Finding dresses for petite women can be a challenge. The hem is always far too long, the cut looks boxy on smaller frames and the sleeves or armholes always are ill-fitting. Luckily there are a variety of retailers that carry petite size dresses that are created to fit fellow small and short women.
The right dress can make a huge difference on a petite frame. A dress designed for a taller or more proportioned frame may have a waistline that falls too low, a neckline that sits differently than intended, or a skirt that hits at an awkward point. Even when the dress is technically the right size, those small proportion differences can make the entire outfit feel like it doesn’t quite fit.
Petite dresses are designed with those proportions in mind. They typically feature shorter bodices, adjusted waistlines, narrower shoulders, shorter sleeves, and hemlines that are better suited to women who are 5’4″ and under. The goal isn’t simply to make a regular dress smaller — it’s to create a dress that is proportioned for a shorter frame from the beginning.
Whether you’re looking for petite dresses for work, a formal occasion, or just a casual dress, we have a large selection for you. Browse below for the best petite dresses.
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Stores & Brands with Petite Dresses
- LOFT – Loft is a go-to for petite dresses for work, but they also carry casual dresses and cocktail dresses, too!
- Macy’s – Macy’s carries petite dresses for every occasion, ranging from bridesmaid/wedding guest dresses to wear-to-work dresses. Sort by price, dress occasion, brand, and more to find just what you need.
- ASOS – ASOS has something for every woman — dresses for formal events, a night out, and casual sundresses. Filter down by style (A-line, Bardot, bodycon) and color to find your perfect dress.
- Ann Taylor – Shop at Ann Taylor for a nice selection of quality dresses including wrap dresses, sweater dresses, maxi dresses, sheath dresses, and more.
- Anthropologie – Trendy patterns and boho styles are what sets Anthropologie’s petite dresses apart from the rest.
- Nordstrom – Browse through dresses and filter by length, material, occasion, price, and more. Popular styles include drop waist, evening gowns, shirtdresses, and more — all from Nordstrom’s in-house brands and popular brands like Topshop and Eliza J.
- Express – Express’ petite line of dresses are great for fun nights out, social gatherings, and cocktail parties. They’re all at great price points too!
- Old Navy – Old Navy knocks it out of the park when it comes to affordable, casual dresses for every season.
- Kohls – Kohl’s carries petite dresses for parties, casual events, and work, all in sixes from XS to XXL.
- Talbots – Talbots is your go-to for simple and classic shift dresses and dresses for work.
- Dillards – Dillards has a large selection of mother of the bride dresses, formal gowns, and sheath dresses for petites.
- J Crew – Most of J Crew’s dress styles come in petite lengths for a better fit.
- boohoo – boohoo’s dresses are super affordable and great for the beach and nights out.
- Banana Republic – Banana Republic is many petite women’s go-to for workwear, and their dress selection is no different. Their selections change throughout the seasons, from sweater dresses in winter to maxi dresses in summer.
- Amazon – Amazon carries petite-friendly brands like Calvin Klein, Alex Evenings, Star Vixen, and more.
- Bloomingdales – Looking for designer brand petite dresses? Bloomingdales carries brands like Theory, Milly, and more — all in petite sizes.
- Zappos – Zappos carries petite styles from retailers like Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, M.M. LaFleur, and more.
- Madewell – Madewell petite dresses are flattering for all ages and body shapes.
- Boden – Boden’s line of petite dresses are specially designed for women under 5ft 4in.
