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Wearing a Maxi Dress When You're Short


Don't let the platform sandals fool you, I'm only 5 feet and 4 inches tall. In America, that seems like an average height for a woman. But when I shop I often have to wear petites. This is especially true now that I shop at higher-end stores whose target audience is young, working women. For example, I can't wear Anthropologie's regular sized clothes, even if they are my usual size.


Then there's all those rules about wearing maxi skirts and dresses when you're short. You've heard the rules. "Wearing a maxi dress will make you look even shorter," they say. I also once heard someone say never mix patterns, but that rule has long since been revoked. Now I think it's time to make a motion to end this "no maxi dresses for short people" rule.


I love maxi skirts and dresses, which is why I broke down and bought this off-white maxi dress from Clad and Cloth after months of seeing the dress in my Instagram feed. The end result: I look taller! Sure, I paired the maxi dress with a pair of thrifted platform sandals, a sun hat from Target, and a red bandana also from Clad and Cloth, but even without all the accessories, I love the way I look in the dress.


Perhaps its the drop waist and a-line cut that help make me look longer. I've tried to think of how I could wear this same dress in a more boho-way. Right now my look screams vacationing heiress more than Clad and Cloth's original style. I'm sure with my black felt hat and a pair of wicker slides, I could relive my prairie girl fantasies.


It's never easy retraining ourselves to like our bodies, especially when we've spent twenty some years hating them. Every day I struggle with liking myself for who I am, my short stature that forces me to wear petites; my wide hips that make jeans an absolute nightmare (looking at you Levi's); and tiny boobs that can disappear in even the most pushiest of bras. But, then I remember I wouldn't want to be anyone else.


I don't say any of this to get people's approval. Ironically, a couple of weeks ago I wore this same hat to a concert and some guy made a point of telling me how good I looked in it. "Don't stop wearing hats," he said as he walked away. 



First off, I'd continue wearing hats even if I didn't look hot in them, anyone who knows me knows my love of hats. Secondly, I don't need someone's approval to wear what I want. Just like I don't need to listen to rules that are suppose to help me look more attractive. I'll wear my maxi skirts and dresses, and look damn good while doing it. 

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