The 11 Best Formal Dresses for Petites, Vetted By a 5’1” Editor (and Frequent Partygoer)

At the very top of this list is what might be my favorite wedding guest dress purchase ever. Yes, I own this beauty, which features a romantic sweetheart neckline and a smattering of three-dimensional floral appliqués that make it look a lot more expensive than its price tag. First and foremost, it didn’t need to be hemmed to fit my frame, as it hit right at the ankle. Secondly, its fit-and-flare shape is extremely flattering, especially since the bodice ends higher up on the torso, adding length to the skirt (and, therefore, this shortie’s legs).

I do have two things to note, though: One, the fabric has no stretch, so if you want to give yourself some wiggle room (literally), it might be a good idea to size up. Two, the neckline is a bit daring on larger busts, but I made it slightly more event appropriate by wearing a matching lace bandeau bra beneath—it totally blended in.

Slinky and silky with a gorgeous crisscross back, this stunner is a Reformation staple—and one that PureWow Audience Development Strategist Nicole Frazzini says is great for us shorties: “When my best friend gave me free reign to shop for my bridesmaid dress for her wedding, Reformation was my first stop. This option required no hemming or tailoring whatsoever (which was a miracle considering I’m 5'3") and hit right around my ankles.” (FYI: Reformation does offer free hemming, just in case.) Better yet, Frazzini adds, “The fabric was silky soft yet somehow didn’t show sweat stains as I danced the night away.” You will have to consider the fact that it’s backless when choosing your bra, though you can always stick on a set of Nippies (or not) and call it a day.

Ideal for summer events (or an engagement party if you’re the petite bride-to-be), this ivory number comes highly recommended by Associate Sales and Deals Editor Destinee Scott, who also happens to be 4’9”. “The Alicia dress is effortlessly elegant, and just one of the easiest midis to style for any special occasion,” she tells me. Given that it is technically a midi (for taller gals, at least), it’ll hit lower on the leg of a petite lady, but not so much that it drags on the floor. Plus, the drape detail on the skirt adds some vertical visual interest, which can help shorties look taller. Scott adds that side zipper also allows for a super snatched fit.

Scott also adores this flouncy frock featuring multiple tiers of tulle. Another midi that works as a maxi on shorter statures, it boasts a delicate print of metallic dots and a low V-neck and back—a boon for those of us who want to make our necks and, by extension, our figures, look longer. “I feel like a princess whenever I wear it,” she raves, adding, “the fabric has a little stretch, so you don't have to worry about a nip slip if you get the right size.”

Abercrombie & Fitch is one of my go-to retailers for petite-length dresses, and you might be surprised to learn that it stocks quite a few formal options, such as this halter slip dress. Slim-fitting in a column of lovely high-shine satin, this chic number screams ‘90s supermodel—and it’ll give you the appearance of height to match. The tie-neck is adjustable, so you can also achieve the right fit for your bust, something one buyer backed in their review: “This dress is stunning. I’ll be wearing it for a wedding this summer. I’m smaller chested and it looks great but I think it would work for a variety of [chest sizes].”

Bring some sparkle to your next soirée by stepping out in this strapless dress replete with sweet, shimmery candy stripes. Like vertical ones, diagonal stripes can help create the illusion of length on short-statured folks, but that’s not the only reason petite reviewers give this pick a thumbs-up. “It was so comfortable—danced all night in it,” writes one 5’2” purchaser. While the straight silhouette is definitely a bonus if you’re not a fan of clingy styles, the design does feature boning in the bodice to add some shape and support. Sounds like a win in my book.

If you’ve ever wanted to look like the ‘dancing lady’ emoji IRL, this gown will do it. Featuring a sleek and streamlined silhouette down until it reaches those flamenco ruffles, it’s the perfect pick for elongating your shape and enhancing your curves. And don’t be afraid of the length—this dress comes available in petite sizes (just scroll down the dropdown menu) that shoppers say offer a wonderful fit. Just take it from this reviewer: “This is one of those dresses that looks just as fabulous in the picture as it does on you. I’m 5’4”...and ordered 12P. Fits like a glove in all the right places (I have a belly), so you get that hourglass shape. And given the petite length I can wear 2 to 3 inch heels, which will allow me to dance all night and it will not drag. So fun yet chic!”

You’ll be feeling va-va-vampy in this off-the-shoulder LBD. Norma Kamali’s stretchy dresses are known for complementing bods of all shapes and sizes—not least of all due to their famously flattering ruching and built-in shaping bodysuits. This particular style checks off multiple boxes on the petite fashion front. First, it has a midi length and angular asymmetrical hem, meaning it’ll elongate the leg but won’t be too long on short frames. Second, it has an off-shoulder neckline that ends in a sharp V, drawing the eye up to give the appearance of height. As this 5’2” buyer writes, “Hugs in all the right places and is very flattering. I wore it to a black tie wedding and received so many compliments. It is definitely an elegant dress.”

There’s something so Old Hollywood about kimono silhouettes like this one, marked by their voluminous sleeves and raised waistline that hits just below the bust. I own a similar style and the shape makes me feel regal and glamorous. Not only does this satin design feature that shortie-approved V-neck cut, it’s also sized specifically for petites, so you shouldn’t have any issues with its hem, or with the slit at the back that seems to hit right at the knee of the 5’3” model.

Speaking of Old Hollywood—the late, great Elizabeth Taylor, who stood at 5’2”, was often photographed wearing A-line, tea-length dresses that flattered her figure and her height. You can embrace her aesthetic in this vintage-inspired frock that hugs in at the torso and flares out (with the help of some pleating and tulle) at the waist. The darting on the bodice provides some tailored structure up top, which is a must for petites as loose, shapeless styles can easily overwhelm our forms. While this dress isn’t sold in petite lengths specifically, multiple shoppers under 5’4” gush about the fit, confirming that it falls at more of a tea length that’s still totally elegant.

There’s no height requirement for feeling like a Greek goddess, especially if you slip into this gilded masterpiece. The one-shoulder neckline still allows for some décolletage to peek through, while the gathered draping makes the form-fitting silhouette all the more forgiving. As for that tulip hem and side slit (which supplies a lengthening peek of leg)? It hits just right on shorter figures according to a few petites who have purchased it. “I’m 5’3”, 115lbs and the XS fit perfectly. I agree with another reviewer that you can get away with not altering if you’re on the shorter side,” writes one, who also raved over the quality of the “thick” material.