Against a yellow background, an individual models the ALEX PERRY long sleeve ruched metallic mini dress. This shiny, form-fitting silver piece features structured shoulders and is perfect for showcasing dress styles for petite women. Their long hair flows down as they gaze slightly upward.

@ALEXPERRYOFFICIAL / INSTAGRAM

The Dress Edit

I’m A 5ft1 Fashion Editor, Here Are 5 Dress Styles For Petite Women That Always Work

As a 5ft 1 fashion editor, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect dress styles for petite women. Maxi dresses that don’t drag on the ground and mini dresses that aren’t too long for my torso are the bare minimum requirements. But as a lover of fashion, I’m talking about silhouettes that not only fit but make me look and feel my most stylish and confident self. So, if you’re, let’s say, less tall than the average person, you’re in the right place. I’ve scrolled through thousands of dresses to find the best new designer offerings that’ll make any petite fashion lover swoon. Keep reading for my tips on finding the right shapes for your height and body type, alongside the shoes and bags I think go perfectly with every dress. 

A woman stands confidently in the MAEVE black puff sleeve keyhole mini dress, adorned with small floral patterns and tailored for petite women. The keyhole neckline adds a touch of elegance as she poses with her hands on her hips against a plain background.

MAEVE Puff-Sleeve Keyhole Embroidered Mini Dress

In front of a light blue backdrop, a person poses confidently in the MAEVE black and white long sleeve mini dress, featuring an animal print design that is ideal for petite women. The dress showcases a ruffled design with long sleeves, while their long dark hair flows freely and one hand rests stylishly on their hip.

MAEVE Long-Sleeve Collared Sheer Mini Dress

Must Know Midi & Mini Dress Styles For Petite Women

When it comes to the best dress styles for petite women, mini dresses work every time. That is when you know the right style to choose, and that’s where I come in!

1. Mini Dresses With A Fitted TopAfter years of trial and error, I can confirm, that long-sleeve mini dresses with a fitted top are wildly flattering for anyone under average height. Especially those with a slightly cropped/high-waisted style. For example, the long-sleeved collared sheer mini dress by Maeve. Firstly, this dress highlights your waist and frames your petite figure to perfection. Secondly, the short skirt shows off your legs in a way that looks just as good as flats as it does with heels. I’ll be styling this dress with the Mamastrapina ballerina flats by Christian Louboutin, and the Nano Voyou bow bag by Givenchy for every day-to-night event on my calendar this fall. 

2. Bodycon Mini Dresses – Meanwhile, if you prefer the fully fitted look, you’re in luck. Bodycon mini dresses like the puff sleeve keyhole embroidered mini dress by Maeve are especially flattering for petite frames. Especially those with a shorter hemline that helps to lengthen the appearance of your legs. I’ll be adding even more height to my silhouette with the Rosalie 100 leather slingback sandals by Christian Louboutin. Then, throwing my essentials for the night inside the silver Monaco mini bag by Balenciaga.

3. Bias Cut Midi Slip Dresses – For so long, I thought designer midi and maxi dresses were a no-go for my height. Turns out, that’s absolutely not true. Look out for bias cuts and curve-skimming styles with fitted waists like the dresses below.

Shop more Dress Styles For Petite Women selected and reviewed by our expert fashion buyers and stylists

  • CURRENT AIR Diana Maxi Dress

    $145
  • LULUS Floral One-Shoulder Gown

    $118
  • ASTR THE LABEL Pleated Bustier Midi Dress

    $99
  • SIMKHAI Burke Draped Dress

    $645
  • MAEVE Long-Sleeve Collared Sheer Mini Dress

    $168
  • MAEVE Puff-Sleeve Keyhole Embroidered Mini Dress

    $178
  • ELLIATT X Revolve April Dress

    $224
  • MAC DUGGAL Short-Sleeve V-Neck Ruffled Tulle Mini Dress

    $498
  • VERONICA BEARD Seymour Stretch-Silk Dress

  • FREE PEOPLE Love Again Mini Dress

    $168
  • FREE PEOPLE Sunkissed Mini Dress

    $168
  • ZIMMERMANN Sunray Belted Pleated Georgette Midi Dress

    $725
  • ALEX PERRY Bikini Tiered Pleated Stretch-Crepe Midi Dress

    $1,600
  • LOVESHACKFANCY Paulinette Iridescent Sequin Mini Dress

    $995
  • LOVESHACKFANCY Theodore Printed Maxi Dress

    $595
  • LOVESHACKFANCY Rua Lace Mini Dress

    $695
  • VALENTINO GARAVANI Sequined Crepe Mini Dress

    $7,500
  • MICHAEL KORS Crushed Mettalic Midi Dress

    $2,390
  • LIV FOSTER Lace Trim Slip Dress

    $245
  • L’ACADEMIE Stellan Mini Dress

    $198
  • BHLDN Gabriella Midi Dress

    $248
  • DÔEN Maryanna Dress

    $498
  • DÔEN Katarina Dress

    $398
  • ALEX PERRY Long Sleeve Ruched Metallic Mini Dress

    $1,600

Maxi Length & A-Line Dress Styles For Petite

4. A-Line Midi Dresses For Special Events – if you want to truly wow at your next event, opt for an A-line midi dress like the Gabriella midi dress by BHLDN. Firstly, this dress is undeniably pretty. Secondly, this shape works wonders for petite ladies by accentuating the waistline. The mid-length skirt also draws attention to the lower half of your body but without overpowering your frame. Make the most of this cropped dress style with a great pair of heels and a bag to match. I recommend the Lamisan slingback sandals by Manolo Blahnik and the mini square leather tote by Oscar De La Renta. 

5. Ankle-Length Maxi Dresses – These can be tricky to find, but when you come across a maxi dress that fits as well as the Bikini tiered midi dress by Alex Perry – buy it. The ideal way to wear a maxi dress when you’re on the petite side, this ankle-length design will be a go-to for countless seasons to come. Dress it u with heels, or go low-key with flats. Hint: the 110mm Vendome leather buckle boots by Saint Laurent and the Rodeo mini handbag Balenciaga will work perfectly. 

Shop All Dress Styles For Petite Women

Against a gray background, a person wears the BHLDN Gabriella blue and white A-line midi dress—an elegant choice in dress styles for petite women. Their hair is tied back, and they complete the look with pointed shoes.

BHLDN Gabriella Midi Dress

Against a dark background, a person showcases the chic ALEX PERRY Bikini pink pleated midi dress—an ideal style for petite women. They casually tuck their hands into the dress pockets and complement the look with black shoes.

ALEX PERRY Bikini Tiered Pleated Stretch-Crepe Midi Dress

I’m A Fashion Editor, These Are My Top 5 Fall Dress Styling Tips