Petite Dresses for Prom and Special Occasions

Explore this assortment of designer dresses that flatter a petite figure. Contrary to popular belief, petite does not always mean short and slim. Beautiful petite figures actually come in all shapes and sizes, so PromGirl carries a variety of figure-flattering petite dresses. You can be petite and have an hourglass figure, apple-shaped or pear-shaped figure. Petite may indicate that you have a tiny frame, or maybe just certain features are smaller. Whatever the case, you’ll want to find dresses designed to flatter your smaller build. The main fashion goal when choosing dresses for petite figures is to focus on accentuating your gorgeous nature figure while looking for designs and accents that will help create the illusion of added length. In the fashion world, typically petite refers to those with smaller builds, slender frames, and heights less than 5’4”. Shop this collection of designer dresses for petite figures to confidently celebrate your shape and showcase your best features at your next special occasion.

What Dresses are Flattering on Petite Figures?

What to Wear

This assortment of dresses for petite figures offers styles with features and designs to help balance your proportions and create a shapely silhouette. Fitted cuts, bodycon dresses, wrap dresses, and petite dresses with accents around the waistline tend to be flattering on petite ladies, as they help you appear leaner and taller. Empire-waist dresses and dresses with belted waists also aid with the appearance of added length. As petite body types typically have less canvas to work with, it’s best to stick with simple styles. Simple petite dresses work well because they do not overwhelm your petite stature like loud prints or patterns might. Certain necklines are also great for visually elongating your torso and balancing out your proportions. A deep v-neck dress is flattering on all body shapes, especially petite figures. Slip into a high-neck dress, a vertical-striped dress, or a dress with beading, sequins, or lace accents on the shoulder, as these dresses will draw attention upward, seemingly lengthening the upper body.

What to Avoid

When dressing a petite figure, one of the biggest challenges is knowing your body type and choosing figure-flattering petite dresses. Shapeless dresses, boxy cuts, and shift dresses tend to overwhelm a small frame. Broad necklines like bateau, boat-neck, and wide scoop-neck styles also tend to create a shorter and wider appearance. Fun prints and patterns are great for showcasing your personal style, but can become overwhelming on a smaller frame if they are too loud or busy. It’s also best to steer clear of horizontal stripes if you want to avoid looking too voluminous. Sleeved dresses can also create issues for petite ladies. The sleeves may not hit your arm at the intended length, causing the dress to look loose, baggy or ill-fitting.