I don't usually wear maxi dresses because i am tall (5'10) so they usually aren't "maxi" on me. i'm also hourglass shaped and maxis with no waist definition make me look frumpy. this dress solves both those problems! it's very long and the waist has attached ties to define and keep it from being too billowy. it's also lined to the knees so you can wear with confidence but still have the bottom be light and breezy.