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At 5'2", the search to find the best petite dresses for women is one I embark on every season. If you’re like me and under 5'4", you are fully aware that securing fashionable yet suitable dresses to fit our frame is no easy feat. Over the years, I’ve learned to embrace my height when I realized that despite my peers’, friends’, and colleagues’ towering heights, I was not getting any taller, nor am I committed to wearing heels regularly (no, thank you!). I’ve found dresses to be my go-to style uniform for the office, dinner dates, parties, and beyond. I love wearing dresses of all styles and shapes—maxi, midi, and mini. Especially during the spring and summer months, I love pairing my favorite dresses with fisherman sandals, mules, and slingbacks with a raffia tote in hand. And for the fall and winter season, I love to style them up or down with a quick swap of shoes, whether they are flats, boots, or heels. Just make sure to have your tights handy too.
Shop the Best Petite Dresses for Women
- The Runway Florals: Dries Van Noten floral wrap dress, $1,230
- The LBD: Totême bandeau midi dress, $680
- The Wedding Guest Dress: Ganni crisscross mesh dress, $445
- The Vacation Dress: Faithfull the Brand San Paolo dress, $199
- The Polished Office Dress: Veronica Beard boucle dress, $698
- The Belted All-In-One Dress: Tory Burch colorblock dress, $479
- The Special Occasion Dress: Simkhai Katharine Diamante dress, $695
- The Elegant Mini Dress: Reformation Maves dress, $298
- The Velvet Dress: Rachel Comey Altro dress, $575
- The Sweater Dress: Proenza Schouler fringed rib knit dress, $1,490
When purchasing a dress, especially online, where you cannot try before you buy, it can be tough to know whether it will fit you perfectly or fall well past your feet. A trip to the tailor is always an option, but for my schedule or budget, it’s not realistic. I usually reserve tailoring for special occasion dressing only. That’s why I always make sure to check the garment’s length before purchasing. If it’s 51 inches and under, you’re in the clear, but for me, the sweet spot is 40–45 inches. Almost all retailer sites online will provide these measurements, and it takes little to no time to double-check. Over time, you’ll cut through the clutter by finding the brands and designers that work best with your style and seemingly fit your frame perfectly. My personal favorite is Proenza Schouler, whose dresses fit me like a dream.
Ahead, shop 52 of the best petite dresses for women that can be worn throughout the year, no matter what you have marked on your calendar.
Breezy Florals
Warm sun-drenched days are almost here and it’s time to pull out your brightest florals. During Dries Van Noten’s spring 2023 runway show, the designer gave us all a glimpse into his fresh take on florals this season. Take note, and don’t be shy.
Wedding Guest Ready
Wedding invites are pouring in, and if you have an upcoming wedding to attend on the horizon, look no further than Vogue’s new Weddings Shop, where we have curated edits for every type of wedding, from black tie to destination. We love Toteme’s sleek black LBD or Emilia Wickstead’s whimsical A-line midi, perfect for a garden wedding.
Vacation Season
Heading somewhere warm and tropical this summer? Consider packing these options in your suitcase. Agua by Agua Bendita is a Colombian label whose botanical printed dresses are a staple for beach vacations and tropical locales. And Maximilian Davis has breathed new life into Ferragamo with a bold new color palette and viewpoint, this sheer caftan from his latest collection is a must.
Belted & Cinched
Add a bit of tailoring to your dress by styling it with a belt. Cinching the waist will give your outfit an A-line silhouette that is incredibly flattering on petite women.
Polished & Professional
For days at the office when you want a one-and-done look, consider an elevated striped shirt dress by Tory Burch that goes against the grain, or opt for a tried and true bouclé mini dress by Veronica Beard for a power lunch.
Short & Sweet
If you’re a minidress type of woman, these frocks are elegant and ready for all your plans, whether you’re planning a warm-weather getaway or a casual weekend in the city this year.
Sheer & Shimmer
If you have a special occasion coming up, be it a birthday celebration or a wedding, adding a bit of shimmer to your dress is a guaranteed way to keep your look festive for the moment.
Evening Velvet
For those looking to wear velvet for an upcoming soiree, consider Saloni’s crystal-bow velvet dress, which is a personal favorite among the Vogue staff, all it’s missing is a coupe of champagne in hand. Cheers!
Sweater Weather
There’s nothing cozier, comfier, or chicer than a sleek sweaterdress—especially when it’s styled with a pair of knee-high boots. Keep things simple with a monochrome version, or play with texture and color with a cable-knit one by Farm Rio or a cashmere turtleneck from Naadam. For something more playful, consider a colorful striped version by Jason Wu or Ralph Lauren.