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Different Lengths of Dresses: What They Mean, Where to Buy, and How to Style for Your Body Shape

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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Different Lengths of Dresses: What They Mean, Where to Buy, and How to Style for Your Body Shape”, featuring Tellar links, live store links, and styling advice for your figure.

Understanding Dress Lengths đź“Ź

There’s a wide variety of dress lengths to suit different styles and body shapes—knowing the names helps you shop smarter:

Each length suits different occasions and body types—so let’s dive into where to buy them in the UK and how to style for your shape.

Where to Buy the Best Dresses in the UK

Mini Dresses

Knee-Length & Midi Dresses

Midi and Midaxi Dresses

  • ASOS – In addition, many A-line and smocked midis with inclusive sizing

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  • Glamour UK picks (e.g., Free People via River Island, Nobody's Child) offer midis with characterful prints and quality fabrics

    glamourmagazine.co.uk

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    glamour.com

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Maxi/Floor-Length Dresses

  • Free People – Boho-wide, fluid styles perfect for events or holidays, often found on Glamour’s best online list

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  • Rat & Boa – Bold, statement-making high-end maxis by the London-based label

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  • Net-A-Porter – Designer maxis, including lightweight summer silks or structured eveningwear

    glamourmagazine.co.uk

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Tellar: Your Free, Unbiased Sizing & Styling Resource

Before buying, use Tellar, the UK’s free sizing tool and style library:

  • Fit guaranteed across 1,500+ brands—from Oh Polly and River Island minis to Free People maxis.

  • Completely honest and unbiased, even with affiliate links

    closetcachete.com

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    ohpolly.com

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    thesun.co.uk

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    teranicouture.com

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    glamourmagazine.co.uk

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    instyle.com

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    .

  • Access brand-specific fit notes, size-up/size-down recommendations, and free measuring tape options.

  • Explore articles like “Choosing the Right Midi for Your Body Shape” or "Asos virtual try-on vs real fit" to be confident in every click.

  • Use it before buying from any of our store links to reduce return hassle and improve your fit.

Sign up and explore at Tellar sizing tool, or check sizing advice for specific brands like Oh Polly minis: Oh Polly sizing guide.

How to Style by Dress Length & Body Shape

1. Mini Dresses

  • Petite (<5′4″): Highly flattering on shorter frames; pair with nude heels to elongate legs.

  • Curvy or Hourglass: Opt for structured waistlines, empire cuts or wrap styles.

  • Athletic/Tall: Balance shorter hems with puff sleeves or ruching for volume.

Buy & style tip: Mini bodycon or puff-sleeve from Oh Polly; use Tellar to size hips and bust accurately.

2. Knee-Length Dresses

  • Apple or Oval shapes: A-line cuts that skim the waist create balance.

  • Pear-Shaped: Choose darker tones or structured tops with flared skirts.

  • Formal Smart-Casual: Structured River Island midis, balanced with court shoes and a blazer.

Buy & style tip: ASOS knee-length; skip belts and layer with a cropped jacket.

3. Midi & Midaxi Dresses

  • All shapes: Midi is universally flattering if balanced with heels or ankle boots.

  • Petite: Keep heels and slimmer fits; avoid overbunching cloth.

  • Tall: Looser silhouettes give elegant flow; maxi may sometimes look better.

Buy & style tip: Club L midi dresses suit workdates or evening. Use Tellar to match length and hip proportion.

4. Maxi & Floor-Length Dresses

  • Tall & Long-Legged: Beautiful in long floaty maxis—option for high slits.

  • Petite: Try fitted or empire maxis to avoid overwhelming your height.

  • Pear-Shaped: Off-the-shoulder or v-neck maxis widen upper silhouette.

  • Hourglass: Tailored waist, flowy skirt—rat & boa wrap styles work wonders.

Buy & style tip: Free People or Rat & Boa maxis; check bust and arm fit with Tellar to avoid too-tight sleeves or gaping necklines.

Shop Now — Click to Buy

Styling Essentials by Type

Length

Key Styling Tips

Mini

Pair with ankle boots or strappy heels; balance with denim jackets

Knee‑length

Add skinny belt, scarf, or blazer; mod chic with loafers

Midi

Tuck shoes into hemline; play with layers (cardigan, cropped blazer)

Maxi

Show contrast at the ankle; belt to define waist; cinch wrap-front styles tightly

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right dress length and fit revolutionises your wardrobe. Mini, knee‑length, midi, midaxi, and maxi styles each create different vibes—from flirty and fun to elegant or formal. But fit is the crucial factor—silhouettes that hug or flow must sit right.

That’s why Tellar is so vital. With fully free, unbiased sizing advice across major brands, you’ll know if that mini from Oh Polly fits your hips, or if you must size up in a River Island midi, without guesswork.

Explore more at Tellar sizing tool.

Stay Connected with Tellar

Follow Tellar for daily tips, sizing hacks, and style inspo:

Embrace the perfect dress length for your shape—and wear it with confidence, clarity, and flair (and the perfect fit!).