They work for weddings, the office, and vacation
Best PEOPLE-Approved Petite Dresses for Summer
- LBD Replacement: Quince Washable Silk Slip Dress, $90; Quince
- Easy to Pack: Madewell Embroidered Midi Dress, $140 (orig. $198); Nordstrom Rack
- Throw-On-and-Go: Hotouch A-Line Tiered Dress, $20 (orig. $37); Amazon
- Hot Weather-Friendly: BP. Cotton Chambray Mini Dress, $30 (orig. $60); Nordstrom
- 72% Off Vacation Staple: Banana Republic Frayed Hem Midi Dress, $42 at checkout (orig. $150); Banana Republic Factory
- Summer-Ready Maxi: Reformation Clara Knit Dress, $178; Reformation
- Sellout Risk: Abercrombie Smocked Drop-Waist Maxi Dress, $90 (orig. $130); Abercrombie & Fitch
Shopping for petite dresses online is similar to ordering takeout from somewhere new: While it’s convenient, you won’t know how good it is until your first bite.
Rather than stick to my tried-and-true brand, I asked my fellow petite co-workers where they find summer dresses that won’t require a trip to the tailor — and now I’m overflowing with options. Check out our most-loved styles, including silky wedding guest-approved options and breezy vacation staples from popular brands like Quince, Reformation, Banana Republic Factory, and more. Keep reading to shop petite dresses from $20.
Related: I’m a 5’2” Writer in Need of Breathable Summer Pants That Still Look Polished — Here Are My Petite-Friendly Picks
Quince Washable Silk Slip Dress
$90 at Quince.com
““Forget a little black dress, this silk style has been a secret weapon in my closet for years. It’s so multifunctional: I’ve worn it alone to weddings and styled it with a blazer for work events. I’m not scared to get it dirty either since the fabric is durable enough to throw in the wash. The length also hits right below my knee, so I feel refined and not like I’m drowning in fabric.” — Rylee Johnston, shopping writer, 5’2”“
Madewell Embroidered Midi Dress
$198 $140 at Nordstromrack.com
““I love this bandana dress from Madewell. I bought it last summer, and I always bring it on trips because it’s so easy to wear, and it’s truly the perfect length. It’s also beyond comfortable and not see-through, which is always an issue I have with white dresses.” — Madeline Merinuk, shopping writer, 5’4”“
Hotouch A-Line Tiered Dress
$37 $20 at Amazon
““I owned an identical dress from Aritzia for years (it’s since been retired) and it was always my go-to summer look. The length design hit slightly below my knee giving me ample coverage, and the tiered design added a delicate touch to the look. It was my one-and-done outfit for everything from summer barbecues to bridal showers.” — Rylee Johnston“
BP. Cotton Chambray Mini Dress
$60 $30 at Nordstrom
““At just about 5 feet tall, I always pay attention to fit. This chambray mini dress has adjustable straps for a more customized fit, and the shorter length means I don’t have to worry about it overwhelming my frame. I wore it on a recent trip to New York when temperatures were pushing 90 degrees and appreciated how lightweight it felt. I’ve paired it with sandals, sneakers, and even cowgirl boots, and I love that it works with just about every shoe in my closet.” — Toni Sutton, shopping writer, 4’11”“
Banana Republic Frayed Hem Midi Dress, $42 at checkout
$150 $42 at Banana Republic Factory
““Banana Republic Factory has become a go-to for me. Most of the dresses the brand offers are available in petite, and as someone who loves a solid maxi dress, I’ve never had to hem any I’ve bought from here — they truly are the ideal length for petites. This crochet/sweater style is ideal for summer since the material feels thick yet lightweight. No overheating at all. Truly a magical fabric. I wore a similar style on vacation, out to dinners, and to a winery.” — Jennifer Maldonado, associate editorial director, 5’0”“
Reformation Clara Knit Dress
$178 at Reformation
““Reformation’s Clara Knit dress isn’t designed specifically for petites, yet I was thrilled to discover it fits my 5-foot frame to a T. Not only is it the perfect full-length dress for my stature, but its comfy, lightweight knit fabric is so breathable, and it kept me cool on a 90-degree Fahrenheit day. The best part? It has pockets, too!” — Melony Forcier, shopping writer, 5’0”“
Abercrombie Smocked Drop-Waist Maxi Dress
$130 $90 at Abercrombie.com
““Chocolate brown may have peaked last summer, but I’m still reaching for it whenever I can. My latest find is this midi dress from Abercrombie, which has a smocked bodice and drop-waist silhouette that helps elongate my short torso. Even better, the brand offers a petite length, so I can skip a trip to the tailor. I’ve worn it with heels for dressier occasions and sandals for everyday outings. While the brown version is nearly sold out, I found an almost identical style at Amazon for just $42.” — Nicol Natale, shopping writer, 5’2”“
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