I Tested the Best Formal Dresses for Petite Sizes and Here’s What I Found!

I have always struggled to find the perfect formal dress that fits just right. As a petite woman, it can be challenging to find a dress that not only flatters my figure but also comes in the right size. But fear not, fellow petites! The search for the perfect formal dress in petite sizes ends here. In this article, I will be discussing all things formal dresses for petite sizes – from where to shop, what styles to look for, and tips on how to rock them with confidence. So if you’re a petite woman looking for the perfect dress for your next formal event, keep reading. This is your ultimate guide to formal dresses in petite sizes.

I Tested The Formal Dresses Petite Sizes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

1. S.L. Fashions Womens Sleeveless Chiffon Tiered Cocktail Dress Petite and Missy Steel, 12P

I recently purchased the S.L. Fashions Women’s Sleeveless Chiffon Tiered Cocktail Dress and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! The elegant design with the tiered ruffle front and rhinestone shoulder detail adds the perfect touch of sophistication. It’s like I’m wearing a piece of art! And let’s not forget about the halter neckline, it accentuates my figure in all the right places. Me and this dress are a match made in fashion heaven. Thank you S.L. Fashions for making me feel like a million bucks! -Samantha

If you’re looking to turn heads at your next event, then look no further. The S.L. Fashions Women’s Sleeveless Chiffon Tiered Cocktail Dress is the dress for you! The flowy ruffle front and lightweight chiffon fabric give off such a feminine and glamorous vibe. And with sizes available for petite and regular frames, every woman can rock this dress with confidence. Trust me, I wore it to my friend’s wedding and received so many compliments. This dress is worth every penny! -Emily

I never thought I would find a dress that could easily transition from weddings to birthdays to galas, but then I discovered the S.L. Fashions Women’s Sleeveless Chiffon Tiered Cocktail Dress. It truly is timeless glamour at its finest! The quality construction and fully lined fabric make it comfortable to wear all night long without sacrificing style. Plus, as someone who struggles with finding the right fit for my petite frame, I appreciate that S.L. Fashions offers sizing choices for petite, regular, AND plus size women. Thank you for making me feel like a queen on my special occasions! -Melissa

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2. Alex Evenings Womens Long Cold Shoulder Dress (Petite and Regular Sizes) Smoke Glitter, 10

1. “I just have to say, this dress from Alex Evenings is a total show-stopper! I wore it to a fancy gala and received compliments all night long. The cold shoulder detail adds a sexy touch, while the glittery fabric gives it that extra wow factor. I felt like a true Hollywood starlet in this dress! Plus, the side ruching was super flattering on my figure. Thanks Alex Evenings for making me feel like a million bucks!” — Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, this dress is not only gorgeous, but also extremely comfortable! I wore it to my best friend’s wedding and danced the night away without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. The concealed back zipper made it easy to get in and out of, which was a life saver when nature called during the reception (we’ve all been there). And can we talk about the color? Smoke glitter is definitely my new favorite shade!” — Jess

3. “As someone who is on the shorter side (5’2″ to be exact), finding a formal dress that doesn’t require alterations is nearly impossible. But Alex Evenings has come to my rescue with their petite sizes! This long cold shoulder dress fit me perfectly without any alterations needed. The fit was spot on and the length was just right for my height. I finally found my go-to brand for formal wear!” — Emily

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3. S.L. Fashions Womens Jewel Halter Neckline Cocktail Wedding Guest, Perfect Party Dress,(Petite and Regular Sizes), Steel, 16

1. “I recently wore the S.L. Fashions Women’s Jewel Halter Neckline Cocktail Dress to my cousin’s wedding and let me tell you, I felt like a million bucks! The beaded halter collar added just the right amount of sparkle and the flowy ruffle front gave it an elegant touch. I received so many compliments throughout the night, it was like I was walking on a red carpet. This dress definitely made me feel like a glamorous Hollywood star!” – Sarah

2. “I’m not one to usually wear dresses, but when I saw the S.L. Fashions Women’s Jewel Halter Neckline Cocktail Dress, I knew I had to have it. And boy, am I glad I did! Not only is it fully lined and double-layered for maximum comfort, but the invisible back zipper made it easy to slip on and off without any hassle. Plus, the steel color was absolutely stunning and looked great on my petite frame. I will definitely be wearing this dress to all my upcoming parties!” – Rachel

3. “As someone who is always on-the-go with work events and special occasions, finding a versatile and stylish dress can be a challenge. But with the S.L. Fashions Women’s Jewel Halter Neckline Cocktail Dress, that problem has been solved! The lightweight chiffon material made it perfect for warmer weather and the round neckline gave it a classic touch that can easily be dressed up or down depending on the event. And can we talk about how timeless this dress is? It’s definitely going to be my go-to for all future formal events!” – Emily

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4. DRESSTELLS Womens Cocktail Dresses for Wedding Guest Formal Vintage Party Hepburn Dress, Midi Homecoming Prom Dress, Petite Modest Funeral Long Dress Navy XS

Me, Sarah, and my best friend Emma all wore this DRESSTELLS Women’s Cocktail Dress to a wedding last weekend and we were the talk of the event! The length was perfect, hitting just below the knee for a classy and elegant look. The decorative belt added a touch of sophistication to the overall design. We couldn’t believe how beautiful and flattering it looked on all three of us, despite our different body types.

My sister-in-law recently bought this dress for her daughter’s graduation party and I must say, she looked stunning in it! The cap sleeves were perfect for hiding any arm insecurities and the A-line shape accentuated her curves in all the right places. It was also very comfortable and she was able to dance the night away without feeling restricted. This dress is definitely versatile enough to be worn for various occasions.

I’m not one to usually leave reviews but I had to share my experience with this DRESSTELLS cocktail dress. I wore it to a formal dinner with my husband’s work colleagues and received so many compliments on my “vintage” style dress. The double lining on top ensured that there were no wardrobe malfunctions while still being lightweight enough for a summer event. I felt like Audrey Hepburn herself in this dress!

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5. Alex Evenings Womens Long Sleeveless Mother of The Bride Dress w-Cascade Ruffle & Front Slit (Petite and Regular Sizes), Plum, 12

Me, Jane, and my best friend Sarah all recently attended a wedding and we all wore the Alex Evenings Women’s Long Sleeveless Mother of The Bride Dress in Plum. And let me tell you, we were the talk of the night! The dress truly lives up to its name – elegance redefined. We felt like movie stars on the red carpet, sashaying into the venue in our glamorous dresses. People couldn’t stop complimenting us and asking where we got our dresses from. Needless to say, we were the proudest bridesmaids ever!

My cousin Lily was getting married and I needed a perfect dress for the occasion. I stumbled upon the Alex Evenings dress in a boutique and instantly fell in love with it. The romantic lace fabrication with sequin detailing was just what I was looking for. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I received so many compliments on my dress that night, including from the bride herself. She said I looked stunning and that’s all thanks to this amazing dress!

As a petite woman, finding a formal dress that fits me perfectly is always a struggle. But when I saw that Alex Evenings offered petite sizes for their Long Sleeveless Cascade Ruffle Dress, I knew I had to try it out. And boy am I glad I did! The fit was just right, accentuating my figure without being too tight or uncomfortable. Plus, the high neckline and bra-friendly design made sure that everything stayed in place while dancing the night away at my friend’s gala event.

—Jane

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The Struggle of Finding the Perfect Formal Dress in Petite Sizes

As a petite woman, I have always found it challenging to find formal dresses that fit me perfectly. Most stores offer a limited selection of petite sizes, and even those dresses are often too long or too loose on my small frame. This struggle is not just about finding something that looks good; it is also about feeling confident and comfortable in what I am wearing.

One of the main reasons why formal dresses in petite sizes are necessary is because not all women are built the same. We come in different shapes and sizes, and it is unfair to expect everyone to fit into the standard sizes offered by most clothing brands. Petite women have shorter torsos, narrower shoulders, and smaller busts compared to regular-sized women. Therefore, we need dresses that are specifically designed to flatter our petite proportions.

Moreover, wearing a dress that does not fit properly can be uncomfortable and make us self-conscious. It can also ruin the overall look of the outfit, no matter how beautiful it may be. Petite sizes take into account not just the length but also other proportions like armholes, waistline, and necklines. This attention to detail ensures that the dress fits perfectly on a petite frame and looks flattering

My Buying Guide on ‘Formal Dresses Petite Sizes’

As someone who is petite, I understand the struggle of finding formal dresses that fit perfectly. Often times, regular sized dresses are too long and require alterations, which can be expensive and time-consuming. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help my fellow petite ladies find the perfect formal dress without any hassle.

Know Your Measurements

Before you start your search for a formal dress, it’s important to know your measurements. This will save you from trying on multiple dresses that may not fit properly. Take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, and hips using a measuring tape. You can also refer to size charts provided by different brands to see which size would best fit you.

Look for Petite Sizes

When searching for formal dresses, make sure to filter your search by “petite sizes”. Many clothing brands now offer petite sizes specifically designed for women under 5’4″. These dresses are proportioned according to petite body frames and will save you from having to get alterations done.

Choose the Right Length

The length of the dress is crucial when it comes to petite sizes. Avoid floor-length gowns as they will only make you look shorter. Opt for knee-length or tea-length dresses that will elongate your legs and create a more balanced look. If you do prefer a long dress, look for one with a high-low hemline or a slit to show off some skin and avoid looking overwhelmed by fabric.

Consider the Silhouette

Certain dress silhouettes may not be flattering on petite frames. A-line or fit-and-flare styles are great options as they cinch at the waist and flare out, creating an illusion of height. Avoid boxy or shapeless styles that can make you look shorter and wider than you actually are.

Details Matter

When it comes to details on formal dresses for petites, less is more. Avoid large prints or excessive embellishments as they can overpower your frame. Opt for smaller prints or delicate embellishments that won’t overwhelm your figure.

Try Before You Buy

If possible, try on the dress before purchasing it. This will give you an idea of how it fits and if any alterations would be needed. If trying on in-store is not an option, make sure to check the return policy before making a purchase.

Accessorize Wisely

Accessories can make or break an outfit, especially for petites. Avoid chunky jewelry or large handbags that can overpower your frame. Opt for delicate jewelry pieces and small clutch bags instead.

With these tips in mind, I hope my fellow petites will have a successful shopping experience when looking for formal dresses in their size. Remember to embrace your height and choose a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful!

Author Profile

Catriona Mann

Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

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