Best petite dresses for the perfect fit

Find the perfect fit for your silhouette from your favourite retailers.

Best petite dresses

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

Finding the perfect fit for your silhouette is essential when selecting the best petite dresses, especially for women seeking style and comfort. Embracing your unique body shape is key to exuding confidence and elegance. With so many dresses for mature women out there, let's explore some beautiful top picks from your favourite retailers that complement your figure and make you feel fabulous.

Embrace your individuality by choosing dresses that highlight your best features while providing comfort and support. Remember, confidence is the key to making any outfit look exceptional. So without further ado, let's take a look at the best petite dresses to fit your frame.

With many renowned brands introducing a petite section, there should be plenty of options for women under 5'4. From the best M&S dresses to beautiful Boden picks - there are countless chic, stylish and high-quality options that cater to various shapes and sizes.

The best petite dresses at a glance:

• Best polka dot petite dress: Roman Black Petite Polka Dot Tiered Midi Dress - View offer on Roman
Best petite formal dress: Oasis Petite Cluster Floral Lace Tiered Dobby Midi Dress - View offer on Debenhams
Best petite everyday dress: Wallis Petite Chiffon Spot Midi Dress - View offer on Debenhams

From sophisticated midi-length designs to playful patterns, there's no shortage of perfect ensembles for your next gathering. So whether you are looking for some of the best summer dresses for when the hot weather approaches or a wardrobe staple - we are here to help you find some trendy pieces. So let's get into the best petite dresses.

Best petite dresses

Best polka dot petite dress

Roman Black Petite Polka Dot Tiered Midi DressRoman
Price: $40 (was £45)

www.roman.co.uk

You can't go wrong with a polka dot dress, and this Petite Polka Dot Tiered Midi Dress from Roman is no exception. There are a few different designs to choose from, but we love how classic this polka dot print is. A new wardrobe staple, it's suitable across all occasions - just dress it up or down to suit.

Sizes: 8-18

Best petite dress with long sleeves

Wallis Petite Chiffon Spot Midi DressDebenhams
Price: $31 (was £55)

www.debenhams.com

This Wallis Petite Chiffon Spot Midi Dress is a delightful addition to any wardrobe, featuring an elegant silhouette, long sleeves and a playful purple and pink hue design. Ideal for daywear, this dress offers a versatile and unique style that is perfect for any occasion.  

Sizes: 8-20

Best workwear petite dress

Roman Blue Petite Abstract Print Stretch Wrap DressRoman
Price: $32 (was £38)

www.roman.co.uk

If you are looking for a fun and sophisticated dress, this Blue Petite Abstract Print Stretch Wrap Dress is a versatile year-round addition to your wardrobe, featuring a captivating abstract swirl print. Perfect for office-to-dinner occasions, this dress boasts a feminine V-neckline, short sleeves, and a fit and flare shape that falls to the knee. Pair it with a blazer for work or heels for an evening out.

Sizes: 8-18

Best keyhole petite dress

Petite Keyhole Midi DressDorothy Perkins

This beautiful deep pink midi dress from Dorothy Perkins is available in a range of sizes and is perfect for every event on your social calendar. Its fit and flare design, elegant tie front, and elegant keyhole neckline make it a must-have for your summer wardrobe.  

Sizes: 6-18

Best formal petite dress

Oasis Petite Cluster Floral Lace Tiered Dobby Midi DressDebenhams
Price: $43 (was £109)

www.debenhams.com

Embrace the elegance of the Petite Cluster Floral Lace Tiered Dobby Midi Dress, made from 100% recycled polyester. The intricate lace detailing and tiered design make this dress a stunning addition to any wardrobe, perfect for weddings or formal events.  

Sizes: 6-18

Best value petite dress

Oasis Petite Long Sleeve Printed Midi Tea DressOasis
Price: $23 (was £59)

www.oasisfashion.com

Crafted from 100 per cent recycled polyester, this Petite Long Sleeve Printed Midi Tea Dress from Oasis is a sustainable and fashionable choice. This long-sleeve dress is mid-length and is a bright, stylish tea dress that is perfect for any event.  

Sizes: 6-18

Best summer petite dress

Pure Cotton Square Neck Midi Waisted DressMarks and Spencer

A new design from Marks and Spencer, this Pure Cotton Square Neck Midi Waisted Dress comes in a petite option as well as in a colour option of black. Perfect for the summer months, the lightweight pure cotton fabric is breathable, so it's ideal for taking with you abroad or just for a day of soaking up the sun.

Sizes: 8-20

Best sleeveless petite dress

Embrace the beauty of nature with the Petite Navy Leaf Sleeveless Shift Dress. This charming ruffle-designed dress is perfect for daywear and adds a touch of elegance to your wardrobe with its unique leaf print and versatile silhouette.

Sizes: 8-20

Best flattering petite dress

Make a statement with the Black Petite Spot Ruched Stretch Midi Dress, adorned with a charming spot print and featuring a sweetheart neckline. The delicate tie detail, stretch jersey fabric, and ruching at the bust create a comfortable, easy-to-wear fit and flare dress that is perfect for everyday occasions.  

Sizes: 8-18

Best satin petite dress

Wallis
Price: $17 (was £85)

www.debenhams.com

This satin navy Wallis Petite Jacquard Button Midi Dress is a sophisticated and elegant piece that is perfect for a special occasion. The satin fabric is luxurious and flattering, and the jacquard pattern adds a touch of glamour too. The midi length is perfect for any height, and the button-up front is both stylish and functional.

Sizes: 8-18

Best petite wrap dress

Wallis blue
Price: $41.30 (was £59)

www.debenhams.com

The Wallis Petite Aqua Animal Midi Wrap Dress is a stylish and versatile piece made with an animal print that is eye-catching but not too over the top, and the midi length is perfect for any occasion. The wrap style is flattering and easy to wear, and the blue colour is both classic and on-trend.

Sizes: 8-20

What is petite clothing size?

Petite sizes are designed for women 5'4" and under, regardless of their size. In the petite category, dresses can range in size from extra-small to plus-size. They tend to be shorter in length than regular clothing ranges so that the fit is proportionate. Sometimes there will be a 'P' on the clothing label to illustrate a smaller fit.

Do petite dresses cater only to smaller sizes?

Petite sizing focuses on height and proportions, not weight. These dresses come in a range of sizes, just like regular dresses, to accommodate different body types.

Where to buy the best petite dresses online?

If you haven't quite found the petite dress of your dreams, you can count on these retailers to have wonderful dresses available. Alternatively, why not consider renting a dress? Not only will you be able to wear a dress that you might not have been able to afford originally, but you'll be helping the planet too. Win-win! Here are some of the places we would recommend to get the best petite dresses.

From elegant evening dresses to more formal frocks to wear to the office, Wallis' petite range offers plenty of stylish dresses and at a reasonable price point, too.

We don't think you can go far wrong with M&S dresses. The brand says the pieces in their range are designed to be worn and loved by women of all ages, and with dresses available in sizes 6-24, there's something to suit all shapes and tastes.

John Lewis is home to a vast collection of petite dresses and clothing from a range of popular brands, including Whistles, Hobbs, Phase Eight, and Nobody's Child, to name a few.

If you're a fan of vibrant colours and pretty patterns in complimentary cuts, look no further than Boden. Whether you're a fan of minis, midis, or maxis, their offering includes so many options in their petite range.

Seasalt Cornwall stocks UK sizes 6-20, with over half of their dresses coming with petite options available. Expect quirky styles and prints inspired by the Cornish coast.

Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Yours, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.

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