I have come to accept the fact that a midi dress, any midi dress (I’ve recently tried on at least 5 bajillion), will only ever make it juuuust past my knees at best…and no further. I had dreams of sporting a form-fitting one that would so gracefully hit my lower calf. Basically, I fantasized about being petite…as per usual. Silly Cams. Silly. Silly. Silly. #tallgirlproblems I tell you, the struggle is real.
I was about to give up on ever finding a midi dress that would work on me until I came across this one from Nordstrom and….haaaaay oooooo. I actually liked how it hit just below the knee. It got me thinking. Do true midi dresses, meaning the ones that really do hit at the middle of the calf, actually look good (on both short and tall girls)? Hmmm. I’m thinking no. I mean, unless you wear sky high heels with them, you’re going to look frumpy and stumpy…and we’re talking about wearing a midi dress casually for day-to-day, so heels of any sort are obviously off the table (unless you’re one of those unicorn women).
So. Without further adieu…
My conclusion: midi dresses look best if they hit just below the knee
Wow, Cams. Wow. So glad that you enlightened us so…and made sure to put that in ridiculously large and bold font. I know, I know. Mind blowwwwwn. You’re welcome.
Now, how to spice up a more basic, fitted midi dress? Simply. You can layer a chambray button-up or light jacket over top (think longer style, because a crop with the length of a midi and flats is a no no, in my option…it seems to chop it all up in a weird way), add a cross body bag , and throw on simple, yet effective jewelry. The Kendra Scott double ring packs a punch…and I love it – wearing it now, actually. Cool, affordable shades never hurt either…and now that our rain-pocolypse has ended, I’ve been wearing mine every time we leave the house.
wearing
dress: Tildon Double Layer V-neck Midi Dress from Nordstrom (wearing a size S for reference) – SERIOUSLY comfortable…and it has two layers, so it’s not flimsy and see-through. Win.
shirt: BP. Chambray Boyfriend Shirt (wearing a size S for reference) – I like it buttoned with white jeans and shorts, but I’ve recently been throwing it over dresses. It’s perfect for this in-between season when I don’t want to wear a jacket.
sandals: Sam Edelman Eavan Gladiators – I basically wore them every day this past weekend at the RS conference. I brought heels to try and be all cool, but just couldn’t…these were calling my name too loudly.
bag: Big Buddha cross body bag, which I can’t seem to find anywhere (bummer, because I dig its simplicity and the tassels on each side), but I did find another one of theirs with sweet tassels on one side. I wear this one all of the time now…even with the kids in tow. I just bring both now, honestly – the larger kid bag and the cross body that has my wallet, chap stick and stuff like that in it that I like to be able to grab quickly.
bling: Kendra Scott Rachel Double Ring and Essie Woven Bracelet (both in Iridescent Drusy)
shades: BP. ‘Inspo Facto’ sunglasses (I also have these in black…and yeh, the only two pairs of shades I need this Summer)
I can totally do this midi dress thing now. If you rock one, short or tall..any style…we hope to see it on you on Instagram! #myeverydayedit, yo.
Cheers,
Cams le tall one
photos: Brandon Brown Photography
Love it!!
I just hope its not the kind of dress that only looks good on camera
It’s not! ….which surprised me…even with it being a more form-fitting one. I think it’s because it is double layered – not flimsy and see through. I love it.
Love this look Cams…so effortless and chic! The colour of that dress is amazing…and that ring (**,) makes me want to pack up my things and come live in the US just for the shopping!!!… I’ve worn mine like this with ankle booties as well…and white converse works pretty good too…I have another look in mind I am yet to try now that the weather is a bit cooler here in South Africa…Midi dress with a plaid shirt tied around my waist, moto jacket, white converse and a beanie.
Love that idea- will file it away for fall/winter here in Boston in the States!!!
Same! Awesome.
Oh, man. That sounds like an outfit right up my alley. Wearing it with my chucks next time I put this dress on! Cheers, Candice.
Oh I LOVE this! Wonder how it will work for a tall mama with a little pooch left and who is more pear shaped? Thoughts? LOVE it on you- effortless, simple, chic and cool. Thanks for the inspiration!
Well, I have a pooch that seems to continue to grow…a recent development. Ha! It’s probably because I haven’t even tried to work out in…oh…a year. 😀 I still liked the look, even with a little pooch. It has two layers, so that does help to hold everything in a bit more. 🙂
Cams- I see zippo trace of pooch on you mama!!! You look gorgeous!!!!
What exactly is a midi dress? Does it refer to the length? If I google it I see such variety… Novice question!
Weeeellll, I looked it up and a “true midi” is one that hits mid calf, apparently…so yes, length. There are a variety of different styles though, but I still say that right below the knee seems to be the best length for one (for dressing casually with flats, anyways).
Looks great on you, Cam! Funny — on Friday i also threw on a dress that hit me just below the knee. I tried a cardigan with it. Nope. Long sweater. Nope. Then saw my denim shirt on the washed-but-not-folded-yet pile and plucked it out and put it on — huh, who knew? It looked good! So I was surprised and happy to see this post! 😀
It’s cold enough here in Chicago (well not today but yesterday) that I then wrapped my neck in a Target scarf and topped it off with a military jacket — you guys have def taught me about layering, so all credit goes to you.
Also, many thanks to Shana and you for the small crossbody + bigger bag idea you mention in this post. I’ve been doing that lately (with my Orla Kiely for Target crossbody bag — love that bad boy) and it really, really works. So HANDY to have that stuff close. Both going to work on public transit and being out with my little son — works equally well in both situations. Thanks again for the great ideas and keep on rockin’!
Oh, yay! That’s awesome, Jennifer. I was unsure about the shirt over it too, but as soon as I put it on I was sold. 🙂
S has taught me a thing or two about layering as well…especially when it comes to layering turtlenecks under shirts and sweaters and jackets. ;)…under all kinds of layers. Haha!
The credit all goes to S on the cross body bag AND baby bag – such a brilliant idea. I have always been frustrated that I have these cute smaller bags, but could never really use them. Now I just bring both and it really works…and makes me happy, so win.
Cheers.
Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to respond to all of us so thoughtfully, Camille. A very kind gesture — thanks!
I definitely agree about the length. Just below the knee is so flattering on almost all body types. Put me down as someone who will likely forgo the true midi length trend. You look fabulous!
HECK YEH, CS! S and I had a bit of a fashion disagreement on that (and the crop jacket comment I made) – haha! I still stand by what I said. Cheers.
Great inspiration! I have a grey midi dress similar to this that I hadn’t figured out how to make work for spring. This is a great solution!
Whoop whoop! Nice. So happy I’ve inspired you to wear it, Jen. Cheers. 🙂