Mini, Midi, Maxi: Pick Your Dream Dress Length

Choosing a prom dress can give anyone a headache; however, it’s much easier when you know which dress length you want. Whether you’re going for something that’s sleek and sexy, fun and flirty, or gorgeous and glamorous, the right dress will make you feel amazing. Read on to learn about the four most common dress lengths to help you find your dream prom dress.

Before We Begin…

It’s important to keep a couple of factors in mind. The following descriptions are only general guidelines; where a hem falls depends entirely on your height and body shape. Petite individuals may find a tea-length dress quickly becomes a long dress while taller wearers may see their mid-length dress become a mini. The best way to ensure a proper fit is to look at the dress’ length and measure yourself from your collarbone to see where it will land.

Second, think of where you’re wearing the dress. While that slinky micro-mini would look great at a party, it’s probably not the best bet for your graduation or a wedding. Take into consideration the formality of the event you’re attending to find the right dress for your needs.

Mini Dresses Elevate Style

Mini dresses commonly end at mid-thigh, creating the shortest dress you’ll see at more formal events. While most people think of mini-dresses as form-fitting, mini-dresses actually come in a variety of styles that can elevate your look to the next level. Flowy A-lines or fit-and-flare styles create fun, flirty looks that definitely work for semi-formal events, even with a higher hemline. Finally, shorter dresses let you show off your legs while keeping you comfortable, meaning you’ll look and feel great—even during those sweltering summer months.

Standout in the Middle

Whether you call them mid-, knee-, tea-length, or midi, these dresses allow you to look great at a variety of events. Most dresses stop right above the knee to mid-calf, depending on the cut, to showcase your legs while keeping you modest. Mid-length dresses come in a variety of styles, ranging from form-fitting body-con to loose A-lines, making them one of the most versatile lengths on our list. Ideal for wearers of all ages, mid-length dresses work for nearly any event you can think of depending on embellishments and style. Furthermore, mid-length dresses can easily be dressed up or down depending on what you’re going to, looking just as great with casual flats as it does with pumps, meaning you can wear your dress again and again to a variety of events with a few simple accessory changes.

Maximal Chic

Want something long and flowy for a more bohemian vibe? Maxi dresses will be right up your alley. Hovering around the ankles, maxi dresses also go by tea-length (you’ll notice a little bit of cross-over between terms) or full-length. Not to be confused with long dresses, which go to the floor, maxi dresses provide a more laid-back look that’s perfect for your next family gathering or spending time with your friends. While there are some beautiful maxi dresses, most never go beyond semi-casual. Those looking to wear this dress length to a formal event often choose a tea-length dress. While tea-length dresses technically start around mid-calf length, more formal options usually end around the ankles, with plenty of embellishments or chic details to push your look to the next level.

Be the Belle of the Ball

Long dresses tend to be what most people think of when looking for a graduation gown. Featuring floor-length hems, these dresses come in a variety of styles, ranging from casual to black-tie formal. Form-fitting, loose-fitting, short train, long train, no train, ball gown, A-line, and a plethora of other gown styles all fall under long dresses. Many people choose a long dress for their graduation gown, loving the elegance the style provides even with more casual designs. Some of these dresses can get extremely intricate, featuring beading and sequins, while others are simpler creations that can be worn again and again.

Shopping for a new dress can be a really fun experience; however, it’s important to know what you want before you go shopping. By thinking about the right hemline for your dress, you can find the dress of your dreams in no time. Whether you decide to go flirty with a mini, proper in a midi, chic in a maxi, or glamorous in a long dress, the right dress can make you look and feel like a million bucks. To see our prom and graduation gowns visit our website or check out our Instagram.