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10 Summer Maxi Dresses For Petite Women
Summertime is here, and that means it’s time to break out the maxi dresses.
But what if you’re on the shorter side?
Shopping for summer maxi dresses can be tough when you’re petite.
Many women worry about wearing maxi dresses because they fear they’ll be drowned in fabric or overwhelmed by the length and waistlines sit too low.
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But there’s good news—brands like Banana Republic, Boden, Macy’s, Anthropologie and Nordstrom now have great petite ranges that are easier to find if you know where to look.
So petites can rock this summery trend with confidence!
I’ve searched through various websites to find the best petite summer maxi dresses that don’t need any alterations.
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From linen maxi dresses that don’t drag on the floor to floral midi dresses, here are 10 petite summer maxi dresses I highly recommend.
The 10 Best Summer Maxi Dresses For Petite Women
Summer Maxi Dresses: Crepe Halter Gown
Need something that says summer but a for a dressier occasion?
How about this beige Crepe Halter Gown from Banana Republic.
It’s made with a beautiful double crepe fabric with a matte look and flowy drape.
In place of traditional straps, it has a gold link chain necklace, for an elegant, understated sparkle.
This dress goes well with a butter yellow kitten-heel sandals and chunky gold earrings.
Crepe Halter Gown
Petite Floral Crossover Back Button Midi Dress
Can’t have summer without florals.
If you need a summer maxi dress that’s not too casual but not overly formal, then this should be your pick!
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I love a good floral print dress.
This one is a a fluid woven midi dress with an artful crisscross back and buttons at the front, with a pretty floral print design throughout.
Petite Floral Crossover Back Button Midi Dress
Maeve Halter Drop-Waist Midi Dress
Spice up your summer wardrobe with some summer maxi dresses.
This polkadot Maeve Halter Drop-Waist midi dress is a warm-weather must-have with its halter back finish and flattering silhouette.
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Turn heads this summer by stepping into style with casual but elegant halter midi dress.
Maeve Halter Drop-Waist Midi Dress
Reiss Petite Delilah Dress
Perhaps you want to show off a little back this summer, after you’ve been working at that summer body all year.
Then grab this Reiss Petite Delilah maxi dress already!
This is a dress that I would definitely wear all summer long!
It has a relaxed, flowy silhouette, floral print and a halter back detail.
This cute summer dress also features a v-neckline, and back tie closure.
Reiss Petite Delilah Dress
Summer Maxi Dresses: Mini Rib PJ Maxi Dress
Want to show off your curves this summer?
This Mini Rib PJ maxi dress is the perfect dress to do exactly that.
It has an A-line silhouette that’s slim through the waist and hip with a flared opening.
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The dress hits at the ankle and would be a great companion to take on vacation.
Mini Rib PJ Maxi Dress
Petite Printed Tie-Waist Sleeveless Dress
Headed to a family kickback or poolside party this summer?
This charming printed maxi dress from Calvin Klein is perfect for the occasion.
The dress has a tie at the waist, a tiered asymmetrical hem and a keyhole back with a back zip closure.
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It comes in a nice pink, orange and mint green floral prints for a classy look.
Calvin Klein Petite Printed Tie-Waist Sleeveless Dress
Summer Maxi Dresses: Cotton Maxi Tie Neck Dress
Need a formal maxi dress for summer?
This tie neck maxi dress with tropical prints won’t disappoint.
It checks all the boxes when it comes to summer maxi dresses for petites.
It’s elegant, classy, simple and was designed to fit petite women curves perfectly.
Boden Cotton Maxi Tie Neck Dress
Petite Fish Double Side Tie Maxi Dress
Want to make a statement this summer?
Do you need an outfit that’s extravagant and bold to turn heads at your next summer soiree?
This fluid woven maxi dress always makes a splash and delivers on that.
It features a v-neck, braided straps and elasticized waist with double side ties.
This versatile dress was designed for maximum attention and statement-making.
Loft Petite Fish Double Side Tie Maxi Dress
Summer Maxi Dresses: Flo Cotton Midi Shirt Dress
Set your eyes on this bold Flo Cotton Midi shirt dress with a tiered silhouette.
Perfect for attending your summer event during the day.
Or for a beautiful evening out, dinner at a restaurant or date night.
This dress cuts above the ankles so a pair of wedge sandals or heels may be required depending on the occasion.
Be the envy amongst your friends this summer with this simple but elegant buttoned-up midi shirt dress!
Boden Flo Cotton Midi Shirt Dress
Petite Twist-Front Halter Maxi Dress
I’m in love with this gorgeous sleeveless Twist-Front Halter maxi dress with a tiered skirt, A-line silhouette, twist-front neckline and halter neckline.
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Everything about this dress says summer all over it and you can dress it down with a pair of sandals.
London Times Petite Twist-Front Halter Maxi Dress
Styling Tips: How to Wear Summer Maxi Dresses When You’re Petite
Here are some clever hacks and tricks to make sure your petite frame looks fabulous in these summer maxi dresses.
Find the right Fit
A dress that fits well around the waist and hips will help elongate your frame.
Additionally, opt for styles with vertical stripes or prints, as these can create the illusion of height.
Don’t be afraid to try out different styles until you find what works best for you!
Opt for a fitted or cinched waist
When you’re petite, it’s important to avoid being completely covered up in billowing fabric.
One way to do this is by choosing a maxi dress with a fitted or cinched waistline.
Not only will this add some shape and definition to your silhouette, but it will also help avoid overwhelming your frame with too much fabric.
Look for dresses that are nipped in at the waist or have a defined waistband to accentuate your figure and balance out the length of the dress.
Consider wearing heels or wedges
If you’re petite and planning to wear a maxi dress, consider pairing it with high heels or wedges.
The added height will elongate your legs and create the illusion of a taller frame, especially when the hemline of the dress is hovering just above the ground.
However, keep in mind that the height of the shoes should be appropriate for the length of the dress – if it’s too long, you might end up tripping over yourself!
Aim for a shoe height that allows you to walk comfortably and confidently.
Accessorize to elongate your frame
Aside from pairing your maxi dress with heels or wedges, you can also use accessories to elongate your frame.
For instance, try wearing a long necklace that falls past your chest area to draw the eye downwards and create the illusion of length.
You can also experiment with wearing a skinny belt around your waist to define your silhouette and create a visual break between the top and bottom half of your outfit.
When it comes to jewelry, opt for pieces that are delicate and not too chunky, as these can overwhelm a petite frame.
Choose the right length
When it comes to maxi dresses, length is crucial for petite frames.
Avoid dresses with excessive fabric that can overwhelm your frame and make you look even shorter than you are.
Instead, opt for styles that fall just above your ankle.
This will create a lengthening effect on your body and give the illusion of height.
Additionally, if you’re able to hem your dress, do so to ensure the perfect fit for your height.
Remember, a well-fitted dress is key to looking and feeling great in any outfit!
Wrapping Up Petite-Friendly Summer Maxi Dresses
There you have it.
10 cute summer maxi dresses for petites that are perfect for all summer events and occasions.
Don’t let your height hold you back from wearing summery maxi dresses!
This article also provided clever hacks and tricks to make sure petite frames can rock the trend too.
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Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Shevy
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