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Style & beauty

Midi (maxi) dress for a short person.

(32 Posts)
alltheglitterglue Fri 04-Jun-21 17:07:31

I’m around 5 foot tall, the busty, hour-glass kind.

I would like to buy some midi dresses —which will look maxi on me— but my height and shape mean that I can’t wear anything entirely shapeless.

Most of my wardrobe is comprised of plain colours; blues, pinks, purples, browns, greens, beige, black, grey, white orange & yellow don’t suit me.

I have just seen this dress. What do you think? Am I just having an unrealistic-about-my-limitations menopausal moment?

www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Clothing/Dresses/SAMII-Geo-printed-rib-detail-midi-dress-Blue/p/251632-BLUE

Thank you all thanks

alltheglitterglue Fri 04-Jun-21 17:09:35

There should be a full stop after white. It’s orange and yellow that don’t suit me.

PinkCakes Fri 04-Jun-21 17:09:55

I'm also short (5ft 1) and busty, and I like longer dresses in summer. I don't think the one in your link is at all flattering. The neckline is too high.

Marydoll Fri 04-Jun-21 17:15:17

I am very similar to you in height and build, but I don't think the dress the link would be flattering on me. The wide sleeves, would just make me look even rounder. sad

Danni Minogue has started designing a petite range for QVC.

www.qvcuk.com/dannii-minogue/fashion/dresses/_/N-1bpktc7Zlfmd/c.html?limit=96&ro=1bpktc7ZlfmaZlfmd&navSrc=REFI

tanith Fri 04-Jun-21 17:16:33

I agree unflattering neckline and not sure about zigzag stripes either.

DillytheGardener Fri 04-Jun-21 17:32:14

Agree with other posters, you need a v or scoop neck, if you have stripes they need to be vertical rather than horizontal, if you have a belt it needs to be narrow and at your narrowest point otherwise it can make you look matronly and thick waisted ( and just focus all the attention towards your chest.) picking belts that don’t contrast to the fabric you are wearing is important too. I.e best to wear a white belt with white dress, or dark blue belt with a mid blue dress. Most important of all a really good supportive bra! Try get fitted if you can when things open up more, I can guarantee you will not be the size you think you are.

Mattsmum2 Fri 04-Jun-21 17:32:56

I’m about the same, 5 ft 1 , size 16 dress and 40dd bust. I wouldn’t wear that. Even though I have an open heart surgery scar I would still rather have a lower neck line. I’ve just ordered a midi dress from monsoon called Tracey blue print. When I had my colours done, years ago the consultant said, always buy something you love. I’ve tried to do that over the years x

alltheglitterglue Fri 04-Jun-21 17:56:43

High necks and sleeves like that suit me.

V-necks aren’t necessarily the answer for me, the dip either needs to be low or barely there. I have broad shoulders, so a mid-dip v makes me look masculine but with breasts, or wider than I am.

Within a 30 minute drive we have an excellent haberdashery and lingerie shop. I go there, have a fitting and buy a few at least every year or two.

I’m specifically asking about the pattern on the dress in my link.

alltheglitterglue Fri 04-Jun-21 18:01:14

Mattsmum2 I only keep things that I love, but as someone who can’t be vaccinated yet allergies, waiting for hospital appointment I am only having shopping delivered at the moment. It is often difficult to know what I will love until I try something on.

romaroot Fri 04-Jun-21 18:49:21

I'm 4ft 11 and have the same problem.
Sometimes I can get away with it, but the fit needs to be exact.
I used to like Bille and Blossom? (DP) or some things from Wallis, it's hard now.
I do sympathise.

Lucca Fri 04-Jun-21 18:55:14

I’m a short person too but no bust! Equally no waist so would not wear this

Grandmajean Fri 04-Jun-21 18:58:36

I am 4ft 11 and tiny all over. It is really hard to get good quality Petite clothing. I have found Boden fits well and M and S Mia trousers are great as you can get them in numerous lengths. Alltheglitterglue if you know you look good in that style of dress then you should go for it. We learn ( not very quickly in my case ) what looks good on us.

Lucca Fri 04-Jun-21 18:58:50

What about something like this from River Island. I gather the wrap neckline is good for busty ladies

Mattsmum2 Fri 04-Jun-21 19:03:38

alltheglitterglue

Mattsmum2 I only keep things that I love, but as someone who can’t be vaccinated yet allergies, waiting for hospital appointment I am only having shopping delivered at the moment. It is often difficult to know what I will love until I try something on.

Yes that’s what I do, try on in the comfort of your own home. Hope you find something fab soon xx

Blossoming Fri 04-Jun-21 19:08:40

I agree with everyone’s comments about the neckline. I’m 5ft 2ins, size 16 with FF bosoms. High neck dresses make them look like one huge uniboob!

grannyrebel7 Fri 04-Jun-21 19:16:03

Love that dress you posted Lucca. Sorry don't like the Ted Baker one. Agree with everyone else's comments.

Sara1954 Fri 04-Jun-21 19:17:32

Me too, don’t like the neckline at all.
I am five foot and half an inch, and wear long skirts and dresses all the time.
I do tend to be a bit more hippyish, I’ve just bought a dress from the East website. Haven’t really been keen on their new look, but this is long and flowing, white with black embroidery (having to have it taken up though)
There are actually quite a few nice long loose fitting dresses this year.

CanadianGran Fri 04-Jun-21 19:30:11

I like the pattern of the material, it's not too busy for a small person, but I agree with others that the top of the dress could be unflattering. The neck is very high and the contrast ribbing makes it stand out. If it was v-necked it would be nice.

But you won't know if you don't try it, and if it captured your attention, then go for it.

Elegran Fri 04-Jun-21 19:46:47

I suspect the paler top of the bodice will make your shouders look even wider, and your boobs look as though they continue up to your ears, but you will find out if that is true or not when you try it on.

MiniMoon Fri 04-Jun-21 19:53:57

I'm 5' 3" and a size 14/16. Yesterday I ordered a maxi dress from Amazon. It's due to arrive tomorrow. If it fits nicely I'll post a picture and give you the information. There were two styles to choose from, and loads of different colours.

NotSpaghetti Fri 04-Jun-21 20:00:02

I like the pattern but the waist being elastic would be too hot for me and if, like me, you have a large bust the waist would probably move up to under the breasts!

If you like it though, why not try it? There's only the postage to lose. BTW it's on several websites so you may find one with free returns?

alltheglitterglue Fri 04-Jun-21 20:51:41

Grandmajean I agree with you that Boden’s petite range is good. My only complaint is that their dresses usually come in black, blue and 2 x pattern colour ways that I rarely like.

That said, I am going to look at their website now to see whether there is anything suitable there now.

M&S trousers are good, yes.

The shape of that dress would be good on me Lucca, as long as the v hits at a good point. The yellow flowers make it a no along with the fact that they don’t have my size in stock.

Thank you Mattsmum2 me too! xx

I know that the high neck would look good because I own some high neck dresses, as well as turtle neck tops, polo necks too. They suit me ??‍♀️.

Among many other things dresses that don’t suit me include the beautiful, voluminous trapeze-style dresses that are everywhere at the moment.

My Mum buys quite a lot from East Sara1954, she does look good in their clothes but as a result, I don’t ever look there. I will take a look now.

That would be very useful MiniMoon. I know that a lots of people seem to find good clothes on Amazon, but I’m never sure. It’s the sizing that I wonder about in particular.

My reason for looking at Ted Baker in the first place NotSpaghetti is that I have quite a few of their skater/fit and flare dresses so I know that they are guaranteed to fit and suit me. Whenever I buy anything from anywhere I always search first for the best price and the best offers.

The pattern is the thing that I’m wondering about. I own quite a few floral dresses and thought that it’s one of those dresses that will either really work or...it really won’t.

Grandmafrench Fri 04-Jun-21 21:01:26

High neck makes you have a much bigger bosom !
The dress is on a 5'9" model - you'd seriously have to shorten one for your size
The chevron pattern is a bit busy and might swamp you at 5'

mrswoo Fri 04-Jun-21 21:59:57

I’m just under 5 foot and I’m afraid I wouldn’t wear that dress. I feel that it would be a case of the dress wearing me as it’s too “busy” for a short person.
I like the dress that Lucca suggested - especially as it would hide the tops of my arms which are not a pretty sight!

Ellan Fri 04-Jun-21 22:34:01

So sorry alltheglitter...
I don't like the neckline, or the pattern on the dress
I am 5'2" and I go for plain every time
I buy midi length and they are maxi on me
I have just bought a Coast broderie anglaise dress, perfect length
But, do you know what, if you fancy it, go for it