Fashion You Want: Petite Dresses
There's nothing harder for petites to find than a well-fitting dress (yes, even tougher than the "perfect" pair of pants). Shorter arms mean cuffing sleeves is a must. A well-placed waist seam on taller women suddenly becomes a drop-waist on us. Standard armholes end up exposing rib cages and scoop necks droop into plunging necklines. And, the list goes on… Have you slipped on a mini dress only to find out that it looks more like a maxi or tried on a maxi only to discover yourself drowning in extra fabric? Trust us, we’ve been there. We also understand that “petite” doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a size zero.
We understand that the road to the perfect petite dress isn’t a quick decision. So, we’ve put together a list of beautiful dresses that will look good on every petite woman’s shape, whether you’re shopping by style or shopping by occasion. We want to encourage our petite ladies to own whatever room they’re in, and if that confidence boost comes in the form of a fabulous dress, then who are we to argue? #BuyTheDress
Shop by Style:
These Dresses Look Wonderful on Petites
Wrapped Up Day or Night in a Wrap Dress
Get a custom fit by tying a petite wrap dress around the smallest part of your waist. Solid wrap dresses in unexpected colors like purple or cool prints like plaid will stand out. You can always keep it neutral, too. It’s up to you!
Have a Flair for the Fit and Flare Dress
Well-fitted through the torso + flared at the waist = the perfect petite fit and flare dress. You’ll find breezy versions you can wear every day or polished picks to rock at work. Pick a short- or long-sleeve version based on preference.
Cozy Up to a Sweater Dress
When it’s finally sweater weather, give your crewneck and jeans a break. Switch it up with a sweater dress. Make sure the fit is not too big and not too snug; just right (whatever that means to you) is the way to go. Sweater dresses bring on the texture with ribbing and knitted design—visual interest for the win!
Give ’Em Chills in a Cold-Shoulder Dress
Strategic and intentional: a great approach to life, but also can be applied to the amount of skin you flaunt while wearing a petite cold-shoulder dress. Balance the bare top with a midi or maxi length. Pair with your favorite barely-there sandals or heels to elevate the entire look.
Shop by Occasion:
Dresses for All You Do
Keep Things Casual
For those days you wake up and feel like wearing a dress, petite casual dresses are here to answer the urge. Throw one on when your calendar is free from commitment and you’ve got time (and the style game) to kill. Simple solids or small-scale prints are both timeless. An above-the-knee hemline with shortened side seams will give the illusion of a few extra inches in height.
Feelin’ Formal
What style of petite formal dresses will look best on you? Consider midi, maxi or sheath dresses your petite formal frontrunners. Sleeveless options are abundant and perfect to pair with a shawl if you’re prone to getting chilly. Go for the gold dress if you want to win the honor of best-dressed guest, or keep it sleek and sophisticated in a black number with a flounce hem to elongate your torso.
Nights on the Town
Put your party dress on! Meet friends or a date for drinks and appetizers while wearing a petite cocktail dress in a neutral color. Trust us, you’ll stand out—in a good way—next to a sea of denim. Will dancing be involved? Rock a spicy red dress while you turn up the heat on the dance floor. Pick mini or midi lengths to show off those legs, because, well, why not?
An Extra Fancy Event
Play the long game in a petite gown…and win! Try a floor-grazing gown in a solid color and matching heels—the monochrome look is a petite secret weapon because wearing one shade from head to toe elongates the frame. Metallic and velvet dresses (and jumpsuits) are stunning choices for a gala or wedding reception.
Summer, Summer, Summertime!
A sunny disposition during the summer? Look to petite summer dresses to put a smile on your face. Lightweight and A-line are two features to look out for when perusing the racks for just the right summertime frock. Lace-up styles are a standout trend you won’t get tired of.
Style Tip: A perfectly fitted blazer can lengthen your torso, slim your waist and be a hip-skimming purchase all in one. Worth investing in to top it all!