15 Best Petite Maxi Dresses For Women To Buy In 2023
SEARCHING for the best petite maxi dresses? We've done the hard work for you and found 15 of this season's most coveted styles.
When it comes to summer, there's nothing easier than throwing on a maxi dress: it's a length that looks great whether for day or night, is comfy to wear and can be worn to suit all tastes and styles.
If you're short or petite-sized, however, getting the length and fit right can be tricky – and often cost more money in alterations, once you've found your dream maxi.
Luckily though, there are plenty of brands and retailers with specific petite ranges to ensure that you find the perfect-fitting maxi dress, without it trailing way past your feet.
Check out our roundup of the best petite maxi dresses below, whatever your style and budget.
Best petite maxi dresses at a glance: 1. Joe Browns Women's Beaded Strappy Patterned Maxi Dress Casual15
Joe Browns is a brand that really comes into its own in the summer: its boho leanings are just perfect for laidback, sunny vibes and look timeless every season.
This maxi is a perfect example: the green paisley print is just the right amount of retro while still looking contemporary, thanks to the gold bead accents on the straps.
It passes the petite test too, with one reviewer on the Joe Browns website writing: "I am very short (5") and dresses do not normally fit but this was perfect for me. Lovely design and colour too."
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2. Roman Petite Women Paisley Halterneck Maxi Dress15
Roman Originals is a great place to shop for petite clothing: this keyhole neck maxi is available in the brand's petite range as well as its standard sizing.
It's available in several colourways and style variations but our eye went straight for this navy and ivory print which is really striking and statement.
Although the fit is quite relaxed, the design features a contrasting pattern to highlight your waist – perfect for ensuring that petite frames aren't drowned out.
"So pretty and feminine! Great quality", says one five-star review.
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3. New Look Petite Black Bandeau Maxi Dress15
New Look Petite Black Bandeau Maxi DressCredit: New LookEvery wardrobe needs a simple black maxi like this one.
The plain colourway and simple silhouette allow it to be styled in countless ways – perfect for making your holiday packing go a long way.
The bandeau style will also look great with a denim jacket or even layered over a t-shirt.
4. New Look Petite Pink Satin Ruched Halter Maxi Dress15
New Look Petite Pink Satin Ruched Halter Maxi DressCredit: New LookIn a beautiful soft pink hue and satin finish, this New Look number will look dreamy at a garden party or wedding this summer.
Featuring a ruched halter neckline and fit-and-flare design, it's perfect for a floaty and romantic style.
Just bear in mind that reviews say it's quite thin, so you might want to layer a slip underneath.
5. New Look Petite White Floral Flutter Sleeve Midaxi Dress15
New Look Petite White Floral Flutter Sleeve Midaxi DressCredit: New LookFlutter sleeves are ultra flattering if you want a bit more arm coverage from your maxi – plus the floaty style is great for staying cool and breezy.
With its mid-maxi length, this cute number will be a go-to this summer: just check out that ditsy floral print!
6. Oasis Petite Animal Print Crinkled Shirred Maxi Dress15
Oasis Petite Animal Print Crinkled Shirred Maxi DressCredit: DebenhamsWe're always a fan of leopard print: it's one of the easiest ways to add statement and personality to any wardrobe.
This petite maxi by Oasis has a comfy shirred bodice and a flowing skirt: just add layered necklaces and your favourite sandals for a stylish summer brunch look.
7. Boohoo Petite Gingham Pom Pom Shoulder Maxi Dress15
boohooCredit: boohooGingham is back for another summer and looks just as good as ever.
Available in black and white or pink and white, this petite maxi by Boohoo features pom detailing and bows across the back of the straps for added interest.
8. Warehouse Petite Ruffle Sleeveless Maxi Dress15
Warehouse Petite Ruffle Sleeveless Maxi DressCredit: DebenhamsThis ruffle detail maxi from Warehouse's petite range would be perfect for a garden party or wedding guest outfit.
It's a great way to do 'sleeveless' while still having some arm coverage.
9. Boohoo Petite Cut-Out Ruffle Linen Maxi Dress15
Boohoo Petite Cut Out Ruffle Linen Maxi DressCredit: BoohooBuy this linen maxi and take it on holiday: stat.
Featuring plenty of ruffles and a cutout section on the waist and back, it's also available in lime green and classic black.
10. Boohoo Petite Snake Print Beaded Hanky Hem Dress15
Boohoo Petite Snake Print Beaded Hanky Hem DressCredit: BoohooBalearic boho vibes, are incoming.
The beaded detail on this Boohoo maxi really elevates an otherwise laidback hanky hem silhouette into a thing of beauty. We can just imagine it on a beach in Ibiza – or your nearest roof terrace bar.
11. Boohoo Petite Porcelain Tiered Maxi Dress15
Boohoo Petite Porcelain Tiered Maxi DressCredit: BoohooWe've included several Boohoo picks here and that's because its petite range is specifically designed to fit those 5'3'' and under, so you definitely won't encounter any trailing hems.
This strappy maxi is lovely whether for daytime or evening, with a striking green porcelain print that has bags of style.
12. Boohoo Petite Ladder Knit Beach Maxi Dress15
Boohoo Petite Ladder Knit Beach Maxi DressCredit: BoohooSummer holiday booked? Don't forget to pack a cute beach cover-up!
This crochet-style ladder knit maxi is perfect for throwing over your bikini for a glam beach-to-bar look.
Plus it's made with recycled cotton.
13. Dorothy Perkins Petite Navy Tiered Tie Shoulder Maxi Dress15
Dorothy Perkins Petite Navy Tiered Tie Shoulder Maxi DressCredit: Dorothy PerkinsThis is one of those classic maxis you can wear for all sorts of occasions: the plain navy style makes it ultra-versatile to dress up or down.
The model is 5' 3" tall and wearing flats, so you can be sure that the length will require no altering.
14. Dorothy Perkins Petite Black Ditsy Tiered Tie Shoulder Maxi Dress15
Petite Black Ditsy Tiered Tie Shoulder Maxi DressCredit: Dorothy PerkinsLove black but want to inject a tiny bit more colour into your summer wardrobe? Try this ditsy floral maxi!
The fitted bodice and full skirt are ultra comfy and flattering, with tie shoulder straps completing the sweet look.
15. Wallis Petite Pleated Wrap Maxi Dress15
Wallis Petite Neutral Palm Belted Midi DressCredit: WallisGot a wedding or al fresco special occasion? This pleated maxi is the perfect pop of colour.
On-trend in Barbie pink, the breezy chiffon and floaty sleeves are ideal for warmer temperatures – plus the self-tie belt allows you to wear it as cinched in as you like.
Do long dresses look good on short people?Absolutely! If you're small, it might seem logical to avoid floor-sweeping styles that will drown your frame.
However, it really does all come down to fit and correct proportions: brands which carry petite ranges are your best bet, as their dresses will be designed to suit your frame perfectly.
And if you opt for a style with a high waist, it can even help to elongate your body and give the illusion of height.
How long should a maxi dress be for my height?Maxi lengths should hit the ankle bone, ideally.
This is long enough to be classed as 'maxi' rather than midaxi or midi, while still allowing enough space from the floor so that the skirt doesn't trail in the dirt – or trip you up!
If you're shopping in standard size ranges rather than petite, a good trick to finding the right maxi length for your petite frame is to select dresses which stop just above the model's ankle bone.
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What height is petite in the UK?It can be a common misconception that petite ranges are for slimmer, smaller builds. However, the sizing is more specific to height and proportions: petite women, of course, come in all dress sizes.
Most petite size ranges are designed for women with a height of either 5'4" (163cm) and under, or 5'3" (160cm) and under.
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Best Petite Dresses For Wedding Guests
FINDING the perfect wedding outfit can be challenging at the best of times, but if you're 5'4 or less, it can be a nightmare, so we've gone out and found the best petite dresses for wedding guests to cover all eventualities.
It's not just about height either – it's about fit as well as length; the dress should not hang off you but should cling, flow and drape in all the right places, making you look a million dollars.
Some companies create a petite range in the same style as their regular designs, while others cater solely to petite sizes, so it's worth doing your research well in advance of the event to find something that suits you perfectly.
If you're shopping on the high street then try on before you buy; if you're buying online then retailers usually offer generous returns policies so if the dress doesn't fit, you should have no problem sending it back.
Whether your style is a pretty tea dress, floral print, mini, maxi, fit and flare or stunning evening number, we have something to tempt you.
Best petite dresses for wedding guests at a glance: Roman Originals Women's Frill Hem Midi Dress9
This fuchsia print dress is ideal for a summer wedding and will easily take you from day to evening with élan.
The classic neckline is enhanced by the pretty frill detail, which continues to the shoulders while the mock wrap style falls to an uneven hem, echoing the frill design.
It's knee-length, so perfect for all ages, and it looks great with heels or flats. The lightweight material means you'll keep your cool no matter what the temperature and the timeless pink-on-white background will never go out of style.
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This dress is both smart and chic, but eminently wearable for many different occasions, so it's not going to be shut away in the wardrobe once the wedding's over.
Available in sizes 8 petite to 18 petite.
Alex Evening Women's Tea Dress With Jacket9
This dress shows how absolutely essential it is to buy a specific petite fit – the length of the jacket, the sleeves and the mid-calf length of the dress itself are perfectly proportional.
The style is formal, but pretty and would work for a mother-of-the-bride outfit – equally though it would look fab regardless of your position in the wedding party or your age.
The bodice design is timeless and will carry you effortlessly from wedding breakfast to evening party, the metallic sequins adding a fun sparkle as you weave your way around the dance floor.
Available in sizes 8 petite, 10 petite, 12 petite and 14 petite.
Coast Petite Bardot Neck Embroidered Midi Dress
