Maxi, midi or mini: which length when

Maxi: the formal default

Floor length signals effort, covers legs you did not have time to tend, and works in every venue with a floor. The cost is logistics: stairs, mud and bike pedals are all enemies. In this catalogue the maxi section is fifteen dresses deep because it is the wedding-guest default.

Midi: the most usable length

Mid-calf walks, drives and photographs without management. The $14.99 smocked midi is the section’s argument: it does brunch, errands and a rehearsal dinner on the same hem. If you own one dress length, own this one.

Mini: occasion-specific

Minis win at cocktail events, showers and anywhere you will be photographed sitting on high stools with confidence. The eyelet mini with its pearl buttons is the dressed-up version; the sweater dresses turn the same length wintry with tights and boots.

The romper loophole

A dressy romper reads as a mini dress in photos and behaves like shorts in weather. It is the length answer for boats, bikes and festival lawns, with one caveat this catalogue repeats often: check the torso measurement first.

All five guides →