In September 2011, many celebrities donned maxi dresses for Fashion’s Night Out at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles. Still, Nicole Richie shone the brightest with her beautiful hazel-brown eyes!
Nicole Richie captivates at Fashion’s Night Out with her striking hazel eyes, complementing the evening’s allure (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Apega)
Despite her petite height, Nicole Richie wore a lilac, floor-length maxi dress that blended bohemian ease with Hollywood glamour.
A splash of color enhances Nicole Richie’s hazel gaze, adding depth to her Fashion’s Night Out ensemble (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Apega)
The dress features wide, floaty sleeves and beautiful floral embroidery—a testament to her good taste and eye for design.
While the floor-length hem concealed her footwear, Nicole often opts for high heels from Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo to subtly elongate her petite 5’1″ frame.
Nicole Richie, a vision in lilac, showcases a floor-sweeping maxi dress, marrying bohemian flair with Hollywood elegance for Beverly Center’s “Fashion’s Night Out,” which she hosted with Vogue’s Lisa Love at Center Court of the Beverly Center on September 8, 2011 in Los Angeles (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Apega)
She accessorized with a jeweled headband, big silver rings, and a box clutch from her famous House of Harlow 1960 brand. Richie co-hosted the LA Fashion’s Night Out with Vogue’s Lisa Love and Mayor Antonio Ramón Villaraigosa.
Winter Kate Silk Maxi Dress, $395
Nicole Richie’s effortlessly elegant look at Fashion’s Night Out proves that petite women can absolutely pull off maxi dresses with style and confidence.
She’s not alone—many other petite celebrities have embraced the maxi trend and made it their own. Let’s take a look at how stars like Jenna Ortega and Vanessa Hudgens style their floor-length looks to flatter their frames.
Petite Celebrities Embracing Maxi Dresses: Style Inspirations
Maxi dresses can be a chic choice for petite figures when styled thoughtfully. Here are some celebrities who have mastered this look:
Vanessa Hudgens: Bohemian Elegance
- Outfit: Vanessa Hudgens (5’1″) often opts for maxi dresses with subtle prints and a closer fit to avoid overwhelming her petite frame.
- Styling Tip: Choosing prints complementing your size can enhance the overall look. For more insights, read our guide on how to wear a petite maxi dress if you’re short.
Nicole Richie: Slinky Red Gown
- Event: ‘Paris & Nicole’ at Vulture Festival
- Outfit: Nicole Richie (5’1″) wore a minimalist slinky red gown featuring long sleeves, a turtleneck, and an exposed seam along the center front.
- Details: The fitted design accentuated her slender figure, showcasing how petite individuals can confidently wear maxi dresses.
- More Details: Nicole Richie’s stunning red maxi dress at Vulture Festival
Selma Blair: Vibrant in Orange Maxi Shirtdress
- Outfit: Selma Blair (5’2 ½” / 158.8 cm) was spotted on Melrose Avenue in a bold tie-dye-inspired orange maxi shirtdress with quarter sleeves and a high round neckline.
- Styling Tip: For petite figures, adding a belt to cinch the waist can provide definition and prevent the dress from appearing shapeless. Choosing maxi dresses with fitted silhouettes or subtle prints can also enhance the overall look.
- More Details: Selma Blair’s vibrant orange maxi dress sparks debate
Jenna Ortega: Elevating with Platforms
- Event: Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special
- Outfit: Jenna Ortega (5’1″) wore a chocolate brown satin Monse gown, appearing taller by pairing it with concealed high platform heels.
- Styling Tip: Using platform shoes under a floor-length gown can add height without hemming. Learn more about this hack in our article on Jenna Ortega’s red carpet trick.
Jenna Dewan: Boho Maternity Chic
- Outfit: Jenna Dewan (5’2″ / 157.5 cm) embraced a 60s-inspired maternity look in a flowing red floral maxi dress, paired with a classic denim jacket while out in West Hollywood.
- Styling Tip: Layering a structured denim jacket over a flowy maxi adds balance and shape — a great tip for petites and expecting moms alike.
- More Details: Jenna Dewan’s effortless maternity style in a floral maxi dress
These examples demonstrate that petite individuals can confidently embrace maxi dresses with the proper styling. For more tips and inspirations, explore our articles on styling maxi dresses for petites and petite celebrities who stand tall in style.