Can a pear shape wear a maxi dress?

So I’d like to wear maxi dresses, particularly because of the length. I have one and I keep trying them on at stores, but I feel like they just look nasty on me. I’m a pear shape, and the widest part of my hips/legs is really low. Like this ladies’. See how the widest part is below her hips?
When I wear a maxi dress it really shows. (like in the link above)

Is it pretty unflattering, or not so bad?

[Please don’t anyone give me the classic, “If you want to wear it, wear it.”, answer.]