How to style a midi dress
All hail the midi dress. This hard-working wardrobe staple gets dressed up, dressed down, and worn year-round. So how do you style it? Believe it or not, the ‘midi’ length was once considered a little awkward to style. But those days are long gone. With the right shoes, jackets, and accessories, a midi can look as flattering and stylish as any other dress. Perhaps even more so.
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What is a midi dress?
Midi dresses are calf-length dresses, with a hemline that falls somewhere between the knee and ankle. For a bit of context – any dress that falls above the knee is considered to be a ‘mini dress’. Dresses that fall below the ankle are ‘maxi dresses’. Like any great fashion silhouette, the midi comes in a vast range of different styles – from occasion wear to casual summer dresses and comfy knits.
How to style midi dresses
If you’re unfamiliar with this particular length, it can be tricky to know where to start. The truth is, midi dresses are incredibly versatile and can look just as stylish with a pair of strappy sandals as they do with chunky biker boots. Likewise, they look fabulous on their own or as part of a layered-up ensemble – think slouchy knits and scarves in the winter, or light cardigans in the warmer months. All you need is a little styling inspiration to set up your midi dress for the different seasons.
How to wear midi dresses in winter
When it’s cold out, midi dresses are a great option for both daytime outfits and ‘going-out-out’ ensembles.
For cosy daytime meet-ups
If you need a casual winter midi dress look, opt for a warm knit midi or layer up a satin style with a super soft jumper for a laid-back feel.
Layering a fine-knit long-sleeved top underneath a strappy midi dress also looks stylishly weather-appropriate without hiding any part of the dress under winter layers.
Combine your dress with a pair of flat, chunky boots – Chelsea and Biker styles are both good options. You could even go for a pair of edgy hiking-style boots, which can look particularly cool juxtaposed against a flowy calf-length dress.
When you’re heading out for the evening
For more formal occasions, opt for midi dresses in rich hues such as blacks, plums or deep blues.
Choose a style with ruffle detailing, metallic finishing touches or sparkles, or keep it simple with the midi version of the LBD (little black dress).
Pair your party midi with some strappy heels or keep things cosy with a pair of heeled ankle or knee-high boots. Finally, accessorise with a plush clutch bag for a luxurious winter look.
What kind of coat do you wear with a midi dress?
Knowing what coat to wear with your midi dress can be one of the trickiest elements to get right.
As a rule of thumb, it’s best to opt for either a coat that’s roughly as long or longer than the dress, or a short coat or jacket that emphasises the waistline (cropped jackets also work well).
Coats in between these two lengths can create an unflattering silhouette because they cut off the midi dress in the wrong place.
It’s also worth considering whether you're adding a coat for a formal look or a casual outing.
For a more formal look
Pair a dressy midi with a mid-length wool coat to hit all the right chic notes. Or, for an injection of glamour, a full-length faux fur coat could be just the ticket.
For casual daywear styling
Try pairing a knitted midi with a long puffer jacket for an extra-warm look on the coldest days about town.
It’s also hard to go wrong with a cool leather biker or bomber jacket, which could look great with both dressy and casual midi dresses. Just remember to keep it hip-length or shorter.
Shoes to wear with winter midi dresses
While pairing a shoe or boot with a midi dress is no longer a controversial act, the reasons why certain styles and combinations work best is worth a closer look.
Ankle boots
A flat ankle boot in a biker, Chelsea or even hiking style can work well with most midi dresses. As can heeled ankle boots.
Ankle boots teamed with longer midi dress styles draw the eye to the slimmest part of the leg, above the ankle, which is exposed. This meeting point of the dress and boot gives the whole look more flattering proportions.
However, if a midi dress sits just below the knee, ankle boots might not be the best option. Paired with ankle boots, this length of midi dress might create a 'cut-off' effect, making your legs look shorter than they actually are.
It’s best to pair ankle boots with midi dresses that fall at least halfway down the calf.
Knee-high boots
Knee-high boots, both flat and heeled, can work really well with midi dresses – especially those midis that have a loose fit around the legs.
By contrast, knee-highs may not work as well with bodycon midi dresses, as the boots may look a bit clunky underneath the figure-hugging fabric.
Pair a flowy midi or an A-line satin design with slouchy leather knee-highs for an effortless look with a touch of glamour.
Heels
Kitten heels, stilettos, block heels and platforms elongate the leg and create a dainty focal point, drawing your eye all the way down the dress - perfect for showing off a showstopper midi dress.
How to wear midi dresses in summer
From chiffon floral numbers to simple slip dresses – there is an abundance of midi styles to try in the summer.
If you’re heading off on holiday, pair your summer midis with strappy sandals or chunky sliders, and a slouchy beach bag you can toss them into.
Got a busy wedding season coming up? There are tons of wedding guest midi dresses to choose from that you can re-wear throughout the summer.
Opt for a midi in a bold, colourful print, and look out for stylish detailing like puff sleeves or off-the-shoulder designs. Pair with espadrille wedges or strappy heels, a statement clutch, and your favourite pair of sunglasses for a polished look.
Finally, for casual park days and even the office – dress down your favourite midi dresses with a cool pair of trainers and a denim jacket.
Shoes to wear with summer midi dresses
Summer midi dresses will pair well with most types of sandals – from sky-high stilettos to wedges, gladiator sandals and simple sliders.
Strappy heels, platforms and wedges
For special occasions, try pairing a flowy summer midi dress with a pair of barely-there strappy heeled sandals.
Or, for a sturdier (and probably comfier) feel, opt for a heeled sandal with a platform or wedge design.
Loafers and brogues
A summer midi dress looks great with a pair of loafers, worn with ankle socks for a preppy summer look. Throw on a blazer, cardigan or just a satchel for extra credit.
Flat sandals
Strappy sandals and gladiator sandals are a brilliant accessory to a midi dress. They offer an extra layer of detail at the ankle and, teamed with your midi, it creates a top-to-toe style that feels complete.
Chunky sandals, sliders and flatforms are perfect for a more relaxed look and are the key to down-playing dressier styles of midi you want to wear every day.
Trainers
Clean, un-scuffed trainers look great with midis in summer prints and patterns such as florals, stripes or plaid. What’s more, you can step onto a canal boat or climb a hill for picnics with a view without losing your footing.
Find your midi dress style
Midi dresses are incredibly versatile. Fans of the midi shape and length can carry this style through all the seasons and enjoy them with a variety of shoes, accessories and outerwear options.
Winter midis can look just as on-trend with knee-high boots as they do with sparkly stilettos and statement-making platforms. Likewise, summer midis work for any occasion, whether paired with glamorous heels or simple sliders.
To tackle the trickier aspect of midi styling - choosing a coat or jacket - just remember the golden rule: go for a design that’s roughly as long as, or longer than the midi – or a shorter jacket that falls on or above the hip.
Midi dresses are really fun to experiment with, too, so have a play around with your style - whether you layer them up, keep them simple, dress them up or down.