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There's nothing worse than seeing a beautiful dress, picking it up, and realizing it's way longer than your entire body. Luckily, as a 5'2" shopping editor, I've mastered how to find the best petite dresses. It starts with knowing which brands (more on that below) and silhouettes are designed to fit someone your size. (Technically, if you’re 5'4" and under, you’re considered petite.) My best recommendation? Have your exact measurements in your notes app. That way, when you’re shopping online, you can compare to the posted measurements for a definitive idea (unfortunately, sizing can be all over the place). Pay extra attention to adjustability features that make it easy to tweak the fit, like adjustable straps and cinchable waists, and look for vertical stripes or pleated bottoms for a more elongated look.
To help you find some dresses for summer and early fall, I handpicked everything from wedding-ready maxis to cute budget-friendly Amazon buys below.
Our top petite dress picks
- The Weekend Maxi: Petite Polka Dot Tiered Maxi Dress, $113
- The Special Occasion Stunner: J.Crew Petite Gwyneth Slip Dress, $148
- The Versatile White Dress: Mango Nicole Drop Waist Midi Dress, $100
- The On-Trend Amazon Dress: Princess Polly Polka Dot Mini Dress, $65
- The Date Night Dress: Reformation Vera-Lilly Dress, $228
Best petite summer wedding guest dresses
Whenever I ask my friends for petite wedding guest dress recommendations, a lot of them say they don't have any because they have to get everything tailored. “Every dress I’ve worn to weddings, I’ve had to get the bottom hemmed,” said one. Most cocktail dresses or gowns are extremely long on petite frames, and you definitely don't want to trip over them with super-high heels. Fortunately, brands like J.Crew and Abercrombie & Fitch are getting with the program and offering a variety of sizes in petite, tall, long torso, and classic. I always recommend knowing your proportions and finding a fit that you know consistently works for you. A-line petite skirts and dresses work great here, like the ASTR The Label below that I actually recently wore to a wedding.
Styling tip: It's all about the hem when it comes to maxi dresses for short girls. Look for A-line, pleated, or asymmetrical options.
Best petite work dresses
When you don’t want to wear your petite jeans to the office, a dress is always a nice option, especially in a heat wave. I’ve been loving the shirtdress trend recently, and plenty of retailers, such as Ann Taylor and Boden, offer styles in petite sizing.
Styling tip: Pairing your dress with a pointy-toe pump will elongate your legs like no square or round-toe shoe ever can.
Best petite travel and vacation dresses
If you’re trying to make a statement when you travel, these petite dresses are as functional as they are stylish. When I’m out of the office, I love throwing on something beachy and colorful, and I often reach for shorter hemlines—it’s still summer, after all! The linen and silk options are breathable for a hot European summer in particular.
Styling tip: Accessorize strategically by avoiding huge bags that will engulf you.
Best petite mini dresses
If you’re petite, you really can’t go wrong with a minidress, whether you want an LBD for going out or a comfy sleep dress that's trending everywhere right now. On my wish list is this ruffle mini dress that’s perfect for the end of summer and fall season.
Styling tip: A timeless, leg-elongating combination? Knee-high boots and a mini dress. For the fall add a pair of cowboy boots with a fringed jacket and you're good to go.
Best petite midi dresses
IMO, midi-dresses are the most versatile pieces in your closet. In the summer, you can pair them with strappy heels or thong sandals, and in the fall you can swap in knee-high boots and a denim jacket. Take a look at some of the options below: a versatile white dress is a blank canvas, and the cerulean blue is having a moment right now.
Styling tip: Master proportions in midi dresses by focusing on the waistline.
Best Amazon petite dresses under $100
Amazon can be overwhelming to shop for clothing, but take it from us, these picks are highly rated by customers and editors who have worn them. When shopping on Amazon, my favorite trick is to keep an eye out for the material, customer reviews, and trusted storefronts. Plus, if you’re on a budget from too many RSVPs, Amazon dresses from brands like Cider and Princess Polly are editor-approved.
Styling tip: Peep the photos in reviews for an idea of how the dress will fit.
