While sundress season is in full swing, if you're petite like me, finding a dress that is both figure flattering and also proportional to your small frame can be quite the challenge. Thankfully, there are plenty of popular dress styles recommended by stylists designed specifically for petite women.
"Maxi and midi dresses continue to be top choices for petite women," explains Samantha Brown, a New York-based celebrity stylist and author of "Dressing Up: Pip’s Truly Fashionable Tale." She also recommends selecting simple patterns or unique prints to draw the eye vertically and help enhance height.
Brown, along with personal stylist and image consultant, Cynthia Kennedy, spoke with Shop TODAY to share their ultimate summer styling tips to help women 5'4" and under dress to impress.
Scroll down to browse our list of the best dresses for petites from quality brands including J. Crew, Lands' End, Loft and more — starting at under $50. From an affordable expert-approved midi to an editor-loved nap dress, we've got all the popular picks to have you turning heads on the street this season.
Cost-effective, expert pick$72.00$120.00
Editor-approved splurge option$119.00$178.00
What to look for in dresses for petites
If you're petite, we're here to help make shopping for summer dresses more fun and stress-free. "Right now, we’re seeing a lot of midi and mini dresses with intentional tailoring — think smocked bodices, subtle corset seams and defined waistlines," says Kennedy. "These are perfect for petites because they create shape without overwhelming the frame."
Additionally, Kennedy recommends dresses with vertical details, such as buttons or subtle slits, to help lengthen the body. Also, "anything with a defined waist (empire or natural) helps keep proportions balanced," she adds. "Slip dresses with structure and dresses that show a little leg are also really flattering — it’s all about creating length without losing movement," Kennedy advises.
"A well-fitted maxi dress can elongate the frame, especially when paired with heels or platform sandals," Brown explains. "Midi dresses that hit just below the knee or mid-calf are also flattering, creating a balanced silhouette without overwhelming the figure."
The best dresses for petites, according to stylists
“This dress nails the balance between cool and polished,” explains Kennedy. “The utility pockets and epaulets give it that modern, slightly edgy feel, while the tailored belt defines the waist without overwhelming a petite frame. It’s like your favorite blazer turned into a dress — effortless, flattering and just structured enough to feel put-together.”
“I love the J.Crew Petite Drop-Waist Mixy Dress because the square neckline and drop-waist silhouette are flattering and stylish on a petite frame,” states Brown. “The mix of structured and flowy fabric gives it a polished yet relaxed feel that’s perfect for everyday wear. And I love that it’s affordable while still looking high-end.”
Wear this flirty frock with wedge sandals and a trendy bag for the ultimate summer look.
Kennedy also recommends this stylish shirt dress from Lands’ End that comes in petite sizing. “This is one of those dresses that feels sweet and playful but still grown-up,” she notes. “The eyelet texture and bubble sleeves add charm and the defined waist plus pockets make it practical. My clients love that it’s not too long, has sleeves (yay!) and the belt and ruffle hem add just enough detail without feeling overdone.”
“I love the vibe of this fresh and summery dress,” says Kennedy. “The cross-waist belt gives you shape without needing tailoring, and the light blue stripe feels super crisp and clean. You can wear this to work with loafers or sandals, then throw on a straw tote and call it a weekend look. It’s the definition of elevated ease.”
Complete the look with a pair of gold-plated earrings and you’re ready to go.
This whimsical dress is a "a no-brainer for days when you want to look cute but still feel comfy," Kennedy says. "The print has just enough personality, and the fit-and-flare shape does wonders if you want a little waist definition," she explains. "I’ve had petite clients wear this to brunch, casual workdays and even summer parties — it’s just one of those easy, go-to pieces."
Whether you're sashaying down the aisle at New York Fashion Week or walking along the pier at the beach, this dress will be making waves. "It’s perfect for summer, lightweight, breathable, and easy to style," shares Brown.
"The smocked detail hugs the body in all the right places, making it especially flattering for women with curves. It gives a soft, feminine shape while still feeling comfortable and effortless," she suggests.
The best dresses for petites, tested by editors
"The Kimchi Blue Zosia Tiered Babydoll mini dress is the perfect dress for the summer!" shares Shop TODAY intern Eleana Kostakis. "It has a great gingham pattern design and comes in multiple colors. Besides that, it is very flattering and can be made casual or formal."
I recently received a sample of this flowy dress in white and have already added it to my favorite dresses' rotation. It is super comfortable, flattering and goes with almost every pair of shoes. This chic frock is work-friendly as well and is perfect for a big summer meeting or conference. I'm even thinking of ordering one for my mom as well as she loves it.
I'm a big fan of Quince dresses and I've been eyeing this specific one to wear for my parents' annual 4th of July soirée. Featuring a smocked design at the bust, this feminine frock is figure-flattering and runs true to size.
I never thought I could fall head over heels in love with a dress, but here we are. I'm obsessed with puffy sleeves, and this stunning little white number does not disappoint. It's super light, great quality and not see through. This dress will make you want to do twirls in sunflower fields all summer long.
Senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil recommends this comfy, stylish pick from Hill House Home. "I'm 5'2" with a bigger bust, so I love finding a dress that's bra-friendly and hits me at a flattering length," she explains. "The Ellie Nap Dress hits both marks! I own it in a dark green floral pattern that's no longer available, but I always love browsing the new colors and patterns that drop each season. There's also usually a few colors on sale, like this one!" she raves.
"Another great thing about this dress is that it doesn't easily wrinkle," notes Cocchi Zabloudil. "I recently threw it in a suitcase for a flight, then put it right on and wore it to a bridal shower without having to steam it — very low maintenance! I've worn it with both flat sandals and heels, and it looks great either way."
Frequently asked questions
Just because you're short doesn't mean you should shy away from maxi dresses. "The trick is to choose streamlined styles with a defined waist and avoid anything too voluminous or tiered," explains Kennedy. "A subtle slit helps too."
"Not always — but it helps!" suggests Kennedy. "Some standard sizing works if the length and proportions are right, but petite cuts often save you a trip to the tailor."
Multiple dress lengths can be flattering on petite women. "It depends on your leg line and personal proportions, but typically above the knee, just below the knee, or ankle-skimming hemlines work best," recommends Kennedy. "Midi dresses can be tricky unless they’re specifically made for petites or styled with a heel," she adds.
"Most petite women look great in dresses that create length, like maxi and midi dresses with defined waists or vertical patterns," suggests Brown.
The answer is yes. "Choosing simple, unique prints or vertical patterns can actually enhance height," explains Brown.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best dresses for petites by enlisting the recommendations of two personal stylists as well as tried-and-true picks from our team of (petite) editors.
Meet the experts
- Cynthia Kennedy is a personal stylist and image consultant in San Diego, California.
- Samantha Brown is a New York-based celebrity stylist and author of "Dressing Up: Pip’s Truly Fashionable Tale.”
