Maxi vs. Midi dresses: How to choose

From wedding season to seasonal parties, finding the perfect women’s formal dress can be a year-round odyssey. With such a huge range of styles on the market, settling on a length is the first decision to face in the Big Dress Search - and [midi](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/women/clothing/dresses?prefn1=womenClothingDressesLength&prefv1=Midi&fi=c) vs. [maxi](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/women/clothing/dresses?prefn1=womenClothingDressesLength&prefv1=Maxi&fi=c) is often the face-off. Both styles are timeless and on-trend, so how do you decide between them? Allow us to help you out.

##### **Maxi Dresses**

A lot of the time, people assume maxi dresses can only be worn in uber-formal settings. While they do fall past the ankle and can be the perfect choice for weddings or black-tie events, they can also be much more casual. Light fabrics like chiffon turn this style into an effortless, boho look that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Alternatively, silk or satin makes a maxi dress more formal, perfect for [bridesmaids](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/women/clothing/dresses/wedding-guest) or [work dress](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/women/clothing/dresses/work) codes. However, this doesn’t mean they’re perfect for everyone and every occasion. When trying to decide if this style is the one you want to go for, it’s good to consider these factors:

###### **What we love** * On tall women, maxi dresses look stunning, as they accentuate your height beautifully. This doesn’t mean shorter women can’t wear them, though: you just have to find the right shape and cut. * The full length of these dresses means they’re great for colder seasons, covering your legs and making a great transitional piece as the weather changes. * We’re seeing a huge trend in full length skirts at the moment, and you can achieve this look with a maxi dress by just throwing a jumper over the top, making it a year-round piece.

##### **Midi Dresses**

We love a midi dress for semi-formal occasions, like [cocktail parties](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/women/clothing/dresses/cocktail) or [work events](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/women/clothing/dresses/work). From silk midi dresses to more substantial linen or cotton, this length looks sophisticated in any design, and falls somewhere between the knee and the ankle, depending on your height. These dresses are a little more versatile than full length ones, but still have all the same grace and elegance. Thinking of going for this length? Here’s what to bear in mind when deciding:

###### **What we love** * This style tends to look great on women of all heights and body types, so you shouldn’t have to worry about it being too short or too long on you: it’s all part of the style. * Midi dresses can easily be made more or less formal depending on the occasion, making them very versatile. * The midi length is a great one for transitioning to warmer seasons, keeping you warm enough on the colder summer days (they’re inevitable in the UK), but still letting you breathe when it gets warmer.

##### **Landing on a length** It’s not black and white to choose a length for dresses, but generally, maxi dresses work perfectly for more formal events if you want an elegant and dramatic look. Midi dresses are a great choice if you want a more versatile style that works for both formal and more smart-casual events. But most importantly, you should choose a length that makes you exude confidence, wherever you’re going in it. You’ll look great in any length - it’s how you feel that matters.