There is nothing quite as frustrating as picking up a wonderful new dress you can’t wait to wear, to then look in the mirror and realise it’s hanging at an awkward length. For those of us who are petite, this scenario is all too familiar. It can be the struggle of a mini dress being that little bit too long, or a maxi drowning us in fabric. I have put together all the tips and tricks I have learnt over the years to get that perfect fit, not to mention my recommendations of the best petite dresses you can buy right now.
A recurring challenge I face when it comes to mini dresses is that they tend to be a couple of inches too long, which I find always looks a bit silly on me. For those cases, I will pop to my local tailor to get it shortened to get the perfect length. Or, if time is of the essence, I will use hemming tape and an iron as a DIY quick-fix solution. This may not be an ideal solution for slip dresses, however.
I have recently discovered Forever New, a stunning Australian brand that has recently launched in the UK. It has an abundance of pretty spring and summer dresses fit for all occasions. Abercrombie is a great option, too. I actually get my regular size there as I find it has the best petite dresses that are perfect for my height at 5’4. If you are anything below this, however, the petite section is always well-stocked.
I also love Reiss and Karen Millen for anything petite, as both brands get their proportions and tailoring just right and always feel elegant and polished. Finally, Asos has a vast petite section with an abundance of styles and lengths. Whether you're looking for something more casual or even a wedding guest maxi dress, Asos has all the choice you could possibly want.
So if you're looking for a new dress from the petite section of your favourite brands. look no further. From Abercrombie to Rixo and Hobbs, there's one on the market that's just right for you.
SHOP: The Best Petite Dresses To Buy Right Now
www.thereformation.com
This dress has been worn by everyone from Hailey Bieber to J.Lo, so I was delighted to find that Reformation also makes it in petite. It's fit for any occasion, from date night to race day.
www.forevernew.co.uk
I have become a huge fan of this Forever New, which has only recently launched in the UK. The quality is brilliant and I find the petite range has the perfect proportions – it really gets it right.
www.abercrombie.com
This is perhaps the perfect day dress from Abercrombie & Fitch. While it is a maxi, it's on the shorter size so, at 5"4, it's the perfect long dress for me.
www.warehousefashion.com
This is the dream wedding guest dress from Warehouse – I've finally found a midi that's the exact right length on me and in the most glorious green, too.
www.debenhams.com
Ideal to pack for your holiday, this breezy maxi from Karen Millen stops just at the ankle and feels dreamy to wear. Pair with sandals or mules for an eveningwear delight of an outfit.
www.nobodyschild.com
Nobody's Child has a brilliant petite section designed to fit anyone who is 5"3 or under. Or, pick one of its midaxi dresses if you want something slightly longer.
www.boden.co.uk
Most of Boden's dresses are available in Petite, Regular or Long, which means there's a wealth of choice. It also just feels like a nicer way to shop to be able to select from the usual range, rather than having to seek out a separate section.
www.oasisfashion.com
I love slip dresses but it can be difficult to find one that isn't too long on me. This Oasis petite style, though, feels ultra glamorous and falls in just the right place.
www.marksandspencer.com
A halter neck dress holds space in every wardrobe, as they are extremely flattering. This M&S dress can be worn in a multitude of ways, with long coats, light jackets, or on its own.
www.reiss.com
This Reiss linen midi complete with tie waist detailing adds a sense of frivolousness to an otherwise plain dress. The gentle blue hue of this dress is subtly eye catching, perfect for a wedding.
www.abercrombie.com
A cool, linen blend dress is ideal for the coming summer months, and this one from Abercrombie & Fitch features a flatteringly chic square neckline suitable for anyone.
rixolondon.com
Polka dot is a classic print that works for many occasions, so it made sense to include this Rixo dress in our round-up. The scarf like detailing works a treat on this midi.
www.whistles.com
A colbalt blue is an extremely eye catching colour which flatters anyone and everyone that chooses to wear it. Pair with white mules for a casual day out or white sling back heels for a date night.
www.hobbs.com
Complete with classical floral detailing on an emerald green midi dress, this Hobbs number will act as the perfect wedding guest dress for petite women.
www.abercrombie.com
This Abercrombie & Fitch mini dress is perfect for a summer sun soaked trip away, complete with off the shoulder detailing, made with cool and gentle linen fabric.
Will A Belt Help Alter My Dress?
If a dress already comes with a tie belt, that's the dream scenario. You can pull any excess fabric over to create a great silhouette while shortening the length. If not, you can add your own belt and achieve the same desired effect. I will always opt for a belt that compliments my shoes and/or bag to create a more balanced look. If you're not feeling quite so matchy-matchy, though, you could always go for a deliberate clash.
If a belt doesn't work with your chosen dress, you can use the shoe lace hack. Grab a thin shoe lace, tie it like a belt, pull the excess fabric over once again to conceal it and voila!
Can Heels Also Help?
If you find yourself wearing a mini dress that feels an inch or two too long, try pairing it with a small heel. Mules work great or, my personal fave, a pointed toe kitten heel. A strategic footwear choice works wonders, I find, especially when it comes to a party dress.
What Patterns Are Best For Petite Frames?
When it comes to selecting patterns in your outfits, it’s important to be mindful as to what complements petite frames. I try to avoid horizontal patterns as they tend to visually shorten the body. Instead, go for vertical patterns as they create an illusion of length, helping to elongate your silhouette and enhance your proportions.
Kate Hutchins is a contributing writer for Grazia. You can follow her beauty and lifestyle account on Instagram @kateehutchins.