes me look pregnant!
Also my legs are my best feature (I carry weight round the middle but exercise has made my legs quite toned) so I feel more confident in a shorter dress.
But I long to waft around on summer days in a maxi dress! I'm convinced I'll eventually find The One.

Seriously? I’m petite and wear a lot of maxi dresses.

Definitely seriously. I’m 5’1 and something about my body shape make me look absolutely ridiculous in maxi dresses.