Best Dresses for Petite Women: Flattering Styles and Tips

If you are a petite woman, you know how challenging it can be to find dresses that fit and flatter your figure.

You may have experienced the frustration of trying on dresses that are too long, too loose, or too overwhelming for your frame.

You may have wondered if any dress styles are designed for your height and body shape.

The good news is that there are plenty of dresses that can make you look fabulous as a petite woman.

You just need to know what to look for and how to style them.

A woman wearing the-pixie-dress-hot-pink dress for petite women

In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about dresses for petite women, such as:

  • What are the best dress styles for petite women?
  • How can I find dresses that flatter a petite figure?
  • Are there specific tips for dressing stylishly as a petite woman?
  • Where can I buy dresses designed for petite sizes?
  • How do I alter dresses to fit a petite frame?

 

By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of how to choose and wear dresses that suit your petite stature and personality.

What are the best dress styles for petite women?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different dress styles may work better for different petite body shapes and personal preferences.

However, some general guidelines can help you narrow down your options and find the best dresses for your height and figure.

Some of the best dress styles for petite women are:

A petite woman wearing The Flirty Wrap Dress - Jade Jungle a mini wrap dress for petite women from Neonstar

Mini wrap dresses

 These dresses have a short hemline that ends above your knees and a wrap-around closure that ties at the waist.

They are ideal for petite women who want to show off their legs and create a fun and flirty look.

They also adjust to your body shape and size, making them comfortable and versatile.

You can find mini wrap dresses in various colors, prints, and fabrics to suit your mood and style.

For example, you can wear this mini wrap dress with polka dot print for a cute and playful look, or this mini wrap dress with floral print for a more feminine and chic look.

A petite woman wearing The French Dress - Ditsy Black & White Floral for petite women

 

The French Dress - Ditsy Black

Short dresses

These dresses have a hemline that ends at or slightly above your knees and a simple or fitted silhouette.

They are perfect for petite women who want to highlight their legs and create a sleek and sophisticated look.

They also balance out your proportions and create some contrast with your shoes.

You can find short dresses in various colors, prints, and fabrics to suit any occasion and season.

For example, you can wear this short dress with ruffle sleeves  for a casual or office look, or this dress with lace details  for a more elegant or festive look.

 

A petite woman wearing the Midi Wrap Dress - mint bouquet for petite women 

The Midi Wrap Dress - Mint Bouquet

Midi wrap dresses

 These dresses have a hemline that ends below your knees and a wrap-around closure that ties at the waist.

They are great for petite women who want to create a taller and leaner appearance, as they draw the eye vertically and cover any problem areas.

They also highlight your curves (or create the illusion of them) and elongate your neck.

You can find midi wrap dresses in various colors, prints, and fabrics to suit your preference and the occasion.

For example, you can wear this midi wrap dress with floral print for a breezy and cheerful look, or this midi wrap dress with leopard print for a more daring and edgy look.

 

A petite woman wearing The Sara Midi Shirt Dress - Dusty Pink

Shirt dresses

These dresses have a button-down front and a collar that give them a smart and chic look.

They are flattering for petite women who want to add some length and elegance to their outfit, as they elongate your silhouette and accentuate your feminine charm.

They also have a relaxed and breezy fit, making them comfortable and versatile.

You can find shirt dresses in various colors, prints, and fabrics to suit your mood and occasion.

For example, you can wear this shirt dress with geometric pattern print for a casual and bohemian look, or this shirt dress with forest leopard print for a more edgy and trendy look.

 

A petite woman wearing The Tasha Playsuit - Pretty Woman 

The tasha playsuit

This is a playful and trendy playsuit that has a V-neckline, short sleeves, and a short hemline.

It is the ultimate outfit for petite women who want to look fun, flirty, and fabulous.

It shows off your legs and arms and creates a contrast of colors that highlights your body.

It also cinches your waist and bust and balances showing some skin with some coverage.

You can find the tasha playsuit in various colors, prints, and fabrics to suit any vibe and occasion.

For example, you can wear this tasha playsuit with cobalt gold leopard print for a glamorous and exotic look, or this tasha playsuit with summer yellow for a bright and sunny look.

A petite woman wearing The Wrap Jumpsuit - Forest Leopard 

Wrap jumpsuits

These are jumpsuits that have a wrap-around closure that ties at the waist and pants that end at or above your ankles.

They are ideal for petite women who want to create a one-piece outfit that is easy and chic.

They also create the illusion of height and slimness, as they draw the eye vertically and cover any problem areas.

They also highlight your curves (or create the illusion of them) and elongate your neck.

You can find wrap jumpsuits in various colors, prints, and fabrics to suit your preference and the occasion.

For example, you can wear this wrap jumpsuit with jade jungle print  for a casual or office look, or this wrap jumpsuit with polka dot print for a more playful and quirky look.

A petite woman wearing The Helen Dress Short - Midnight Black

The Short Hellen Dress

This is a cute and simple dress that has a round neckline, long sleeves, and a mini hemline.

It is the ultimate dress for petite women who want to look sweet, cozy, and comfortable.

It skims your body without being too tight or too loose and creates a smooth and soft look.

It also covers your arms and neck and adds some warmth and modesty to your outfit.

You can find the short hellen dress in various colors, prints, and fabrics to suit any season and taste.

For example, you can wear this short hellen dress with geometric pattern print for a festive and cheerful look, or this short hellen dress with floral pattern  for a more elegant and sophisticated look.

A woman wearing The Perfect Little Wrap Dress - Navy Confetti

 

The perfect little wrap

This is a chic and versatile wrap that has an open front, long sleeves, and a mid-length hemline.

It is the ultimate accessory for petite women who want to add some flair, warmth, and protection to their outfit.

It drapes over your shoulders and arms and creates a flowy and graceful look.

It also complements your waist and bust and balances showing some skin with some coverage.

You can find the perfect little wrap in various colors, prints, and fabrics to suit any occasion and personality.

For example, you can wear this perfect little wrap with teal pleats for a cool and classy look, or this perfect little wrap with black satin fur for a more cozy and cute look.

A petite woman wearing the dream dress from Neonstar

The dream dress

This is a stunning and glamorous dress that has a sweetheart neckline, strapless sleeves, and a floor-length hemline.

It is the ultimate dress for petite women who want to look dazzling, gorgeous, and unforgettable.

It accentuates your curves and showcases your skin and creates a dramatic and eye-catching look.

It also supports your waist and bust and makes you feel like a princess.

You can find the dream dress in various colors, prints, and fabrics to suit any fantasy and theme.

For example, you can wear this dream dress with silver sequins for a sparkling and magical look, or this dream dress with red satin for a more romantic and passionate look.

These are just some of the best dress styles for petite women that you can try out.

Of course, you can also experiment with other styles that suit your taste and personality, such as shirt dresses, shift dresses, sheath dresses, etc

. The key is to find dresses that fit you well, flatter your figure, and express your style.

How can I find dresses that flatter a petite figure?

Finding dresses that flatter a petite figure can be tricky, as not all dresses are made with your height and proportions in mind.

You may have encountered issues such as:

  • Dresses being too long or too loose
  • Dresses having too much fabric or too many details
  • Dresses having unflattering necklines or hemlines
  • Dresses having wrong colors or prints

To avoid these problems, here are some tips on how to find dresses that flatter a petite figure:

Check the measurements

Before buying a dress online or in-store, always check the measurements of the garment.

Look at the length, bust, waist, and hip measurements and compare them with your own.

If possible, try on the dress or use a virtual fitting tool to see how it looks on you.

You want to find a dress that fits you snugly but not tightly, and that hits you at the right places.

Accessorize smartly

 Accessories can make or break your outfit as a petite woman.

You want to use accessories that complement your dress and your frame without overwhelming them.

For example, you can wear a thin belt to cinch your waist and define your curves; you can wear a delicate necklace or earrings to draw attention to your face and neck; you can wear a small clutch or crossbody bag to carry your essentials without adding bulk; you can wear a scarf or hat to add some color and flair to your look.

Avoid accessories that are too big, too heavy, or too flashy, such as chunky jewelry, oversized sunglasses, or large backpacks.

These will make you look smaller and cluttered.

Wear the right shoes

 Shoes can make a big difference in your appearance as a petite woman.

You want to wear shoes that elongate your legs and add some height to your stature.

For example, you can wear heels or wedges that are comfortable and stable; you can wear flats or sandals that have pointed toes or straps that go up your ankles; you can wear boots that are fitted and end below your knees.

Avoid shoes that shorten your legs or cut off your ankles, such as round-toe flats, ankle boots, or shoes with thick straps or buckles.

These will make you look shorter and wider.

Layer wisely

 Layering can be a great way to add some dimension and interest to your outfit as a petite woman.

You want to layer pieces that are lightweight, fitted, and contrasting in color or texture.

For example, you can wear a cardigan or blazer over a dress to create a more polished look; you can wear a denim jacket or leather jacket over a dress to create a more casual look; you can wear a sweater or tunic over a dress to create a more cozy look.

Avoid layering pieces that are bulky, loose, or monochromatic, such as oversized sweaters, ponchos, or trench coats.

These will make you look shorter and wider.

 

How do I alter dresses to fit a petite frame?

If you have trouble finding dresses that fit your petite frame perfectly, you can always alter them to suit your needs.

Altering dresses can be done by yourself or by a professional tailor depending on the complexity of the task.

Here are some common ways to alter dresses to fit a petite frame:

Hemming 

This is the process of shortening the length of the dress by cutting off the excess fabric and sewing it back together.

Hemming can be done by yourself using scissors, a needle, and a thread, or by a sewing machine.

You can also use hem tape or iron-on hemming tape to secure the fabric without sewing.

Hemming can help you adjust the dress to your preferred length and avoid tripping over or dragging the fabric.

Taking in

This is the process of narrowing the width of the dress by removing the excess fabric from the sides and sewing it back together.

Taking in can be done by yourself using pins, a needle, and a thread, or by a sewing machine.

You can also use safety pins or clips to temporarily hold the fabric in place.

Taking in can help you create a more fitted and flattering silhouette and avoid looking baggy or sloppy.

Adjusting straps

 This is the process of shortening or lengthening the straps of the dress by cutting off or adding fabric and sewing it back together.

Adjusting straps can be done by yourself using scissors, a needle, and a thread, or by a sewing machine.

You can also use buttons, hooks, or snaps to attach the straps to different positions.

Adjusting straps can help you raise or lower the neckline and bustline of the dress and avoid showing too much or too little skin.

Adding darts:

This is the process of creating folds in the fabric and sewing them in place to create shape and structure.

Adding darts can be done by yourself using pins, a needle, and a thread, or by a sewing machine.

You can also use iron-on interfacing to reinforce the fabric and prevent it from stretching.

Adding darts can help you define your waist and bust and avoid looking boxy or flat.

These are just some of the ways to alter dresses to fit a petite frame.

Of course, you can also experiment with other methods that suit your skills and preferences, such as adding elastic, belts, or ties to cinch the waist; adding slits, ruffles, or fringes to add some movement and interest; adding patches, embroidery, or appliques to add some color and personality; etc.

The key is to have fun and be creative with your dresses.

Conclusion

Dresses are one of the best clothing items for petite women, as they can make you look stylish, feminine, and confident.

However, finding dresses that fit and flatter your petite figure can be challenging if you don't know what to look for and how to style them.

In this article, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about dresses for petite women, such as:

  • What are the best dress styles for petite women?
  • How can I find dresses that flatter a petite figure?
  • Are there specific tips for dressing stylishly as a petite woman?
  • Where can I buy dresses designed for petite sizes?
  • How do I alter dresses to fit a petite frame?

    We hope this article has helped you learn more about how to choose and wear dresses that suit your petite stature and personality.

    If you are looking for some amazing dresses designed for petite women, check out our collections of the pixie dressthe flirty wrap dressthe bardot dressthe wrap jumpsuitthe midi wrap dressthe french dress, and the perfect little wrap dress, the tiered dress, the leah dress, the anywhere dress, the shirt dress

    These dresses are made with high-quality fabrics, flattering cuts, and beautiful prints that will make you feel gorgeous and confident.

    Thank you for reading this article on best dresses for petite women: flattering styles and tips.

    We hope you have enjoyed it and found it useful.

    If you have any questions or feedback, please leave them in the comments section below.

    We would love to hear from you! 

     

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