Best Petite Spring & Summer Dresses for Every Occasion
Finding the perfect summer dress is hard enough, but it can be like looking for a needle in a haystack when you’re petite. Many dresses leave you drowning in fabric, with too-long sleeves and waists that sit at your hips, but where are the ones made to fit your pint-sized proportions and make you look chic?
Several great dress brands offer petite sizes, with Maggy London and Eliza J being two of my favorites. Now is the perfect time to buy a summer dress. We’re in that sweet spot where there’s still plenty of stock, but as the weather gets warmer, it’s selling fast!
Take a look at these fabulous petite summer dresses, guaranteed to look great no matter what you’re doing.
Best Petite Spring & Summer Dresses for Every Occasion
1. For the Weekend
Weekend dressing is easy with this camp-style shirtdress, which gives a relaxed look. Wear it with a pair of slide sandals for a day of shopping, or pair it with low block heel sandals for an easy dinner look. Either way, it’s a breezy summer find!
2. For a Bridal Shower
Bridal showers call for light, feminine dresses, such as this pretty floral print puff-sleeve midi dress, which features a sweetheart neckline. I love the simple elegance and fresh look of this printed dress. It’s perfect for an afternoon wedding shower with the ladies!
3. For a Summer Wedding
Here’s a chic floral print halter maxi dress that’s an excellent choice for a summer wedding. It’s ideal for when you want to wear black but worry that all-black attire is too formal or too severe. The floral print makes the dress feel lighter, more festive, and more feminine. The cascading ruffle creates a long, slimming line!
4. For a Birthday Party or Date Night
With summer comes parties, and you may find an invitation to a milestone birthday (40, 50, 60, and beyond) in your inbox. Whether you’re the guest or the birthday girl, this tie-belt mini dress is a fun choice. Take a look at how beautifully structured this dress is, without being too stiff or stuffy.
The colorful, geometric print really makes this dress stand out!
5. For a Vacation
Beat the heat on your vacation with a light, airy sundress. Whether dining al fresco oceanside or hitting the town to explore, this palm print one-shoulder midi dress feels like summer! Bone-colored strappy sandals keep the focus on the bright print!
6. For a Graduation
Your child’s graduation is important, so Mom, you’ll want to wear something nice. This lively twist-front sheath dress in stunning turquoise is a beautiful way to dress up a classic look with a modern twist.
7. For an Outdoor Party
When the weather is hot and steamy, opt for a cool and refreshing outfit like this breezy halter maxi dress. The vibrant color is stunning, and the style is easy for anyone to wear. Get ready for some fun in the sun with wine and cheese on the patio in this dress!
8. For the Office
Amp up your office chic look with this polished, modern shirtdress. This botanical print shirtdress is elegant and polished, with a flattering fit. Talk about business–savvy style!
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Loved the dress suggestions in this post—especially the ones for brunch and beach outings! As someone who’s petite, it’s such a relief to find styles that don’t overwhelm my frame. But while finding the right summer dress has become easier with guides like this, what I still struggle with is finding the right innerwear to match. Comfort, invisibility under light fabrics, and a proper fit—these are so hard to tick all at once. Any suggestions on innerwear brands that work well under flowy summer outfits?
Hi Jessy, In summer I wear SPANXshape™ Thinstinct and Invisible collections when I need to. They are very thin and light but they hold you in.For pants and most things I will wear the Thinsticnts invisible girl short. Don’t buy the regular Spanx- way too tight and heavy for summer.I have the invisible mid thigh body suit for dresses when I want to look even a little more pulled in. Both are light-medium coverage but I would say the Thinstincts are a touch more comfy. I don’t even notice them. Here is the link to spanx to check them out. I hope that helps!https://rstyle.me/+x-QtZzoaELOstrV7WcS02A
Love WHBM petite one! It is my style! Thank you for all the pretty petite dresses!
Thank you for the dresses!!! I love the WHBM one.
Thank you for featuring some lovely dresses for petites. Being swallowed up in fabric is no fun. It took me some time to accumulate some versatile petite dresses in my wardrobe. They all fit my lifestyle, aesthetic, and, most importantly, my frame!
Hi Carolyn! So glad you could drop by. Glad you found some dresses that are a good fit. The right fit makes all the difference! Cheers, Deb
Beautiful!