21 of the Best Party Dresses to Wear If You're Petite
Who What Wear contributor Monikh is 5'1" .
As someone who is but an inch away (I'm 5'4") from being classed as 'petite', I know the struggle all too well when it comes to finding a dress. Minis can become knee-length, midis venture into maxi territory, and maxis, well, maxis are often floor-sweepers. There's no denying that it's tricky. And while well-fitting styles can sometimes be snapped up in 'regular' collections, it's often best for people 5'3" and under to head to the specialist petite sections.
With so many brands— including Reformation, Warehouse, Nobody's Child and Asos— all excelling in petite dresses, I took it upon myself to have a good search for the very best dresses for those who are slightly shorter. What did I find? A sequin dress you'll want to swish around in all party season, a variety of black dresses and a whole host of versatile knitted styles.
Keep scrolling to shop my pick of the best petite party dresses, and hopefully you'll discover some lesser-known brands to add to your shopping lists.
Shop Best Petite Dresses
For a more casual party, this knit dress with work.
Many of Abercrombie's dresses come in petite lengths.
You'll most likely find any excuse to wear this embellished maxi.
A sleek day to night style.
A knit dress is so versatile across all seasons.
Winter 2023 is defined by brown shades.
A standout piece that is sure to turn heads.
A tea dress is the perfect throw-on-and-go style if you don't want to be super dressy.
You could also wear this to a winter wedding.
Karen Millen's partywear selection is so strong right now.
Next up, The WWW Gift Guide: 58 Chic Buys We'd Love to Open Ourselves
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.
Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people.
When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach for These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion People
There's something for everyone.
By Remy Farrell
-
Numbers Don't Lie: These Are the 6 Best-Selling Givenchy Bags of All Time
Receipts have been pulled.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024
Denim devotees, unite.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
The Anti–It Bags Fashion People Are Just Really Into
They have major staying power.
By Kristen Nichols
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RN
From cowboy hats to fringe accents.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23
Your definitive guide.
By Elinor Block
-
I'm Making Some Designer Investments This Year—30 Items I'm Eyeing From MyTheresa
No gatekeeping here.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua