Tried one on in New Look today (the lovely tie dyed one) and also one in Peacocks.
I looked like one of those characters in Trumpton with no feet. Or a pontipine.
I am 5'3 (size 10). To wear a maxi I'd have to a) get something from a "petite" range or b) cut about six inches of material off the bottom.
Fortunately I found lots of colourful summery things to fit a shortarse like myself.