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If you’re like me and under 5’4″, you already know that finding the best petite dresses for women to fit your frame is no easy feat—especially if you’re also not a regular heels’ wearer and are mostly shopping online where you can’t try before you buy. I’ll level with you: At 5’1″, finding a dress that fits isn’t as challenging as finding trousers or jeans, but that doesn’t mean I get right each and every time.
A pants lover at heart, over the years I’ve learned to appreciate what a great dress, and skirt, can do for me: it can make me feel more elegant, confident and even more relaxed in the sweltering heat. A trip to the tailor is something I avoid unless absolutely necessary, so what’s a girl to do?
For starters, I stick to brands and silhouettes I know will work for me. I own some great pieces from Toteme, Matteau, Dôen, and Maria McManus (various versions in this edit) that are a bit more minimal in style. In part because my own personal taste leans more pared-back than maximalist, but also because I find that loud print and dramatic volume weighs me down.
I also like to keep tabs on brands that offer petite sizing—many now do, both on the luxury and high street. Cos and J.Crew offer select petite sizing for instance, and more recently, Toteme, who has been making styles in XXS for a while now, just introduced a new DK30 (!) size, which would probably fit smaller frames even better than the DK32.
As far length specifics go, I don’t pore over garment measurements as much as I do with trousers, mainly because I like to see where the dress lands on the fit model and decide from there. If it’s above mid-calf, it’ll usually hit me above the ankle; if it’s mid-calf on the model, it’ll be closer to a maxi on me. (Call it an educated guess with a 60/40 success rate.) I also avoid maxis (an ankle-length midi is that for me anyway), and wear minis sparingly since those too can be hit or miss. For a more measured approach, 51 inches and under is a good place to start. Almost all retailer sites will provide these measurements, and if they don’t, I’d check a few different places to compare sizing details. Over time, you’ll cut through the clutter and find that sweet spot length that works best for your style and frame. A few summer favorites to get you your own way, below.
Great White Dresses
Light, ethereal, airy—a white dress is my default. For a puff-sleeve moment, Dôen makes dependable favorites, while a more minimalist style from Staud or Jonathan Simkhai is perfect for the office.
Minimalist Day Dresses
Classic in pattern and silhouette, everyone should have a few simple dresses in timeless prints (stripe, check) and color (chocolate, butter yellow, and red are great for summertime) that are a blank canvas for styling.
Prints and Color
When opting for print and color, styles in lighter fabrics that hug the body just so often work to provide length—try something knit from Ulla Johnson or silky from Dôen. Faithfull’s stripe, open-back dress will likely fit as a maxi, which is exactly what you might want for a relaxed evening look in Pantelleria.
Event-Ready
It’s still wedding RSVP season! Whether it’s your own or you’re simply attending as a guest, find a few joyful options below from Tory Burch, Bernadette, and Victoria Beckham for the occasion. Plus, a (mini) surprise for the bride-to-be, courtesy of Loewe and Self Portrait.
Sweet Summer Minis
A variety of vacation and weekend-friendly styles in linen, lace, and gingham, and a tropical floral print from favorites Matteau, Leset, and Sea.