There’s something about wearing a dress that makes me feel so free. They don’t ride up like pants and the relaxed skirt makes it easy to stay cool when it’s humid out. As a 5-foot-2-inch shopper though, it’s easier to find a dress that pools at my feet than one that’s the perfect length.
After trying what felt like hundreds of brands, I’ve found my six favorite petite-friendly dresses, including maxi, midi, and mini lengths, that require zero hemming. I’ve owned some styles for more than four years, like this Gap dress, and still rely on them as stylish everyday and formal dresses. Check out my top picks below from popular brands like Gap, Abercrombie, Madewell, Old Navy, and Quince — prices start as little as $12.
My Favorite Petite Dresses
Gap Sarong Dress
If I could only choose one brand for basics, it would be Gap. The clothes have lasted me years, and I know this dress will, too. It takes a simple T-shirt dress and adds a twist, literally. The side knot makes it look like I didn’t just throw a bag on, and it actually shows off my figure.
The linen material is ideal for hot summer days, offering a lightweight feel that doesn’t have me sweating the moment I put it on. Plus, the petite sizing means the length actually hits above my knee.
Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress
Any time I have a formal event, I go straight to Abercrombie’s dress section. Pretty much every style on the site comes in petite sizing, so I know it’s going to be the perfect length every time. I have this puffy sleeve dress in a discontinued shade, but the design is so beloved that the brand keeps dropping new prints (and I’m tempted to stock up on them!).
What I love most about this petite dress isn’t just the secret pockets and soft, airy fabric, but the fact that it can be worn for so many occasions. I’ve worn this to the office, a baptism, a wedding rehearsal dinner, and even just out to dinner with family.
Old Navy Vintage Mini T-Shirt Dress
Old Navy has mastered how to craft the perfect T-shirt dress for short shoppers. The petite sizes let me actually channel the timeless style, without having to make an appointment at the tailor. Plus, I love how soft the brand’s cotton fabric is — it feels like I’m wearing my favorite worn-in T-shirt, but it’s actually a cute dress that I can pair with sandals or my trusty white sneakers.
Madewell Smocked Maxi Dress
Smocked dresses have seemingly come back in waves this summer, and I have been wearing a similar maxi dress in celebration. I got a polka-dot style more than a year ago, and while the exact dress isn’t available anymore, there’s a similar one that my friends have been bragging about. It has a stretchy smocked bodice, which is my favorite part because it’s not itchy and doesn’t feel restricting. I pack this dress for most trips since you can style it so many different ways, including with a button-down T-shirt like I did above.
Quince Silk Slip Dress
I’ve owned this exact dress for about four years, and it still looks brand new. I love how it’s washable, so I don’t worry about accidentally ruining the silk fabric. It’s also so easy to style: I’ve worn it under a blazer for a work event and even on its own for a wedding. It was truly love at first wear, and when my 51-year-old mom came to me looking for slip dress recommendations, this was the first piece I recommended — now she owns two of them.
Quince doesn’t have petite sizing for this style, but it wasn’t an issue. The cut hits just below my knee, plus the adjustable straps make it easy to shorten the dress even more.
Madewell Pleated Shirt Dress
Some days I just don’t have the energy to put an outfit together, but this dress makes it easy to appear polished. It has a cinched waist that gives my body more of a shape — especially since most long T-shirt dresses can end up looking like a sack on me. It’s been fun experimenting with how to style it, too. I’ve worn it as is with some jewelery and kitten heels, but I’ve been playing with the idea of adding an oversized belt or dressing it down with a bomber jacket and sneakers once the weather is colder.
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