The best petite dresses are for those who are 5’4″ and under. These dresses are designed for smaller statures to help you find the perfect summer fit.
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The best dresses are a key part of our summer capsule wardrobe. You have many summer events ahead of you so you will want to make sure you have the best petite clothes and the best mini jeans. Even though petite people can buy most dresses on main fashion markets and have them taken up for them, the best petite clothes are designed with smaller bodies in mind. This means that the entire cut of the torso is often adapted to a petite body.
It is common to believe that petite is a particular body type. However, petite women come in all shapes. It is a good idea to think about your body shape before you shop, to ensure that you know the best cuts for your figure. For more tips and tricks, check out our guides on how to dress a pear-shaped physique, how to dress an hourglass shape body and how to dress a apple body shape.
Our fashion team has selected the best petite dresses
These are the best petite dresses on this list. We have also listed the length when we have the information. Although petite cuts require that the torso be shorter, most mainline dresses can be altered to fit your needs. You can make friends with a local tailor, which is often possible at a dry cleaner. A great fit makes clothes look and feel more expensive, regardless of how much you spend.
(Image credit: ONLY)
Only has a dedicated range of petite clothing for British clothing brand. It features the same stylish designs and is reworked to fit a smaller body. Only is a great brand to support if you are looking for the most sustainable clothing brand.
The gorgeous blue floral print is one of the best summer dresses. It can be worn up or down depending on the occasion. You can pair this dress with your favorite white trainers to run summer errands. For special occasions, style it up with heels and statement earrings.
(Image credit: Karen Millen)
Karen Millen has been expanding in recent years, and now offers a wide range of products to suit different body types. Karen Millen, one of the most popular plus-size clothing brands, also offers a wide selection of petite styles, including smart workwear and chic evening wear.
This mango hue is right in line with the fashion color trends for 2022. This bright, mood-boosting dress will look stunning for an evening event and is strongly influenced by dopamine dressing. This silky, bias-cut dress can be worn to any occasion.
This dress is a great choice for bridesmaids, whether you are shopping as part of the bridal party or the bride.
(Image credit: Boden)
Boden has been delivering fantastic spring/summer looks for years, and the majority of its dresses come in both regular and petite fits—although you’ll have to be quick as sizes sell out quickly. Boden is known for its attention to detail and offers unique prints as well as attractive trims to give their looks a little extra luxury.
This stylish dress in olive green with crochet trim is on-trend for the summer months. We saw lots of crochet detailing on the runway, both on clothing and via the handbag trends 2022. It has a very artisanal feel. This jersey dress has a relaxed fit and a soft drape. This dress is perfect for holidays, as it can be worn as a cover-up or even as a swimsuit. Add your best beach bag to make it a fashionable poolside look.
(Image credit: Banana Republic)
Banana Republic offers a small selection of products, which often have the same styles as their mainline collection but are tailored to fit smaller frames. This dress is 100% silk, and it’s perfect for a summer bridal shower. This dress is ideal for small-sized women who want something that isn’t too tight. You’ll want to choose a bra with a strapless design or one that can be worn in multiple ways for support. To complete the look, dress up with your favorite designer heels.
Lane Bryant (Image credit)
Many brands cater to both petite and plus-size women. Lane Bryant, an American clothing brand, tackles both with this petite, plus-size dress. Lane Bryant is a market leader in plus-size clothing. Lane Bryant is all about inclusive fashion. This curve-loving maxi dress is also one the best maxi dresses to fit petites. This versatile style can be worn with sandals for holiday-ready looks or with heels for summer events.
(Image credit: Wallis)
A metallic dress is always a good look. Although this look was originally reserved for Christmas, fashion trends 2022 announced that sequins will be making a comeback for the summer. Designers filled the runway with party-ready styles after we had been wearing our best loungewear for so many years. This dress is not too clingy but you will want to wear it with the best shapewear underneath. The V-neck at both the front and back of the dress is a smart design for petite women. It draws the eye up and downwards, instantly increasing your torso length. Wallis has had a very active petite collection for a while, with a whole category devoted to those 5’4 or under.
(Image credit: Loft)
“Flowers for spring? Groundbreaking”Pardon the pun. Devil wears PradaFashion quote. Although this design is not revolutionary, it offers lots of style versatility. You can wear this dress throughout the year in a black-based floral print with sleeves.
Loft offers a variety of petite options, including a special petite category. This dress can be worn with tights and your favorite winter boots during the cooler months. You can then swap them for sandals or sneakers in warmer weather. This dress is easy to dress up or down and can be worn over and over again. This dress can be dressed up or down depending on your mood.
(Image credit: Roman)
Roman was established in 1957 by a family-owned company. Roman specializes in occasionwear looks and is a great choice for the best mother-of-the-bride dresses and mother-of the bride outfits. There are many beautiful mix and match options.
Although the range of petite clothing is not as extensive as other brands on this list it is a great place to shop for cocktail, wedding and race day wear. This is a one-stop shop that offers fascinators and sleek designs at great prices.
(Image credit: Chi Chi Clothing
Want glamour on a budget but not broke? This stunning teal silky dress from Chi Chi Clothing with red floral print looks fresh off the runway. It will make you stand out at any event this summer. This dress is ideal for wedding guests and can be reworked for many occasions. It’s perfect for lengthening your frame because of its asymmetrical hem. It draws the eye up and follows your silhouette.
(Image credit: Petite dressing)
We love supporting indie clothing companies and Petite Dressing, which is specifically designed for women who are shorter, is one of our favorites. The brand was founded by a 5’2 woman. It creates beautiful designs and fits while keeping her stature at the center of the design process.
This dress is made from pretty lace and is suitable for smarter occasions like weddings and work dinners. The dress’s higher waistline will nip you in, making your legs look longer. This is a clever styling trick that you should be aware of when choosing other dresses. Pair with slim, heeled sandals and courts to add height.
(Image credit: Hobbs)
This LBD is the perfect petite dress to wear to an interview. A classic black dress in a sleeveless shape is timeless and never goes out of style. It’s versatile enough to layer in different weather and occasions. We love the belted waist that flatters the figure. You can wear it all year by pairing it up with a cardigan or blazer, and sheer tights during the colder months. Simple but sophisticated.
(Image credit: ASOS)
ASOS is a great place to shop for both own-brand and branded labels. ASOS is a one-stop shop. You can always find something on the ASOS site. It can be overwhelming for many shoppers to have so many options. Our top tip is to use the filter buttons to narrow your search. You can quickly remove non-petite items, which will make it easier to find the best petite dresses.
A white cotton shirtdress is perfect for summer. Lightweight and airy, it will keep you cool on warm days. You can dress it down with sandals for evenings, or dress it up with your favorite blazer for work.
(Image credit: Reformation)
Reformation began as a small LA boutique selling vintage clothing. The brand is committed to sustainability by producing clothing in small batches, which allows them to test the market rather then making large production runs that might end in landfills. The brand will increase supply if demand is high, but each piece at Reformation has a shorter run than many other clothing labels.
This sweet floral dress is one of the most popular in the fashion industry, proving that style doesn’t have to be expensive. It features a square neckline that flatters the bust and is timeless. The thigh-grazing cut adds glamour and eases movement. For a more directional look, pair it with a new season basketbag.
(Image credit: Macy’s)
This Alfani frock, which was designed exclusively for Macy’s is one of the most flattering shirt dresses for smalls. This dress is a bold statement piece with a black and white print that can be worn multiple times. This shirt dress is a great choice for summer work. It’s a timeless style that will not age, making it a strong investment piece. This dress can be worn in cooler seasons due to its monochromatic colors. This look is smart and tailored when worn with low-heeled sandals or loafers.
(Image credit: J.Crew)
J.Crew offers a wide selection of clothing in a variety of categories. We rely on this American retailer to provide timeless pieces that fit into our capsule wardrobe, no matter how small or large we are.
J.Crew pieces are a favorite of celebrities and stylists. This chic maxi dress hits both trends in one. This boho-style dress is the answer to the fashion question “What’s boho style?” This runway-worthy dress has cut-out sides, a look we also saw on the swimwear trends 2022.
The maxi length dress is designed for petite women and is suitable for anyone 5’4 or below. You’re ready to go to the beach with your favorite sun hat, beach bag, and designer sunglasses.
(Image credit: River Island).
River Island has been in existence for decades and provides directional styles in a wide range of categories. River Island has a variety to fit every size.
Leopard print never goes out-of-fashion, so this stylish satin midi is something you can wear year after years. This elegant, high-neck design has long sleeves and is perfect for those looking for something modest and smart. This is a great choice if you are looking for something to wear to the races this year. You can add a fascinator/hat and any of the top clutch bags, as well as a pair of trendy kitten heels, and you’re good for going.
Petite Studio, image credit
Tea dresses have been growing in popularity over the past few seasons. This pretty gingham dress is feminine and elegant. The picnic check print reminds us of long sunny days at the park and beach walks.
The dress was photographed by a petite model at 5’4 inches. It falls to the knee and is a midi-length for those with shorter statures. This elegant dress is perfect for smart-casual events. It features a faux-wrap front with a neat elasticated waist. The cut-out back gives it a more directional feel.
(Image credit: Express)
This season, frills and ruffles are big trends. The look is great for dresses. Part of the brand’s Conscious Edit, it focuses primarily on combining great design and sustainable credentials. The tropical vibes of the green and white leaf print are perfect for summer. This dress can be worn with any number of different styles. You can style it with the best denim jackets and white sports sandals for a casual look, or with a cropped jacket with heels for a more sophisticated look. It measures just 81.28 cm in length, making it ideal for petite frames.