The 15 Best Fall Dresses for Petites, According to a 5’0” Editor

Name: J.Crew Denim Shift Dress
Brand: J.Crew
Price: 178 USD

Starting at $24

Author image: about face matte fluid eye paint review chelsea candelario

By Chelsea Candelario

•

Updated Sep 16, 2025

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fall dresses for petites a collage of fall dresses

Cupshe/Abercrombie/Lands End

As a 5’0” editor, I often have trouble shopping for jeans or maxi skirts. But when it comes to dresses, my closet is chock-full of them, especially for fall. Whether they’re knitted or suede, I find there are so many more options for us petite gals. The length is super important, so I look for styles that lay nicely past the knee or graze right by the ankle. Since my favorite time of the year is here, I went on the hunt to find the best fall dresses for petites—starting at $24.

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fall dresses for petites french connections gray v neck mini dress and white turtleneck

Nordstrom

1. French Connection V-Neck Apron Mini Dress

French Connection

This mini dress is the perfect length for petites. The hem lands right above the knee, which works well with a pair of tights and tall boots. It has a deep V-neckline, front flap pockets and crisscross back straps for a flattering fit. Made of 60 percent wool, it’s a great transitional dress that can be layered with a stylish button-down shirt or turtleneck.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 0 to 14

$148 At Nordstrom

fall dresses for petites lands end a long denim blue dress

Nordstrom

2. Lands’ End Petite Soft Denim Midi Shirt Dress

Lands' End

According to Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth, denim dresses continue to reign in autumn. This midi dress lands right at mid-calf, so no alternations needed. It’s made of 99 percent cotton and one percent spandex for a soft, comfortable fit. Design-wise, it has a button-front placket, classic collar and two functional chest pockets—plus, it comes with a belt for a stylish flair.

Fast Facts

Size Range: SP to XLP

$130 At Nordstrom

fall dresses for petites popilush a green silky long dress with slit

Amazon

3. Popilush Shapewear Maxi Dress

Popilush

If you’re looking for a fall wedding guest dress, look no further than this Popilush maxi dress. If you’re worried about the length, it has ruched detailing and a high slit, so you can forget about excess fabric dragging on the dance floor. It also has built-in shapewear that’s comfortable and flattering, along with detachable straps to make it uniquely yours.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to 3XL

$130 At Amazon

Cupshe

4. Cupshe Faux Suede Pinafore Dress

Cupshe

Hepworth anticipates brown is the new black for fall, so consider adding this mini dress to your closet. The soft faux suede, along with the square neckline and slanted front pockets can work for apple picking or afternoon brunch. I’d personally wear it with a cozy long sleeve shirt, tights and booties.

Fast Facts

Size Range: S to XL

$24 At Cupshe

Cupshe

5. Cupshe Campus Walk Plaid Mini Dress

Cupshe

I don’t care what anyone says, plaid will always be a staple print for fall. This shirt dress features a collared neckline, long sleeves and a waist tie for an oh-so chic finish. Made with 100 percent cotton, the dress can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Fast Facts

Size Range: S to XL

$38 At Cupshe

fall dresses for petites abercrombie and fitch gray off-the-shoulder long dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

6. Abercrombie & Fitch Off-the-Shoulder Boucle Maxi Sweater Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

I love a sweater dress for fall, and this one ranks high on my list. The thought of wearing a maxi dress scares me, but thankfully A&F has an entire petite section so I can wear this one all season long. It has a slim-fitting design to accentuate my curves, off-the-shoulder style and a soft material that keeps me cozy for the weather. The sweater dress comes in three neutral shades, but I’m leaning towards the grey color for a day in the office.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XL

~~$110~~; $40 At Abercrombie & Fitch

fall dresses for petites abercrombie and fitch white oversized dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

7. Abercrombie & Fitch Zip-Up Fleece Mini Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

It’s officially Meg Ryan Fall, so it’s time to switch your wardrobe entirely to sweaters, including this cozy number from Abercrombie & Fitch. The material is a soft blend of cotton and polyester, along with a relaxed fit to take a morning stroll or relax on the couch. Other chic features include a mock neckline, quarter-zip detail, and of course, pockets.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XL

$70 At Abercrombie & Fitch

fall dresses for petites abercrombie and fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch

8. Abercrombie & Fitch Dipped-Waist Smocked Midi Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

I recently did a deep dive into the coolest A&F fall picks for petites and this midi dress made the list. Don’t feel intimidated by the exaggerated waistline as it can create the illusion of a longer torso. It has a scoop neckline, flowy skirt and a smocking print that’s trending this season. There are five designs available, but I’m partial to the brown dot design, especially with a nice pair of flats.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL

$110 At Abercrombie & Fitch

Tuckernuck

9. Tuckernuck Croissant Tweed Jackie Dress

Tuckernuck

Senior Commerce Editor (and fellow petite) Stephanie Maida predicted this tweed dress was going to be a hit last fall, and it continues to be top of mind for this season. The viral dress has a thick, polyester tweed material that she says feels sturdy without being stiff or itchy. Although the A-line silhouette is flattering, she suggests going down a size for a comfortable fit. “All in all, I can see why this style has taken off in the nation’s capital—and why it’s sure to be heading to a closet near you this autumn,” she wrote in her rave review.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXXXL

$268 At Tuckernuck

Tuckernuck

10. Tuckernuck Navy Satin Bellamy Dress

Tuckernuck

Yes, brown is going to dominate fall, but crown blue is slowly becoming a favorite. This Tuckernucker dress shows off the gorgeous color, with a slim-fitting shape, empire waist, slight puff sleeves *and* a self-tie bow that’s great for happy hour. Similar to the model above, pair it with some nice heels (for height) and dazzling gold jewelry.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXXL

$268 At Tuckernuck

fall dresses for petites ann plaid strapless dress

Ann Taylor

11. Ann Taylor Strapless Midi Dress

Ann Taylor

Senior Editor Dana Dickey (who’s 5’3”) has spotted all the fall finds for petites at Ann Taylor and I’m loving this strapless midi dress from her list. Aside from the chic plaid print, the dress has a narrow silhouette, scrunched detailing at the mid-section and a 29 and a half length (but don’t worry it comes in petite sizing). Wear it alone or elevate the look with the matching blazer and a pair of black pointy toes.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 00 to 22

~~$159~~; $111 At Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

12. Ann Taylor Geo Satin Shift Dress

Ann Taylor

While every shade of brown and red will be all over your fall mood board, you don’t want to sleep on purple hues either. Dickey also recommends this shift dress, which comes in a pretty plum with a bold print suitable for the season. Aside from the rich color, I appreciate the dress’s bouncy silhouette, crew neckline and flare sleeves.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL

~~$169~~; $118 At Ann Taylor

Amazon

13. Amoretu Tunic Dress

Amoretu

With more than 57,000 raving reviews, this top-seller is a favorite for petites. It’s made of 100 percent dacron (a type of polyester fiber), which shoppers say is super soft and comfortable to wear all day. The stretchy material gives it a flowy silhouette that can be worn with sneakers, flats or low booties. Plus, the deep-V neckline, lantern sleeves and ruffles are the icing on the cake. Note: Shoppers say it runs big, so definitely size down.

Fast Facts

Size Range: S to XXL

$40 At Amazon

J.Crew

14. J.Crew Square-Neck Slip Dress

J.Crew

Maida recently had a shopping spree at J.Crew and found this slip dress for the season ahead. She was pleasantly surprised by the fit, writing, “The soft and silky viscose draped beautifully on my form—no lumps and bumps detected. Again, it was ankle-length on moi, but that length, combined with the sleek, body-skimming fit, made me feel long and elegant.” Dress it up or down with a pair of comfy combat boots.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to 3X

$228 At J.Crew

J.Crew

15. J.Crew Denim Shift Dress

J.Crew

Another favorite from Maida? This denim shift dress that she describes as a retro style that ends right above her knee. It’s made of 100 percent regenerative cotton, featuring a clean silhouette, four front pockets and back zipper. Wear it alone or layer with a button down striped shirt that’s perfect for the office.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to 3X

$178 At j.crew

Chelsea Candelario

Beauty Editor

Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
Six years of experience as a Beauty Editor
Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz

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